We’ve all heard the old adage, “If you want something done, ask a busy person” and CASA volunteer Paul Deese is a good example. In 2022, he was working 60-80 hours a week as the managing partner in a law firm handling business and real estate litigation. By the end of that year, he was thinking about leaving his firm and launching his own practice. In the midst of starting his new business, Paul’s wife, Giselle Deese invited him to attend a Men of CASA event. Giselle had been volunteering as a member of the Friends of CASA auxiliary so Paul had some familiarity with CASA’s work.
According to Paul, he was so inspired by the evening’s presentation and the need for more male volunteers to help boys in his own community, that he signed up on the spot. Paul committed to completing his training despite the pressures of simultaneously launching his new law firm. He says, “The days were long but I just had to be disciplined and create a good schedule for myself.” In addition to his career and CASA volunteer work, Paul also finds time to do long distance running, wood-working, furniture building, writing and hopes to publish a book someday.
Paul has found that his interest in physical activities like running and hiking have helped him connect with the boys he’s been matched with. His first match was with two brothers aged 14 and 15. He said it was challenging at first to connect and discuss heavier issues since there was some pressure between the brothers to not dive too deeply into difficult feelings. “Men can be like that when talking about feelings or emotions. They'd often grunt answers at me,” Paul said laughing. “But being a man myself, I know the best way to typically get men comfortable and talking is through some sort of physical exertion. So we’d usually do a hike or other physical activity. After working up a sweat, they started opening up a bit more. They’d get excited doing an activity they both liked. It was cool they could share an experience together,” he said.
After the two boys were reunified with their dad, Paul’s CASA Advocate Supervisor, Chelsea Gammieri, presented him with two very different cases he could choose from for his next match. One was 15 year old *Raymond who was living in a foster home, and the other was 20 year old *Eddie, a NMD (non-minor dependent) six months away from aging out of the system. Instead of choosing one case, Paul asked if he could take them both.
Chelsea says this dedication is why she nominated Paul as Advocate of the Month. “Paul has taken on two challenging cases at the same time and is committed and invested in both of them. Paul supports both youth equally and meets each of their needs. He easily connects and communicates with them as well. I nominated Paul because he is such a fabulous example of a strong male advocate! He provides much needed mentorship and support to young men,” said Chelsea.
*Raymond had been separated from his siblings due to challenging family circumstances, but hopes to be reunited with his brother who is also in foster care. Paul is trying to advocate on his behalf to ensure this happens. He also works with Raymond’s foster mom to be sure he gets to visit his older sister. “Raymond is very close to his sister and her husband who is a positive male figure in his life and his new foster mom is helpful with those visits. I try to make sure he is able to have regular family visits and try to help those things stay on track,” said Paul.
Eddie, the 20 year old NMD, is quiet and introspective according to Paul. He is trying to change the trajectory of his life and stay on track. He’s had some brushes with the law and needs to complete community service obligations and attend therapy to be in compliance with court orders. Paul says he provides a forum for him to talk about these things but is quick to credit Eddie for putting in the effort to change.
Paul reflects back on his good fortune being raised in a happy household, “I was born and raised in Orange County and grew up in a good home with two parents who are still married and a younger sister who I’m close to. My dad was my first and primary role model and demonstrated what it looks like to be a strong man who is compassionate, a leader and a provider.” He adds, “So many young men struggle with the breakdown of their family and few strong role models in their lives. 1 in 5 men can’t name a friend these days. Men make up most of the suicides in the world, so boys really need positive role modeling to show them a path forward they can be optimistic about.”
Giselle, who first brought Paul to the Men of CASA event, was just appointed to serve on the board of directors for Friends of CASA. Paul shared, “If you’re thinking about becoming a CASA, take the leap - you won’t regret it.” If you’d like to learn more about becoming a CASA, please email Norma Mendoza or sign up to attend an upcoming Information Session. If you’re interested in learning more about Friends of CASA, click here.
*Name changed to protect privacy