Every teenager dreams of normalcy, but for Drew, life in foster care made that feel impossible. Crushed under the weight of responsibility – caring for his younger sister, worrying about his brother’s legal troubles, and coping with his parents’ absence – Drew began to crumble.
Depression crept in silently. School became unbearable as Drew either skipped classes or dozed through them. As his grades plummeted, he lost his place on the baseball team – his one escape from the chaos at home. Without that anchor, Drew spiraled further, failing his junior year and watching his dreams of graduation fade.
Then CASA volunteer Jess entered his life, bringing hope with her. She saw beyond Drew’s struggles to his potential, connecting him with a therapist and advocating for him at school. Through her unwavering support, Drew not only returned to baseball but began exploring his future – from trade schools to community college opportunities.
Thanks to Jess’s dedication, Drew isn’t just surviving anymore – he’s planning for a future he once thought impossible. With someone finally in his corner, Drew is rediscovering what it means to be a teenager with hope.
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To read more about the James children’s story, click here.
To read Lisa James’ story, click here.
To read Alex James’ story, click here.
NOTE: Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality.
As the CASA staff member in charge of volunteer recruitment, I get a lot of questions about what training is like. So, I decided to find out for myself! I attended all five weeks of training, completed online pre-work, observed a court hearing, and was even sworn in as an officer of the court.
At CASA of Kent County, we embrace five values that drive our work: Be Curious, Forge Community Connections, Strive for Excellence, Take the Next Right Step, and Believe in CASA’s Mission. Earlier this year, Executive Director Stephanie Sheler asked staff members to decorate their doors to represent each of those values. Some were more enthused than others by the thought of arts and crafts, but everyone jumped in with unique ideas of how to represent their assigned value.
Noah* was just fifteen years old when an increasingly tumultuous relationship with his parents escalated. Eventually, they permanently kicked him...
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