Don Kleinfelder, Rocklin CA: Remembering the Life and Legacy of a Tireless Advocate for Children and Families

The community of Rocklin, California, has been struck with sorrow at the passing of Don Kleinfelder, a beloved and dedicated leader whose lifelong work transformed the lives of children and families in Placer and Yuba Counties. Kleinfelder’s death marks the end of a remarkable journey of compassion, service, and advocacy that spanned over two decades. As the founder and guiding force behind Child Advocates of Placer and Yuba Counties (CASA), Kleinfelder’s legacy is one of unparalleled devotion to the most vulnerable members of society—foster youth, children in crisis, and families in need of support.

Born with an innate sense of compassion and a drive to create change, Don Kleinfelder’s professional and personal life revolved around his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. His remarkable journey began in 2004 when he founded CASA with the mission to provide a voice for children in the foster care system, helping them to navigate the challenges they faced, and ensuring they were placed in safe, nurturing environments where they could thrive.

A Visionary Leader Who Created CASA and Transformed the Lives of Children in Crisis

From its inception, CASA was an embodiment of Don Kleinfelder’s vision—a vision that was grounded in the belief that every child deserves a loving, supportive home. Kleinfelder’s dedication to children who found themselves in the foster care system was unyielding. Over the years, CASA blossomed into a critical resource for Placer and Yuba Counties, serving as an advocate, a lifeline, and a source of hope for children and families in crisis.

Kleinfelder’s journey with CASA was marked by a series of impactful milestones, each one underscoring his deep commitment to fostering long-term, meaningful change. The very foundation of CASA was built on providing children with the resources and support they needed to overcome the challenges of their circumstances. Through his hard work, dedication, and leadership, CASA reached new heights, expanding its services and touching the lives of thousands of children in need.

In 2010, Kleinfelder introduced the Family Mentor program, an innovative initiative designed to help parents rebuild their lives and reunite with their children. By providing guidance, support, and mentorship, the program gave parents the tools they needed to create stable, supportive homes for their children. This was just one example of Kleinfelder’s holistic approach to family services—a belief that by supporting families as a whole, children could thrive in a loving and stable environment.

Expanding CASA’s Reach and Impact: Creating Lasting Change for Vulnerable Children and Families

Don Kleinfelder’s leadership didn’t stop with the Family Mentor program. In 2020, he introduced the Family Services division, an expansion that allowed CASA to better serve a wider range of needs. This division was designed to provide more intensive and comprehensive support for both children and families, addressing issues such as substance abuse, mental health challenges, and other factors that often contributed to family separations.

Kleinfelder’s visionary approach also led to the creation of several other key initiatives that would leave a lasting imprint on the community. In 2019, he launched the Be Bold program, a specialized initiative to support victims of human trafficking. The Be Bold program was an essential service for survivors of trafficking, offering emotional, psychological, and practical support as they navigated the complex process of recovery and rebuilding their lives.

Kleinfelder also spearheaded the creation of the K-9 for Kids program, which provided children in foster care with access to trained therapy dogs. This program was designed to offer emotional and psychological support to children who had suffered trauma and needed a comforting presence during difficult times. The bond between a child and a therapy dog proved to be healing, helping children express themselves and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

The Legacy of Don Kleinfelder: A Legacy of Compassion, Advocacy, and Service

While Don Kleinfelder’s professional accomplishments were numerous, it is his deep passion for helping others and his unwavering commitment to children and families that will ultimately define his legacy. Kleinfelder worked tirelessly to advocate for the most vulnerable in society, and his influence reached beyond the walls of CASA. His leadership inspired countless others to get involved, volunteer, and contribute to the betterment of their community.

In recognition of his extraordinary efforts, CASA has established the Don Kleinfelder Fund, a charitable initiative designed to continue his work in the community and support the programs that were near and dear to his heart. The fund will ensure that the vital work Kleinfelder started will continue to benefit children and families for years to come, and will serve as a lasting tribute to his enduring impact on the region.

Don Kleinfelder’s loss is deeply felt by all who knew him, worked with him, and benefited from his efforts. His presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the children he helped, and the families he supported. His tireless advocacy for vulnerable children will continue to inspire future generations of leaders, volunteers, and community members to carry forward his mission of creating positive change in the world.

Honoring Don Kleinfelder: A Community in Mourning, Yet Inspired by His Example

As the Rocklin community mourns the passing of Don Kleinfelder, it also celebrates the lasting impact he made on the lives of so many individuals. His work continues to be felt, as CASA, the organization he founded, remains a beacon of hope and support for children and families in need. The ongoing programs he established—such as the Family Mentor program, the Be Bold program for trafficking victims, and the K-9 for Kids program—will continue to provide crucial services to those who need them most.

Though Kleinfelder’s physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy is alive and well. CASA remains a cornerstone of the community, and his name will forever be associated with the tireless efforts to create a safer, more supportive environment for children and families in Placer and Yuba Counties. Kleinfelder’s work was more than just a career—it was a calling, a mission to improve the lives of the most vulnerable, and to ensure that no child was ever forgotten.

The Don Kleinfelder Fund, established in his honor, will ensure that the vital programs he started continue to flourish. This fund will help to provide resources for foster youth, support families in crisis, and ensure that the legacy of compassion and advocacy that Kleinfelder championed lives on for future generations.

Don Kleinfelder’s passing leaves a significant void, but his spirit of service, leadership, and advocacy will continue to guide those who follow in his footsteps. His unwavering dedication to children and families in need will continue to inspire those who work within CASA, as well as the broader community, to advocate for those who need it most.

A Community United in Tribute: Honoring the Life and Work of Don Kleinfelder

As the community of Rocklin, California, reflects on the life and contributions of Don Kleinfelder, it is clear that his impact will not be forgotten. His legacy is far-reaching, and his influence will continue to shape the lives of vulnerable children and families in the region for years to come. Through his leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy, Kleinfelder demonstrated that one person could make an extraordinary difference in the lives of many.

As the community comes together to mourn his passing, they also unite in gratitude for the work Kleinfelder did during his lifetime. His work was not simply a job—it was a lifelong passion. His legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in the power of service, the importance of advocacy, and the unyielding need to protect and support children and families in crisis.

Don Kleinfelder’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy is far from over. His memory will live on in the work of CASA, in the children whose lives he touched, and in the community that he helped build. The Rocklin community will always remember Don Kleinfelder as a tireless advocate, a compassionate leader, and a man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place for the most vulnerable members of society.

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Through this expanded tribute, it becomes abundantly clear that Don Kleinfelder’s contributions went beyond his professional achievements. He leaves a lasting legacy of compassion and action that transcends his physical absence, living on in the work of CASA and the lives he touched in Placer and Yuba Counties. While the community mourns his passing, it can also celebrate his immense contributions and the profound impact he had on shaping a more compassionate and just society for the most vulnerable children and families. His influence will continue to guide the future of CASA and the broader community for generations to come.