I’ve always been passionate about making a difference, and becoming a CASA seemed like the right move.” said Tanya Melendez when asked why she wanted to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Tanya was born in Puerto Rico and lived there until she was fourteen. Her family owns and operates the Tropical Bakery in Reading, where she worked for many years. Today, Tanya’s role as the Director of Community Outreach and Programming at the 18th Wonder Improvement Association involves overseeing and coordinating various initiatives to improve and engage the local community. Tanya says, “I deeply understand the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals and families of Reading. We all don’t have access to the same opportunities.” Tanya discovered CASA volunteering when she looked into ways to grow her family. She adores being a mom to her nine-year-old daughter, Camila and considered foster care. However, it was not an option due to her daughter’s particular needs. Tanya found being a Court Appointed Special Advocate is an ideal way to engage in a child’s life. Tanya anticipates that a CASA who looks and sounds like the children in foster care can effectively establish relationships with her assigned CASA child. Tanya thrives in places where she can foster connections and create solutions for the community. She believes that volunteering as a CASA advocate will allow her to be the bridge connecting a child in foster care to what they truly need. Please consider becoming a CASA volunteer child advocate like Tanya.
