The CASA Connection
Learn more about what’s going on at CASA Project Worcester County, in our Central MA communities, and with our partners by reading our NEW monthly blog! Have a topic you’d like us to write about or want to be considered for a featured spot? Email communications@thecasaproject.org!
Championing Futures Together: A CASA and BBBS Partnership for Youth Empowerment
A Shared Mission
At CASA Project Worcester County (CASA) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & MetroWest (BBBS), we believe every child deserves an advocate or a mentor – someone who shows up, listens, and champions their potential. This shared value is the foundation of a powerful new partnership: Championing Futures Together.
For over 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & MetroWest has been a trusted champion for youth, harnessing the transformative power of mentorship to change lives and communities. Today, youth in our region face unprecedented challenges – widening disparities, a growing mental health crisis, and a lack of supportive networks can stand in the way of their success. But mentorship is a proven solution. Research shows that young people with mentors are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive.
Similarly, CASA Project Worcester County trains community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers work within the court system to ensure these children have safe, stable homes and the services they need.
It was a natural fit for our two organizations to come together in service of the same goal: helping young people reach their full potential by surrounding them with consistent, caring adults.
Why We Came Together
CASA works with youth involved in the juvenile court and foster care systems – youth who have experienced instability, trauma, and uncertain transitions at a young age. BBBS provides one-to-one mentoring relationships that create life-changing connections. Together, we recognize that connection, stability, and consistency are key to long-term success for these youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that every young person can benefit from a mentor. This is especially true for foster youth who often lack a consistent adult presence in their lives. CASA is there to support and advocate for these youth during such a critical chapter, and with this partnership, we’re able to carry that support forward by offering mentorships upon the closure of a juvenile court case and CASA’s role. It’s one more way to remind youth that they are not alone and never forgotten.
About Championing Futures Together
Here’s how it works: when a child no longer requires CASA services, their team will discuss the opportunity to be matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. If the child and their caregiver are interested, CASA refers them to BBBS.
From there, BBBS conducts an in-depth interview with the child (called a “Little”) and their guardian to understand their interests, personality, and needs. Then, they carefully match the child with a trained, vetted adult volunteer (“Big”) who shares similar interests and is comfortable working with youth in foster care. Our shared goal is always a strong, supportive, and sustainable match.
Once matched, Bigs and Littles get to spend meaningful t
Here’s how it works: when a child or sibling group no longer requires the services provided by CASA, their volunteer advocate and advocate supervisor will discuss the opportunity to be matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. If the child and their caregiver are interested, CASA refers them to BBBS.
From there, BBBS conducts an in-depth interview with the child (referred to as a “Little”) and their guardian to understand their interests, personality, and needs. Then, they carefully match the child with a trained, vetted adult volunteer (referred to as a “Big”) who shares similar interests and is comfortable working with youth in foster care. Our shared goal is always a strong, supportive, and sustainable match.
Once matched, Bigs and Littles get to spend meaningful time together – grabbing an ice cream, hiking a trail, cooking a meal, or simply spending quality time one-on-one. Throughout the match, BBBS provides training and consistent support during monthly check-ins with the Little, their caregiver, and the Big to ensure the relationship is safe, productive, and beneficial.
This program also opens the door for CASA volunteers and other community members to consider becoming a Big themselves – expanding the village of support around our young people.
The Impact We’re Already Seeing
Often, a young person’s behavior reflects the network of support they have around them. When a youth has several caring adults in their life, their sense of belonging grows – and so does their ability to make thoughtful, empowered choices and build healthy, successful relationships.
While the difference a mentor can make often defies numbers and even words, BBBS measures impact across four key outcomes:
- Belonging and social connectedness
- Positive behaviors and choices
- Social and emotional health
- Educational success
We’ve already seen the seeds of transformation planted through this partnership. And this is just the beginning.
Looking Ahead
Throughout this partnership, and in co collaboration with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), CASA and BBBS already identified youth across the region who are waiting to be matched with mentors. While BBBS is still accepting youth referrals, their greatest need is for adults willing to become Bigs. Every new mentor expands the reach of this program and brings hope to a young person who needs it most.
As our partnership continues to grow, we look forward to hosting shared trainings, evaluation efforts, and community events – all designed to deepen our collective impact and reach even more youth.
How You Can Get Involved
There are two powerful ways the community can support Championing Futures Together:
- Become a Mentor
BBBS welcomes caring, dependable adults from all walks of life – including current or former CASA volunteers – to apply and be trained as Bigs. If you’ve ever considered mentoring, this is your moment. - Refer a Youth
CASA volunteers can help identify youth who are a good fit for the BBBS program. Referrals ensure that young people transitioning out of CASA’s support continue to have a trusted adult in their corner.
Learn more or get involved:
A Closing Word from Our Teams
We are deeply grateful to the mentors, volunteer advocates, staff, and supporters who make Championing Futures Together possible. By uniting the strengths of CASA and BBBS, we are building a stronger, more connected support system for some of our region’s most resilient youth.
Together, we’re championing futures – one youth at a time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jordyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Slippery Rock University, graduating in May 2017. Prior to joining CASA Project Worcester County, she worked with the Department of Children and Families as an Ongoing Social Worker, gaining extensive experience in child welfare. Jordyn became part of the CASA team in November 2018 as an Advocate Supervisor and has since progressed to her current role as Community Relations Manager. In her role, Jordyn is instrumental in cultivating meaningful community partnerships and elevating CASA’s presence in Worcester County. She is dedicated to advocating for children and families while helping to strengthen CASA’s network of support. Jordyn’s work is fueled by her deep commitment to child welfare and her belief that every child deserves a voice and the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more about getting involved:
Oct. 14-23, Tues., Wed., Thurs. – 5:30-8:00pm
