Transforming Experience Into Action: A Child Welfare Advocate's Mission to Give Back

Courtesy of United Way

Throughout an ever-changing rotation of social workers, families and judges, one thing remained constant: her Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) advocate. CASA First Judicial District is an organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in the welfare system throughout Santa Fe, Rio Arriba County, and Los Alamos County.

​“I knew that no matter what home I was in or what school I went to, she would always check in on me. She was a person who wouldn’t change,” Veronica said. After graduating from college, Veronica joined CASA First in 2018, this time as an advocate.“There’s a reason I ended up at CASA First,” she said. “I knew firsthand how much it meant to have someone who truly cared.”

The CASA First team gathers together in their office’s garden.

As a foster youth advocate, she provided the same consistency she once received, creating spaces where young people could speak openly about their experiences. “I didn’t pretend to have all the answers,” she said, “but I could meet kids where they were, be honest with them and help them find resources.” Annie Rasquin, Executive Director of CASA First, emphasizes the importance of listening to those with lived experience. “My staff always tells me, ‘Listen to Veronica,’” Annie said. “She helps shape who we are, identifies the needs in the community and shows us ways to grow.”
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Veronica’s leadership in child welfare expanded as she transitioned into legislative work, serving as a leadership analyst for the New Mexico House of Representatives majority leader. Even as her career in policy continues to advance, she remains connected to CASA First, serving as vice president of the Board of Directors.

CASA First is one of 24 nonprofits supported by United Way Northern New Mexico (UWNNM), ensuring children in the foster care system have dedicated, consistent advocates.

“United Way is the organization that connects the dots,” Veronica said. “They help shift organizations away from a scarcity mindset and create a community built on abundance.”

Liddie Martinez, Los Alamos Market President at Enterprise Bank & Trust, was drawn toUnited Way’s support of multiple organizations that serve the area’s most vulnerable. A donor for 30 years, Liddie recently completed her tenure as chair of the board at UWNNM.

“United Way has been such a huge part of my life,” Liddie said. “The organization has an incredible reach and depth of impact.”
Enterprise committed to a three-year $300,000 matching grant to support UWNNM’s staffing and programs, with funds distributed in annual $100,000 installments. 

“No single person or organization can do it alone,” says Cindy Padilla, Executive Director ofUWNNM. “Working together amplifies our impact.” Liddie helped guide UWNNM through transitions, ensuring stability for the organization during leadership changes and strengthening policies to keep the nonprofit moving forward. “As native New Mexicans who both grew up in Hispanic households, Liddie and I understand the value of community,” Cindy said. “We both feel a responsibility to give back.” 

For Veronica, responsibility drives her work every day. Just as someone once showed up for her, she remains committed to showing up for others.  
“Whether it’s between youth in the welfare system and their advocates, or between partnered organizations like United Way and CASA First,” said Veronica, “true progress comes from genuine relationships built on mutual trust.” 

This giving season, donate to nonprofits such as CASA First or United Way Northern New Mexico where one donation impacts many nonprofits, builds a stronger community. 

Original content source: www.enterprisebank.com/impact-united-way-of-northern-new-mexico