At 14, Daryl and his siblings were abandoned on the courthouse steps, left with nothing but their suitcases. Facing multiple foster placements, Daryl endured uncertainty and loss. Daryl’s CASA volunteer, Kiersta, became his unwavering advocate. She attended school events, provided emotional support, and participated in  a youth-centered meeting that led to his placement with a caring family. Now 28, Daryl maintains a strong bond with Kiersta and her family, who he considered a part of. Together, they’ve shared countless experiences, from camping trips to holidays, illustrating CASA’s lasting impact.

"Having someone who was there for me, no matter what, meant everything. CASA made me feel seen and valued."
- Daryl Engelby

The following article was in the Conrad Independent Observer on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
Written By Daryl Engelby

Kiersta Sullivan was my CASA worker when I was placed into the foster care system five to six years ago. She not only encouraged me while I was in foster care, she also stuck with me until I was placed into a home.

My siblings were in Conrad, so Kiersta helped me stay in my hometown because she doesn’t believe in splitting up a family. She understands that family is everything because we all need family to get through hard times. She was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to, and she is like a mother because she was always worrying about me and wanted to make sure I was always safe.

But here’s the thing, after I was placed with the Diedrich’s, Kiersta didn’t stop contacting me. She would call and make sure everything was going well. We talked at least once or twice a month, in person, throughout my high school education. She didn’t have to stay in touch with me, but she chose to, so she could help me achieve my goals in the future, beyond High School.

My senior year she helped me find scholarships to fill out for the degree I wanted to get in college. She is still helping me by finding new scholarships for me to fill out while I’m in college. She has taken her time to help me still when she doesn’t need to. Like I said, she’s like a mother to me, and she helps children like me achieve their future goals because she has a beautiful heart. She has done a lot for me, and for that, I am very grateful.

Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a CASA volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make children’s dreams a reality. They will not only bring positive changes to the lives of the children they’re helping, but also to their children and generations to come. Kiersta influenced my future along with many other children, who needed help. Many people don’t know what CASA stands for or what they even do. I didn’t until I was one of those children, several years ago.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Together with its state and local member programs, the organization supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocates so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive.

The role of local CASA is to recruit, train and support these volunteers in their work with abused children. Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, and others who know the child very well. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.

These people work their tails off to help children in need, and we can help prevent child abuse and help the children that need the support from people like Kiersta and everyone who helped me out.

Thank you Kiersta Sullivan for what you have done for me and all the other kids like me. I also want to thank all the CASA workers for helping children in need. It means a lot to have someone help flip your life around and to achieve future goals. Thank you, everyone, for what you do because it can impact a kids life like Kiersta impacted mine, along with others, for which I’m truly thankful for all your help.