FEBRUARY 2022
CASA News
Introducing our new Chief Financial Officer, Glenn Lazon
Glenn Lezon comes to CASA/LA from the windy city of Chicago and was in the role of director of accounting, Department of Family and Support Services for the City of Chicago. He served the early childhood education community in the Head Start program, including but not limited to coordination of financing and allocation of funding for those programs. Glenn also volunteered as the treasurer for the organization Parenting 4 Non-Violence in Chicago. Glenn received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in public accounting from the Loyola University School of Business, which grew his passion for everything numbers.
 
In his spare time, Glenn enjoys spending time with his family and being a pet parent to Romy the cat and Toby, a lab/hound mix. He also enjoys classic movies and television shows, road trips throughout the great state of California and trying all kinds of wonderful culinary options that the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area has to offer! A native of Chicago, Glenn is so excited to call California home, leaving the cold winters of the Midwest behind!
Meet our new Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, Denise Preciado!
Denise Preciado comes to CASA/LA with over 10 years of nonprofit work experience serving diverse communities. As a supervisor with LA's Best, Denise partnered with LAUSD to serve at-risk youth through an expanded learning program. She also worked with the YWCA's domestic violence program, facilitating parenting classes and serving as a youth advocate. Her working philosophy has been to provide excellent service to underserved communities in order to build equity and accessibility. She is the first in her family to graduate from college (not the last!) and earned her Bachelor of Psychology from California State University of Los Angeles graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Her personal interests include dancing, reading (psychological thrillers), going to Disneyland and the Los Angeles Zoo with her two daughters Cielo and Celeste, and her husband Rafael.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CASA/LA IN-SERVICE TRAINING

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
When: Thursday, February 3 from 12-2 PM
Where: online
RSVP: here

What to Expect When Your CASA Youth is Expecting
When: Wednesday, February 9 from 12-2 PM
Where: online
RSVP: here

Family Urgent Response System (FURS): 24/7 Trauma-Informed Support
When: Tuesday, February 15 from 12-1:30 PM
Where: online
RSVP: here

Educational Advocacy and School Discipline
When: Friday, February 18 from 12-2 PM
Where: online
RSVP: here

Gangs: Myths, Reality, and the Best Way to Advocate for Youth Involved
When: Friday, February 25 from 12-2 PM
Where: online
RSVP: here
If you are interested in watching a recording of past in-service training, contact Betsy Ann Mudd. We may have what you are looking for!
Fireside Chat Series - February Edition

On Friday, February 4, join us for a conversation on "Racial Disproportionality and Disparity in the Child Welfare System." Must RSVP to attend. New discussions every 1st Friday of the month.
CONNECTION
BOOK CLUBS

Coastline Book Group
Where: A CASA's home in Santa Monica*
When: Tuesday, March 22 at 1:30 PM
Reading: "Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival and Hope in an American City," by Andrea Elliott 
RSVP: contact Jeanne Irving
*Space is limited to those with completed COVID-19 vaccines.

San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where: online via Zoom
When: Tuesday, March 15 at 7 PM
Reading: "Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival and Hope in an American City," by Andrea Elliott (Parts 1-4)
RSVP: contact Renne Bilson

Want to host a book club? Contact Betsy Ann Mudd.
CASA CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for CASA volunteers to connect with and support each other.

Announcing ...
Educational Rights Holders Thursday, February 24, 6 PM
Click here to register.

Tween (10~14) Tuesday, February 1, 6 PM
Transitional Age Youth (15~17) Tuesday, February 15, 3 PM
Non-Minor Dependent (18~21) Thursday, February 10, 5 PM
Events
LA Big 5K Race
This year, CASA of Los Angeles is proud to be an Official Charity Partner of the LA Big 5K race, a fun and challenging loop through Elysian Park with scenic views of Downtown Los Angeles. The LA Big 5K is an essential part of LA Marathon weekend, and we are thrilled to share it with you! 
Our 10th annual gala is back in person this year!
More information will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please visit HERE to learn more about ways you can help support CASA/LA this year. Sponsorships and auction donations for the gala are essential for us to continue with life-changing advocacy for thousands of children in foster care in Los Angeles. All proceeds directly support our advocacy programs.
For CASA Youth
2022 Idyllwild Arts Camp Scholarship Applications DUE 2/18
If you are working with youth between the ages of 13-18 (as of summer 2022) who shows interest and talent in the arts (painting, drawing, theater, music, writing, etc) the Idyllwild Art Camp is a great opportunity. Located in the mountains above Palm Springs, this generous 2-week scholarship is worth more than $3,300! Click the links below to access the application and the Idyllwild Summer 2022 catalog. Have questions? Contact CASA/LA volunteer Eileen Sheiniuk.
Baby2Baby: A resource for diapers and wipes
Baby2Baby is a great resource if your CASA youth is expectant or parenting or if your CASA child is an infant or toddler. If you are interested in connecting your youth with this resource speak with your advocate supervisor. We submit a monthly order and must provide Baby2Baby with the following information: CASA name, CASA youth's name, age/gender of the infant/toddler, and diaper size (newborn to size 6). Special orders can be submitted if a car seat or a port-a-crib is needed.
Resources for Volunteers
CASA of Los Angeles | 323-859-2888 | www.casala.org