When Lucas was only 7 years old, his mother passed away.
His father suffered from addiction and could no longer care for Lucas...
...or his brothers
Now, at 10 years old, Lucas prepares to move into his fourth group home
and start all over at his third elementary school.
He misses his brothers who have been placed in other foster homes.
Lucas’s story isn’t unlike the stories of many Orange County youth in foster care.
In fact, there are over 3,450 youth in the Orange County dependency system just like Lucas.
He lives and works in Orange County and is looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity.
Gabriel learns of the need for CASA volunteers,
Completes his training and is sworn in as a new CASA...
where he will serve as a mentor and advocate for a child in foster care.
Although shy at first, Lucas begins to bond with Gabriel...
Over trips to the movie theater...
Their shared love of soccer...
And the library where together they explore the world of books.
Lucas learns he can
in Gabriel.
He misses his family. He misses spending time with his brothers.
He dreams of becoming a teacher.
He struggles to make friends in school.
All the while, his CASA is there.
When Lucas graduates from high school, Gabriel will be there, cheering for him from the crowd.
When he lands his first job, Gabriel will be a phone call away to celebrate.
Just like Lucas
in foster care have been paired with an advocate.
Since 1985 OC youth have been
cultivating bonds and rewriting their stories with the support of