Frank Ohnesorgen
“ohne”, “sorgen” means without worries. As we know, life is not without worries’ or seldom are we free from cares. However, the definition of Frank’s last name has given him root to a life of service to others who are in need.
On the 30th of October, Frank will celebrate his first year with CASA of Kings County. At this time of year, when change is visible in the color of leaves and temperatures, he is encouraging his youth to try new things and to seek a lifestyle that is a healthy balance of work, family, and spiritually.
Frank was born in Tucson, Arizona, and grew up in Chula Vista, California, with his four siblings. Frank has a rich cultural background, which includes ancestry from both Germany and Mexico. Frank is married to Ana, a retired teacher, and they have two children who are both serving in the US Navy. We are so grateful to this family for their dedication and service. Frank recently retired in June 2019 from Pond Union School District, where he served as the Superintendent/Principal for the past eight years. As a retired school administrator and educator for 33 years, he has served in a variety of communities, including Porterville, San Diego, Temecula, Visalia, and Woodland. He also is very active in a local Catholic Church.
Frank was appointed to a case with a youth who has been a dependent of the court for seven years. The reason for removal was due to allegations of neglect. The youth has three older siblings who have already aged out of the foster care system. In the past seven years, the youth has had six placements and numerous changes.
One of the activities that Frank enjoys is going to the recreation center with his youth. They have found that they enjoy shooting hoops and talking about possible business adventures, and life after high school. Frank shared the more engaged he is with his youth and learning about their interests, in turn, stimulates his interests. Specifically, his youth recently took an art class and was sharing what they learned. The youth was so excited that Frank is now considering taking them to the Getty Museum.
Why CASA? Frank shared that CASA is an organization with a mission that most “aligns with my personal and professional background.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a CASA? For those who are looking to give back to their community, CASA is a great way to get involved. The hours are flexible. There are meanings and values in the advocacy. With over 300 children in the foster care system, these children are underserved. By giving a little time and energy, you can provide support to children who need it. Frank stated, “I gain so much energy from serving our youth, doing a good thing, and it is just a good feeling.”
Volunteering as an advocate is a natural gift of Frank’s that he is sharing with CASA of Kings County, and he promotes this philosophy wholeheartedly to his youth. Frank shared how Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez impacted his views on community service. In the words of Cesar Chavez, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”
