CASA Volunteer Driven by His Own Foster Care Experience

Why Monthly Giving Matters: Spotlight on Tristian Smith 

For children in foster care, having a consistent adult in their corner can change the course of their lives. CASA depends on a community of generosity who make that kind of consistency possible by supporting the recruitment, training, and supervision of CASA volunteers statewide.

One of those monthly donors is Tristian Smith — and his connection to this mission is deeply personal.

Tristian spent too much of his childhood in foster care. But unlike many young people today, he never had the support of a CASA volunteer guiding him through the uncertainty, the moves, and the court hearings.

That absence is exactly why he gives now — and why he proudly serves as a CASA volunteer.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5

“I didn’t have a CASA volunteer when I was in care, and I know firsthand how much stability and encouragement make a difference in a child's life. Becoming a monthly donor—and now a CASA volunteer—is one of the ways I give to make sure kids don’t go through foster care alone.”

— Tristian Smith, Nebraska CASA Monthly Donor & Volunteer

Tristian’s story is more than inspiring, as told in his book, Against All Odds — it’s a reminder of what’s at stake. More than 3,000 children enter foster care in Nebraska each year, and too many still go without the advocacy they deserve. Monthly gifts create the reliable foundation that allows Nebraska CASA to reach more children, support more volunteers, and strengthen local programs across the state.

Why Monthly Giving Makes a Difference

Consistency: Monthly giving gives CASA programs stable, predictable resources.

Impact: Even $10–$25 a month fuels volunteer training, background checks, outreach, and advocacy tools.

A Statewide Community: Monthly donors join a network of people committed to ensuring every child's voice is heard in court.

Tristian’s commitment shows that the impact of CASA extends far beyond a single case — it inspires adults who’ve lived through foster care to step forward and change the story for the next generation.

As we look forward to tomorrow's Giving Tuesday campaign, we invite you to join Tristian and others who give each month to build a stronger, more resilient CASA network for Nebraska’s children.

 Become a monthly donor today — and help ensure no child walks through the foster care system without someone fighting for them.

Thank you for investing in the future of Nebraska’s children.