JANUARY 2021
CASA News
Thrive Members Unite!
Show your love and let the world know you're a member of our Thrive community. Become a monthly donor and receive this one-of-a-kind CASA/LA t-shirt while supplies last.
Top Five New Years Resolutions for CASA Volunteers

  1. Update ETO before my supervisor sends a reminder!
  2. Post one question or comment on Muut, our online CASA forum.
  3. Get those 12 hours of continuing education.
  4. Tell all your friends about our fabulous Wine + Art Event.
  5. Thank yourself for being an amazing volunteer! 
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING

Suicide Prevention
When: Wednesday, January 6 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2

Advocacy for Dual Status Youth: Understanding the 241.1 Process
When: Wednesday, January 13 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2

Special Education
When: Wednesday, January 20 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2

Intersection of Early Childhood and Medical Advocacy
When: Wednesday, January 27 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
If you are interested in watching a recorded video of a past training that you missed, reach out to Betsy Ann Mudd (bmudd@casala.org). We may have what you are looking for!
Virtual Early Childhood (EC) Training
 
This training is a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into the topic of early childhood. You will gain an overall understanding of early childhood development and the factors that influence developmental outcomes. The EC training will address how you can use a developmental lens to support and advocate for the unique needs of young children who are in the court and welfare system.
 
The training is six modules; three are self-paced online and three modules are live via Zoom. For the Zoom sessions you must have a camera and microphone. Class size is limited and prior registration is required. Participation in all six sessions is mandatory. 
 
Module 1: Online reading
Module 2: Zoom (Tuesday, January 26, 2021 10 AM-1 PM)
Module 3: Online reading
Module 4: Zoom (Wednesday, February 2, 2021, 10 AM-1 PM)
Module 5: Online reading
Module 6: Zoom (Wednesday, February 9, 2021, 10 AM-1 PM)
 
Facilitators: Lauri Halderman, program manager, early childhood; Rosa Arevalo, advocacy team manager; and Ben Miller, advocate supervisor
 
Continuing Education Hours: 12
 
RSVP & Questions: Contact Lauri Halderman @ lhalderman@casala.org
CONNECTION
BOOK CLUBS

Coastline Book Group
Where: Online
When: Thursday, January 14 at 1:30-3 PM
We're Reading: "Three Little Words" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter 
RSVP: contact Jeanne Irving @ jirving@advocatecasala.org

San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, January 12 at 7 PM
We're Reading: "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
RSVP: contact Renne Bilson @ rjbilson@aol.com

Want to host a book club?
Contact Betsy Ann Mudd at bmudd@casala.org.
Events
CASA/LA Takes a Moment to Appreciate our Volunteers

On December 10, CASA/LA held our first-ever virtual volunteer appreciation event. It was a special hour filled with honest reflection for the tough year we've had and authentic gratitude for the great work and resiliency demonstrated by all of our volunteers.

If you missed the event, you can watch it on the CASA/LA YouTube Channel.
For CASA Youth
We were excited to see so many of you at our first Holiday Grab & Go. And thanks to generous donors, that we were able to provide toys, clothes and gift cards this holiday season for the CASA children and youth that you support.

We still have a lot of items left...including gift cards! If you weren't able to come by, please contact your supervisor to make an appointment to see if there is anything you would like for your CASA youth.
Resources for Volunteers
Meet other CASA volunteers virtually for monthly discussions and support. Connections are organized by age group of youth served. Sign up here.
You can visit our website for the most up to date version of our court report writing handbook and templates for your court report. In-service trainings on this topic are held quarterly.
CASA/LA cares about the well-being of our advocates. As a volunteer, you have access to our EAP program for anonymous telephonic counseling. Company code: CASAOFLA
Join the CASA resource forum in Muut to search/share resources, communicate with other CASAs, ask questions, and get updates. Read the following instructions to begin.
Visit Litmos to access webinars on transitional age youth, early childhood, etc.
Look in your advocate email for an invitation from CASA/LA or contact your supervisor.
Read our volunteer handbook for any CASA/LA policies regarding anything from conflict of interest, mandatory reporting, boundaries, or posting on social media.
TECH
Need help with ETO?
Contact Josh Saxelby-Valle at jsaxelby-valle@casala.org or 323.859.2888 x.6354
CASA of Los Angeles | 323-859-2888 | www.casala.org