Mercedes was sworn in as a CASA in February 2024. With a background in education and volunteering with various other community programs, Mercedes feels that her experiences in volunteering and her own personal experiences lend themselves well to being a CASA.

Mercedes is currently serving on her first case and was quick to build rapport with the child and family. She has been a positive and consistent presence in their life since then. Mercedes and the child enjoy playing games together, doing puzzles or crafts, and just spending time together with the family. Mercedes has also become a valuable member of the case team and has offered support and insight into the child when new professionals come on the case.

When asked about what being a CASA volunteer means to her, Mercedes says, "My absolute favorite thing about being a CASA volunteer is spending time with my CASA kid and their family! Those moments when the child laughs and finds joy in our activities, means that the hard moments are just a tiny bit less. Being the person to encourage that makes my heart incredibly full. Being a voice and advocating comes with great responsibility, and I'm encouraged to keep going because my CASA kid has made an indelible mark on me. Of course, you never want to have cases like we get serving as CASAs, but the reality is that the cases do exist. The VFC program is a part of the solution, which means that I am too, and it makes me so proud to serve as a CASA."

Mercedes, thank you for the dedication, compassion, and heart you bring to this volunteer work. We are so grateful for your advocacy and commitment to vulnerable children in our community. Congratulations on being our October CASA of the Month!