Danny's Story
He just kept showing up. How one CASA helped a teen believe again.
When Danny was first assigned a CASA Advocate at age 14, he didn’t say a single word during their first meeting. He simply nodded, yes or no. Like many youth in foster care, Danny had learned not to get too comfortable with new adults entering his life. People came and went caseworkers, therapists, professionals who were there because it was their job to be.
So when his CASA walked into his placement and said he was there to support him in any way he needed, Danny was skeptical. He didn’t believe it. For months, every time his CASA visited, Danny asked the same question
Are you really not getting paid to do this?
And every time, his CASA gave the same answer No, I’m here because I want to be.
Week after week, his CASA showed up. He listened. He met Danny for countless visits at In-N-Out, always patient, always present. Slowly, Danny began to trust.
One day, over a burger and fries, Danny opened up. He shared that he had been separated from his only sibling, his little brother, who was also in foster care. His biggest dream wasn’t fame or fortune. It was simple and deeply selfless.
He wanted to make enough money, have his own car, and get his own place so he could bring his brother home and be a family again.
From that day on, his CASA made it his mission to help Danny turn that dream into reality.
He encouraged Danny to improve his grades, guided him through job applications, and introduced him to different career and education options from touring local colleges to exploring trades. Even when Danny decided college wasn’t for him, his CASA supported him wholeheartedly. What mattered most was helping Danny build the life he envisioned for himself.
With consistent advocacy and encouragement, R accomplished each goal he had set.
He got his first job.
He earned his driver’s license.
He saved enough money to buy his first car.
When he emancipated from foster care, Danny moved into his own apartment, and, most meaningfully, he became an approved placement for his younger brother. His lifelong dream had come true.
Danny remained in foster care until age 21, and his CASA never left his side. Their connection, which began with silence and skepticism, has grown into a genuine lifelong friendship. Even now, years later, the two still meet regularly for lunch, often at the same In-N-Out where their journey began.
Danny’s story is a powerful reminder that being a CASA isn’t about fixing someone’s life, it’s about showing up, listening, and believing in them until they believe in themselves.
One volunteer. One relationship. Six years of unwavering support, and a future forever changed.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your time, compassion, and consistency can make a difference in a young person’s life, Danny’s story is your answer.
Become a CASA Volunteer and be the reason a youth believes again.