From Villain to Guardian: What Gru Teaches Us About Showing Up for Children

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time that calls us to move beyond awareness and into action.

Recently, while I was sitting in the waiting area as my son was getting his hair retwisted at the hairstylist’s home, the movie Despicable Me was playing in the background. It was not the first time I had seen it, but in that moment, I found myself watching it through a different lens.

Gru begins as someone disconnected and self-focused. But everything shifts when three young girls enter his life. They did not need perfection, resources, or grand promises. They needed someone to show up, remain present, and care. And over time, he did.

That simple moment led me to reflect on the children we serve every day.

Children in foster care often carry experiences of instability, uncertainty, and moments where the adults in their lives were unable to meet their needs. What begins to change their trajectory is not perfection. It is consistency. It is one committed adult who chooses to see them, hear them, and remain present.

At Atlanta CASA, that is exactly the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Our advocates step into complex situations to ensure that a child’s voice is not lost. They build relationships, gather insight, and advocate for what is in the best interest of the child.

Much like Gru, transformation does not happen overnight. It happens through connection, responsibility, and continued presence. When someone consistently shows up, trust begins to build. A child who once felt overlooked can begin to feel seen and valued.

And in many cases, the experience changes the adult too.

This April, Child Abuse Awareness Month invites each of us to consider what it means to truly show up.

Showing up is not about having all the answers. It is about being present, being consistent, and being willing to stand in the gap when it matters most. Whether that looks like becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting advocacy efforts, or simply being more intentional in our everyday interactions, every action matters.

Sometimes, the most meaningful impact begins in ordinary moments, with a simple decision to care and to stay present.

Because for a child in need, one consistent, committed adult can help shape a safer, stronger, and more hopeful future.