The moments that last

A month or so ago, I was reminded in the sweetest way of how lasting a CASA’s impact can be.

While I was meeting with a prospective board member at a local coffee shop, a woman approached me and said, “We’ve never met, but my son, Peter, remembers you. He had a CASA — Miss Cindy.”

Peter, who’s about five or six now, looked up with a grin and said, “Yes, from Christmas!” I bent down to chat with him, and he began talking about CASA’s holiday party — how he got his face painted like a pirate and how much fun he had.

Peter’s mom shared that two years ago, Peter and his CASA volunteer, Cindy, attended that party together. Two years later, Peter still remembers the details, the laughter, and the person who stood by him when life was uncertain. His mom spoke with such gratitude for CASA and for Miss Cindy, and it was clear how much that advocacy meant to both of them.

Cindy’s advocacy changed Peter’s story — and her influence continues today as she serves on her next case. The ripple effect of her care reaches far beyond her time with any one child. It shows up in a child’s confidence, a parent’s gratitude, and a memory that still makes a little boy smile.

As we move into the holiday season, I want to thank everyone who helps make stories like Peter’s possible — our volunteers who give their hearts, our donors who sustain the work, our staff who bring care and consistency to every detail, and our community partners who share in this work every single day.

This time of year reminds us that the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped in paper. They’re the moments of connection, trust, and joy that stay with a child long after the holidays have passed. May this season bring you that same sense of gratitude and joy that you’ve helped create for others.

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.