Leroy’s Journey
How A Father Rebuilt His Life for His Daughter
Leroy and his daughter Azalea ham it up in the photo booth at Camp Skookum.
Leroy Pascubillo never expected to be here. A single father raising a six-year-old daughter, speaking at conferences, mentoring other parents, and helping shape the foster care system. His life has taken a long and winding road—one marked by struggle, addiction, and, ultimately, redemption.
For much of his life, Leroy was a "functioning addict," as he put it. But after decades of substance use, something inside him shifted. He was tired. At 49 years old, he was ready to leave that life behind. And then, something unexpected happened: his daughter, Azalea, was born.
Her arrival changed everything. "I kinda thought life was over after my wife died," Leroy admitted, "But then I had a little girl, and here I am today." He committed to sobriety, seeking help through an inpatient treatment program. It was a long road, filled with challenges, but Leroy stayed the course. He completed family treatment court and, slowly but surely, rebuilt his life.
Navigating the foster care system for the first time was overwhelming. "I was lost," he recalled, "I didn’t know where to go, what to do." A parent ally connected with him and guided him through the process, helping him understand his options and rights. With this support, he pushed forward, determined to reunite with Azalea.
During this time, Leroy made a conscious effort to form a relationship with his daughter's foster family. "I wanted to learn from them. They knew more about my daughter than I did," Leroy shared. Over time, that relationship grew into something more. Today, Azalea’s former foster parents are her godparents. "That’s the only mom she knows, and that’s the way it’s going to stay."
Azalea and Leroy celebrate like royalty after completing evening activity at Camp Skookum.
When Leroy and Azalea attended Camp Skookum for the first time, he didn’t know what to expect. As a single parent, opportunities for weekend getaways were rare. "We would love to do these things with our kids," he said. "But we either don’t have the time or the money." Camp Skookum provided everything—a weekend of fun, community, and connection, all at no cost to families. "I’ve checked," Leroy said with a smile. "There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the country."
Leroy now returns to Camp Skookum every year. The relationships he has built there—both with other parents and Skookum Kids staff—have been invaluable. "When we’re there, we’re family. We all understand each other." He even took on a speaking role at camp last year, sharing his story to inspire and support other parents walking similar paths.
Today, Leroy works as a Certified Lead Family Mentor with Amara’s Family Connections Program, helping parents navigate the same system he once fought his way through. He teaches them how to build relationships with foster families, create a support network, and embrace the journey of reunification. "These caregivers, once they get your kid in their arms, they’re going to fall in love. And that’s okay. Don’t take that away from your kid—let them have that love, that trust."
Through his work, Leroy speaks at conferences, advises social workers and foster parents, and even collaborates with the Administration Office of the Courts to improve policies for families. He has dedicated his life to being an advocate for change, ensuring that parents who want to fight for their children have the tools and support they need.
"People do change," he said. "With the right help, the right support, and the right mentors, people can change."
For Leroy, the journey has been long, but every day spent with Azalea reminds him it was worth it.