How CASA changed the future for a teen named Trinity

Christmas used to be Trinity’s favorite holiday, but that changed one Christmas Eve when her parents decided to separate and an altercation broke out. Before she knew it, Trinity and her siblings were watching their mom struggle with substance use and mental health. After finding her mom unresponsive in a hotel after a non-fatal suicide attempt, it was clear Trinity and her brothers were not in a safe environment, and they were removed.

Change became constant in Trinity’s life. Over the next three years, the teen lived in nine placements, including residential treatment centers. She had five caseworkers and two guardian ad litems (GALs). Though she had always been good at math, she struggled with school, fell behind, and nearly failed her freshman year.

“If you’re lacking stability at home, you’re going to lack stability wherever you go because that’s supposed to be your safe place,” Trinity said.

There WAS one person who stood by Trinity’s side — her CASA advocate, Brittany.

Brittany played a pivotal role in helping Trinity prepare for young adulthood. Though it was hard to connect at first, the two were soon having deep conversations and Trinity began to look at the world through a different lens. This changed Trinity’s perspective—something she now credits for her success. Having been in the system for years, her parents’ rights were now terminated and it was time to start thinking about the future.

A major turning point came when Brittany advocated for a step-down placement, which moved the teen from residential treatment into a foster home. This new environment empowered Trinity to take steps toward the future she wanted for herself. She decided emancipation was the right path for her, and Brittany supported her every step of the way. She soon enrolled in a credit-recovery program and worked around the clock to catch up, earning a 4.0 GPA by her senior year and graduating early with her CASA cheering her on.

The day she emancipated, Trinity earned her driver’s license and placement in a tiny home community—an opportunity Brittany set up on her behalf. Brittany helped ensure this young woman had a safe, stable environment she could call home the day she left the system. Today Trinity is working two jobs, saving for her first car, and preparing to start college at UCCS where she plans to study neurology.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “The amount of support I’ve had from CASA, people getting to know me and being there like a mentor and a friend, has impacted me so much more than people know.”

CASA helps hundreds of children and youth like Trinity.

CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is determined to make sure every child in the 4th Judicial District who has experienced abuse or neglect has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and stable home. But we can’t do this alone. Your generous support makes our work possible. Please help us reach more children and youth like Trinity by making a donation today.