Early this fall, I decided to take a much-needed vacation to the American West. The rugged landscapes, open skies, and vibrant culture promised the perfect escape from my daily routine. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), my work at home was always fulfilling yet demanding, so the idea of unplugging in the Canyonlands was truly enticing.
The second morning of the trip, while eating breakfast in the hotel, I looked up, only to see the back of a CASA T-shirt at the next table. I struck up a conversation with the man wearing the shirt and his wife, Ellen, who is a CASA volunteer in Essex County, Massachusetts. It turned out we were in the same group on the same trip!
Over the next few days during our trip, Ellen and I exchanged stories from our respective regions. She had been volunteering for several years in her community and shared insights on the challenges faced by children in her area as well as in her volunteer work. It was fascinating to compare her experiences with my own. Some were similar and some were very different. For example: CASA of Kent County volunteers may transport children, whereas Essex County volunteers may not. I have been fortunate to take my CASA child to events in the community, to an appointment, or even to be able to pick them up at school. It makes me appreciate CASA of Kent County even more.
Despite the differences in our backgrounds, we bonded over the shared values that drew us to CASA: compassion, resilience, and the drive to make a difference. We talked about the emotional ups and downs of the work, the triumphs when a child found a permanent home, and the heartbreaks when progress stalled. The sense of camaraderie was instant—two travelers far from home, united by a mission to advocate for society’s most vulnerable.
Meeting another CASA during my vacation was a serendipitous reminder of how widespread and interconnected our network truly is. The stories we shared reinforced my commitment and reminded me that no matter where you go, there are people dedicated to making the world a little brighter for children in need.
That chance encounter out West became one of the most memorable parts of my trip. It demonstrated that the CASA community stretches far beyond my hometown, and that the spirit of advocacy can bring together strangers in the most unexpected places.
This story is featured in the Winter 2025 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter click here to view a pdf version of the newsletter.
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