Lori Ross is no stranger to volunteer work. She grew up volunteering in her church and now as a mother of two children, has volunteered for countless PTA event and little league games. Her career has also kept her busy. She’s worked her entire life to help others, first as a director of the Yolo County YMCA and now as the executive director of Woodland United Way.
Considering how giving Lori has always been of her time and skills, it may seem hard to believe that she reached a point about five years ago where she wanted to make a more impactful difference. She explains, “You know you’re doing good for others working in nonprofits. However, I wanted to give back in a more meaningful way, not as a paid staff member but as a community volunteer.” She knew Yolo County CASA’s executive director at the time, and as she asked more questions, she was hooked. “When I learned more about what CASAs do for foster children, there was no turning back.”
Lori has had her current CASA child for five years. It has been a challenging case because while her CASA child originated from Yolo County, she’s had fourteen different placements outside the county, most recently out of state. “I’m actually flying out next month to celebrate her birthday. We spend a lot of phone time now compared to in-person visits and she knows she can call me anytime for support.” In fact, despite the difficulty of the case, Lori promised her CASA child that as long as she needed her, she would always be her CASA. “My CASA child couldn’t believe it. She asked why I stay since I don’t even get paid. I tell her ‘because YOU matter’ but I can tell she is still confused by it sometimes, which breaks my heart. I’ve even told her I love her and hate to see her hurt. I let her know my true feelings because she needs to know that she’s worthy of love.”
Through her visits, Lori has been able to both advocate for her CASA child in court and give her life experiences that she’s never had before. “One of the most memorable moments of my life was when I took my CASA child to the Monterey Bay Aquarium years ago. We were driving toward the coast talking about this and that. She had never been to the beach before. As we headed west up and over a hill she looked out and pointed, ‘What is that!?!’ She was pointing at the ocean. She had never seen it before and was amazed that it seemed to go on forever and that it looked like it did in the movies. She couldn’t believe it was actually real. The rest of the day was just as magical. She said it was ‘Finding Nemo’ in real life. With our own children we take seeing the ocean, going to Disneyland, camping, and birthday parties for granted. For many foster children, these are things they only hear about or see on television.”
CASAs write court reports that include details of visits, interviews with family members, therapists and teachers as well as recommendations on their CASA child’s behalf. Lori reflects on what a powerful experience it has been. “I like that I can use my skills to really make a difference for my CASA child and the judge listens and really cares about what I have to say. I’ve been able to advocate for more services and help her make connections with her family. I fight for her and don’t give up even when she gives up on herself.”
With a busy life of her own, Lori reflects on the time commitment of being a CASA, “I do make sacrifices to be with my CASA child and give her the time she deserves but they don’t feel like sacrifices because my family knows how important it is to me to be able to help someone who doesn’t have a family who supports her. I also like that I am modeling the commitment to helping others to my own kids. Being a CASA is the most rewarding thing I’ve done outside of becoming a parent.”
Thank you, Lori. We are so very lucky to have you as a CASA volunteer.
