A Message from the Director - The Power of Presence: The Impact of Male Role Models

This past weekend, many families gathered to celebrate Father’s Day, a time to reflect with gratitude on the men who have shaped our lives. It is a day filled with memories, appreciation, and often quiet reflection. Whether they are fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, or coaches, these men influence us through their guidance, protection, humor, and love. For some, that influence came from a steady and dependable presence. For others, the experience may have been different, shaped by absence or complexity. No matter the path, Father’s Day reminds us of the profound impact male role models have on the lives of children.

At CASA, we see the power of a consistent and caring presence in the lives of children. We see it in the steady voice of a volunteer who attends every court hearing, in the quiet reassurance of someone who remembers a child’s birthday or favorite snack, and in the trust that begins to grow when a young person realizes they are safe, and that someone is truly there for them.

Unfortunately, men remain underrepresented within our network of CASA volunteers, even as the need for strong male role models continues to grow. Too many children in foster care miss the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with men they can trust. For boys in particular, the presence of a consistent and supportive male advocate can be both healing and transformative.

Many of the children CASA serves have experienced instability, neglect, or a lack of positive male figures. Building a relationship with a dependable and caring man can begin to repair that harm. Positive male role models help boys form a healthier understanding of trust, responsibility, and emotional expression. They show that masculinity can include patience, protection, and compassion. Research consistently shows that children with stable adult relationships are more resilient, have stronger self-esteem, and are better able to form healthy connections as they grow. For many boys in foster care, having a CASA means experiencing what it feels like to be supported by a man who is stable, safe, and sincere.

When men step into the role of a CASA volunteer, they are not expected to have all the answers. What matters most is their presence. They need to be willing to stand beside a child who may have never known what it feels like to be supported by a safe and dependable man. These children are watching, often quietly, and learning what it means to be a man who keeps his word, listens with respect, and stands up for others. The impact of that example can last long after the case has closed. It becomes part of how a young person sees the world and how he begins to see himself.

As we reflect on Father’s Day and look ahead to the summer, I encourage you to think about the men who helped shape your life. What did their presence mean to you? And how might you, or someone you know, offer that same strength and stability to a child who needs it most?

With respect and gratitude,

Amanda Moody

Louisiana CASA Executive Director