An inspiring young champion for children is making a difference in our community

Acts of kindness come in all different shapes and sizes. Some people write a heartfelt note to express appreciation. Some give compliments to complete strangers just to make their day. Others pay for the meal of the car behind them in the drive-thru.

Ariana, a bright, young member of our community was looking for a meaningful way to pay it forward. Instead of asking for gifts for her birthday this year, she asked for donations from the CASA of Brown County Wish List. 

It is inspiring to witness kids in our community helping other kids through such a selfless, thoughtful act of kindness. We are grateful to have such generous people in our community who keep our CASA kids and youth in their hearts.

Just like Ariana, you can host a third-party event to collect monetary or item donations for CASA of Brown County. It can be as easy as adding a giving back component to an event you’re already planning or something even more creative!

If you are interested in learning more or need additional ideas and guidance, please email Kathy@casabc.org.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, it is critical to continue raising awareness about the importance of culture and identity.

In the child welfare system, the number of Hispanic children placed in foster care outweighs the availability of Hispanic foster parents. Connecting to heritage and culture can therefore be very difficult for children and youth in foster care.

They may be in a foster home that does not speak their first language, cook their traditional foods or engage in their culture’s traditions and rituals.

CASA volunteers work to understand a child’s entire story and background and find ways to incorporate a child’s heritage and culture. Doing so positively impacts their development and sense of belonging. As a community, we must continue acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of culturally diverse children and youth in foster care.

Retrieved from: https://www.pdx.edu/center-child-family/sites/g/files/znldhr2421/files/2020-07/FC-latino-children-fact-sheet.pdf

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually in the United States.

Domestic violence also impacts others in the household, including children. Approximately 1 in 3 children who witness domestic violence are also child abuse victims.

Experiencing domestic violence can lead to anxiety, difficulty concentrating, nightmares and sleeplessness, and aggression. Children are at greater risk of long-term health problems as adults including depression, substance abuse, and heart disease. A violent and hostile environment has devastating effects on children.

During pre-service training, CASA volunteers learn about the impact of domestic violence to help them advocate for children, provide support, and recommend resources that are in the child’s best interest.

With a CASA volunteer by their side, children have a caring, consistent voice to support their well-being and help lower the risk of negative outcomes.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2015). Domestic violence and children. Retrieved from www.ncadv.org

Get ready for "30 Days of Thanks"

November is just around the corner: a month full of gratitude, joy, and appreciation. For the month of November, we encourage you to find fun and creative ways to express your gratitude! This calendar is a great starting point to give yourself unique gratitude challenges each day.

If you share your gratitude on social media, tag us and use the hashtag #30DaysofThanks. We would love to spread gratitude and joy with you!

CASA of Brown County will engage in their own “30 Days of Thanks” on social media. This is an opportunity to highlight our donors, sponsors, volunteers, Board Members, staff, and community partners who all drive the CASA mission every day.

Follow us on social media to follow along and hear why we are tremendously thankful during November.

Support our mission in different ways

Looking for new ways to support our mission?

If you are 70 1/2 years old and have a qualified IRA, you may want to consider the tax benefits of gifting from your IRA to CASA of Brown County.

Simply talk to your financial advisor regarding your IRA qualifications and they can help you make a Qualified Charitable Distribution.

Keep your funds local and help change a child’s story by making your distribution directly to CASA of Brown County.

Your Qualified Charitable Distribution can help provide CASA advocacy for abused and neglected children under court protection in our community, while also receiving a tax benefit.

CASA Team and Board Member Updates

• Congratulations to Attorney Ralph Tease, who serves on the CASA of Brown County Board of Directors, for being nationally recognized in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®!

• Philanthropy Director Kathy Wucherer celebrated her one-year anniversary of working at CASA of Brown County!

• New Advocate Supervisor Cassie Bevers was sworn in by Judge John Zakowski after completing her CASA volunteer pre-service training.