Beth Smith talks about her work as a CASA volunteer the way many advocates do: with modesty and humility. “My Advocate Supervisor Cindy Nydell had to talk me into being featured as Advocate of the Month. I prefer to be more in the background,” she says.

But Beth’s reluctance to take the spotlight understates the difference she has made for the two young people she has served over five years.

Beth came to CASA after retiring in 2020 as a special education teacher. After so many years in the classroom, she had a heart for kids who struggle and wanted to keep giving back.

A first youth who needed space

Her first youth was a “tough case,” Beth says. “This kiddo was not very expressive. There was not a lot of talking, just a lot of me driving and providing space for them to be out of their living situation.”

The silence was uncomfortable at first. “As a teacher, you want to hear responses, so I tried to fill the silences. But the responses were pretty much non-verbal, a headshake or a nod. We both loved Harry Potter, though, and that filled some of the quiet. I’d do my check-in, make sure they were safe, see if they needed anything, and then we’d listen to Harry Potter together.”

During that time, Beth’s youth transitioned and began using they/them pronouns. “We went through that together. They didn’t have support from their family, so at times I was the lone support for my kiddo.”

Beth tried to expose her youth to as many different experiences as possible. “They were open to lots of different things which was great - we got to do some really cool things together. CASA was wonderful about providing so many opportunities for us. My kiddo wanted to play the violin so Cindy found a program where we could get her a refurbished violin. They invited me to a football game where the middle school band played with the high school band so I got to see them in their element and we were able to sit together and talk.” 

The youth was eventually reunified with family and moved out of state, but reached out to Beth before leaving and have since stayed in touch. “We’ve gotten together a couple of times when they’ve been back in Orange County,” Beth says. “It amazes me, because I really didn’t think I had penetrated much of anything, but we are still in contact which is lovely. Since the move, they’ve been able to open up and be themselves more. They’re much more conversational.”

Choosing a harder case

When the case closed, Cindy asked Beth what kind of case she wanted next. “Even though the first case was challenging, I said I wasn’t looking for ‘easy.’ If there’s a child out there going through tough stuff, I want to help.”

Beth has now been matched with her second youth, *Lena, for a little over two years. “Lena was 14 when she entered the system. Her mother is incarcerated out of state, and her father is unhoused. She has lived in a variety of foster homes, group homes and occasionally at Orangewood Children and Family Center,” explains Beth.

Placement instability has made school and daily life difficult for Lena. Through it all, Beth has tried to be a safe place for her to land. When things are steady, they go out to eat, shop, or catch a movie. When Lena runs away from a placement, Beth stays connected through calls and texts to make sure she is safe.

Beth has also advocated for Lena’s health. “Lena was really self-conscious about her orthodontic issues, and we worked hard to come up with solutions. She’s shy, so being in public is harder because of it.” After a year-and-a-half effort, they secured a grant for treatment. But then Lena’s placement changed. “We had to decline the grant. The group home couldn’t guarantee getting her to every appointment.”

Support that makes the difference

Beth credits Cindy for helping her through it all. “I could not have this without Cindy at my side. She’s been so supportive and has such a wealth of knowledge.”

Cindy says Beth’s strength is meeting each youth where they are. “Beth had a huge impact on her first youth, who was extremely quiet. She figured out the activities they would really enjoy and got to see them smile and shine. With her current youth, she’s learned that Lena loves being outdoors, so she plans outings around that. Beth has been instrumental with both youth educationally, she has a great rapport with the social workers, and does her best to attend the many meetings for her youth.”

Beth is candid about how hard Lena’s situation is. “It’s tough to be this kiddo who feels like nobody wants her. Her mom was never really a mom to her. Dad tries but he just can’t. The family doesn’t know what to do with her. She’s strong willed and can be difficult, but she’s an amazing kid.  She’s so thoughtful and we’ve had some amazing discussions about things in the world and the things she wants to know about. But I can’t imagine how hard it is to be her.”

Looking back, Beth says, “I was really naive when I began as a CASA. I’ve seen and experienced things through my kiddos’ eyes that I had no idea about. It’s been more than I anticipated. At times it’s been tough, but I’m so glad I’m doing it.”

If you are interested in becoming a steady presence in a child’s life, learn more by attending a CASA information session. Contact Norma Mendoza for upcoming dates.

*Name changed to protect privacy