Dear Volunteers,

Usually in late August and early September we see a spike in the number of requests for help related to “back to school” things like backpacks, school supplies, back to school clothes. This year is anything but typical, and returning to school this fall may bring added stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety about returning to school, whether in-person or virtually. It’s hard to know what is needed most during this time of transition. This situation is certainly difficult for all families, but for children and families in the child welfare system and those who are already under-resourced, going back to school this fall creates new challenges.

We are here for the challenges.

Not many requests for back to school items have been submitted – so I wanted to make sure to remind you that if the child you serve needs anything that can assist with their educational needs, please reach out to your advocate supervisor and submit a request. It could be that art supplies would be helpful to your child(ren) and their families, or maybe some things for outdoor activities – bikes, skateboards, jump rope, sidewalk chalk. And even if your youth is doing virtual school, sometimes it helps to have that new outfit that makes it feel like “back to school” time.

Hopefully, the kids will be going back to in person learning soon, and I bet many of them will be so excited and want to have that new outfit!

Just remember that we are here to support you to make sure that the kids have what they need.

And one more thing. I really want to thank you for your commitment and perseverance over the past 6 months (can you believe it’s been 6 months?!) while we have all been working so hard to stay healthy and safe, while still making sure our kids are safe. You are so important. I’m inspired every day by how you have continued to give your time for CASA. Thank you.
Kim Colby Davis, Executive Director
Small group art class for you and your case child
Santa Barbara Art Class September 26 2-4PM
Origami
Ages 8 and up.
8 person max - includes child - so the first 4 to confirm attendance
RSVP by emailing Crystal@sbcasa.org

Learn the traditional Japanese Origami art of folding paper into different animal shapes and objects. Anita will show you how to make a star box, a butterfly, a bird, a crane and a jumping frog. It is a fun activity and after learning the basics of origami, you can make other great creations for decorations and gifts for friends and family.  
Annual Advocate Survey and Review
As I mentioned last month, we are required by the Judicial Council to meet annually with every volunteer to complete an annual review. Thank you for taking time to meet with your advocate supervisor. We have extended the review period to include all of September and the first 2 weeks of October. Your advocate supervisor may have already contacted you, or will contact you soon to complete your review.

We also want to give you the chance to review our program - so we have updated the volunteer satisfaction survey. Please take the time (average is 7 minutes) to complete this survey - it will help us to learn what we are doing well, and where we can improve.

You can complete the survey HERE, and we will also send an email invitation directly from surveymonkey.
Please make sure to submit your hours
With all of the changes in the past few months, I want to remind you all about the requirement to complete your 12 hours of continuing education. This requirement has NOT been waived, even though we are not able to hold our monthly lunch and learns.

We have been making an effort to provide you with ideas for online learning or movies/books that count for your continuing education, and remember that you can also be logged into CASA University for a refresher course!

Please talk to your Advocate Supervisor if you have any questions about your continuing education status.
Opportunities to learn:
  • Attend the National CASA "Virtual" Conference - One full day of continuing ed is offered for volunteers for $50 and includes your choice of multiple workshops - register HERE
  • Learn more about the tragedy of human trafficking HERE
  • Read a book! Here are just a few options for great continuing ed:
  • We have many of these books at the CASA office!
  • Check with your advocate supervisor for more ideas.
  • We will resume monthly meetings as soon as possible! We miss seeing you!
Announcing the online CASA store!
At Gifts4CASA.com you can purchase items for yourself or a friend and every purchase supports our local CASA program!
This is just one of several styles of CASA gear that you can choose from, and every purchase helps to support the CASA program.

Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, bags, mugs and water bottles. More products will be added over the next couple of months, so check back often!
This artistic CALIFORNIA map graphic was created by our own Senior Advocate Supervisor, Chantel Braley! When you purchase your water bottle, mug, or other product with this design, you have one of a limited number of items specially designed for CASA of Santa Barbara County by Chantel and the CASA Graphics team.
Gifts4CASA serves three purposes: We have custom designed products for CASA volunteers and their friends, we have a unique was to engage the community with a way to provide kids wishes through a special "wish list" section of the store, and every purchase helps raise funds to support the CASA program in Santa Barbara County.

This month we are excited to offer all volunteers a special coupon - please be our first guests!
ENJOY
25% OFF
Be sure to enter code
VOLUNTEER25 at checkout to save!
Have you Joined the Circle of Hope yet? We are building a group of people who want to support CASA with a monthly gift of $10-$20 - and we would LOVE to include you! Contact Crystal@sbcasa.org for more information.