In Grand Junction, Colorado, the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mesa County celebrated three dedicated women for their long years of service to children in foster care. Dorothy Rinderle, Bonnie Allison, and Dawn Dillon received recognition for a combined 51 years of advocacy that has touched the lives of 127 kids facing tough challenges in the system.
This event highlights the vital work these volunteers do every day. They step in as voices for children who often feel lost in court proceedings. As foster care numbers rise across Colorado, stories like theirs show the power of community support in building brighter futures for vulnerable youth.
Dedicated Advocates Making a Real Difference
Dorothy Rinderle stands out with her 27 years of commitment to CASA. She first joined in the late 1990s and has since guided more than 100 children through the foster care maze. Rinderle shares that the joy of shaping a child’s path keeps her motivated. She recalls moments when her advocacy led to stable homes and better opportunities, proving that one person’s effort can change everything.
Bonnie Allison brings her own unique energy to the role. Over the years, she has planted pinwheels during child abuse prevention events and attended countless court sessions. Her steady presence helps kids feel seen and heard. Allison’s work often involves coordinating with families and agencies to ensure the best outcomes.
Dawn Dillon completes this trio with her compassionate approach. Together, these women have advocated for reunifications, adoptions, and essential services. Their combined impact goes beyond numbers; it fosters hope in a system that desperately needs it. Local leaders praise their resilience, especially as they navigate complex cases involving abuse and neglect.
The Crucial Role of CASA in Colorado’s Foster Care System
CASA volunteers act as court-appointed guardians who focus solely on a child’s best interests. They investigate situations, report findings to judges, and push for tailored plans. In Mesa County, this means supporting kids from diverse backgrounds who enter foster care due to family crises.
Colorado faces growing demands in child welfare. Recent data shows about 4,060 children in foster care statewide as of 2025. Many experience multiple placements, with teens averaging four home changes before stability. CASA helps reduce this instability by providing consistent adult support.
The organization’s efforts tie into broader trends. Kinship care certifications, where relatives step in, jumped 38 percent this year thanks to new state laws. Yet, challenges persist. In Mesa County alone, 64 children wait for an advocate right now. This gap underscores why long-term volunteers like the honored three remain so essential.
To illustrate the scope, here is a table of key foster care statistics for Colorado in 2025:
| Category | Statistic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children in Foster Care | 4,060 | Statewide total |
| Average Placements (Ages 12-14) | 3 per child | Highlights instability |
| Average Placements (Ages 15+) | 4 per child | Teens face more disruptions |
| Kinship Certifications Increase | 38% | From 2024 policy changes |
| Children Waiting for CASA | 64 in Mesa County | Urgent need for new volunteers |
These figures come from reliable state reports and show the ongoing crisis. Without enough advocates, children’s voices fade in the legal process.
Challenges Facing Foster Care and the Call for More Help
Foster care in Colorado deals with rising referrals, up to over 118,000 in 2024 alone. Economic pressures, substance abuse, and family breakdowns contribute to this surge. Volunteers like Rinderle, Allison, and Dillon bridge these gaps, but burnout and high caseloads pose risks.
Recent events highlight the urgency. In July 2025, seven new volunteers were sworn in for Mesa County, a positive step. Still, CASA aims to recruit 25 more this year to clear the waiting list. Training sessions equip participants with skills to handle sensitive cases effectively.
Community involvement makes a big difference. Pinwheel plantings and awareness drives, like one in April 2025, rally support. These women exemplify how ordinary people can drive extraordinary change. Their stories inspire others to consider volunteering amid national trends where over 343,000 kids need advocates.
- Key challenges in Colorado foster care:
- High number of placements leading to emotional trauma for children.
- Shortage of trained advocates, leaving many kids without representation.
- Increased kinship care demands due to family separations.
- Need for ongoing training to address evolving family dynamics.
Addressing these issues requires collective action. The recognized volunteers prove that sustained effort yields lasting results.
How You Can Join the Effort and Get Involved
CASA of Mesa County hosts an informational session on October 4 at 9 a.m. This free event lets potential volunteers learn about the training process and real-world impact. No legal background is needed; just a passion for helping kids.
Becoming a CASA advocate involves a background check, 30 hours of training, and ongoing support. Volunteers typically spend 10 to 20 hours monthly per case. The reward? Knowing you shape a child’s future in meaningful ways.
As Colorado’s child welfare system evolves, more hands are needed. Events like this recognition ceremony remind us of the human side of advocacy. Share your thoughts in the comments below and consider spreading the word to friends who might want to volunteer. Your support can help end the wait for those 64 children and beyond.
