Ohana Means Family: Reflections on Lilo & Stitch and the Heart of CASA
Recently, I had the chance to watch Lilo & Stitch with my 11-year-old son. What started as a fun movie night quickly turned into something much deeper. As I sat there watching the story unfold, I found myself unexpectedly moved not just by the humor and charm of the characters, but by the themes that mirror the very heart of the work we do at Atlanta CASA.
At its core, Lilo & Stitch is about family, resilience, and the power of connection in the face of chaos. Lilo is a young girl navigating grief, abandonment, and misunderstanding. After losing her parents, she’s being raised by her older sister, Nani who suddenly finds herself thrust into the role of caregiver, advocate, and protector. The film paints a powerful picture of what it means to step in when a child’s world is turned upside down. It reminded me of the children we serve every day in Fulton County’s foster care system.
Lilo’s story echoes those of many children served by CASA young people who may feel like their lives are spiraling, like no one understands them, or like they’ve lost control of what matters most. Nani’s struggle to prove she can care for Lilo, while facing the scrutiny of social services, is something that hits close to home for many relatives and kinship caregivers in the real world. And amidst it all, enters Stitch an unpredictable, misunderstood being who, like so many children in care, just needs someone to see beyond the behaviors to the heart inside.
That’s where CASA comes in.
Our volunteers are the voice for children who may not yet know how to advocate for themselves. They are the consistent presence when the systems feel cold and confusing. They are the hope in courtrooms, the trusted adult at school meetings, the person who says, “You matter. I see you.” Lilo & Stitch reminded me that the word “Ohana” means more than just family it means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. That’s exactly what we promise at Atlanta CASA.
As I held my son’s hand and watched Lilo fight for belonging, I was reminded of the urgency of our work and the beauty of community. Every child deserves safety. Every child deserves someone in their corner. And every child just like Lilo deserves a family that sees them, protects them, and fights for them.
So the next time you watch Lilo & Stitch, I encourage you to look a little deeper. See the child who needs a voice. See the caregiver who’s trying her best. And see the opportunity we all have to make a difference.
Because at Atlanta CASA, our Ohana is big and always growing.