Asher, 17, and his 16-year-old sister Alex live with their ailing father in a small rental apartment in rural Berks County. The family faces extreme poverty. Their home lacks proper heating and has unreliable running water. Without a car and relying solely on their father’s disability check, daily life is a constant struggle—especially when their father is frequently hospitalized due to a chronic medical condition.
When CASA Lisa was assigned to the case , she quickly saw that the teens’ basic needs were not being met. Neither had proper clothing for school, and their medical issues had gone unaddressed. Asher was in significant pain from impacted wisdom teeth, while Alex was falling behind in school due to poor vision.
CASA Lisa sprang into action. She found a dental clinic in Philadelphia that could treat Asher and accept his insurance. To solve the transportation challenge, she arranged for an Uber to take Asher and his father to the clinic and back. For Alex, Lisa scheduled an optometry appointment to assess her vision. Recognizing the family’s broader needs, CASA Lisa also contacted Keystone Family Alliance, a volunteer organization that raises funds for families in crisis. Within a week, they had gift cards to buy new clothing and shoes for both teens.
Despite the hardships, the family is determined to stay together—avoiding foster care placement for Alex. With the father's disability income, they can manage rent and food, but other essentials remain out of reach. CASA Lisa continues to support the family with regular visits. (Please note: names & some details altered to protect family's privacy)
