"Our America With Lisa Ling"
tackles foster care, Thursday, July 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
You don't want to miss this!
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Spread the word about CASA and help to provide the gift of hope for one of the nearly 80 children in Contra Costa County currently waiting for a volunteer advocate!
Monday, July 14
12:30-2 p.m.
6:30-8 p.m.
Thursday, August 7
6:30-8 p.m.
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33rd Annual Evening Of Promise
October 4, 6-10 p.m.
The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, Walnut Creek
Seating for this event is limited. Please contact Gregg ASAP to reserve your spot.
Click here for more information.
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CASA MATTERS
CASA of Contra Costa County Newsletter
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As we celebrate Independence Day, let's reflect for a moment on what independence means to our foster youth aging out of the system. Independence for them can bring up feelings of excitement, but also of trepidation and uncertainty about their future. CASA volunteers make a difference preparing youth for this critical time in their lives by providing learning experiences for them during visits, enrolling them in ILSP, and in many other ways.
CASA Team Leaders and Case Management staff are here to help volunteer advocates support foster youth on their road to independence.
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"You're not going to save the world. You may not change a life. But, you can possibly change a child's day, help them to appreciate and believe in themselves, and to look at life a little differently," reflects CASA volunteer Paulette King.
A retired manager from the insurance industry, volunteering has always been part of Paulette's life work. She stumbled across CASA in 2004 when she was looking for a volunteer opportunity, and is currently advocating for her sixth and seventh youth.
"Sometimes just a hike in the hills is special for a child in foster care. Anything that opens their eyes and gives them a glimpse of a larger world," says Paulette when asked what she enjoys most about being an advocate.
Paulette's giving doesn't stop with those she currently advocates for. She also continues to support as a friend and mentor two of her former CASA youth that have aged out of the system. For one, she is a sounding board during times of crisis. And, for another who is mentally ill, Paulette is a link to herself and to her childhood.
Paulette has had many successes as an advocate. But, she remembers a time when she felt like she failed. The child she was advocating for was returned to her mother even though Paulette and the child's attorney had opposed the reunification. "If you do this work and you don't ever have a moment when you feel as though you failed someone, then you're not doing the job," says Paulette.
As with many other advocates, Paulette found the most difficult part of the advocate role is not having control nor being able to fix everything. Learning to accept those things that you shouldn't change, and being able to identify what those things are, has been her greatest challenge as well as an important lesson. "Normal is a cycle on a washing machine. It does not pertain to families or life situations," adds Paulette.
What is the key to her success as an advocate? Building a relationship with the foster parents or caretaker. "Many times I am the bridge between the foster parents and the other parties involved in the case. I listen, and jump into the void to ensure that things work when a potential conflict arises," says Paulette.
Paulette continues her commitment to the CASA program as the need for advocates is so great, and the resources so few. "As a CASA volunteer I have become aware, and when I hear others talk about foster care and what 'they' should do, I now realize that I am part of the 'they'," says Paulette. "The foster care system is never going to be ideal, but I know that by working together we can make it better."
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Congratulations New CASA Volunteers!
CASA Volunteer Initial Training "sprung" into action with our spring session which began April 1. Thirteen new volunteer advocates graduated on May 15 and were sworn in by Judge Thomas Maddock. They bring to CASA a wealth of life experience including finance, marketing, medical, legal and law enforcement. They will add value to the life or our CASA children and youth, and we welcome them to the CASA family.
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CASA Volunteer Recognition Reception
On June 23, the CASA Board hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Reception at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. The event was well-attended and it was a wonderful opportunity for CASA board and staff members to express how much we appreciate and value our extraordinary volunteers.
CASA Board President Janice Bradner welcomed everyone and expressed the board's gratitude for the volunteers' dedication, commitment and hard work. Judge John Laettner addressed the volunteers on behalf of all the Contra Costa County juvenile court judges to convey the importance of a CASA volunteer. Executive Director Charles Mead recognized that each and every volunteer who serves CASA of Contra Costa County makes a lasting contribution to our program, the community, and most importantly, in the lives of foster children.
Among the volunteers recognized for their service were: training faculty and case review consultants who generously donate their time and expertise to help prepare and guide advocates; team leaders who mentor and support advocates; office volunteers who ensure the CASA program runs smoothly and efficiently; and advocates who work directly with a child or youth in foster care.
Thank you to all our volunteers who have made it possible for CASA of Contra Costa County to serve children and youth in foster care for the past 33 years!
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Transitional Housing In-Service With First Place For Youth
As youth approach the age of majority, the question becomes, where am I going to live next? It's no longer appropriate or sometimes feasible for a youth to remain in a foster home and foster youth may not remain in a group home past their 19th birthday.
On May 27, Diana Kenlow, MSW, Contra Costa County Program Manager for First Place for Youth facilitated an in-service regarding transitional housing and reviewed the services provided by their program. Transitional housing services and support are available to youth aged 18-24. The mission of First Place for Youth is to "help foster youth build the skills they need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood."
Transitional housing programs support foster youth by providing employment and education support, housing stability, healthy living skills, intensive case management, financial literacy, monthly food vouchers, community resource connections and relationship development.
First Place for Youth and other transitional housing programs in the area have supported CASA youth and worked closely with our volunteers to help ensure that the transition to adulthood goes as smoothly as possible.
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Thank You For Attending Postrio Microbrew And Wine Festival
 The fourth and last Postrio Microbrew and Wine Festival event on June 18 was a success. The final gathering at Postrio in San Francisco was smaller and more intimate, but earned net proceeds of $12,000 to help serve more abused and neglected children in our community.
 Thank you to our event sponsors, Phillips 66 and AT&T, and all who have supported this event over the last four years.
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Thank you for your interest in our important work for children.
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