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.
At 15, Alex James faced a devastating reality. His father was incarcerated, and his mother had disappeared for days, likely using drugs again. Feeling utterly alone, Alex shoplifted from a local store – a desperate plea for attention he hoped would bring his mother home.
When Lisa James entered foster care for the second time, her world was crumbling. Lisa’s father was incarcerated, her mother was battling addiction, and her older brothers were struggling. Alex was dealing with a recent shoplifting arrest, and Drew had just failed his junior year of high school.
When law enforcement officers were called to the Wilsons’ apartment, they found the place in an unlivable state of disarray. Ms. Wilson, mother to eight-year-old Beth, had been having another severe mental health episode. Previously, Ms. Wilson had been investigated three other times for reports of substance use and Beth’s poor hygiene at school. Ms. Wilson had also repeatedly declined to seek treatment for Beth’s developmental delays despite receiving several referrals to specialists. After this final report, Beth was removed from her mother’s home and placed in foster care.
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