Jimmy Veale
our Voices for Children Honoree

Dr. Suess said, "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." Jimmy Veale of Wayne – who turned 18 just weeks ago – has not only learned that lesson but he lives it.

For the past five years Jimmy has repeatedly shown up for CASA youth. From holidays to birthdays, he’s always ready to fulfill a wish. In fact, it’s often items staff and advocates have had difficulty tracking down. When that happens, it’s not uncommon to hear, “Let’s see if Jimmy can find it!”

He admits to countless internet searches and pounding the pavement to search as many stores as it takes. Also a supporter of the Wayne food pantry, Jimmy learned how to best make his donations so those needing help getting food on the table can fulfill even their most specific need.

When asked about his commitment to community, and specifically vulnerable children served by CASA, his answer comes easily, as if he’s just been asked the color of the sky. “My father told me about CASA and its work. He’s long shown me how donating and helping others can improve lives. What’s not to love about that?”

In fact, says Jimmy, this holiday season he’s bringing his sister into the mix – he is the oldest of three – to show her the ropes. From his dad to him to now his sister, getting involved in giving back is, indeed, a family passion.

Spend time with Jimmy and you’ll soon learn his other passion – golf – which seemingly started not long after he could walk. Whether a real golf club or a toy set, little Jimmy was hooked. By six he was a member of the Preakness Hills Junior Team, then the NJPGA Junior Tour, and finally the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, where aspiring young golfers dream of competing at the collegiate level. Today, a calendar chock-full of golf tourneys is, as they say, par for the course.

The Wayne Hills High School senior is especially excited to continue his tenure as captain of its golf team this year. With major academics done, Jimmy’s enjoying a mix of compelling electives, getting a glimpse into pop culture, college business, marketing, and yearbook – things to which he wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed.

Jimmy shared that his dream has long been to attend Manhattan College and play for its men’s golf team. Then, bursting into a wide grin, Jimmy declares, “And I did it!” His excitement at securing a seat at Manhattan College is palpable as if next fall cannot come soon enough. Despite the new chapter, he plans to continue supporting his hometown community, relishing the act of helping change moments – and lives – for children living in foster care through no fault of their own.

As for that impact, just ask CASA youth Jenna, who last holiday had her heart set on a specific pair of roller skates. Her advocate and the staff's searches were fruitless, as her size was sold out everywhere they looked. Jimmy took on the case and came through! Jenna was elated. In fact, she recently left for college, and so did the skates.

When Jimmy thinks about challenges for children in foster care, he wishes he could remind each: “Wherever you came from or where you are now does not determine how the rest of your life will play out. Keep going. You’ve got a lifetime ahead of you, and safety, love, happiness, and your own dreams belong in it.”

Aware that CASA volunteers are often the only constant adult in a child’s corner, he says, “Having someone in your life consistently is huge. Someone to rely on, even just to chat with, is always good.” For Jimmy, that’s his dad. “My dad’s been a single parent for years. I know how much we mean to him, but it’s a big responsibility. I am so grateful for him, and he’s such a huge role model in my life. He has always been by my side.”