Behind the Numbers: Stories That Last a Lifetime

Every so often, I am reminded in the most unexpected ways of just how powerful the work of CASA truly is. Often, it comes in casual conversations when someone learns what I do. People pause, and then they share something deeply personal. Sometimes it is a story about how a CASA volunteer stood by them during their childhood. Other times it is a reflection on how a CASA volunteer made a difference for someone they know. These conversations always leave me humbled, because they remind me that the work of CASA is not abstract. It is not just numbers or reports. It is real, lived impact that carries forward for years and sometimes even for generations.

Recently, I experienced one of those moments with my daughter’s teacher. After I emailed her my contact information, she noticed the CASA domain in my email address and chose to share her own story. She told me about growing up in foster care and the role her CASA volunteer played in her life. She began her message with five words that carried more weight than I can possibly capture here: My CASA saved my life.

Even after so many years in this work, those five words stopped me in my tracks. They were raw, honest, and deeply true. They remind me that what CASA volunteers provide is far more than courtroom advocacy or progress reports. CASA volunteers step into a child’s world during a time of upheaval and uncertainty. They bring consistency when everything else feels temporary. They bring stability when so much feels unsettled. And sometimes, as this teacher so bravely shared, they bring the kind of support that saves a life.

When I think about those five words, I also think about the thousands of children in Louisiana who are still waiting for a CASA volunteer. Each one of them deserves to have someone who will stand by them, speak up for them, and refuse to let their needs be overlooked. Each one deserves to have the chance to look back one day and say that their CASA changed the course of their life.

This seemingly ordinary email exchange became a powerful reminder that the work we are doing is not only necessary but life changing. It affirmed that while the challenges can feel overwhelming at times, the difference we are making is profound. For every child who has a CASA, there is a story of hope. For every CASA who serves, there is a legacy of love and advocacy that lasts far beyond the moment.

I carry those five words with me now as a renewed call to action and as a reminder of why this work matters so deeply. My CASA saved my life. May we never lose sight of the lives behind the statistics and the stories behind the numbers. And may we continue to work together until every child in foster care has the chance to say the same.

Amanda Moody

Louisiana CASA Executive Director

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