“A letter for me? I never get mail; it can’t be for me!” exclaimed the child when receiving a letter “of hope” from Mr. Ed.
Edwin Kach
Turning His Energy to Advocacy
As a seasoned mechanical engineer, trained CASA and father of two, Edwin (Ed) Kach notices the details. He could see clearly that something was up with his CASA child.
While Ed interacted with the family on a scheduled visit, the child stood across the room with attention toward the television. It wasn’t the stance or choice of programming that caught Ed’s eye. It was the child’s the proximity to this mammoth device that begged his concern and led to some investigation.
Throughout his career, Ed did his share of investigating to support the development of machines that solved problems and empowered progress. In retirement, Mr. Ed (as the kids call him) turned his attention and energy toward advocacy—helping resolve care and safety issues for abused and neglected children and empowering them with the confidence to flourish in life.
In this case, Ed suspected the child was struggling with vision, which he knew could impact school and social activities and cause greater risk for injury and other health concerns.
He started asking questions, and involved the family, caseworker, Advocate Supervisor and others, which helped him uncover an understanding of the circumstances and limitations: the state funds just one pair of glasses per year, and this child’s “new” specs had been lost in the latest foster move. They’d need to wait months for replacement. But Ed was persistent through obstacles and push-back to get funding sooner, allowing the to child see a brighter future.
In another case, Ed was instrumental in facilitating critical academic support for his CASA child after months of stonewalling by the school. “It’s situations like these that let me see I’m making a difference, helping kids get the help they need and deserve.”
Bitter and Sweet
After nearly five years in this volunteer role, Ed has seen heartache with his many CASA children. The neediness of a youngster who was sexually assaulted by a parent. The anger of a child prohibited by court order from sibling contact. The agony and deceit of a mother who wants to, but can’t navigate the critical role of parenting. The confusion of a sibling group dispersed among three different homes.
He has also seen growth and progress. The child’s smile upon hearing Ed recommend college “because you have the potential to not only go to college, but to graduate,” and his offer to help navigate that course. The satisfaction of seeing “the system” work for the child due to his report or recommendation. The joy of receiving a letter of thanks from a child. The delight of attending a graduation or adoption ceremony and closing a case.
With Eyes to See
Ed chose this volunteer role as a way to learn and be active and engaged in retirement. “I loved engineering, but wanted to try something different, something more social,” he explained. “CASA work seemed to be on the other end of the spectrum. The experience has been eye-opening and educational,” he said.
“I really enjoy getting to know the kids, looking out for them, helping them see life beyond their circumstances, encouraging them to do well in school and advocating for the right decisions on their behalf,” Ed shared. “Also, I appreciate the flexibility. I visit the kids, attend reviews, write reports, check in with teachers, etc., and also stay in touch with kids from my closed cases. They still mean a lot to me, and I want them to know I care and continue to believe in them. I can do all of this while enjoying travel in retirement, including visiting the National Parks.”
Mr. Ed’s CASA kids benefit from these adventures, too, receiving thoughtfully penned postcards from the unique destinations—a gesture that shows he’s thinking of them, while opening their eyes to natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. “Getting a postcard from Glacier or Acadia is like a whole new world for these kids,” said Ed. “One child, has kept every postcard, every birthday card, every letter I ever sent. This is one way I know I’ve had an effect on the child.”
Whether it’s investigating a problem or investing in a conversation about the child’s future, Ed is committed to looking out for the child. He sums up his experience with this: “Psychologists say that most kids succeed if they have one adult who really believes in them. Usually it’s a parent; sometimes it’s a teacher. But, some of the time, it just may be a CASA.”