Hi! My name is Nate and I’ve been a volunteer with CASA since 2017. Over the years, I’ve worked on three cases. Each one unique, each one unforgettable.

Before CASA, I spent 30 years as a special education teacher, followed by 7 years with the Colorado Department of Special Education, evaluating how school districts served students with special needs. When I retired, I knew I wanted to continue making a difference. Especially for high schoolers with special needs. CASA gave me that opportunity.

My first case lasted almost three years. The student I worked with moved through two foster homes, three schools, and more court appearances than any child should have to experience. His attendance was a constant struggle, so I worked closely with his foster parents and his teachers to track progress and support him however I could. Eventually, he landed at a charter school where he began to find his footing.

The day he graduated, he stood on stage as the keynote speaker. In his speech, he thanked me by name and said he wouldn’t have graduated without the support CASA gave him. I’ll never forget that moment. It reminded me exactly why I do this work.

Being a CASA has taught me how impactful just one person can be. When students struggle with attendance or get caught up in the court system, they need someone in their corner. They need someone who sees the whole child—not just academics, but also their medical and emotional needs.

This year, I was assigned to my first Family Engagement case. Right now, I’m working with a student who has severe special needs. One of the main challenges has been helping him get to school consistently, so I visit in the mornings to support his grandmother with getting him ready and out the door. Despite these efforts, he missed enough school last year that he’ll need to repeat a grade. We explored summer school, but the environment and staffing levels weren’t the right fit, and after discussion with the school and his grandmother, we decided it was best for him not to attend.

Another challenge was getting him connected to medical and dental care, as he hadn’t seen a provider in years. I turned to the CASA team, who shared a list of Medicaid-friendly providers. After his grandmother scheduled appointments, we learned that he needed three root canals and multiple crowns. He got the care he needed, and now we’re working on addressing his sleep issues too.

Of course, it’s not all hard moments. There’s a lot of joy in this work. Like hearing a grandma say her grandson likes it when I come over, or when she told me I’m the most important male in his life. Or watching a former student walk across a graduation stage and hearing him say I made a difference.

To anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer with CASA: this is what meaningful volunteer work looks like. The training is strong, and the support from CASA staff is constant. We even have Zoom meetings to share challenges and brainstorm solutions. That’s where I got the list of doctors that helped my current student finally get the care he needed. You’re never alone in this work.

I can’t think of a better volunteer role. If you’re looking for a way to give back, through your time or financial support, please consider CASA. You’ll be helping make Adams and Broomfield Counties stronger, one child at a time.