Lifelong learner Bobbi Ryan makes time and space for teens in foster care

Bobbi Ryan volunteers one or two Saturdays per month in The Hanger at the CASA office. She puts out newly donated merchandise, supervises the teen workers, and checks the shoppers in and out.

Some days, it’s slow. Other times it’s packed with foster teens looking to replace a worn-out pair of shoes, acquire basic hygiene supplies, or take home a fresh new outfit that makes them feel great about themselves.

That’s what The Hanger is all about. It’s about building confidence and resilience in teens, who – because they live in out-of-home placement – don’t have access to the same resources and opportunities as their peers. Ryan is a natural fit for working with these teens whose lives are often in chaos. If you’ve ever met her, you know she has a calming, peaceful presence.

Ryan got behind the Hanger’s cause as soon as she saw the space for the first time in the spring of 2023. She had some clothing to donate and online research pointed her to CASA.

“I wanted them to go somewhere where they might get a second life,” she recalls about her donations. “When I came to the door, Jane happened to be here. She was so great and told me how the shop worked.”

Jane Hegstrom is the founder of The Hanger and she gave Bobbi a tour that day. Having just retired from her career with L3Harris, Bobbi had the time to put into volunteer work.

One of Bobbi’s favorite parts of her job is watching the teen workers. The Hanger allows foster teens to work in the store and gain experience for future job applications.

“It’s heartwarming to see how kind and helpful they can be,” she says of the workers. “A first-time shopper can sometimes be painfully shy, speaking quietly, not sure what to do next.  I have encouraged the teen workers to remember how they themselves felt the first time they came into the shop and then use that experience to understand how the new teen shopper must feel.”

The teens help their peers find the right size or style of clothing, and even give some fashion advice from time to time.  Bobbi has many memories from The Hanger that will always stick with her.

Once, a boy came in for a particular pair of shoes needed for baseball. The store didn’t have them but he put the shoes on the Hanger’s wish list. The shoes were purchased for him the very next week.

One Saturday, a teen shopper came in with his advocate and selected a nice suit that fit perfectly, paired it with some dress shoes, and left completely outfitted for a magical prom.

Another Saturday, a teen girl who was working in the store talked with Bobbi about how excited she was about an origami class she had taken.

“Before we quit that day, the teen worker gave me a tiny little origami crane she had fashioned out of a small yellow sticky note — the only paper she could find.  It meant the world to me.  I will always treasure that little crane, as it reminds me how incredibly sweet these kids can be.”

Bobbi Ryan is a lifelong learner who loves to travel and read biographies. She’s in a book club, a dinner club, various social activities, and is a loving mother and grandmother to her family. Before retiring, her career spanned several areas from paralegal work to aerospace and defense. It’s no surprise that now with some free time on her hands, she makes space for kids who need extra support.

“I have so much admiration for each one of the kids.  Even though I’m not familiar with their individual stories, I do know how brave they must be to just keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles they face.  And I always hope that shopping at The Hanger, and finding something they like, will help them feel a little bit better that day.”

If YOU want to be like Bobbi and make space for these kids too, check out CASA’s volunteer opportunities here.