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When a child enters foster care, their world transforms overnight. They face new homes, new rules, and a complex system of courts and social workers that can feel overwhelming. Who stands beside them during this tumultuous journey? In Kings County, it's often a CASA volunteer.

This week, we sat down with Maritza Lemus to explore the remarkable work of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kings County. These dedicated community volunteers become powerful voices for children navigating the foster care system, standing beside them in courtrooms and ensuring their needs aren't overlooked. As Maritza explains, "Research shows it only takes one person to make a difference" – and CASA volunteers become that crucial person for vulnerable children who desperately need stability.

The stories Maritza shares are profoundly moving. One special needs youth, facing homelessness after aging out of the system at 21, found not just an advocate but a family when his CASA volunteer welcomed him home. For a young person who had never even celebrated a birthday with cake, this connection became life-changing. These volunteers serve purely from compassion, receiving no payment – a fact that often surprises the children they help and transforms their relationship into something truly special.

We delve into the comprehensive training CASA volunteers receive and how they're matched with children based on specific needs and circumstances. With approximately 300-400 kids in Kings County's foster system annually, the need for advocates remains urgent. Whether you're considering volunteering or simply want to understand how community members are creating brighter futures for our most vulnerable children, this conversation reveals how ordinary people become extraordinary heroes through their commitment to changing one child's story at a time.

Ready to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer? Contact 559-587-9908 or visit casakingsco.org to discover how you can help transform a child's life.

You can find the Hanford Insider at www.hanfordinsider.com and on social media at @hanfordinsider
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