The latest news and information from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno and Madera Counties. 

Message from the Executive Director
 
Dear Friends,
 
I want to welcome our newest volunteer Advocates to CASA! This new group completed  the 40 hour training course in April and took the oath of office which was administered by Judge Mary Dolas on April 26th during the Voices of Hope advocate recognition event. We are eager to see the great work these advocates will do in the months ahead.
 
We also express our appreciation to Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp for serving as keynote speaker for Voices of Hope, along with emcee Veronica Miracle and the youth music talent from Bullard Talent and University High. We are also thankful for the support of Eddie's Bakery and for the sponsorship from Chevron. We had a fantastic evening expressing appreciation for the many advocates serving foster children in Fresno and Madera Counties!
 
Our next advocate training will be held in October and a good number of people have expressed interest. If you know of someone who you think would be a great advocate for children in foster care, encourage them to attend one of our upcoming information sessions!
 
Gratefully,
 
Nathan Lee, Executive Director.

Voices of Hope 2016! 

On Tuesday, April 26th we hosted our Annual Voices of Hope volunteer recognition event to honor our dedicated advocates. During the event 29 new advocates took the oath of office and we also acknowledged a few of our volunteers with Partnership and Voices of Hope Awards. Thank you to all who attended and helped us recognize the hard work and dedication of our volunteers! 
 
Congratulations to all of our 2016 Award Winners!
 
Partnership Award Winners:
Advocate Donna Rosenstein and Social Worker Chua Chang
Advocate Vicki Sorenson and Social Worker Helen Viau
Advocate Lori Curtiss and Adoptive Parents Ralph and Christina Luna
 
Voices of Hope Award Winners:
Harry Cline
Sandy Bailey
Lisa Rocha-Danks
Allison Martinez
 
Advocate of the Year Award Winner:
Cindy Jenkins

Read more about the evening and see photos here!
Mission Moment 
This month we are highlighting one of our Voices of Hope Award winners, Harry Cline. Below is a segment of the nomination we received which speaks of Harry's dedication to the children he serves. 
 
Harry advocates for two teenage brothers that have been in the foster care system since one was 11 months old and the other was 2 years old. They have experienced many challenges while in foster care and have moved throughout various foster homes, group homes and have both been placed in Juvenile Hall at times. Harry has passionately advocated for the boys from the beginning and consistently visits them no matter where they are currently placed.
 
In the very beginning the boys wouldn't talk to Harry and the visits would be very quiet. Despite the challenges, Harry continued to consistently visit the boys. He came at the time he said he would and never let them down. As another year passed the boys realized they could trust him. Harry even attended one of the boys football awards night, where he said he was the only person in the bleachers the boy knew.
 
During this time Harry has learned how much the brother's love each other and what a strong sibling bond they share. Harry has continued to consistently visit both boys through school events, holidays and Juvenile Hall placements. Harry is the only person these boys can call "friend." In a recent court report Harry wrote that he plans to stay in contact with the boys regardless of the circumstances, because he is the only "family" they have at this time. 


May is National Foster Care Month! 
We are thankful for the support the foster families and social services in Fresno and Madera Counties give to the foster children in our communities!
 
There are over 2,000 foster children in our two counties and many are waiting for the care and support of a CASA Advocate.  Sign up to attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions and learn how YOU can begin making a difference in the life of a foster child!


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Upcoming Events

Here's what's happening at CASA in May. 

Information Session: Saturday, May 7, 9:00-10:00 a.m. CASA Office.
Information Session: Wednesday, May 11, 6:15-7:15 p.m. CASA Office.
Journey of Hope 0-5 Training: Monday, May 9, 5:15-8:15 p.m. CASA office. 
Madera Small Group Meeting: Wednesday, May 11, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Madera DSS Admin. Office.
Journey of Hope 13-18 Small Group Meeting: Thursday, May 12, 6:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office. 
Board of Directors Meeting: Monday, May 16, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Dowling Aaron.
Continuing Education Class: Thursday, May 19, 6:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office.
Journey of Hope 0-5 Small Group Meeting: Wednesday, May 25, 5:15-8:15 p.m. CASA office.
Office Closed in observation of Memorial Day: Monday, May 30. 


CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties | 559.244.6485 | casa@casafresno.org|
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