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

Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,
 
We hope your 2017 has been off to a great start! We ended 2016 with our annual Holiday Toy Drive during which we handed out over 400 gifts to the foster children we serve thanks to our generous community partners. We also hosted our annual holiday party for the children and experienced them enjoying pizza and bowling with their advocates.
 
The New Year has started off with 29 new volunteers participating in our New Advocate Training. We are looking forward to more growth in 2017 and continuing to provide advocacy to the neediest children in our communities. Thank you for partnering with us this year and always. 
 
Gratefully,
 
Nathan Lee, Executive Director 


Volunteers collect toy drive gifts from the staff at Aetna.
2016 Holiday Toy Drive 

In December we collected, wrapped and distributed over 400 toys and gifts to the children currently being served by CASA. 

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community partners were also able to provide extra gifts to the families most in need, pajamas for the children, and even gave toy donations to the Court to refresh their supply. 

Thank you to those who helped us serve the children though our Annual Toy Drive! You helped make the holiday season extra special for foster children in our community! 
CASA Executive Director Nathan Lee with staff at Eye-Q Vision
Eye-Q Vision Cares about CASA! 

CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties was chosen as the 2016 charity for Eye-Q Vision Care of Fresno. In early January we met with staff of Eye-Q and were presented with a check for over $18,000! 

Thank you to the staff of Eye-Q for caring about the foster children in our community! 

Winter 2017 New Advocate Training has begun! 

29 New Advocates are completing their New Advocate training this week and preparing to be sworn in as officers of the court. Each new volunteer completes 40 hours of training which covers topics such as the specific duties of advocates, the dependency court process, diversity training and youth-centered advocacy. Throughout the training they have heard from current and former foster youth, current advocates, the Department of Social Services and the Dependency Court Judges among others.
 
We will welcome all 29 of these new advocates at a Swearing-In Ceremony on Tuesday, February 7th held at Pardini's Catering and Banquets. 

Did you make a New Year's Resolution to make a difference in 2017? Would you like to influence the life of a foster child by becoming their voice? Join us for an upcoming information session to find out how you can become an Advocate with CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties!
 

Learn How to Become An Advocate
Save the Date!
The 19th Annual Crab Feed will be held on 
Friday, September 15th, 2017 
hearts-icon.jpg
Upcoming Events
Here's what's happening at CASA in February:
 
New Advocate Swearing-in Ceremony: Tuesday, February 7, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pardini's
Information Session: Wednesday, February 8, 6:15-7:15 p.m. CASA Office.
Madera Small Group Meeting: Wednesday, February 8, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Madera DSS Office.
Journey of Hope 13-18 Small Group Meeting: Thursday, February 9, 6:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office.
Information Session: Saturday, February 11, 9:00-10:00 a.m. CASA Office.
Board of Directors Meeting: Monday, February 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m. - Dowling Aaron.
Continuing Education Class: Thursday, February 16, 6:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office.
Office closed in observation of Presidents' Day: Monday, February 20.
Journey of Hope 0-5 Small Group Meeting: Wednesday, February 22, 5:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office. 



CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties | 559.244.6485 | [email protected]|
STAY CONNECTED: 
Like us on Facebook