Seven fresh faces just joined the front lines of child advocacy in Mesa County—and for dozens of kids in foster care, that could change everything.

They’re not social workers, lawyers, or judges. They’re volunteers. And they’re stepping up for some of the county’s most vulnerable.

A quiet oath, a powerful promise

On April 8, inside a Grand Junction courtroom, seven new CASA volunteers raised their right hands and swore to stand up for children who can’t always speak for themselves. For the kids they’ll be assigned to, it’s a lifeline.

These aren’t paid positions. These are community members—retirees, teachers, neighbors—who’ve committed to showing up for children involved in abuse and neglect cases.

And yes, the oath is formal. But the impact? That’s deeply personal.

“It’s not a huge time commitment,” said new volunteer Joe Donlan, “and you can do some good for people. For kids especially.”

A month of training, a mission that matters

The training isn’t a walk in the park, even if the time commitment is manageable.

New volunteers spent over a month preparing. That meant hours of instruction, case studies, and tough conversations about trauma, grief, and the challenges children face in the child welfare system.

Some trainees found themselves overwhelmed at first. But they didn’t walk away.

One paragraph, one sentence:

They stayed because they knew the stakes.

The program is led by CASA of Mesa County, a local nonprofit that recruits and trains volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates. Once sworn in, they’re assigned to a child—or sometimes a sibling group—and become the court’s eyes and ears.

More than a voice in court

CASA volunteers aren’t legal representatives. But their role can be just as important.

They spend time with the child, talk to foster parents, teachers, and caseworkers, and submit regular reports to the judge overseeing the case. Often, they’re the only consistent adult in the child’s life throughout the court process.

The goal? Simple—but not easy. To advocate for the child’s best interest. Whatever that might look like.

A quick look at what CASA volunteers do:

• Monitor child welfare cases in court

• Build relationships with assigned children

• Interview adults in the child’s life

• Submit status reports to judges

• Recommend next steps that serve the child’s well-being

The volunteers aren’t superheroes. But in some cases, they’re the only person in the courtroom who knows the child’s favorite book, their biggest fear, or what makes them feel safe.

The gap remains wide

As meaningful as the April 8 swearing-in was, the job isn’t finished.

Not even close.

According to CASA, more than 60 children in Mesa County foster care still don’t have an advocate assigned to them. That’s 60 kids who could use someone in their corner—today.

One-sentence paragraph here.

CASA officials hope the latest class of volunteers is just the beginning.

They’re urging more community members to consider applying. Whether it’s someone with an empty nest or a full calendar, CASA says there’s room for anyone with compassion and a little flexibility.

Small actions, big shifts

Joe Donlan didn’t expect to join CASA this year. He had other things going on.

But something about the mission pulled him in.

“You hear the stories,” he said. “You can’t un-hear them. You realize someone’s got to show up.”

For kids tangled in a court system that can feel cold and confusing, having one consistent adult who listens—really listens—can shift the course of their entire life.

And for the seven new volunteers in Mesa County, that shift starts now.