Many readers remember the TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the gentle wisdom of its host, Fred Rogers.

“Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me,” Rogers once said.

That sentiment is at the heart of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by the court to serve as an independent voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. 

They visit children living with relatives or in foster care, review records, speak with the adults involved in their lives and make recommendations to the judge about each child’s needs.

CASA volunteers must be 21 and older. Many are retirees who bring decades of work, family and life experience to the role.

 Steve Lenzo, a CASA since 2018

 Steve Lenzo, who has been a CASA volunteer since 2018, is one example. His background includes Job Corps, Peace Corps, substitute teaching, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and teaching yoga to youth at Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center.

Lenzo describes his role with CASA of the Pikes Peak Region as “heart work.” The best part, he said, is developing relationships with children and their caregivers, whether they are parents, relatives or foster families.

“It’s expanding your cocoon of knowing to create positive outcomes,” said Lenzo, 72. “That’s the heart work.”

That experience and perspective are part of what older volunteers bring to CASA, said Angela Rose, executive director of CASA of the Pikes Peak Region.

“They have so much wisdom to share with kids,” said Rose. “They become a trusted, dependable adult for the kids to lean on in one of the most challenging times of their lives.” 

Tammy Prutch, program director for CASA of Pueblo, said retirees make up a large share of the organization’s volunteer base.

“They have a wealth of life experience, knowledge and wisdom that is invaluable to this volunteer work,” Prutch said. “They approach the children with patience and understanding and apply the same approach to working with parents.”

HELPING CHILDREN FEEL HEARD

Sabrina Amezcua-Fumagali, 59, a Spanish-speaking CASA volunteer in Colorado Springs, was drawn to helping young adolescents in the U.S. immigration system who later became involved in child welfare cases.

“My husband and I were able to give our own kids advantages in life, and I became involved with CASA to help those children who don’t always have those advantages,” she said. 

 Sabrina Amezcua-Fumagali

 She recalled working with a 14-year-old girl from Honduras. Amezcua-Fumagali relayed the girl’s concerns to case professionals and the judge, helping the teen find stability in a foster home.

In some cases, all it takes is someone who cares, said Amezcua-Fumagali. 

Joel Griffin, 79, first learned about CASA at a party. After retiring in Denver and moving to Pueblo in 2017, he knew he wanted to stay active.

“I don’t want to sit around and get old,” he said.

Griffin looked into CASA of Pueblo and became a trained advocate in 2018. 

He recalled one case where a teenage boy told Griffin that all he wanted was his own car. Griffin responded with honesty.

“First, you need to get a job, and then you need to save your money,” he told him.

Other times, advocacy begins with noticing a need that might otherwise go unmet.

Beth Merrill, 79, a CASA volunteer in Pueblo, is known for her ability to listen and her skill in identifying missing resources. In one case, she quickly recognized that a child needed dental care and helped secure those services. 

Molly Moffett and Angela Rose.

 Molly Moffett has been a CASA volunteer for 14 years, including four years in Montana and 10 years in Colorado. She has worked on numerous cases, many involving mental health, substance abuse and homelessness.

“I meet them on the worst day of their lives, but I leave them on the best day of their lives,” said Moffett, 68.

That work requires compassion without judgment, she said. 

“They got to their circumstances somehow,” she said. “But with encouragement and help, they can get to a good place.”

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

CASA programs in Southern Colorado need more volunteers to serve as advocates, especially men.

Becoming a CASA volunteer involves completing an application, an interview and a background check.

Interested volunteers complete a 32- to 40-hour classroom training. CASA organizations also provide continuing education to keep volunteers up to date and help them build connections with staff and fellow advocates.

Community members who want to support CASA but are not ready to become advocates can contact their local agency to learn about other volunteer opportunities.  

For those with a heart for children and a few hours to give each month, CASA offers a meaningful way to make a difference.

CASA of the Pikes Peak Region 
Serving El Paso and Teller counties
418 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs
719-447-9898 • CASAppr.org

Main Administrative Office &
CASA of Pueblo
Serving Pueblo County
130 W. Abriendo Ave., Pueblo
719-583-6326 • CASAofPueblo.org

Satellite Office:
Heart of Colorado CASA 
Serving Fremont, Custer, Chaffee and Park counties
1204 Main St., Cañon City
719-269-2393 • HoCCASA.org

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