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She is a great communicator, always attending court hearings and important meetings, advocating for her CASA children. Tracy is always up for a challenge and has been one of the best CASAs I have worked with!
Q&A with Tracy
How, when, and why did you choose CASA?
Although I knew of CASA many years ago, I didn’t consider becoming a volunteer until I was getting divorced a few years ago (and had a lot more time on my hands!) I’ve always been interested in social work and the impact of trauma and poverty on kids but wasn’t willing to return to college to pursue that interest. CASA seemed like a good way to help.
Can you share a little bit about your case and the youth you're working with?
While I’ve only been on this case for 6 months, the case has been open for 5+ years. My kiddo has seen a lot of foster homes, group homes, and caretakers, but is potentially headed for permanency through adoption or APR after years of shifting around. Mental health struggles are at the forefront and a continuing challenge in this case. But at the end of the day, they’re just a 15-year-old kid going through 15-year-old kid things, which I try to keep in perspective among all the situations presented.
What has your experience been like as a CASA?
My experience as a CASA has given me the opportunity to be part of these kiddos lives at a very dark and difficult time, which has been a profound honor. There are some rough moments when you feel helpless as you watch events and circumstances created by the adults in their lives impact our kids so negatively. I try to always make the time spent together as light and easy as can be - it’s often the only time they get to be just kids, without the mental burdens of the case. I’ve also been so moved by birth-parents who are trying hard to be better for their kids, even in the face of addiction, poverty, and trauma themselves.
What are some activities you do with your youth on your case?
As a bona fide Lego-obsessed adult, there is A LOT of Lego set building. If it’s a big set (I reuse the ones I already have), I’ll keep the ongoing build in a big plastic tub for the weekly visits. I like to reserve a room at the public library for 2 hours, and we can sit and build, and snack. I had a case where the kiddo loved music, so we would go for long drives up into the foothills past Horsetooth, and they would control the Spotify playlist. They weren’t big on “being in the mountains” but liked “seeing” the mountains.
What is one moment that has stood out to you as a volunteer?
It’s not one moment so much as the realization I’ve had about how many people and services are working so hard to give these kids opportunities and care and safety. As a CASA, we are often lauded for our time and contribution, but there are foster parents and case workers who are so invested in the happiness and success of these kids that make my efforts seem minor in comparison.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I love the Book Club selections (although I often don’t go to the actual meeting). I’m a big reader of non-fiction, and there have been some really great books that have given me great perspective on kids in foster care and childhood trauma. They have definitely impacted how I see the kiddos in my cases - and to a larger extent - the people in my life that deserve grace.
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