CASA-NYC Volunteers Have the Power to Change a Child’s Story
Every day there are small moments that show how CASA volunteers look past bureaucracy, power through obstacles, and focus on the children. Our volunteer advocates recognize that sometimes it’s the small things that can make all the difference—even if they seem insurmountable. They can help them feel like a regular kid, find comfort in their grief, or gain a sense of dignity in spite of the indignities they may face.
Here are three of the many stories that don’t get captured in the statistics or the court reports. Nonetheless, these magical moments happen daily, and each one has the power to change a child’s story.
The Backpack Story
When CASA volunteer Marnie visited 8-year-old Milton’s school, she noticed something troubling. During swim lessons, while his classmates laughed and played in the pool, Milton sat quietly on the sidelines. Curious, Marnie spoke with Milton’s teacher, who explained that he didn’t have a swimsuit. She also mentioned that the notices she sent home in Milton’s backpack each afternoon were often still there, untouched, the following morning.
Marnie couldn’t let Milton miss out on the fun, so she decided to take action. That same day, she bought him a brand new swimsuit. Knowing that wasn’t enough, she began calling the group home every Wednesday morning to remind them to pack the swimsuit in his backpack. Her persistence paid off.
Soon, Milton was joining his classmates in the pool every chance he could. To make sure Milton never missed out again, Marnie was able to get herself added to the class email list. Now, she can stay updated on classroom activities and ensure Milton is always prepared for whatever activity comes his way.
Thanks to Marnie’s care and determination, Milton is no longer sitting on the sidelines during pool time. Moments like these are a reminder of how small acts—like a swimsuit and a simple phone call—can make a world of difference in a child’s life.
The Graduation Dress
Mr. Booker had promised his daughter Charise that she would have her dream dress for her fifth-grade graduation. He had planned everything carefully—his paycheck was supposed to arrive the day before the big event, just in time to make the purchase. But when the check didn’t come through on time, it seemed like Charise’s special day might be overshadowed by disappointment.
That’s when CASA volunteer TJ stepped in. Understanding how much this moment meant to both Charise and her father, TJ quickly called his supervisor, who arranged for a gift card to cover the cost of the dress. With no time to lose, TJ took a car service from lower Manhattan all the way to the North Bronx, rushing to the store where the dress was waiting. He arrived just ten minutes before closing, ensuring the dress would be ready for the graduation the next morning.
At the ceremony, Charise walked across the stage in her dream dress, and Mr. Booker beamed with joy as he watched his daughter shine. Thanks to TJ’s quick thinking and determination, a moment that could have been filled with disappointment became one of celebration and pride—a memory the Booker family will cherish forever.
Spot's Great Adventure
Ten-year-old Leena was heartbroken after the sudden passing of her mother, and her only source of comfort was Spot, the kitten her mother had given her just a few months earlier. But when Leena learned that Spot was going to be sent back to the shelter where her mom had adopted her, she was inconsolable. With no local relatives to care for her, Leena was being placed in kinship foster care with her aunt in Texas, and the thought of losing Spot was more than she could bear.
When CASA volunteer Sheila heard about the situation, she immediately got to work. Understanding how deeply Leena’s bond with Spot was tied to her grief and healing, Sheila spoke with Leena’s aunt about how important it was for Spot to remain part of Leena’s life. She provided both logistical and emotional support, helping the aunt find a way to safely partition her home so Spot and her dog—who was afraid of cats—could coexist. Sheila didn’t stop there; she reached out to the ASPCA and persuaded them to cover the cost of Spot’s flight to Texas.
Thanks to Sheila’s advocacy and determination, Leena was able to bring Spot with her to her new home. The presence of her beloved kitten gave Leena a sense of stability and comfort as she began this new chapter in her life. It was a small but significant victory, a reminder that even the smallest companions can make a world of difference.