By Shannon Contreras
It’s easy to see what makes David Sosa such a great CASA volunteer. He has genuine charisma and a warm, friendly personality that instantly makes others feel at ease. Even in a short conversation with him, you can feel the passion he has for everything he does in his life.
Originally from El Paso, David moved to Austin over twelve years ago and works as Assistant Controller for Hopdoddy. He's also balancing this with his second semester in grad school, where he’s studying toward his MBA in International Business.
"I kept thinking, 'there are kids out there waiting for someone.' They’re feeling the weight of the world, and I couldn’t keep running away from that opportunity anymore."
David learned about the volunteer opportunity at CASA from a friend, but it took some serious thought before he decided he was ready to take the next step. “I was really concerned about the emotional impact it might have on me. I thought it might just be too hard for me to handle,” he tells us. “Finally, it was a good time in my life, and I kept thinking, 'there are kids out there waiting for someone.' They’re feeling the weight of the world, and I couldn’t keep running away from that opportunity anymore. I am so glad I didn't. I have loved working with the kids I serve.”
"Most of the kids I work with are Spanish-speaking, and it really reminds me of my family. I want to make sure these kids know that I understand the way they were raised. I want to bring my lived experience to the organization."
David has now been a volunteer for a year and a half and has learned how important representation is in the work that CASA does. “Most of the kids I work with are Spanish-speaking, and it really reminds me of my family. I want to make sure these kids know that I understand the way they were raised. I look like them, I identify with these kids and recognize that taking care of them isn’t about a nice house or car, I want to bring my lived experience to the organization.”
David says his favorite part of volunteering is connecting with the kids he serves. “Honestly, I think being able to watch the kids enjoy themselves on visits, they’ve made a connection with me and it's nice that for a short time, they don’t have to worry. On my first case, I advocated for a sibling group, and seeing them relax and enjoy 'being kids' is so important.”
David hopes that more people will finally decide the time is right for them to train and become a volunteer. "A few hours a month of your time can totally change a child’s life."
David hopes that more people will finally decide the time is right for them to train and become a volunteer. “If someone is thinking about being a volunteer, especially if you are male and Spanish speaking, there are so many kids in the system who need support, who need someone who looks like them. To be able to be a constant presence in these kids' lives makes it all so worth it. A few hours a month of your time can totally change a child’s life.”
Could CASA be your passion? The children we serve are waiting for dedicated and caring community members just like you. Learn more on our Volunteer page or RSVP for an upcoming Volunteer Info Session over Zoom. If you're ready to begin your volunteer journey, apply today!
2021 Featured Volunteer Story Volunteer Profiles February
