Success Stories

For over three years, Adam and Elizabeth have walked alongside a young brother and sister who entered the foster care system after losing their father to cancer. As their CASAs, Adam and Elizabeth have been a steady, caring presence—offering consistency, advocacy, and hope in a time of deep uncertainty.

This year, their advocacy focused on what mattered most: educational support, emotional healing, and keeping the children safe and connected to their community. They became the children’s primary transportation to weekly therapy, helping to ensure their grief and trauma were addressed with care. When they discovered a summer camp specifically for youth who’ve lost a parent, they not only enrolled the children and secured funding, but personally got them there—making sure they didn’t miss the chance to heal with peers who understood their pain.

When the children’s mother moved out of state, it was Adam and Elizabeth who listened to what the children wanted—and then stood up for it. They advocated fiercely to keep the children in their current, nurturing placement where they felt safe and supported.

They also worked tirelessly to find and enroll the siblings in a summer school program to help them catch up academically. And they made sure there was still time for joy: this year, the boy joined a sports team, and the girl explored basketball and drama—discovering new passions and building confidence along the way.

Because of Adam and Elizabeth’s unwavering advocacy, these two children are thriving. They’re more stable, more confident, and more connected—proving that with the right support, healing and hope are always within reach.

Zander’s journey began at just 4 years old when he was first removed from a home marked by severe abuse and neglect, perpetrated by his mother and her boyfriend, both struggling with addiction. The conditions he endured were unimaginable, with a lack of safety and care. The young boy spent his early years in a chaotic environment that no child should ever have to experience.

By age 6, it became evident that Zander needed a permanent and stable place to call home. With no extended family available to provide care, Zander’s path led him to the foster home of the Sheldons. His initial days with the Sheldons were difficult as he adjusted to a new environment and the challenge of trusting others again.
Zander had experienced more trauma in his short life than most of us will face in our entire lifetime. In addition to these challenges, he had been diagnosed with autism and was struggling in school. He faced bullying and lacked an advocate for his special needs, making his academic and social life even more challenging.

Upon placement into the Sheldon’s home, Zander was assigned a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) named Bob. Bob committed to meeting weekly with Zander, assessing his needs, and acting as Zander’s voice in school and in court hearings.
From the very first meetings, the two became instant buddies, and Zander’s confidence grew with each visit from CASA Bob. Bob also played a pivotal role in supporting the Sheldons as they worked tirelessly to transform Zander’s life from one of abuse to a life filled with love, security, and happiness.

Through Bob’s relentless advocacy, Zander was able to receive the therapy he needed to heal from his past trauma. This once shy and scared little boy began to thrive both at home and in school.

Bob’s dedication also led to a reevaluation of Zander’s diagnosis. After a short period of working with him, CASA Bob began to question the autism diagnosis and advocated for new testing. This revealed that Zander was not autistic but had been suffering from severe trauma due to years of physical, mental, and verbal abuse.
With CASA Bob’s steadfast support and guidance, Zander was provided with appropriate therapy and the additional support he needed to process the years of abuse. His schoolwork improved significantly, and he began to adjust to a life of normalcy and warmth with the Sheldons.

Zander’s journey is one of remarkable success, thanks to the support of CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter, and above all, CASA Bob.

This unwavering support ultimately led to Zander’s adoption by the Sheldons, giving him the family he deserved. However, Zander’s journey of resilience to survive would not have been possible without the advocacy and support provided by CASA Bob and CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter.

Christine’s story exemplifies the transformative power of second chances, community support, and resilient determination. After a childhood marked by trauma and years spent navigating domestic violence and substance abuse, Christine faced a pivotal moment when her three children were placed in foster care. Devastated but not defeated, she made the courageous decision to fight for her family’s future and begin the long road to recovery.

With support from our Parent Empowerment Group and the compassionate guidance of her CASA volunteer team, Christine began to rebuild her life. These volunteers walked alongside her, offering encouragement, accountability, and a consistent presence when she needed it most. Christine was fully committed to her case plan, learning how to create structure, safety, and emotional stability—not just for herself, but for her children as well. She built healthy routines, participated in therapy, and developed the tools she needed to become the stable, nurturing parent her children deserved.

Today, Christine has full custody of her children. A five-year restraining order ensures their safety, all three children are thriving in school, and the entire family is engaged in ongoing therapy to heal together. Her home is now a place of safety, love, and hope. Christine’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support system and an unshakable commitment to growth, families can overcome even the toughest challenges and build brighter futures.

For over three years, Adam and Elizabeth have walked alongside a young brother and sister who entered the foster care system after losing their father to cancer. As their CASAs, Adam and Elizabeth have been a steady, caring presence, offering consistency, advocacy, and hope in a time of deep uncertainty.

This year, their advocacy centered on what mattered most: educational support, emotional healing, and ensuring the children’s safety and connection to their community. They became the children’s primary transportation to weekly therapy, helping to ensure their grief and trauma were addressed with care. When they discovered a summer camp specifically for youth who’ve lost a parent, they not only enrolled the children and secured funding, but personally got them there, making sure they didn’t miss the chance to heal with peers who understood their pain.

When the children’s mother moved out of state, it was Adam and Elizabeth who listened to what the children wanted—and then stood up for it. They advocated fiercely to keep the children in their current, nurturing placement where they felt safe and supported.

They also worked tirelessly to find and enroll the siblings in a summer school program to help them catch up academically. And they made sure there was still time for joy: this year, the boy joined a sports team, and the girl explored basketball and drama—discovering new passions and building confidence along the way.

Because of Adam and Elizabeth’s unwavering advocacy, these two children are thriving. They’re more stable, more confident, and more connected—proving that with the proper support, healing and hope are always within reach.

With support from our Parent Empowerment Group and the compassionate guidance of her CASA volunteer team, Christine began to rebuild her life. These volunteers walked alongside her, offering encouragement, accountability, and a consistent presence when she needed it most. Christine was fully committed to her case plan, learning how to create structure, safety, and emotional stability—not just for herself, but for her children as well. She built healthy routines, participated in therapy, and developed the tools she needed to become the stable, nurturing parent her children deserved.

Today, Christine has full custody of her children. A five-year restraining order ensures their safety, all three children are thriving in school, and the entire family is engaged in ongoing therapy to heal together. Her home is now a place of safety, love, and hope. Christine’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support system and an unshakable commitment to growth, families can overcome even the toughest challenges and build brighter futures.