From the heart - You'll forever be my casa

You'll forever be my casa

​I began working as an Advocacy Coordinator for Savannah CASA in August 2020. As a newbie, I received current cases from my colleagues that would help me learn about many aspects of my new role.  One of those cases was a 17-year-old young lady on the cusp of aging out of foster care named Jasmine*.

To learn more about the case, I met with Jasmine’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Saundra Poole, a deeply dedicated volunteer of nearly 4 years. Saundra provided me with important case-related information documenting Jasmine’s time in foster care which began when she was fourteen years old. I listened in awe as Saundra discussed this young lady’s journey with such passion and detail.  It was as if she’d known her all of her life - her likes, dislikes, areas of emotional vulnerability, and her hopes for the future.   During our conversation, I saw firsthand Saundra’s dedication and professionalism. As a past Savannah CASA intern and in my work as a Mental Health Counselor for 5 years, I had a basic understanding of the role of a CASA, but never before did I fully understand the extraordinary support that a CASA can provide in the life of a vulnerable child.  At 17 years old, Jasmine was at an important junction to begin the transition into the adult world and Saundra was there at hand helping to guide her along this uncertain path.  That day, I came to understand the true impact of a CASA volunteer.

​Jasmine’s Decision. The transitional roundtable was my first-time meeting Jasmine.  She entered the discussion via Zoom due to COVID restrictions.  From the moment Jasmine spoke, she exuded love for her CASA. Her face lit up and she smiled ear to ear when speaking to Saundra. It was clear that she knew she had an advocate and friend in the room.
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Over the course of the hour meeting, Jasmine made the crucial decision to sign herself out of foster care.  While we were disappointed, no one was surprised. Most young adults experiencing foster care are eager to gain what they perceive as new freedoms.  However, her decision to return home to her mother was a concern for those of us who knew their history of conflict.  We presented our opinions that this wasn’t the best course of action but, ultimately, the decision was Jasmine’s to make.  It can be difficult as a CASA volunteer and staff member to watch young people make decisions that are contrary to their best interests. But we were careful to continue to demonstrate support and compassion for her.

Saundra Poole receiving a CASA award for the most hours volunteered 2019.

More Instability - Except for CASA. Over the course of the next four months, Jasmine moved between the homes of four family members.  My heart ached because Jasmine was once again experiencing an unstable living situation.  But there remained one very bright light in Jasmine’s life - the durability and consistency of her relationship with her committed CASA volunteer, Saundra.   

Despite Jasmine’s case being closed in the court system, her relationship with Saundra continues today. Jasmine turns to Saundra whenever she is in distress.  She reaches out whenever she needs advice on how to maneuver life’s challenges. Over the course of three years, Jasmine and Saundra built a strong and caring relationship. Saundra stood out in Jasmine’s life as a reliable voice of support.  For Jasmine, Saundra was no longer her foster care advocate, she is her beloved Godmother.
​*name changed due to confidentiality

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About the author - Ja'Nae  Brown

Ja'Nae Brown is an Advocacy Coordinator for Savannah/Chatham CASA. Ja'Nae joined the team in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic but that didn't slow her down one bit.  Prior to joining our team, she was a Professional Social Service Worker with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She interned with Savannah CASA in 2011 when pursuing her undergraduate degree. A Savannah native, she received her Bachelors in Social Work from Savannah State University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. She is the mother of two gorgeous kiddos, Zion and Essence.