MARCH 2021
CASA News
CASA Renne Bilson featured in the Eisner Foundation Journal
The Eisner Foundation has been a longtime supporter of CASA of Los Angeles due to its focus on supporting intergenerational volunteerism and wellness. Their team interviewed longtime CASA volunteer Renne Bilson for a feature in their recent journal. You can read the article here.
"I’m a better person because I’ve been a CASA volunteer,
and I’m so happy to have had this opportunity because I’ve lived a pretty sheltered life. This work has expanded my horizons in such a positive way –
it gives you a better understanding of other people." -Renne Bilson
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING

African American Infant Mortality Project
When: Friday, March 5 at 12-1 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2

Mandatory Reporting
When: Thursday, March 11 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2

Childcare
When: Wednesday, March 17 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2

KidSave
When: Tuesday, March 23 at 12-1:30 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!
COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Real Word Panel: featuring youth and young adults who currently live or have lived in the foster care system
When: Wednesday, March 3 at 6 PM
Provider: National CASA

Compassion Fatigue Through an ACES Aware Lens for CASA Volunteers
When: Wednesday, March 10 at 12-3 PM
Provider: California CASA
CONNECTION
BOOK CLUBS

Coastline Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, March 9 at 1:30-3 PM
We're Reading: "Lila" by Marilynne Robinson
RSVP: contact Jeanne Irving @ jirving@advocatecasala.org

San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, March 9 at 7 PM
We're Reading: "The Undocumented Americans" by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
RSVP: contact Renne Bilson @ rjbilson@aol.com

Want to host a book club?
Contact Betsy Ann Mudd at bmudd@casala.org.
QUARTERLY VOLUNTEER FORUM

At CASA of Los Angeles, we are all about transparency and connection. That's why we would like to invite you to our quarterly volunteer forum. Amidst this unprecedented time in our world, our work still continues. Please join us to reflect on recent successes, where we are in current strategic initiatives, and discuss our goals ahead. The quarterly volunteer forum provides you with a platform to share your thoughts and feedback on your volunteer experience. It's also a great opportunity to have a dialogue directly with CASA/LA leadership on topics that truly matter to you.

Thursday, March 18
8-9:30 AM
Online via ZOOM
SHARE AND SUPPORT
Share & supports are opportunities for CASAs to meet and discuss shared experiences with their CASA youth.

Mental Health
Tuesday, March 23 @ 1-3 PM via Zoom
This share and support will focus on mental health for youth in foster care. Topics will include barriers, successes, resources, and strategies. To RSVP email akhan@casala.org by Thursday, March 18.
Advocacy for CSEC Involved Youth
Thursday, April 8 @ 12-1 PM via Zoom
This share and support will focus on youth that are CSEC involved. Participants will discuss rewards and challenges, and share other tips and encouragement. In addition, CASA/LA's CSEC committee will be present to provide feedback and support. To RSVP email csec@casala.org by Wednesday, April 7.
Events
Join us on May 13 for a memorable evening honoring our advocacy for children in LA County's foster care system with special guests and musical performances, and inspiring stories from Court Appointed Special Advocates.

This year, we are proud to recognize our honorees who have dedicated their time and philanthropic efforts to our mission so we can continue to advocate for the children that we serve.

Stay tuned for more information, including the launch of our silent auction. If you would like to donate items to the auction, please contact Avery Bell at abell@casala.org.

For sponsorships, please contact Marie Carpenter at mcarpenter@casala.org.
For CASA Youth
Opportunity for Young Adults Interested in Creative Art Careers!

Through Animation, Interactive/Gaming, Media, and New Media training and development, Better Youth's AIM-N-Inspire project, in partnership with Skydance Media, cultivates a sense of character, a heart of service, excellence, and accomplishment for foster youth (aged 16-24) in the South Los Angeles area, by providing state-of-the-art training in preparation for careers in the creative economy. The program provides an opportunity to explore the creative disciplines of animation (A), interactive gaming (I), media production including film and TV shows (M), and new media with virtual and mixed realities (N). Participants will become a member of Better Crew, the media production team at Better Youth, and will receive a scholarship (valued at $2000) that pays for enrollment and activities, including access to all related equipment needed for projects and events. As a result, participation is of no cost to you. We require all participants to be in attendance and on time for at least 90% of all scheduled activities and events. Applicants must ensure that this commitment can be made before submitting the application. For more information and application materials visit the Better Youth website.
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.
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