Monse entered foster care in December 2016, and her social worker quickly noticed how social and curious she was; always asking what more she could do. That’s how she met Sharon McQueen, her CASA volunteer: a bubbly, optimistic woman who felt like the grandma she had lost years earlier. Sharon took her to hidden food spots, introduced her to new experiences, and became a steady presence as placements and social workers changed. When restrictions limited Monse to school and work, Sharon stayed connected through letters and phone calls. They bonded over scrapbooking and shared countless meals at Red Lobster. Sharon attended Monse’s graduation just before the pandemic, and when she passed away in 2019, Monse felt the loss deeply, later connecting with Sharon’s family and holding onto the community Sharon had created for her.