When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will make a donation to Court Appointed Special Advocates Program Inc (although the name does not include "Contra Costa County," a percentage of your purchase will be donated to our program).
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Spread the word about CASA and help to provide the gift of hope for one of the nearly 70 children in Contra Costa County currently waiting for a volunteer advocate!
Monday, September 8
12:30-2 p.m.
Monday, September 15
6:30-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15
12:30-2 p.m.
6:30-8 p.m
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Seating is extremely limited. Click here to reserve your spot ASAP.
Interested in volunteering? Click here to email us.
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CCCSAS Cake Show to Benefit CASA!
Our friends and supporters from The Contra Costa Cake and Sugar Art Society are having their 8th Annual Cake and Sugar Art Show on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19. The proceeds from a cupcake sale at the show will benefit our program!
Click here for more information and to enter! Kids can enter cupcakes in the show. There will be a whole section for children from age 3 up!
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New List of Film Suggestions for CASA Staff and Volunteers
National CASA asked volunteers and supporters on the National CASA Facebook page to suggest movies and TV shows that they found applicable to CASA advocacy. These include everything from documentaries about sexual abuse to kid-friendly movies about adoption. See the list of films.
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CASA MATTERS
CASA of Contra Costa County Newsletter
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We are excited to share our September edition of CASA Matters with some interesting articles, including a great "volunteer" bio.
Of special note is a reminder that CASA's annual gala "Evening of Promise" is quickly approaching and the seating is extremely limited.
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A soon-to-be retiree from the banking and IT industries, John was driving down 680 in 2001 when he saw a billboard advertising CASA. "It looked interesting and even though engineering and business degrees don't have a lot of social services content, I thought I could do this. It was time to look for a 'new' job since I was officially 'grown-up'," muses John.
Thirteen years later John has donated close to 2800 hours of his time advocating for the best interests of three youth in foster care!
In the world of abused and neglected children, where inconsistent adult behavior tends to be the norm, making a difference can take many shapes and forms. "Sometimes I feel that the biggest impact of my advocacy is just following through with what I tell him that I'll do," reflects John. "A CASA volunteer provides someone outside the foster family and the youth's peers that can be counted on. I have learned through my advocacy efforts the importance for children to have a responsible adult role model in their life, and the plight of the fatherless child has become clearer."
John describes the CASA volunteer experience as "not all roses and bonbons." Feelings of frustration and disappointment are not uncommon for advocates as they watch their youth make their way in the world, and fail to follow through with opportunities that are being presented to them. Many times, advocates wonder if they're making a difference. In spite of this, John gains a sense of satisfaction as he knows that he's done the best that he could to help improve a youth's life.
A few years after one of his CASA youth emancipated from the foster care system, he called John out of the blue. "I asked him if the years that I spent as his advocate were a waste of time for both of us," reminisces John. His CASA youth responded, "I wouldn't be where I am now if it hadn't been for you." For John, these few precious words made every moment of his advocacy efforts worthwhile.
Click here if you would like to learn more about how to become a volunteer.
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Welcoming Our Newest Staff Member
Jennifer Haga was hired in August as a part-time Case Management Administrative Assistant to focus on data entry and court report dissemination.
Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in the field of social work. Her professional experience includes work in the community mental health field, foster care case management, intensive in-home therapy with at-risk youth, inpatient psychiatric social work, and healthcare quality management.
From her previous work with children and teens, she became somewhat familiar with the role of a CASA volunteer and has had many opportunities to appreciate CASA's involvement in complicated cases. She finds it so inspiring that there are community members willing to donate their time and energy to be the voice for children who so desperately need one. Since moving to California about a year ago, she has been looking for just the right opportunity to get re-involved in the social and human services fields. "When the CASA opportunity presented itself, I leaped at the chance to join this fantastic program", says Jennifer. "I'm very much looking forward to learning more and hoping the knowledge, wisdom, and skills I've gained over the years will make a positive difference."
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Thank you for your service, Jeanne and Susan!
In August, Jeanne Herbert and Susan Harrison stepped down from the CASA of Contra Costa County Board. Both Jeanne and Susan have played critical roles in helping the agency navigate difficult economic times. Jeanne, immediate past president, served on the board since 2008, and has helped on many fronts to make sure that CASA is strong financially. Susan has helped to increase the visibility of CASA in the community and helped to introduce the CASA program to the corporate community. Both Jeanne and Susan share a strong commitment to the work of CASA and will continue to support the agency. We thank them for their years of dedication and service!
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Guide to Recognizing Abuse from OJJDP
While CASA volunteers do not investigate allegations of child maltreatment, at times it may be helpful for volunteers to understand the type of evidence that may have brought a child into the system, or to recognize and report what could be a red flag.
An OJJDP guide on signs of physical abuse: Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness is Caused by Abuse: Portable Guide to Investigating Child Abuse, is available in full on the National Children's Advocacy Center Site.
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Animation from Nebraska CASA
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Thank you for your interest in our important work for children.
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