05/30/2026
This month, we are highlighting advocates Melissa George and Ericka Freeborn, who are currently partnered on a case.
Melissa: I kept seeing commercials very frequently talking about CASA. I had to watch a lot of the commercials to fully understand the concept of what it entailed, but I still was unsure of the responsibilities included. I am a product of the foster care system, and I really felt drawn to being part of this volunteer work. It took about a year of watching the commercials before I finally had the nerve to go apply, and quickly. I received a response and before I knew it, I was through my classes and getting my first case. I was very nervous and unsure if I could give it the time it deserved. I have found out that I have more than enough time to share my heart with these kids who have been through so much. It is everything I ever dreamed it could be. I have had numerous cases and only a few have let me stay in their lives, but the love that I have found for all of these children and all of the workers and all of the other volunteers has brought me so much joy and happiness. I would not trade this volunteer work for anything in the whole wide world. I love CASA and I love these kids and I love volunteering for them.
Ericka: I love CASA and everything this mission stands for. After being a foster parent with an amazing CASA that came to my home, I knew I wanted to provide that support to children and families in our community on this side of foster care. Melissa and I are paired together on a case with 6 siblings, and it's been so much fun. We've really been able to build good relationships with all of the children, their biological parents, and show up for them in so many ways. Their ages span from 11 months up to 15 years old, so it's a big spectrum. Having a partner on a case is definitely something that makes doing this volunteer work fun. Between the two of us it gives us the opportunity to really balance all of the meetings, activities, and home visits. It's like having a built-in best friend that you can share the hard moments with and celebrate all the wins with too.
Thank you both for all that you do! ❤️💙
