Colette Dunlap never thought she would be so grateful for fishing.

Fishing is not a hobby of hers. In fact, it has not even been an interest. However, becoming a CASA Volunteer quickly changed this, as Colette was introduced to experiences that she would not have had otherwise.

“I asked my assigned CASA youth what he was interested in doing or what he would like to accomplish,” said Colette. “He told me he wanted to fish.”

Colette gathered fishing gear and found a spot along the Cherry Creek Reservoir. She was not sure how it was going to go, as the youth had not been eager to engage with her in previous visits.

“He actually loved it!” she said. “It wasn’t that we caught any fish – we did not – but we laughed and had fun for hours.”

This is Colette’s first CASA case, but it is clear that she is a natural in the role. She felt called to work with children upon retirement, and she puts them first, even when it is challenging.

“Becoming a CASA Volunteer was a much bigger commitment than I expected it to be, but I would never take it back now,” said Colette. “It would not be fair to the kids, but it wouldn’t be fair to me either.”

The connection between Colette and her assigned CASA youth has been evident from the beginning. She was informed that the older youth may use profanities or have some bigger expressions during their time together. However, Colette has experienced the opposite.

“She has never said an obscene word to me and has always been very kind,” explained Colette with a smile. “She used to call me every night for a couple of weeks. It feels like we’re making a difference in each other’s lives.”

Throughout this experience, Colette feels that she is growing. She is learning from her assigned CASA youth every day.

“I feel like I am learning so much,” said Colette. “I am learning to give grace and acknowledge that people are doing the best they can with what they have. It is always good to look at things differently.”

While Colette is grateful to be learning about her assigned youth’s strengths, dreams, and needs, she is also grateful to be learning new skills – including how to fish.