Advocate Spotlight: Michelle Kozich

NEPA Sings 2018 is what sparked Michelle Kozich's interest in CASA of Luzerne County. 

"I had no idea what CASA was at the time, but I love music and bought a couple of tickets to NEPA Sings," Michelle said. "As I learned about CASA that evening, I knew it would be something I'd eventually do, it was just a matter of finding the right time." 

A year later, Michelle was in our spring training class and officially began her advocacy in June 2019. 

She has been advocating for four siblings and has shown them that there is an adult out there who cares what happens to them. 

After a hearing, one of the children thanked Michelle for her advocacy. 

"She said, 'Thank you for everything you did for me today,'" Michelle recounted. "I realized in that moment that she noticed. She knew I was there for her and that I was there because I wanted to be, not because I had to be. I'll never forget that moment." 

Michelle is proof that if you're determined to make a difference, nothing can stand in your way. She works a full time job and is still devoted to her family and her own life. 

"Becoming an advocate is truly a decision you won't regret," Michelle said. "There are children you will make an impact on in such a positive way."

If, like Michelle, you're ready to change the life of a child who is waiting for you, please reach out to us. We postponed our spring training class that was scheduled to begin on March 25th due to COVID-19. However, we'd love to talk to you if you're interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer advocate.

Michelle lives in Plains with her husband of 23 years. They are parents to two adult children and three cats.

Gabriel Fernandez and Why Speaking Up Matters

Gabriel Fernandez Screenshot courtesy of Netflix

There has been a lot of talk lately about the heartbreaking and horrendous story of young Gabriel Fernandez.

Gabriel’s story of horrific abuse at the hands of his own mother and her boyfriend and, in turn, Gabriel’s subsequent death at those same hands, is one more people are becoming familiar with thanks to the Netflix documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.

The six-part series chronicles Gabriel’s life, the unspeakable acts he was subjected to, and the adults who were supposed to not only save and protect him, but love and nurture him.

It’s not easy to watch … it’s downright traumatic, in fact. But it’s important. It’s important that his name is known and his story is heard and his suffering is acknowledged because the sad fact is: his story is not uncommon.

It happens to children everywhere, including here in our own backyards. That’s a sobering thought, but it’s the reality.

There are currently more than 500 children in foster care in Luzerne County alone because of abuse or neglect. Sometimes the stories aren’t nearly as bad as Gabriel’s. But sometimes they are. Even one child who is bruised and broken is one child too many.

And it’s always after a tragedy like his that we ask what we could have done. Collectively we wonder where the saviors were; how something like this could happen; why didn’t anyone step up.

There are people stepping up: There are foster parents who are opening their homes to children with nowhere to go. Opening their hearts and arms to provide love and refuge during dark times. There are social workers and therapists and attorneys who have committed their lives to step into the mess and help sort things out. There are Court Appointed Special Advocates who donate their time and talents to support these children and amplify their voices. A CASA volunteer upholds these children and speaks up for their best interests until they’re in a safe, loving, permanent home, and equipped with the things they need in order to thrive.

Gabriel needed an advocate. He needed a community to stand up for him and say, “what happened to you is not okay, it’s not your fault, and I’m going to be here with you through it because I want to be.”

Right now there are more than 60 CASA volunteers in Luzerne County who are doing just that. But there are more children in need than volunteers available.

Gabriel’s story, and the stories of the children here in Luzerne County, are uncomfortable. They hurt to hear. They change our worldview and shake us out of our comfort zones and propel us to take action. To take action now before it’s too late.

Many of us have the luxury of choice, the decision to do something or do nothing. But every one of us has something to give – time, talent, finances. Sometimes that gift is just awareness and support. Because we can’t all do the same thing, but we can all do something.

Something so no more children live like Gabriel did – hurting and invisible.

If you’re not sure what you can do or what exactly it is we do, we’re happy to have a conversation with you.