Week 14

"My sister and I were often at our maternal grandmother's house. It was our second home. At age 10 until I attended college, I was raised by my grandmother. My Mom had many personal problems and could no longer care for my younger sister and I. If not for my grandmother stepping in, my sister and I would have definitely gone into foster care. As I got older, I often thought about the possibility of us being raised by strangers and my sister and I being separated. I had gone to school with children who were rumored to be in foster children and I often thought about what that was like for them. What did they call their foster parents? Mom? Dad? What about the other children in the house? Did foster children think of the children in that house as their siblings? It was a lot for a young mind to ponder.

Living with my Mom, I didn't have a voice. When things were bad in my home, I just wanted to be HEARD.I didn't know what that word was then, but it was an advocate. I needed someone to advocate for my sister and I. My grandmother was the first person to fully investigate our living situation, listen to us and help my sister and I get out of an unsuitable environment. Our grandmother became our advocate.

After being sworn-in, and being super nervous and anxious, I kept the voice of my advocate supervisor in my head on repeat telling me, "You can do this." I cherish the bond I have with "my" four children and am proud to be their CASA. I think of them as my "secret" family. I was paired with children, RP's and family members whom a natural level of comfort existed and more importantly, a level of trust. I will always cherish their level of trust in me.

All those years ago, my grandmother was setting the foundation for me to become an advocate for other children who also needed a voice and another "pair of eyes and ears." I just didn't realize it.” – NS