Growth Can Happen Anywhere
Sometimes growth happens at the top of a Ferris wheel. Sometimes it happens in a fast food restaurant. CASA volunteer Rebecca Skolnik has seen both in *Eddie, her 11-year-old CASA youth.
Rebecca’s fondness for Eddie is unmistakable as she reflects on the three and a half years they’ve shared together.
Finding Her Way to CASA
Rebecca found her way to CASA after years of fundraising and event planning at her children’s school. “I no longer found it as fulfilling as I once had,” she recalls. “I wanted a more personal connection—something one-on-one with a child who was struggling. I’d heard great things about CASA, so I signed up for the training.”
It was a perfect fit from the start. “The training was great,” she says. “The section on childhood trauma and development was especially informative. CASA really invests in its volunteers—they really prepared us for completing court reports and the nuts and bolts of the system. I wanted to feel ready and confident, and the CASA training provided that.”
Building Trust
Rebecca admits she felt nervous before her first meeting with Eddie and his family. “What if it was more than I could handle? Would I be comfortable going into neighborhoods I didn’t know?” she wondered.
Her supervisor at the time, Galdina Franco, helped ease her worries. “Galdina was wonderful—she spoke Spanish with the family and supported me through that first meeting,” Rebecca says. “All of my supervisors, including my current one, Kevin Plata, have been great.”
Eddie was only seven when they first met. He and his three older siblings were living with their grandfather. Initially, Eddie was quiet and hesitant, especially in new places. When things were rough at home, he sometimes acted out—at school and even with Rebecca. But over time, she saw him begin to relax, especially when they would return to familiar places together.
Consistency and Confidence
“I like to repeat his favorite activities so he can build confidence and skills,” Rebecca explains. “He doesn’t get many chances to do the same thing repeatedly with someone encouraging him, watching him, and making sure he’s safe.” Together they hike, fish, bowl, and play pickleball. “He’s most relaxed—and most talkative—when he’s doing something physical.”
Repeating familiar outings also gives Rebecca the chance to model life skills in front of Eddie. She laughs as she recalls a day at Chick-fil-A: “One time, Eddie watched me joke around with the guy taking our order. At the end of the meal, Eddie wanted to thank him for ‘the best waffle fries ever.’ The cashier invited him into the kitchen to thank the cooks—and Eddie did! He used to be so apprehensive in new places, but I’ve seen huge growth in his confidence.”
The two also frequently visit the park together and Eddie has developed enough familiarity with the rules of the playground, that he’s comfortable initiating a pickup game of basketball. Rebecca shares one touching moment, “A child with a developmental issue was standing in the middle of the court, keeping the other kids from playing. Eddie walked over, gently put his arm around him, and guided him off so the game could continue. His kindness and empathy blew me away—after everything he’s been through, his compassion for others is remarkable.”
Reaching New Heights
And what about that Ferris wheel? For years, Eddie avoided heights—he couldn’t bring himself to ride the Great Balloon in Irvine or attempt the rides at the county fair. When the two would visit the Irvine Spectrum, Rebecca would gently point out the giant ferris wheel. One day, after a couple of years, Eddie decided to give it a try. Rebecca says, “I was so happy he chose to do that with me after all that time. I could feel his fear, but after the ride was over, he was so proud of himself. I think that’s one of those brave moments he will remember from his childhood.”
The Power of Showing Up
Rebecca’s supervisor, Kevin Plata, nominated her as Advocate of the Month because of moments like these. “Rebecca has been on this case for years,” he says. “She’s consistent and creative. Her outings always include life lessons or meaningful conversations. I think her consistency means the most to Eddie.”
Rebecca agrees. “Over time, I can tell he respects me more—his smile is bigger, his thank-yous are more enthusiastic, and his hugs are stronger. He’s always excited to see what we’ll do next. His growing confidence makes me so proud.”
Words of Wisdom
Her advice for new or prospective CASAs?
“If you’re feeling scared or unsure, push through it—it’s so rewarding. Every time I drive home from an outing with Eddie, I feel good. I know I’m giving him experiences he might not otherwise have, and I can see how happy he is when I show up. We’re really well paired—I feel so lucky.”
She pauses, then adds with a smile, “It’s like the Beatles song—‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.’”
To learn more about how you can help vulnerable youth in the foster care system waiting for a CASA match, please contact Norma Mendoza at CASA OC.
*Name changed to protect privacy