CASA is in need of volunteers to become advocates for foster children from our community. As a CASA, you will become the voice for a foster child, looking out for their best interest, ensuring their basic needs are met, and most importantly have a caring, reliable adult to depend on. The Spring Advocate Training Session starts soon, visit www.casasanbenito.org or call us at (831) 637-4992 today!

After spending nearly 4 years in foster care, one young man has recently been provided with legal guardianship and exited the foster care system this past week. "I have been a CASA for this young man for the past 2.5 years," shares his advocate, "It hasn't always been easy; over a very short period of time he had been moved to 3 different placements. His academics had taken a nose-dive and he had behavioral challenges stemming from many years of instability and inconsistency. Despite the set-backs, he has always been a pleasure to be around. Our favorite activities included playing catch and visiting the local fro-yo shop. During these past few months, his grades and behavior have improved greatly, allowing him to participate in sports; his life's passion! Additionally, the family he is currently living with have decided to pursue legal guardianship, providing him with the permanency every child deserves.

"I recently received a holiday card from my CASA child, and wanted to share it with you: 'Dear [Advocate], Don't get me started on you, [Advocate]. I think you are one of the coolest person I meet and its going to stay like that forever. I love you so much. You were their when I need you. I think you are one of the best casa advocates out their. P.S. I love you, [CASA Child]' Becoming an advocate has been one of the most personally rewarding experiences I've had. I highly encourage anyone interested in making a difference in a child's life join CASA and become that one, reliable adult a foster child can count on in their time of need."

This past November, six new community members were sworn in as CASA advocates. Pictured (left to right): Esther Curtice (CASA), Wendy Shepherd, Angie Partida, Hon. Judge Steven Sanders, Monica Rodriguez, Crystal Sanchez, Adele Coyle, and Kathi Bailey. Congratulations!

Together my wife and I moved to Hollister in the fall of 2007 to be closer to our family and grandchildren. After spending 40 years in the grocery business, I retired in 2010, allowing me to focus on being an active grandfather and  community member. Most recently, I have been involved with the  Sacred Heart and St. Benedict parishes as Pastoral President,  and a member of the San Benito County Grand Jury. In June of 2015 I rejoined the workforce in the nonprofit sector, accepting the role of Retreat Director for Saint Francis Retreat Center. I am proud to be a part of CASA of San Benito County; I strongly believe in the work this organization does for the foster children from our community.

I am currently the HR Administrator at Teknova, with over six years of professional Human Resources experience at different levels, including three years with an educational non-profit organization, as well as over eight years in supervisory/management roles. Additionally, I have obtained an AA in Communications, and a BA in Philosophy. For  as far back as I can recall, I  have always been involved with volunteer work in one fashion or another; working with children in various capacities.   I am excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for CASA of San Benito County and provide unique and creative insights from well over fifteen years of volunteer experience, and a strong desire to help others.

I've been a Hollister resident for 14 years. Raising my three children in our community, I became increasingly interested in San Benito County's culture, events, people and issues facing its citizens. I came to realize that my leadership and management experience could be an asset to our county. My experience includes my education, achieving a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, an MBA in Finance from SUNYA and a Master's of Science, Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. Now I wish to serve my community and apply my experience to assist SBC citizens. CASA is a valuable vehicle assisting our community's children and I am very happy to be a part of their contributions as a Board Member. 

Dance Class Vouchers

Dance class vouchers are available at the office for CASA youth and their siblings! Flying Colors Dance & Fitness Studio and Sammy's Animation Dance Company offer different styles of dance, so please be sure to check out their websites for schedules of classes. This opportunity has been made possible with the generosity of Sue Redmond and the Hollister Exchange Club.

Mark your calendars, our next arts & crafts class is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 11 am to 2 pm, location TBD. These classes are open to CASA children, their siblings, and advocates. Please be sure to RSVP by February 3rd if you are planning to attend so we can plan accordingly! 

Classes are made possible in part by a grant received from the Rotary Club of Hollister.

This event is to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of those striving to better the lives of foster children from our community, as well as those who contribute their time and skills in helping CASA to grow as an organization. Attendance is by invitation only. If you have received an invitation, please be sure to RSVP before April 10, 2016. If you are a volunteer and have not yet received and invitation, please check your spam folder or contact us at (831) 637-4992.