Real Word Speakers Panel
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. PT
Adults (age 18+) only, please.
Join Voices for Children for an inspiring and eye-opening evening as courageous young adults share their personal journeys through the foster care system. This month’s panel focuses on the topic of relationships, exploring how trust, support, and advocacy help shape futures.
Hear firsthand accounts of the challenges, triumphs, and life-changing moments these individuals experienced with a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) by their side.
Real Word Speaker Anthony spent a third of his life in foster care and now advocates for other youth living in foster care. He was supported by his CASA, Daniel, for over a year, and because of his advocacy, Anthony found a safe, permanent home with his great-grandmother. Now, he is a recent graduate from UCLA who continues to speak up for children in foster care and spread awareness about the positive impact of CASA volunteers.
Click here to learn more about Anthony's journey with CASA Daniel.
Real Word Speaker Josh had the unwavering support of his CASA, Tim, who has been in his life since 2016. While Josh navigated his way through the foster care system as a teenager and young adult, CASA Tim was by his side, providing crucial advocacy and caring support. Their relationship, built on trust and consistency, helped prepare Josh for the stability he now has, having graduated with his master's degree and starting his own business.
Click here to learn more about Josh's journey with CASA Tim.
Real Word Speaker Vanessa entered foster care when she was only 8 years old, growing up in the foster care system for 13 years. She was then introduced to her CASA, Laura, who advocated for her for nearly 10 years. CASA Laura tirelessly advocated for Vanessa’s education, helping her attend a college preparatory high school and being by her side to apply to colleges. Today, Vanessa is a recent graduate of UCLA who continues to advocate for supportive housing security for former youth in foster care and continues her higher education journey as she pursues law school.
Click here to learn more about Vanessa's journey with CASA Laura.
Real Word Speaker Emanual entered foster care when he was only an infant. After being supported by a loving foster family and close family friends, Emanual reunified with his mother at age two. Then, at the age of 15, he entered foster care as his mother dealt with serious mental health challenges. This was when he met his CASA, Tim. CASA Tim was a champion of Emanual's education, helping him graduate as valedictorian of his high school class and being there for him through challenging times when he began college. Today, Emanual is an independent young man who works full-time, lives in a place he considers home, and is surrounded by a caring group of people who consistently support his well-being and stand by his side.
Click here to learn more about Emanual's journey with CASA Tim.
About The Real Word Speakers Panel
The Real Word Speakers Panel is comprised of young adults who currently live or have lived in foster care after experiencing abuse, abandonment, or neglect by their parents or caregivers. Featured Real Word speakers are courageous individuals who speak locally and nationally about life in the dependency system.
Real Word speakers are open and forthright about their experiences and share what it’s like to move from home to home, how it feels to be separated from siblings, and how they coped in the face of adversity. They will inspire, humble, uplift, and move you as they share their personal stories and describe how the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program has impacted their lives as foster youth.
Request a Presentation
Please help us educate the community about issues surrounding children who have experienced abuse and neglect. To schedule a Real Word presentation for your group, please contact Sabrina Goosby at sabrinag@speakupnow.org or call 858-598-2205.
Stay in the Know
Voices for Children hosts Real Word panel events throughout the year. Sign up to receive email announcements about upcoming events.
