October 2019 CASA Newsletter

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties:

I am often asked, “What does a CASA Advocate do for a foster youth?” If the adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words”, then a video must be worth 10,000 words and it is more engaging to watch. Please take a moment to view our new video in which a few Advocates share what it means to them to be a CASA.

Video: “CASA needs you… I need you. ” Click here for video

I am so grateful to our 160 Advocates who recognize that their gift of time to just one child will positively change the trajectory of not only that child but for this same child who will grow up to be an adult and his/her Advocate impacted future generations. The Advocates’ time spent with the child promotes hope, resiliency, and joy. As we enter the fall season, our focus will eventually shift to the planning for the holidays, family visits, and lots of laughter. For many of our foster youth, that is not what their childhood experiences have included. It was filled with severe neglect, physical abuse and emotional abuse.

I hope that you can help me reach CASA’s goal to have more than 200 active Advocates in 2020. There are other ways to help CASA, too, and we are proud that 83 cents for every dollar received is dedicated directly to our CASA program. EXCITING NEWS! CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties was one of the local non-profits selected for the 2020 Granville Home of Hope. For every ticket we sell between December 1 ^st and May 6th, we will be able to keep 100% of the proceeds AND the winner may win a $400,000 home for just the cost of the $100 ticket. I hope you consider purchasing your ticket from us so that we can serve more foster youth in our area. Be on the lookout for an email to be sent out shortly.

Les Miserables is coming to Fresno April 28 ^- May 2, 2020! Thank you to Fresno Lexus and Broadway Across America for allowing CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties to receive $5.00 for each ticket sold. We value the support of each of you as our community partners and giving the opportunity for others to enjoy a wonderful Broadway play and simultaneously assist our foster youth.

CASA: The Voice that Matters for Foster Youth is now becoming a stronger voice thanks to you.

In partnership for children,

Wilma Tom Hashimoto

Executive Director

Mona Omar has been an Advocate since 2012 to two young foster children. Mona’s youths’ stories are filled with unfortunate trauma, multiple placement changes, and two failed adoptions. Coming into the system at age 7 and 9 due to neglect, these two sisters have experienced multiple ups and downs. Throughout the journey of their life in foster care, they had Mona, a constant CASA Advocate who has been there every step of the way. Mona has been able to be their voice and speak up on behalf of their best interests. While in a meeting, one of the youths was asked to identify her safe person she could call if she had a problem. Her immediate response was, “I would call Mona.” The consistency and dedication that Mona has shown her youth has provided them with a trusting relationship they can rely on regardless of their situation. Both girls are now on track to be adopted by great families and Mona will get to be there to share that special moment with them. These two bright girls will forever remember that they had a CASA advocate that didn’t give up on them. Thank you, Mona, for investing into CASA and advocating for your foster youth!

October Advocate Training

We are excited to have 34 participants at our October Advocate Academy Hybrid training which is scheduled to start on Tuesday, October 15th! Please continue to share with your family and friends about the important, inspiring work our Advocates do with our foster children and their resource families and encourage others to become a Voice that Matters for Foster Youth!

Information Sessions

CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties is excited to introduce our newest staff member, Danny Armenta who will be in charge of recruiting caring community members to make a difference in a child’s life. Danny is a big believer in "service above self”. He currently serves as Rotary District Assistant Governor and was Past President of the Clovis Rotary, and serves as an advisor for the Fresno State Renaissance Scholars. Danny is a proud father of 5, veteran of the US Army for ten years and is an ordained minister.

Danny stated, “I joined CASA in September to serve because in my experience there are two types of people in this world; those with compassion and those without and the greatest way to increase your compassion level is to serve! It’s my goal to help usher in a surplus of volunteer Advocates ensuring that we serve each and every foster child in need within our outstanding community here in Fresno/Madera counties.”

21st Annual CASA Crab Feed

Our Crab Feed fundraiser was held on Friday, September 13 ^th to a sold out crowd of over 800 people. Thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, guests and volunteers for helping us raise over $138,000 for CASA! The money raised from our event goes directly to supporting our mission to recruit, train and support volunteers to be the voice for foster youth.

ALASKAN KING CRAB SPONSOR

Smittcamp Family Foundation

SNOW CRAB SPONSORS

CalViva Health

CORE Business Interiors

Granville Homes

Premier Valley Bank

DUNGENESS CRAB SPONSORS

ABC 30

Camarena Health

Del Rey Packing Co.

Donna Rosenstein & Family

Dowling Aaron Incorporated

Economic Development Corporation

Fresno Police Department Credit Union

Fresno State College of Health & Human Services

Hal Kissler and Maureen Lewis

Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center

Kotman Technology

Matt and Serena Garza

Mid Valley Distributors Inc.

Moss Adams LLP

Olam

Producers Dairy Foods Inc.

The Fresno Bee

Valley Children's Hospital

Zenith Insurance Company

OPILIO CRAB SPONSORS

Beneficial State Bank

First 5 Fresno County

First 5 Madera County

Manco Abbott Inc.

Midland Tractor Co.

Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

Suncrest Bank

Valley Public Radio/FM 89

We are grateful to our Specialty Sponsors:

Fresno Unified School District, Cornerstone Financial Group, Gallo Wines, and to our generous silent and live auction donors.

And to our numerous volunteers from Noble Credit Union, The Zenith, Junior League of Fresno, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority at Fresno State, and many community volunteers including our Crab Feed Committee Chairperson, Jen McDougal and Silent Auction Chairperson, Valerie Araki.

CASA: The Voice That Matters For Foster Youth

www.casafresnomadera.org