We each have multiple ways that
we identify who we are in life. But for the children in our community who are
abandoned, neglected, or abused, perhaps their only way of identifying
themselves is…
Helpless. Desperate. Hopeless.
At only 8 years old, Brandon was taken into protective custody after protecting his mother during a domestic dispute. Both of Brandon’s parents had a long history of substance abuse and his father had abandoned him at birth.
Over the next six years, Brandon went through multiple placements in treatment facilities, foster homes, a youth shelter, and the juvenile detention center – all while his mother was serving a lengthy prison sentence. Brandon was allowed to have contact with his mother during this time, and he remained hopeful that they would be reunited upon her release. When that day finally came, his mother fell back into a life of drugs and domestic violence, unable to reconnect with her son.
Helpless. Desperate. Hopeless.
At only 8 years old, Brandon was taken into protective custody after protecting his mother during a domestic dispute. Both of Brandon’s parents had a long history of substance abuse and his father had abandoned him at birth.
Over the next six years, Brandon went through multiple placements in treatment facilities, foster homes, a youth shelter, and the juvenile detention center – all while his mother was serving a lengthy prison sentence. Brandon was allowed to have contact with his mother during this time, and he remained hopeful that they would be reunited upon her release. When that day finally came, his mother fell back into a life of drugs and domestic violence, unable to reconnect with her son.
Then, St. Elizabeth Catholic
Charities’ CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer was appointed to
Brandon’s case. The two quickly established a rapport and for the first time in
Brandon’s life, a sense of trust was developed. Due to the tenacity of his CASA
volunteer, Brandon successfully remained a Child in Need of Services (CHINS)
through the court system; resulting in a voluntary termination of parental
rights and enabling the pursuit of adoption. Brandon’s CASA spends countless hours with him – and has observed Brandon make great strides towards normalcy, including being an active and valued member of a youth football team and attending church each Sunday, where he saves a seat for the CASA who attends with him. Ever vigilant in her dedication to Brandon’s success, when asked if she will remain in his life, her reply to Brandon is swift and from the heart, “I hope to dance at your wedding someday.”
Without the love and support of this CASA volunteer, Brandon would not be who he is today…
Successful. Confident. Hopeful.
Together we can reach out to those in desperate need… offering them a new identity.
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