Else Nye

After doing my senior research exhibition on the American foster care system, I knew that this was something I wanted to be involved with for the rest of my life. through my research, I saw the immense flaws of the system, including the lack of a consistent and personal advocate to support children as they change homes and case workers. CASA provides that stability by giving children an ally that will stay with them for the entirety of their time in the foster care system, accompany them in court, and establish reliable relationships. My mom was a CASA in San Francisco, and my sister was adopted, so this topic is very near and dear to my heart. I cannot imagine my family without my sister, and I wish more families participated in foster and adoption.
While reading about the Cook County foster system, I was shocked to learn that only 11% of children currently have access to a CASA Advocate. Running the marathon this fall will allow me to increase awareness about the importance of this program and contribute funding for the hardworking volunteers. I hope to inspire people I know to get involved with CASA wherever they may live, and help promote a brighter future for children in the foster care system.