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January 2022 | Issue #14
The late bell hooks reminded us that “we learn about love in childhood. Whether our homes are happy or troubled, our families functional or dysfunctional, it’s the original school of love.” As we head into February, the month in which we mark Valentine’s Day, I can think of no better way to celebrate love than to stand up and show up for the children in our community. 

bell hooks correctly noted that “we would all love better if we used it as a verb” and CASA volunteers live that everyday in the ways they listen to and learn from our youth in foster care and on probation. Whether it is helping a young person apply to college, secure clothes that fit, attend camp, find needed academic support or picking up the phone (to call or text) at various times of the day or evening, CASA volunteers do their best to make sure our youth have someone who sees them, hears them and helps other adults meet their unique needs. Love is empowering and healing and every child should know what that feels like. So, in the midst of all the cards and flowers that will be used to express care this month, I want to recognize how your support is responsible for the many ways our CASA youth experience love and emotional connection. As we continue to support and train our volunteers with the goal of serving our youth as deeply and effectively as possible, thank you for making sure that love is used as a verb - as it should be.

With gratitude,

Nkia Richardson
Executive Director
A Heartwarming CASA Story
We have many stories to highlight the impact that CASA volunteers have on their youth. In this story, we share of the importance and impact the CASA can have on their youth during AND after the case closes.

Anthony was 4 years old when he was introduced to CASA Michelle. After reading that Anthony's case would be a bit more challenging and that he would need a lot of support, she knew she could make a difference. Michelle learned that Anthony didn’t speak much, he was behind developmentally, and had multiple disabilities. When Michelle met Anthony, he quickly bonded to her.
In one of Michelle's updates, she shared how well her youth was doing and recognized his incredible development and supportive foster parents.

"Every Sunday I get him from 3-5pm. A couple weeks ago we went to the zoo. His favorite thing to do is just to be in the car.. it helps him to communicate and bond and find comfort. He loves overpasses and tunnels...he loves our visits.”

Anthony continued to thrive in his foster home and was ultimately adopted by his parents. The foster (now adoptive mom) invited Michelle to the hearing where she could be present to see Anthony adopted into a wonderful family. With the parent's support, Michelle said she's going to stay in contact with Anthony as they consider Michelle an important part of Anthony's life. The mother stated that Michelle was Anthony’s first friend.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
In 2020, San Mateo County service providers responding to a survey said they identified between 280-300+ human trafficking victims who had some connection with the county – an average of over 23 victims per month.

According to the National Foster Youth Institute, it’s estimated that 60 percent of child sex trafficking victims have a history in the child welfare system. Human traffickers will prey on individuals who are most vulnerable, which is why foster children have a greater risk of becoming victims than those who aren’t in the system. Children that struggle with their mental health, who have experienced some type of abuse, and do not have a strong support system are at higher risk to become victims. That can lead youth to being more susceptible to being manipulated, coerced and or forced into commercial sexual exploitation. They are some of the most vulnerable children in our community.

To learn more about San Mateo County's efforts to stop human trafficking, please visit: stophumantraffickingsmc.org
You did it!
Thank you to all our supporters who contributed to our recent holiday campaign by exceeding our $47,000 matching grant offered by The Quest Foundation. We are so grateful to have such a caring and generous community to enable this amazing gift!

Save the date: Sunday, August 28
We are thrilled to announce that our Auxiliary will be resuming their annual Garden Party on Sunday, August 28. Mark your calendars for the return of this beloved outdoor fundraising event, with a few changes to ensure an environment for everyone's comfort and safety.

Stay tuned for details!
In The News...

When a child transitions into adulthood, making sure they have a safe place to live is a priority. However, reports say as many as a third of young adults aging out of California’s foster care system experience homelessness. A new law is hoping to improve those statistics.

Starting January 1, 2022, new legislation will require counties to review housing plans for foster youth exiting the system.


Governor Newsom released his proposed 2022-23 budget plan, a framework that features important investments to advance the health and well-being of California’s youngest children.

"The governor’s proposal demonstrates a focus on the needs of the whole child and family through investments in home visiting, early literacy, early intervention programs and mitigating child poverty. These are critical investments as we continue to confront the historic barriers our families face including racism, injustice, and poverty."