See how we’re making a difference in our community.
We’ve been working hard to help the abused and neglected youth in our community find safe, permanent homes. Here’s what we’ve been up to lately:
Quinn, a talented performer, grew up in a violent household and entered foster care at 13. Encouraged by her foster family, she pursued the arts and was accepted to a specialized university. However, when the school abruptly closed in June 2024, she was left without a place to study or live.
After six months of uncertainty, Quinn was accepted to another Pennsylvania university but faced a major hurdle—no student housing and a medical condition requiring accessible transportation. She found private housing but needed a four-month deposit, which she couldn't afford as an independent foster youth.
CASA Lori took swift action, reaching out to county leaders, CASA leadership, fundraising platforms, and even her own family. In just six weeks, she raised the $4,000 Quinn needed to secure her lease. Now, Quinn is settled in her new apartment and back on track with her music studies, thanks to Lori’s dedication and persistence.
Bridget Miller, an executive assistant at Unique Pretzel Bakery in Reading, PA, is a dedicated mother of three, with a special passion for advocating for children with special needs. Having grown up in a family that fostered children, she always wanted to be involved in foster care but found that being a resource home wasn’t feasible for her family. Becoming a CASA volunteer provided her with a meaningful way to support children in need.
From the beginning, Bridget felt well-supported by CASA, particularly by Program Manager Christa, whose knowledge and guidance have been invaluable. She approaches her role with organization and careful planning, balancing her responsibilities as a full-time employee and mother by scheduling visits and keeping detailed notes.
One of the most rewarding moments in her CASA experience was advocating for a pre-teen to reunite with his beloved pet after being placed in foster care. By recommending visits with his cat be included in the court order, she helped bring him comfort and stability during a difficult transition.
Despite the emotional challenges of not always knowing what happens to the children after their cases close, Bridget remains committed to being a voice for those who might otherwise be overlooked. She continues her work with CASA, determined to ensure that every child she supports feels heard and valued.
Heather Everson, a devoted wife, mother, and businesswoman, has dedicated her time and energy to making a positive impact in her community. After a successful career in advertising, publishing, and running her family business, she transitioned into real estate and philanthropy. She founded Your Best Day Box, a nonprofit providing birthday celebration kits to children in need.
In 2023, Heather became a CASA volunteer, motivated by her desire to support children facing difficult circumstances. Despite initial nerves, she quickly formed meaningful connections with the children she advocates for. She emphasizes the importance of organization, documentation, and consistency in her role. A defining moment in her CASA journey came when a child eagerly anticipated their next visit with her, reinforcing the impact of her presence.
While the challenges of CASA work can be heartbreaking, Heather remains committed to being a stable, reliable advocate for children who have been let down by those meant to care for them. Through her dedication, she hopes to make a lasting difference in their lives.
Driven by a passion for supporting the Latino community, a bilingual CASA volunteer has spent nearly seven years advocating for a teenage girl in foster care. After the girl’s brother was reunited with his father, she remained in the system, relying on her CASA for stability and support. Committed to making a difference, the volunteer hopes more Hispanic community members will step up to be voices for children facing trauma and uncertainty.
After learning about CASA through Facebook, Isabel Monterossa became a Court Appointed Special Advocate, taking on the case of a 17-year-old girl from Puerto Rico abandoned by her father. Facing language barriers and limited school resources, the teen struggled until Isabel helped enroll her in an online school with ESL support. Now thriving academically and living with permanent guardians, the teen’s success fuels Isabel’s passion to recruit more bilingual volunteers to support foster youth.
Tanya Melendez, a Puerto Rican native and community advocate, channels her passion for helping others through CASA volunteering. As the Director of Community Outreach at the 18th Wonder Improvement Association, she understands the unique challenges families in Reading face. Inspired by her love for her daughter and a desire to support children in foster care, Tanya sees CASA as the perfect way to connect children with the opportunities they deserve.
Transitioning from a career in structural engineering to advocating for children, this CASA volunteer finds joy in creating stability for youth in need. While adapting to the complexities of dependency court was challenging, the support of fellow volunteers proved invaluable. Staying organized with meticulous records and a commitment to making a lasting impact fuels their dedication to changing lives—one child at a time.
After a rewarding career as a speech therapist, one retired professional found a new calling as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Motivated by her experiences working with children in foster care, she now dedicates her time to advocating for a young boy navigating the child welfare system. Her commitment, fueled by a desire to make a lasting impact, has transformed both her life and the child’s.
After a fulfilling career as a school psychologist and elementary school counselor, Marcy became a CASA volunteer to continue supporting children in need. Drawing from her professional experience, she serves as a stable advocate for children navigating the court system. Despite challenges like limited communication from caseworkers, Marcy finds joy and purpose in building meaningful connections and making a difference in young lives.
CASA Berks enrolled six new volunteers who will advocate for Berks County children who reside in foster care.
