As the new year begins, many of us reflect on how we can make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others. Resolutions like getting fit, learning a new skill, or traveling more often top the list. But what if this year, your resolution could have a lasting impact on a child’s life? Becoming a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer could be your most meaningful resolution yet.

To understand why, we spoke to three dedicated CASA volunteers about their experiences and what makes becoming a CASA volunteer a powerful way to start the new year.

Ron Onyon

What caused you to get involved with CASA? We were a licensed foster home for 15 years, we even adopted two children through the foster care system. I hit a point in my life where I chose to step away from being a licensed home, but I wanted to do other important work with kids. Becoming a CASA was the obvious choice. We had amazing CASA's in Alaska, Washington and Texas. Those CASA's were so caring, very involved with the kids, and were a stable person for the kids as they transitioned through challenging times. After witnessing the CASA's passion, I knew this was what I wanted to do. So now it's my turn to support the kids becoming a CASA.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? Witnessing the growth of the children as they are matched with a loving home. Being someone they call when they are having a good or bad day, especially the kids living in Residential Treatment Center's (RTC's). I really enjoy the deep bond I've built with these kids through their ups and downs but nothing beats the excitement in their face when I visit with them.

What’s your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids? As a CASA I've only worked with teenagers, so my favorite way to connect with them is through talking. I have some teenagers call me almost every day, sometimes just to say hi, sometimes to tell me about their day and other times they need someone to vent to. Being there for these conversations is the best way I build that bond. I don't have to get tricky or fancy, the kids crave stability and consistency.

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kids. I work with a teenager that has been in the foster system since he was 8 years old. He transitioned between one foster home and four RTC’s in the past 2 years, he was featured on Wednesday’s Child, and a man reached out to him through social media wrongfully claiming to be his biological father. I’ve seen this kid bounce around, get his hopes up, and have his heart broken many times. I recently visited with him on his 16th birthday, days before he was moving to a new RTC again. This time, he had a calm about him I’ve not seen before, and it was the best visits and conversation we’ve had over the last couple of years. He was very excited for his new placement. They are going to catch him up with his school so he will graduate on time, he will live in the country with access to horses and fishing. While writing this, he’s been in the new RTC for months and he still feels much calmer and is the happiest he’s been in a long time. He’s still hopefully that he will find a foster home or forever family. Until that day, he’s planning for his future while making friends and making the most of where he lives now. This child was always down, negative, blaming himself and stressed since the first time I met him, he is much happier, calmer and more hopeful about his future than ever before.

What makes becoming a CASA volunteer a good new year's resolution? This year people need to go from saying “I can’t” to “I choose”. Things aren’t as out of control as you think.
“I choose” to find a couple hours a month to volunteer and change a kid’s life.
“I choose” to make a meaningful contribution to the life of a child who desperately needs it.
“I choose” to contribute to breaking the cycle of abuse or neglect.
“I choose” to be in the kids’ corner, advocating for their needs and helping them achieve stability.
“I choose” to surround myself with other passionate, inspiring, and positive people.
My selfish reasons for being a CASA, it makes me feel good. No matter how my day goes, when I receive a call or when I visit, I’m instantly in a better mood. Being a CASA makes me feel like a rock star! The emotions I feel fighting for something the kids need, and I achieve it. You will never be able to explain that feeling to someone else, it is something you must experience to understand. I don’t regret one minute of time I spend being a CASA. When I look back on my life, I don’t want to wonder if I did enough. Being a CASA, I will know I’ve made a difference.

Laurie Harrington

What caused you to get involved with CASA? I have always had a desire to work with children, especially teenagers. After a 28 year career in public service, I finally have the opportunity to give back in a volunteer capacity. During my career with the Fort Worth Police Department I had the priviledge of working as a school initiative officer in several schools. I really saw the deep need for volunteers to help kids develop into successful young adults in our communities.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? I have been volunteering with CASA for two years and have had the pleasure to advocate for several teenagers. Though trying at times, it is very rewarding walking alongside the kids as they navigate a court system that can be confusing and scary. It is so comforting for me to know that I might being offering a sense of normalcy and calm during such a tumultuous time.

What’s your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids? I love just spending time with them. Grabbing a meal together, taking a walk, bringing a specual gift or craft to do together, or just listening and sharing during a hard phone call. My husband, Vince, went through the CASA Helping Heart training to support me during my advocacy work. I am able to share case information with him and gain ideas from him on ways to handle certain situations. I have also been blessed with amazing CASA supervisors who are always available. I always feel like there are resources to help me work my cases too.

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kids. Just when you think you aren't making difference your CASA child calls, just to say thank you for being there. During a time when one of my CASA children was not really making great decisions and it seemed that things were lost, she turned it around. I was able to advocate for her concerning her placement and with the staffs help, she was able to stay local in Fort Worth. It was so heart warming to watch as our community stepped in on her behalf. These children need us to be there for them. Some of them have no family or friends to lean on and our presence and input matters.

What makes becoming a CASA volunteer a good new year's resolution? The advocacy work with CASA has been so special to me. I believe that this work is so unique and you can make such a difference in a young person's life. Why not jump all in in 2025? Let your little light shine for the innocent and vulnerable. I know that being in community can mean being part of something larger than yourself. If you aren't able to give your time, pray for the children. This in an act of sacrificial love.

Alaisha Woodson

What caused you to get involved with CASA? I was planning on applying to Genetic Counseling school and was searching for advocacy volunteer opportunities.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? Watching the kids grow and develop and reach milestones, while also being happy. I also enjoyed watching the parents reach their goals, grow, and learn throughout the process.

What’s your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids? I enjoyed sitting and playing with my CASA kids and observing new things they learned since the last visit.

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kids. When I had my final visit with my CASA kids, I sat and played with them and watched them explore and enjoy their new home. When I left, I got to give them all the biggest hug, while feeling slightly sad because I would miss them but even more so happy that the goals were met, and the children were placed back with their parent who had done the work.

What makes becoming a CASA volunteer a good new year's resolution? You will making a big impact in the lives of children by ensuring that they are in a loving environment in which they can thrive, while also providing support for their guardians and or parents to ensure that they can provide a safe environment for their children.