Dan Oliver has a commanding presence when he walks into a room. He has a firm handshake, a booming voice and a ready smile so it’s no surprise to learn he is a retired ordained minister. After many years serving as a minister, he retired to spend more time with his wife and daughter before becoming a real estate agent. Now he jokes, he’s in the “Ministry of Real Estate” where every client is in a state of transition; someone’s downsizing, upsizing, getting married or perhaps has lost a loved one.
Dan says he became familiar with CASA through connections at church. For him, becoming an advocate with CASA was a natural, “I thought it would be a fun, intriguing way to give and, at the same time, get something back. And we always get back more than we give when doing this kind of work.” Dan has been volunteering with CASA for about 14 months and says of his experience, “Having done a lot of non-profit work, I’ve never been so impressed with an organization as I have with CASA.” When asked why that was, he said, “It’s largely run by women and that usually bodes well with communication styles. Training has been as in-depth as I’ve ever had in a ministry job, and expressions of gratitude are constant.” He added, “The personalities are all pleasant and upbeat and there are lots of opportunities for volunteers. There is an authentic passion for the work they’re doing. I’m very impressed.”
Since becoming a CASA, Dan has been matched with just one youth *Randy who just turned 18. According to Dan it’s been a good experience and he describes Randy as a really “charismatic guy.” Dan explains, “Randy has had a rough go of it, some of it self-inflicted, but we have a great relationship. I’ve been working with him to try to give him some sense of stability. He’s been in probably 7 placements in a little over a year.” Dan says he always has to call ahead to make sure Randy is still living in the same place before heading over for a visit.
According to Dan, Randy has had some brushes with the law and is currently on probation with an ankle monitor. Dan would frequently visit Randy during his time in Juvenile Hall and the two developed an easy rapport. Dan said, “We talk about everything; sexuality, LGBT issues, even his gang life. He’s very comfortable talking about anything.”
The two connect for visits every couple of weeks and go to restaurants, get frozen yogurt or visit Starbucks. “There has never been anything but gratitude from him which is unusual from people, especially a young person, and especially with someone who’s grown up in his set of life circumstances. He is grateful every time I see him saying, ‘Thank you for this, thank you for taking time,’” said Dan.
Dan describes a special day the two recently shared, “CASA was able to provide us with tickets to an Angels game and the two of us were sitting there at the end of the game and it’s HOT and I said, ‘Do you want to leave?’ Randy replied, ‘I’d like to just sit here for a bit if that’s ok.’ He was just soaking in the ambience of the day.” Dan continued, “There are times he’s pretty much not allowed to go anywhere with anyone but me and he just said, ‘Thank you again for making this happen.’”
One of the unique aspects of being a CASA is the opportunity to advocate for youth in front of a judge at court hearings. When advocates complete their CASA training, they are sworn in by a judge as an officer of the court. Advocates are always joined by their CASA Advocate Supervisor when appearing in court. Dan says he’s appeared many times in court on behalf of Randy. He shares that he’s been very impressed with the team that surrounds Randy, “He has a pretty extraordinary team of a social worker, the judge, and his lawyer. The times I’ve interacted with them they’ve been very pleasant, responsive and very much respect the role of CASA.”
Dan says his role in court is mainly to be a presence on Randy’s behalf. “I see it as my chance to celebrate this young guy, provide an update, and advocate on his behalf. One of the primary things I want to reinforce with the judge is that I really believe in Randy. I think he’s a good kid with a lot of charisma despite the chaos of his life. I let the judge know Randy is excited about his recent graduation from high school and is looking forward to getting a job. I share that he wants to be in independent-living and wants to continue with me as his CASA.”
Chelsea Gammieri is Dan’s Advocate Supervisor and she shared, "We are so lucky to have Dan as a CASA - he is patient, generous with his time, engaged and willing to work with youth that need unconditional love and support. Dan brings joy, that is infectious to all, who are privileged to interact with him!"
Dan shows emotion as he shares some of the high points of his time as a CASA, “The high of my time with Randy has been the extraordinary ways this challenged 18 year expresses gratitude. I have done non-profit work, life and church for a long time and met few people who innately know how to say thank you and mean it.” After a pause, he adds, “Yeah, he’s a good kid. He’s got a lot going for him.”
Dan’s advice to those who may be considering becoming a CASA is, “The CASA experience is not 9-5 so it allows me to integrate something really powerful and meaningful into my life. And, as is most often the case, we get far more than we give. It takes time but it's very valuable. I’m always surprised at how few men are engaged and I’m always trying to think how I can share the opportunity with the network of people I know.”
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a CASA or would like to attend an Information Session, please visit our website.
*Name changed to protect privacy.