Monday, Mar 4, 2024

Welcoming Berenice: A New Chapter in CASA's Dedication to Youth in Foster Care

In a significant step forward for fostering positive change, CASA is thrilled to welcome Berenice Hueramo, a passionate individual dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth in foster care. With a background deeply rooted in mental health advocacy, Berenice brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to the mission of CASA.

Berenice's driving force behind her enthusiasm is rooted in her commitment to supporting youth in foster care, particularly in the realm of mental health. Her enthusiasm is not just a career choice but a personal mission to contribute to the well-being of those navigating the challenges of life after foster care.

Bringing a diverse background to her role, Berenice has spent the last five years in the mental health field, advocating for support that transcends all boundaries. As the newest 

Social Media Assistant for the A Home Within/CASA Therapy Project, she actively engages therapists across California, igniting their interest in participating in the initiative and enhancing the visibility and expansion of the therapy project. The goal is ambitious – to bridge the gap between foster youth and high-quality mental health care and resources. Berenice aspires to help the project grow into a robust support network, reaching mental health professionals statewide and making a lasting impact in the foster care system.

Believing in the profound impact of CASA's advocacy work, especially concerning mental health, Berenice sees it as a transformative force for youth in foster care. Recognizing the challenges of accessing mental health services post-foster care, she emphasizes how alleviating this struggle significantly enhances the prospects for long-term success and says that advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Beyond the professional realm, Berenice's passion extends into the arts. Creative pursuits like painting and video editing offer a channel for personal expression, while the beach becomes a sanctuary for rejuvenation and camaraderie with friends.

In a lesser-known chapter of her life, Berenice reveals her immigrant journey, moving to the United States from Mexico at the age of one. This personal narrative adds a unique layer to her aspirations, fueled by the hope to return one day and contribute to improving mental health access for youth in her home country.
Looking ahead, both personally and professionally, Berenice aspires to stay in the nonprofit field, continuing to impact as many lives as possible positively. With dreams of furthering her education and becoming a therapist, she is excited about the learning journey ahead.

As our newest CASA team member, Berenice's story becomes a testament to the power of individual commitment and collective efforts to make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care.