Longtime CASA Volunteer August Butler Now Serves as Case Manager
August has been involved with Richmond CASA for the past 5 years. They first began as a CASA volunteer and became a full-time staff member just over one year ago. The CASA Program Coordinator shared that “August’s positive traits are overwhelming. They are reliable, open-minded, and constantly searching for new things to learn. They are a sponge for knowledge, soaking up every morsel. One of my favorite things about August is that they actively put themselves into situations that will challenge them and take them out of their comfort zone. They also made it a point to be at every new CASA volunteer class’ Swearing In Ceremony when they were a volunteer. They are always willing to help where is needed, and offer support to coworkers.” 

How did you first get involved with SCAN?
I began volunteering with CASA in the fall of 2015, just after I moved to Richmond. I wanted to meet people and get involved in the community in a meaningful way. Then the case manager position opened up just as I finished graduate school!

What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN?
I’ve been working with children and youth for a long time, both in one-on-one situations like babysitting and in communal settings like church nurseries, vacation Bible schools, homeschool cooperatives, and pre-college summer programs. My graduate school research centered on children in American history, what they meant to the adults around them and how they were treated by them. I also thought for a long time that I wanted to be a lawyer, studying criminal justice and forensic psychology in high school and college and interning for a judge one summer. I was drawn to CASA because it brought together my experience with and love of children and my interest in the legal system.

What inspires you to stay involved with your work at SCAN?
People, people, and people. I thoroughly enjoy my colleagues and it is just fun coming to work every day (well, it was). The volunteers I supervise are likewise delightful, and it is really cool to get to interact with people with such varied backgrounds and interests. And finally, of course, the children and families: While I don’t get to work with them as directly as I used to, I see their lives unfold through my volunteers’ reports and get to share, to some small degree, in their setbacks and in their triumphs.

Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?
I hope people realize how well-respected SCAN is. I was once in a hearing where a parent’s attorney suggested a different parenting class that would finish more quickly; the judge said, “I know the quality of SCAN’s work and why it takes 20 weeks; I don’t know what this other provider does in that shorter time frame.”

What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?
It is hard to forget one of my earlier experiences as a volunteer, when the twins I was assigned had their first birthday and I was invited to the party. Not only was it gratifying to be included in such an important life event, but it gave me an opportunity to see their large, loving, supportive family in action and having fun. I’ve also really enjoyed attending the Blue & White Ball and Adoption Day!

SCAN Circle Preschool Program News
SCAN's Circle Preschool Program is moving and expanding! In partnership with the YWCA, SCAN will be relocating to the new Sprout School at 1101 Bainbridge Street next month. We are excited to have two classrooms, a sensory room, and a therapy room to serve our preschoolers in this new space. While we are leaving our classroom at St. James's Children's Center, our partnership with St. James's will continue. We are grateful for their collaboration and kindness since CPP first opened in 2011.

More details to come!

Get involved by contributing to our CPP wishlist. More items will be needed and added as we move and assess the new space.
Richmond CASA Seeks Volunteers
Richmond CASA is now recruiting for our Fall 2020 training class, which will begin on October 5.

Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates is currently in need of volunteers to serve children in our community. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. They make sure the child’s needs are heard – in the community and in the courtroom – and serve as a caring, consistent adult in a child’s life. They are individuals from all walks of life who are willing to dedicate their time to looking out for a child’s best interests.


Email Heather Farber at volunteer@grscan.com with any questions.
Thank you!
We are grateful to The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond for their $30,000 grant to support the Greater Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network and for their ongoing efforts in collaboration with Studio Two Three to support nonprofits. Their additional donation of masks has made a difference in allowing SCAN to continue to reach children and caregivers.


Thank you to the City of Richmond for their continued partnership and support of SCAN's services.

Support Greater Richmond SCAN during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic through Birdies for Charity Presented by TowneBank!
The program gives SCAN an opportunity to generate contributions through flat donations or based on the number of “birdies” made by PGA TOUR Champions players during the tournament.
 
In addition, the PGA TOUR will donate an additional 10 percent on donations made through Birdies for Charity, so SCAN will receive an additional 10 percent of total pledges!
 
DONATION TYPES (Donations can be made at any time):

* A one-time flat donation (minimum donation of $25).
 
*A per-birdie donation (option to cap donation). Total donation amount will be determined based on the number of birdies made by PGA TOUR Champions professionals during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
 
Mustaches 4 Kids Richmond Recruiting Growers
M4K Richmond have been longtime supporters and friends to SCAN. They are currently recruiting growers for their 2020 season.

M4K Richmond improves the quality of life for local children through individual fundraising, partnering with local charities and businesses, and having a little bit of fun with facial hair.



Take 5 with SCAN
Join Margo Buchanan and other SCAN Staff members for the Take 5 with SCAN series on the SCAN YouTube Channel. These quick videos introduce easy ways to support yourself and your family through simple breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, stretching and more. Check out the the latest Take 5 videos:
Visit the SCAN YoutTube Channel for more Take 5 Videos as well as access to trainings provided by SCAN staff on Building Resilience, Engaging Families, Self Care and more.
Give a Gift Through United Way
When you join a United Way campaign, you have the opportunity to choose how your contribution is spent. You can have your gift distributed for you or you can give your gift to a specific organization.  

SCAN is eligible to receive donor designations through the United Way campaigns.  
 
Our campaign codes are as follows:
United Way Campaign: #3343 (please also list SCAN)
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): #82607
Local Government & Schools (LGS): #166
Protect a Child today with a gift to SCAN's Annual Fund.
Greater Richmond SCAN | 804-257-7226 | www.grscan.com