CASA volunteers help make a positive impact on a child’s life.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking of the people who have guided me and believed in me since a young age. That made me think about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the work that they do to provide a stable figure for children who are in foster care.

CASA’s 30th anniversary and the launching of its “30 in 30 for 30” campaign, seeking to recruit 30 volunteers in 30 days this month, was one of the last stories I wrote in 2024. Beth Wilbur, CASA of Monterey County’s executive director, emailed me recently, telling me the story I wrote has had a positive impact on the recruiting process.

The advocates meet with the kids at least twice a month, taking part in activities that aren’t out of the ordinary such as hiking and watching movies, as well as checking in with them to see how they are doing at school or how they are feeling. These are activities many of us do with friends and family. Advocates also provide insight and recommendations to judges, helping guide them to make decisions that will impact the kids CASAs are supporting. Each advocate gets paired with one child at a time and stays with them until the case is resolved. 

For the story, I also talked with Chris Farmerie, a CASA for 18 years, and Reyna Gabot, the first child Farmerie advocated for. I saw first-hand that they both still have a good relationship and keep in touch. 

“She [Farmerie] would always be thinking of me,” Gabot recalled, adding Farmerie was someone she could rely on during her teenage years. “She was that one person that was speaking up for me.”

CASA needs more bilingual volunteers, fluent in either Spanish or a Mexican indigenous language. More volunteers from South County and men are also needed. (All are welcome—the need is there.)

The second Friday of each month, CASA opens its satellite office in the county’s District 3 office in Greenfield, located inside of Greenfield City Hall (599 El Camino Real).

Talking to Wilbur, Farmerie and Gabot made me realize you don’t need to do something out of the ordinary to make a long-lasting positive impact on someone else’s life. 

There is still time to check if you are a good fit to become a CASA volunteer.