Through their continual contact with a child, CASA volunteers are in a unique position to share in developing a child’s interest. For example, one CASA assisted her budding ballerina by applying for funding for ballet lessons, and then ballet shoes. Then, VOICES funded the performance fee so she could pirouette across the stage. Next, the CASA was able to take her to an Arizona Ballet amazing performance (courtesy of their Angel Nights program) sending her dreams soaring!

But it can also be very simple – trying things they have never done. A recent VOICES Lego Challenge found both the CASA volunteers and the teens attempting to build a Lego animal for the first time.

“We talked, we laughed, and we figured out the instructions together. She was so excited at the completed parrot and it was fun for me to see her exercise spatial skills. Her Foster Mom and Granny have two birds so she could not wait to show them our completed project! We decided that our parrot’s picture should be outdoors since that is where parrots naturally live. My kiddo took the attached pic using my phone.”

And another CASA:

“My CASA teen really enjoyed making this frog during our time together. During the build, there was not any discussion about appointments or the day-to-day life of being a teen in living in foster care. Rather, it was a child who simply got to be a “normal kid” (something she wishes for dearly). This was also a therapeutic, confidence boost as my teen (who had never worked with Legos prior) discovered that she has a genuine knack and skill at building a Lego creation.”