Story of Hope: Danya McCree
Danya McCree was sworn in as a CASA advocate in September of 2022. During her exit interview, she mentioned that she preferred to work with younger children but would consider wherever there was a need. The case I presented to her was that of a 17-year-old boy named Ryan. Danya read his history and learned that he was severely neglected and had sustained physical abuse. She stated that she had been praying about the case she would receive and knew that it would be a teen.
She was more than ready for the case. She met with Ryan for the first time, and he was pretty withdrawn and had a hard time expressing himself to her. She expressed to her supervisor having trouble getting him to open up. While she understood his history, she knew that there was a lot that he was not expressing. It was not until a car ride to grab dinner that she discovered his absolute love for 80’s music and classic rock. She was amazed at how this music allowed him to open up and express himself. Ryan stated that there were times that he was left alone and the only thing he had was music, so he learned to allow the music to speak for him. This love for music would strengthen the relationship between the two. They planned weekly car rides just to talk and listen to music. They even dressed up in their favorite 80’s attire for Halloween. It was a true joy to see these two and their connection.
Due to Ryan’s history, he was very behind in school and required a lot of dental work. Between Dayna, the CPS caseworker and a very involved ad litem, he was back on track educationally and with a brand-new smile. In the beginning of the case, Ryan did not even think that he would graduate. Now, he is on the College Docket and has plans to attend college and possibly join the military.
This is no longer the quiet and withdrawn boy that everyone once knew. He has found his voice, he is on track to graduate, he is working, and he constantly thanks his advocate Dayna for simply showing up and playing the music. I know that it is not always easy to advocate for our older youth but sometimes they just need someone to listen and speak their language, which in this case was MUSIC!
