When people ask why CASA volunteers do what they do, the answer is often found in momentsthat never appear in court reports or case files. For CASA advocate Lori, that moment came with two tickets. Essence (not her real name) was graduating from high school—a milestone she had worked incredibly hard to reach. She was given two tickets to her graduation ceremony and was able to choose who would receive them. Essence chose to give one of those two tickets to Lori. That choice carried deep meaning. With only two tickets to share, inviting Lori to her graduation was a powerful expression of trust, gratitude, and connection. High school graduation marked years of perseverance and resilience for Essence, and by asking Lori to be there, she was acknowledging the role Lori played in helping her reach that moment. For Lori, receiving that ticket was a reminder of why she volunteers. Showing up, consistently and wholeheartedly, builds trust. And trust can change a life.

Essence entered foster care as a teenager and pursued her education while navigating significant challenges. At a critical point, she faced pressure to leave foster care early—a decision that would have meant losing vital support and benefits. Lori recognized what was at stake. She spoke up, advocated fiercely, and worked to ensure Essence could remain in care and continue accessing the support she needed. That advocacy mattered. Today, Essence is preparing for her undergraduate graduation and is thriving. Throughout her journey, Lori has remained a steady, caring presence:  someone who listened, encouraged, and stayed long after the immediate crisis had passed.    

For children and youth in foster care, having just one consistent adult can be life-changing. When someone shows up again and again, it sends a powerful message: you are not alone, and your future matters. That’s the heart of CASA work. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to show up. If you’ve ever wondered whether one person can make a difference, the answer is yes. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple—and as meaningful—as being given one of only two graduation tickets. Become a CASA volunteer. Show up.  Change a life. Classes begin mid- March 2026.   Contact Christa@casaberks.org to register for the next information sessions.