Ronald Rosselot

I am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and I serve children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect.

As a CASA, I help my child to succeed in school with his or her proper individual education program. Often the children need therapy. Along with their caseworkers, I make sure they are receiving therapy that helps them recover emotionally. Most importantly, I help them to create a path from a difficult adolescence to successful adulthood.

This all began when I was asked to serve on the board of trustees for ProKids the organization in my city that organizes these volunteers. While I ultimately agreed to serve on the board, I asked to serve our children directly as a CASA, as my way of “giving back” for all of the blessings I have realized in my life.

As for the impact we are having, I can tell the story of a young man had recently “aged out” of the foster care system, meaning at age 18 they no longer receive financial or custodial assistance. I met with him on a regular basis, helping him to take his paycheck from his job, budget household expenses, attend a community college, and most importantly, choose people in his life who could help him stay on a path for success. This was in addition to my traditional role as a CASA. Ultimately, he moved from the area, but still calls me periodically to tell me about his new life as a registered nurse.

In my opinion, working with ProKids, and the children we serve, will do more to change the future of our city for the good than any other charity available. We, who have had success in our careers and families, owe it to young people in difficult circumstances to help them to experience success they don’t see in their everyday lives.

As America becomes more polarized and divisive, we need to have empathy for everyone, and use our experience to connect with those less fortunate.