Sarah Rosendahl

Sarah Rosendahl is a former CASA volunteer and board member. She was initially drawn to this work by the opportunity to make a significant, positive impact early in a child’s life, one that could reverberate for years to come. She sees this impact in ways both large and small: from ensuring kids have necessities like beds, to planting seeds for life-changing goals like attending college.

For Sarah, one experience stands out: she worked with an 8-year-old girl for a long time, often visiting parks to play tag, eat lunch, and read books. Because the little girl loved to read, Sarah treasures those days as a chance for her to simply be a kid. “I hope that in the future she might remember that and be encouraged to go on to become a teacher, which is what she said she wanted to be when she grows up. Or anything else.”

Like many CASAs, Sarah knows it’s not always easy, but we serve kids and families in our communities that we may not have not otherwise known and we learn about resources that we didn’t know existed. The hard parts of the work drive her to want to learn more, and to focus on the kids she does hope to have an impact on. Those kids might grow up with more chances to thrive, and be who they’re meant to be, regardless of the impact of things outside of their control. 

Looking toward the 20th anniversary and the future of CASA San Mateo, Sarah’s greatest hope is for more volunteers. “If you are thinking about it, attend an orientation! You’ll learn so much and get to talk to people, and then you’ll know if it’s right for you or not.” It’s definitely a time commitment, and it can be challenging, but one thing she’s sure – people get more than they give. “I know that’s common and trite but, in this case, it’s true!”