Volunteer Spotlight: Jose Garzon

A CASA is selfless, empathetic, understanding, and most importantly passionate about serving others.

In the work of a CASA, one must be patient and hopeful for change. With proper support and resources, many of our cases have the potential to succeed. No one understands that better than our very own CASA, Jose Garzon.

This month, we recognize Jose—a bilingual CASA and former USAID Diplomat. Over the past two years, Jose has served five children across two families. Having dedicated years to serving communities abroad, he now focuses on empowering his local community. Jose is a firm believer in transformation through advocacy and support.

Learn more about Jose below.

Are you from the area?

Originally, no—I was born in New York and raised in California. I spent much of my adult life overseas working for the Foreign Service and relocated to Fairfax, Virginia, in 2000. We brought a house here, and in between tours, I would return to Fairfax. I’ve been living here permanently since 2021, after retiring from the Foreign Service. My wife ended her tour around the same time.  

What did you do prior to becoming a CASA?

I was a Development Diplomat for USAID and managed international assistance programs. I was fortunate to visit many countries and worked in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Later, as a contractor, I returned to Latin America and Europe. Both my wife and I served as foreign service officers. I officially retired from the service in 2014 and remained on contract until two years ago. Since then, I have been active with the alumni association and have shifted my focus to CASA work.

What was one of your favorite places you’ve been to?

Two places stand out: the Philippines—where I spent six years and met my wife—and Kosovo. The people in both countries were always optimistic and positive. In Kosovo, the people are incredibly resilient; they’ve been through a lot, including a terrible war around 1999.

Outside of CASA, what do you enjoy doing? What are some of your hobbies?

I like to read a lot and enjoy gardening—though I wouldn’t call myself an expert. I normally buy plants, put them in pots of soil and hope they grow. The process is very therapeutic. I also spend time fixing things around the house—typical retired-guy activities. And, of course, I love spending time with my two grandchildren.

What brought you to CASA?

A television ad introduced me to the program. But on a much deeper level—without going into too much detail—I could have really used a CASA when I was growing up. Given my situation, I would have qualified had Child Protective Services (CPS) existed where I was living. I remember being young and wishing someone would speak up for me. When I came across CASA I thought—this is my chance to amplify a child’s voice. I knew I had to give it a go.

I’ve realized that many of the skills I picked up in my career are transferable to the work I do as a CASA. I’ve attended job fairs and met people with similar professional backgrounds and encouraged them to look into CASA. If they succeeded in their previous roles, there’s no doubt they would excel as a CASA. All it takes is motivation and willingness to work with others.

As a CASA you’re constantly interacting with people involved in the case. You’re writing, analyzing, and advocating. Interpersonal skills and staying calm under pressure are essential.

One of my best works of my Foreign Service career was setting up a gang diversion program for at-risk youth in Guatemala—kids who saw gang life as their only option. We created the first program of its kind in the region, and its success led to it being implemented elsewhere. I had the opportunity to connect on a deep and personal level with those youth and witness their transformation. We showed them through television ads and outreach—that there’s always a better way. Real change happened.

What has been your most memorable experience as a CASA so far?

I have two experiences that come to mind.

My first: I’m sitting in court, and a question came up between the two lawyers, the county attorney and GAL. They turned to me and asked, “What happened here?” I provided the details and realized—I was the only person who truly knew the ins and outs of the case. Everyone else is juggling dozens of cases, but as a CASA, you’re the one with the clearest picture. That moment solidified the importance of our role.

My second was when I was working with a teenager who had missed a lot of school and couldn’t return due to not having the required vaccinations. Anyone whose worked with teenagers understands they’re a little bit harder to open up. Most won’t respond or just grunt—which is by no means their fault, navigating this system and dealing with so many new faces is exhausting.

In this case, their caregivers were unable to get them vaccinated. I found a clinic, got the approval, and took them to get vaccinated. On the way, we had lunch and shared our stories, and for the first time they opened up. After that, they didn’t miss another day of school.

Often, you may think you’re not getting through—but you are. Everything you do as a CASA matters. With patience and persistence, you can push the needle a little bit further and make all the difference in the world.

What is the best part of being a CASA?

Knowing you’ve helped a child at a critical time in their lives—that’s the best part. I know what it feels like to not have someone speak up for you. My past is slowly healed with each opportunity I get to support someone else. I’m able to break the cycle and be that someone I needed. It’s a full circle moment.

You don’t have to be some genius or superhero. You just have to be committed, and have enough drive to see things through.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a CASA?

The tough part is feeling like you can’t do it. You can only do so much. You can’t solve every problem. You just do your best within the scope of what’s possible.

I remember feeling frustrated during my first case. Once DFS closed the case and transferred custody to the relatives, it was done. It was like—“We’re done!” But the relatives, though loving and God-fearing, weren’t financially prepared to take on the additional responsibility. They didn’t ask for this and could have used a lot more support.

Children and families need ongoing support, even after a case is closed.

Finally, what advice do you have for someone considering becoming a CASA?

Look into it. It’s not for everyone. If you have the heart, the commitment, and some of the skills, then go for it. You do not have to be perfect. If you want to make a difference and especially if you are bilingual, please consider becoming a CASA.

Thank you, Jose, for your unwavering commitment to serving and empowering the vulnerable children in our Fairfax community.

You’ve dedicated your life to helping others—impacting lives both globally and locally. We are grateful for your continued service.