Amber Snyder's Story

After coming into care, I was introduced to a man who said he would be my "GAL." I found that weird because he was a man. I later found out what GAL stood for, volunteer guardian ad litem. He is a wonderful man. He and his coworkers worked really hard to help me get what I needed. When all the other support teams couldn't help with my needs and issues, the whole GAL system built the bridge to meet my needs and resolve my issues.

Anytime we went to court, my GAL would make a point to find out what I wanted and how I felt and carried my voice to the judge. They also helped my grandmother to adopt me and my two brothers. My GAL never made me feel like I was just a case or a number. He always made me feel that what I had to say was important and really mattered. I will never be able to repay my GAL. He knew I needed to be treated like I was somebody important.

Thank you “My GAL” and everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. You are my heroes!

—Amber Snyder