Advocate Spotlight: Deanna Drako

When Deanna Drako became a foster mom in Luzerne County, she saw firsthand the need for a volunteer advocate.

“I was a foster parent with Luzerne County for 2 years and was blessed to adopt my son from care in 2020,” Deanna said. “During that time I learned of the need for more advocacy for the children. I also worked with several local kids at my job who were in foster care, one student specifically who inspired me to start fostering.”

Deanna joined CASA as an advocate in February of this year.

“I am a fairly new advocate but it was really exciting to meet the child I advocate for for the first time and put a face to his name and realize that my work could have a tremendous impact on his life,” she said.

Despite being new to her case, Deanna set goals immediately and is working hard to make sure her CASA kid has what he needs to succeed.

“I am working to hopefully get my kid an iPad and speech software which will greatly benefit his communication skills,” she said.

Deanna also knows that, as a volunteer advocate, she is part of a larger network.

“There are more than 500 children in care in Luzerne County and not nearly enough foster homes, guardians ad litem, or advocates,” she said. “Not a lot of people know that sometimes it takes people from many differ aspects of the system to advocate for the best interest of the child.”

Deanna is committed to the best interest of the child on her case and is truly making a difference in his life.

If you’d like to join Deanna in this effort, we invite you to attend one of our info sessions by registering here.

Deanna received her MBA from Wilkes University and works as the Assistant Director of the SHINE After School Program of Luzerne County at Wilkes University. She lives in Wilkes Barre with her 2.5 year old son, Wesley.

Advocate Spotlight: Jade Levi

When Jade Levi joined the CASA staff as an advocate coordinator, she wasn’t sure if she was going to advocate. But then she saw the advocates in action and knew she would join their ranks.

“The stories from my advocates inspire me,” Jade said. “I began to really see the difference this program makes in the life of a child.”

Jade jumped right in to a rather difficult case and quickly built a bond with the teenage girl who has come to recognize Jade as a loyal support in her life.

“Each time I talk and visit with her, I am showing her that I’m there because I want to be, not because I have to be,” Jade said. I get to be a constant in her life and I will be there for her any time she needs me.”

Jade understands firsthand why the role of a volunteer advocate is so important and so necessary.

“I grew up in the Luzerne County foster care system,” Jade said. “I understand how painful it is to experience the trauma that most of our children go through by being removed from their home and their families.

“I also understand how meaningful it is to have a positive role model during those difficult times — someone you can confide in and trust and turn to for advice, guidance, and support.”

While we don’t all have the personal connection Jade does, we can all agree that every child deserves to feel like they’re seen, to know they’re supported, and to truly be heard.

If you’d like to join Jade and the rest of our advocates on this mission, please reach out to us at office@luzernecasa.org.

Our fall training class starts on Monday, September, 27 and we’d love to talk to you about joining us.

Jade holds a bachelor’s degree in Government, Law, and National Security from Misericordia and lives in Dallas with her daughter Avery and their cat Pumpkin.