CASA First’s Grace Korthuis and a child play with blocks. Courtesy/CASA First

By GRACE KORTHUIS
CASA First

As a 24-year-old living in Northern New Mexico, it can be difficult to create community. Working at the nonprofit CASA First, I’m inspired by the compassionate community I’m now part of. It includes my colleagues who uplift vulnerable children, and volunteers who inspire me with their care and steadfastness. I feel especially connected to the families and kids whom I get to see grow and heal over time.

Working within the child welfare system is often devastating, especially here in New Mexico, which is ranked 50th in the nation for overall child well-being (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2025). Directly supporting the most vulnerable children and families is my remedy to hopelessness. Every time I see a child who has suffered get to experience joy instead of pain, I am filled with hope.

I’m motivated to keep doing this work because I see how high the odds are stacked against kids in foster care. The data shows that if we’re not there for these children, one out of four youth in care will end up homeless within four years of aging out, only half will finish high school (NFYI), and 70 percent will be arrested before age 26 (American University). When I feel shaken by the growing despair I see in our world, the knowledge that I can make a difference for youth who need it most is what drives my own faith and resilience.

Right now, systematic change feels like a tall order. When I experience doubt, this work shows me how profound the ripple effect on our community is when we’re able to help even one child who is struggling to find ground beneath their feet.

My time at CASA First has taught me that growth is possible through patience, nonjudgment, and care. My own growth as a CASA employee is amplified by the sense of safety and warmth I feel in the CASA First environment. Likewise, the growth I see in my clients increases as they learn where safety and love are found in their worlds.

Recently, one client’s grandmother told me, “We’ve tried so many therapists and teachers, and you are the first person my grandchild is willing to open up to.” I am grateful for so many aspects of my life at CASA First, but I am most grateful for CASA giving me the skills and experience to help a child feel safe enough to share who they truly are. There is honor and gratitude that comes with that, but also profound humility in recognizing that we don’t know the impact we have on those around us. We are all vulnerable to one another, not only in ways that cause hurt – as so many of the children we work with have been hurt – but also in ways that bring refuge, strengthen one another, and create a kinder world, person-by-person.

If you want to join our community, reach out to info@casafirst.org or www.casafirst.org.