It was hard for Cordero and Cruz being on their own when they were younger. Both brothers spoke about their experiences during a Heart of Colorado CASA luncheon.

“Thank you for letting me share my story. I don't remember much about my past life,” Cordero said. “CASA really helped me. They helped us with horse care and feeding the horse, which is my favorite. CASA reminds me that people can be (really nice). They make me feel like I have a voice and always makes sure I come first.”

It was harder for 12-year-old Cruz because he felt he had to care for his 7-year-old brother, Cordero when they was left on his own.

“I was born and raised in Pueblo, Colo.,” Cruz said. “As I grew older, I slowly started realizing that my brother and I (weren't being taken care of). I was faced with many issues because both of my parents suffered from addictions to drugs. … My grandmother has always been someone I can count on. However, during one of the hardest times of my life, (I met Keith Wiggins, CASA volunteer, who) always encouraged me to do my very best in soccer games.”

Wiggins also spoke of his experiences with the brothers and how it affected not only their life, but his own. He encouraged others to become CASA volunteers to help other children in these kinds of situations.

Stories of children suffering from different types of abuse like this are why Heart of Colorado's CASA held its annual Open Your Heart luncheon on April 19 in the Quality Inn with the theme “Change a Child's Story.”

Executive Director for CASA Pueblo, Heart of Colorado CASA and Arkansas Valley CASA, Zane Grant noted that CASA has 3,000 programs that serve in an eight county service area.

“Our mission is to advocate for children by providing a voice in the courts in community by an office advocate,” he said. “This year, Heart of Colorado CASA celebrates 17 years, providing advocacy services right here in Fremont County.”

Last year, 19 CASA volunteers served 82 children in Fremont County, donating more than 1,000 hours of work and driving more than 100,500 miles, Grant added.

“That program is always in need for more advocates and to close the gap,” he continued. “In 2023, 32 children involved in 16 cases did not have advocates. Substance abuse continues to be a problem here in Fremont County and the consequences for the children are in dire need. Every advocate will help us ensure that fewer children are turned away. Your support of this program is also viable. Again, I want you to hear how much we appreciate (your support).”

At the end of the event, pledge forms were passed around in order to raise funds for the program to help these children who are suffering from all types of abuse in this county.

Those who would like to help can donate online at https://www.hoccasa.org/donate2020. Those who would like to sign up to be an advocate may visit https://www.hoccasa.org/advocates or call (719) 269-2393.