Court Appointed Special Advocates of Fresno and Madera Counties recruits volunteers to support foster youth in courtrooms, schools, and the community — providing stability and amplifying their voices in the foster care system.

“We stand in the gap where we serve the children, both in the courtrooms advocating for their permanence, in the classroom ensuring they are getting the best education, and in the community,” Executive Director of CASA Wilma Hashimoto said.

CASA advocates accompany children to court hearings, speak on their behalf when needed, and work to bring the child’s individual story to life for judges, ensuring that each child is seen as more than just a case number.

The advocates also provide emotional support, helping foster youth navigate the unfamiliar and often intimidating foster care system.

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CASA annually supports about 300 foster youth. Advocates spend time with youth monthly, attending key milestones like school events and helping them navigate challenges.

Successful reunifications and adoptions are celebrated across agencies, marking CASA’s impact on each child’s journey toward a permanent home.

The bond between CASA and the youth they serve often extends beyond the foster care journey, with many former foster youth staying connected by volunteering or sharing their stories to support CASA’s mission.

Jammy Harris Uses Her Story to Help Others

Jammy Harris, 22, a Fresno State sociology major and former foster youth, now dedicates her life to advocacy. Through her nonprofit, For All People There Is Hope, she empowers transitional youth (ages 17 to 24) by providing essentials like clothing and therapeutic art programs.

Inspired by her experience and CASA advocate Alison Martinez, Harris emphasizes the power of stability and community.

“When she (Martinez) came into our lives, we did not know if she was going to be someone who was going to stay or be consistent,” Harris said. “Miss Alison came and gave us consistency. She gave us stability. She gave us love and care. She took us in kind of like as our own, from birthdays to Christmases, any celebrations, awards.

“Miss Alison stepped in and she showed up for us. All of us. When it came to school, she made sure we was all picked up or she made sure we had homework checked in with us weekly. She would help us with homework.”

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The nonprofit Harris founded last year also honors her late father, who gave back to Fresno’s homeless community.

“For All People There Is Hope  started with my father, James Earl Harris, Sr. He started all of this in the west side of Fresno to give back to the people that lived on our street,” Harris said. “He also had a thing … that he did every year where we would sit and package clothes (for those in need).

“For All People There Is Hope is in honor of him, as in honor of giving back, as in honor of what unity looks like to to be a change, to be a difference.”

Marcus Schoonmaker Credits His Advocate for His Success

Marcus Schoonmaker, who spent 14 years in foster care, is sharing his story to advocate for reform.

Removed from his family at age 6, he cycled through more than 40 placements, often enduring neglect and abuse.

Separated from his siblings, Schoonmaker found stability only through his caseworker, Nancy, who remained a steady presence despite the system’s challenges.

“Nancy was the light in my dark tunnel,” Schoonmaker said. “I mean, she’s in my eyes, she’s my mother. That’s the way that I view it. That’s the level of connection I’ve grown with her because no matter what I’ve been through, regardless of what I’ve done, regardless of how things were handled, whether for good or for bad, for better or for worse, she was there all the time. She was always there for me.”

Now at the age of 20, he reflects on his experiences, describing foster care as isolating and traumatic, crediting CASA for helping him survive the system.

He calls for better training for foster parents, greater oversight of group homes, and expanded support for youth aging out of the system.

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Donations Support the Mission of CASA

With 170 more youths on the waitlist for a CASA advocate, donations are needed.

“That’s where Granville Home of Hope helps us. We will be able to hire more staff to oversee the advocates,” Hashimoto said. “We don’t have advocates assigned to 15 youth. It’s one advocate to one child in the foster care system or a sibling set. That makes a difference, that one caring adult.”

To donate to CASA, visit the Granville Home of Hope website. 

(Disclaimer: The president and CEO of Granville Homes, Darius Assemi, is the publisher of GV Wire).