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Threads of Change: A Mother and Son’s Journey with CASL
Every day, CASL’s mission is woven into the lives of the people we serve — individuals seeking opportunity, families striving for stability, and community members building brighter futures together.
Volunteering & Support
This Giving Tuesday, through our Threads of Change campaign, we’re highlighting the powerful stories that show how a single act of generosity can ripple outward and transform entire families.
One of those stories comes from Shuyi He, who arrived in Chicago as a new immigrant facing uncertainty, financial hardship, and the challenges of starting over. What she found at CASL was more than support — she found hope, community, and the chance to build a new foundation for herself and her son.
In the letter below, Shuyi shares how CASL helped her rebuild her life, discover her passion, and create a brighter future for her family. Her journey is a reminder that when you give, you become part of the vital thread connecting people to opportunity, dignity, and long-term success.
As you read Shuyi’s story, we invite you to join us in strengthening these threads of change. If you’re able, please make a Giving Tuesday donation to CASL today. Your generosity directly empowers families like Shuyi’s to thrive.
Shuyi's Story
My name is Shuyi He, and I immigrated to Chicago from China in 2007. Before I joined the CASL staff 15 years ago, I was a client. Back then, everything felt so unfamiliar — the language, the culture, the environment. My family struggled financially; I had left my old life behind to reunite with family in the U.S. but finding steady work was harder than I imagined. With a young son to support, I worried constantly about how I would pay for food and rent.
CASL gave me hope.
Through CASL’s partnership with Put Illinois to Work, I received resume and interview assistance, and hands-on training with CASL’s In-Home services. That opportunity changed everything. I could finally provide for my family, and even buy my son, Nathan, Christmas gifts he loved.
With CASL’s guidance, and the generosity of supporters like you, I discovered my passion for helping older adults live active, fulfilling lives through our Adult Day Services program. Every day, I see our older adults arrive with smiles, ready to connect with friends and staff. The work I do helps them stay healthy, independent, and fulfilled. They have become like family, and their happiness is my greatest reward.
Nathan grew up surrounded by that same care. When he was younger, CASL’s Education team helped me navigate Chicago’s school system to ensure he was set up for success. He used to wait for me in the lobby after school, meeting people from all walks of life. CASL is like his second home. I know that he has a bright future ahead, and I believe CASL helped shape that path, for both of us.
To me, this is what CASL does best. When you give, you’re not just helping people overcome challenges; you’re helping families thrive, contribute, and build brighter futures together.
Your support makes stories like mine and Nathan’s possible. If you are able, please continue your support today with a gift to CASL. Your kindness transforms lives, just as it transformed mine.
With deep gratitude,
Shuyi He
Shuyi and Nathan’s CASL Journey
For 15 years, Shuyi He has been a steady, compassionate presence in CASL’s Adult Day Services program, cherished by clients for the warmth and care she brings each day. Her son, Nathan Yuen, practically grew up in CASL’s halls—watching his mother uplift others and eventually stepping forward as a youth volunteer himself. Their journey reflects how CASL’s support can ripple through generations, weaving together lives with belonging, resilience, and love.
When you give, you ensure that stories like theirs continue to unfold for the next generation.
