Barry McManus’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the power of having the right people step in at the right time. 

Barry spent his early childhood with his biological family but, due to unfortunate circumstances, his life took an unexpected turn at a young age. By the time he was ten, he had entered the foster care system, facing a period of uncertainty during a time when stability matters most.

What followed would ultimately shape the course of his life in a profoundly positive way.

Barry was incredibly fortunate to have a caring and supportive family step in. The Klein family welcomed him into their home, providing not only safety and stability, but also encouragement, structure, and opportunity. Their belief in him gave Barry the foundation to move forward with confidence and purpose.

“I didn’t want to screw up,” Barry says. “I liked school. I just wanted to be normal. I wanted to build a good life.”

He credits Dorothy and Richard Klein with giving him that chance—one that allowed him to grow, succeed, and ultimately create a life beyond what he once thought possible.

For many years, Barry kept his childhood story to himself. But as time passed, and as he built his own family and a successful career as an entrepreneur, he felt a growing responsibility to give back—and to speak up for kids who need the same kind of support he once received.

“My businesses were doing well. My kids were grown and starting families of their own,” he says. “The older I got, the more important it became for me to show how grateful I am—for the journey from a kid who needed help to the life I lead today, and for the mentors who made it possible.”

Barry with his wife, Toni, and their grandchildren.

Barry began looking for ways to contribute—offering his time, resources, and experience where they were needed most. “My passion was helping kids like me,” he says. “I started volunteering with the Orangewood Foundation and eventually joined their board, serving a three-year term.”

Through his friendship with Matthew Wadlinger, CASA OC’s Chief Brand Officer, Barry was introduced to CASA and its mission. “Matthew invited me to get involved with CASA, so I started showing up,” Barry recalls. “I quickly realized—CASA was completely in my lane. I mean, I’m a foster kid. Dorothy was my ‘CASA’ before CASA even existed. She and her husband Richard saved me. Without them… who knows where I would be today?”

About a year ago, Barry joined the CASA board. “I love the people,” he says. “CASA is laser-focused on its mission—to provide a voice and connection for children in foster care. The board is incredibly engaged. It’s a powerhouse organization.”

Recently, Barry shared his personal story at a CASA staff meeting—and came away even more impressed with the organization. “I own three businesses with over 200 employees, and I can tell you—a positive company culture is the hardest thing to build,” he says. “But you can feel it at CASA. Honestly, it was more inspiring to me than anything I could have said to them. The staff, the way they interact and the energy in the room —it’s really special. It’s the executive team’s leadership that’s the secret sauce.”

Earlier this year, Barry was asked to co-chair CASA’s annual Celebration event alongside fellow board member Courtney Thom. “My goal is to create a fun, upbeat, and memorable evening,” he says. “This isn’t a stiff gala—we want people to enjoy themselves and embrace the theme: ‘Celebration: A Little Help from Our Friends.’”

Barry, third from the left, with fellow board members at the CASA Back-to-School Picnic.

He adds, “It matters that both chairs have skin in the game. I’ve lived the experience of having an advocate. And Courtney is an incredible attorney who fights fiercely for these kids every day. She’s seen firsthand how much they need support.”

Reflecting on his journey, Barry acknowledges how difficult it once felt to share his story. “For most of my life, I kept it private—it was emotional,” he says. “Some people are drawn to CASA because of their lived experience. Others simply have a heart for giving—and that’s extraordinary too.”

He pauses, then adds, “I made it through. But a lot of kids don’t. That’s why this matters.”

Barry’s message is both simple and urgent: every child deserves someone in their corner.

On May 16, Barry invites the community to be part of that mission at CASA’s annual Celebration Gala at Pendry Newport Beach. The evening is designed to be more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to change the trajectory of a child’s life.

“In the ten years I’ve spent supporting youth, I’ve learned this—every human being wants to help another human being. They just don’t always know how,” Barry says. “CASA gives people that opportunity. It turns good intentions into real impact.”

Barry with his wife, Toni, at the 2025 Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon.

Whether by attending the Gala, becoming a CASA volunteer, or making a financial contribution, every act of support helps ensure that more children in foster care have an advocate—someone who shows up, speaks up, and stands by them.

“For me, one person changed everything,” Barry says. “If we can do that for even one child, it’s worth it. And together, we can do it for many more.”

To learn more about how you can support CASA or purchase tickets for the May 16 Celebration Gala, please visit www.casaoc.org.