Holly Wong’s life changed forever when she was just three days old. “I was adopted by incredible parents when I was just three days old and over the years I’ve become more and more aware of how lucky I was to be adopted into a wonderful family with incredible support. Many other children are put into vulnerable situations and don’t have the support and resources I received. Because of this, I have a heart for kids in crisis.”
Holly became involved in CASA when she was living in Houston, Texas, and quickly became addicted to the difference she could make in the outcome of a child’s life. “As a CASA you are the one person who has the ability to bring key people and resources together and build the kind of support system your foster child needs. It’s like a puzzle that you keep working on. If you can’t find where a piece fits, you just take a closer look or think about something in a different way.”
In 2014, Holly moved to Davis because her husband was offered a professorship at UC Davis. Right away, she knew she needed to continue her work with CASA. “One of the first things I did when I arrived in Yolo County was look up the local CASA chapter and inquire about trainings. It was interesting to see the differences in the system at the state level, but the work of being a CASA is largely the same…build a trusting relationship with your CASA child and advocate for what they need.”
In addition to volunteering as a CASA, Holly has a background in fundraising events for nonprofits and volunteers with and consults for local nonprofits. She works at University Covenant Church and also volunteers to support their foster care ministry. Additionally, she helps with CASA events and also volunteers for the Junior League of Sacramento. To those wondering if they have time to be a CASA, Holly advises them to do the training regardless. “The training gives participants wonderful insight into the community and children’s issues in general. And, more often than not, people find that being a CASA becomes a rewarding part of their life that they look forward to every week.”
Thank you, Holly, for your commitment to kids in crisis. We are so happy to have you as a CASA volunteer.
