Hello!
My name is Adam Gromko and I completed my CASA training in October 2024. I’ve been a CASA Volunteer for about seven months now. I’m currently working on my very first case, and it’s already been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

When my kids were growing up, I was the kind of dad who coached their sports teams, helped out at science fairs, just tried to be as involved as I could. I’ve always had a knack for connecting with kids, really listening to what they’re thinking and feeling. But when my own children became adults and didn’t need me in that same day-to-day way, I found myself missing the chance to make a difference in young people’s lives.

I tried different forms of volunteering, writing grants, serving on committees and boards, helping with events that supported local youth. All good work, but I realized I was most energized when I could have a direct, hands-on impact. That’s what led me to CASA.

Becoming a CASA has been eye-opening. It is dedicated work. You really have to spend time reflecting on what the kids are telling you, what they might need, and stay in constant communication so you’re truly seeing and hearing them. As adults, we sometimes struggle to express what we need emotionally or mentally. Now imagine being a child who hasn’t developed those communication skills yet, who might not even know what they need, and who is also going through really tough life circumstances. That’s where CASA comes in. Our job is to help bring what that child feels is best for them into the light.

There have definitely been challenging moments. Right at the beginning of my case, I had to not only learn the Dependency and Neglect process, but also begin building trust with three children, their guardian, their parents, extended family members, the caseworker, the GAL, the judge, the list goes on. Everyone was kind and supportive, but I put a lot of pressure on myself to gain their trust quickly. That was a hard start, but also a meaningful one.

On the flip side, there have been so many heartwarming moments. Honestly, every time I leave a household visit, I feel good. I learn something new each time, get to know the children a little better, and leave feeling like I made a difference, even if it’s a small one.

One moment really stuck with me. There’s a teenager in my case, and as you might expect, teens don’t always share their feelings easily. It was pretty early on, and I wasn’t sure how they felt about me yet. They asked about my life, and I told them I had just started a new job and that things were a bit hectic. The teen suddenly got quiet. When I asked what was wrong, they said it was a bummer I was taking a new job because I was an adult who is curious and really listens, and they didn’t want me to leave. That moment was both cute and powerful. It gave me the chance to explain that as a CASA, I’m a volunteer. My job change didn’t mean I was going anywhere. But more than that, it showed me that this young person really valued my presence. That meant everything to me.

If someone were considering becoming a CASA Volunteer, I’d tell them two things. First, you get out of it what you put into it. You won’t fully understand the time and energy involved until you’re in it, but the impact you can have and the appreciation you receive is worth every bit of that effort.
Second, don’t wait for someone to tell you exactly what to do. The caseworker and GAL are incredible, but they’re also incredibly busy. You, as a CASA, have the time to go deep and focus on the kids. Use that time. Earn their trust. Ask what they need. Listen. All the legal and procedural stuff will be handled by the professionals who’ve done this countless times. Your role is to be the one adult who’s focused entirely on the child.

The people I’ve met through CASA, the staff, the legal teams, the judge, are amazing. They support us, and they genuinely listen to us as volunteers. I’m so glad I took the leap and became a CASA. It’s making me a better person, and I know I’m making a difference in someone’s life. That, to me, is a win-win.