My desire to help Raise the Future in a bigger way comes from many places, serving as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) alongside my mom, growing up in a family that showed me how to give back, and my own life experiences. I’m excited to support Raise the Future with a yearly gift that enables them to meet the unique needs of youth in foster care and their caregivers. This year, I also volunteered with Family Support and as a Camp Buddy at Colorado’s Family Connection Camp. I know from my Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) training and time spent with youth in foster care that this work raises the bar for our society overall. 

I look forward to what’s to come as Raise reaches even more youth and families! Raise the Future stood out to me because of their ongoing support for youth and caregivers, as well as their meaningful volunteer opportunities. Before getting involved, I had already served as a CASA three times. This showed me how consistent, trauma-informed care can change the direction of people’s lives. Children are counting on us as adult advocates to create hope and connection, whether we volunteer, advocate, or donate. Through CASA and Raise the Future, I’ve found ways to be there for vulnerable children and the adults who care for them. 

More people would become foster or adoptive parents if they had the proper support. Raise’s Caregiver Connection group is just one way that Raise works to create a space where foster and adoptive parents can focus on just being “parents” and all children are surrounded by loving adults who understand their needs. I’ve been thinking about becoming an adoptive parent myself since I began serving as a CASA. Being a part of this community has supported this dream. 

I began donating to Raise the Future even before I volunteered. We need to invest in organizations committed to ensuring every child has a dependable adult by their side.  When you’re a kid, many things can feel scary. When I was growing up, my parents helped me with the tough stuff. Part of Raise’s promise to youth in foster care is to nourish these relationships so they last a lifetime. Generous and dependable supporters ensure Raise the Future reaches every youth and family who needs them. 

“Children are counting on us as adult advocates to create hope and connection, whether we volunteer, advocate, or donate.” – Julia

Visit RaiseTheFuture.org/ways-to-give to learn how you can give, volunteer, or get involved.