Note from the President and CEO | |
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To our CASAs,
The hustle and bustle of the holidays and end-of-year season has arrived. For some, the end of the year might be a time of reflection. Others may be looking ahead to all that 2024 will bring. I hope that as you think back on the last year you can take heart in all of the ways you have made a difference in your case child’s life, and as you look ahead, you will be confident that our team at Voices for Children is here to support you in your advocacy no matter what you may navigate next.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
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To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care
This book by Cris Beam paints an unprecedented portrait of the intricacies of growing up in the system--the back-and-forth with agencies, the shuffling between pre-adoptive homes and group homes, the emotionally charged tug of prospective adoptive parents and the fundamental pull of birth parents. And then what happens as these system-reared kids become adults? Beam closely follows a group of teenagers in New York who are grappling with what aging out will mean and who are still in desperate need of a sense of home and belonging. Find this on Amazon!
If you have read this boo, please let your supervisor know and you will be credited with 4 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
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Featured Case of the Month | |
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This month’s case is for a CASA who is willing to take a second case in person.
In September 2021, a referral came in that Maria was living with her boyfriend in the home of his grandfather. They have a son together, and there appears to be lots of arguments and bickering between Maria and her boyfriend. Maria's mother takes methamphetamines, so Maria stated she was not safe with her. Maria has also not been to school for the last year. Maria is now 19 and needs an advocate. She is open to having a CASA and has moved out on her own.
If you are interested in learning more about this case, or considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
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CASA of the Month
Congratulations to our Riverside County CASA of the Month, Merav E.! CASA Merav has been a guiding light for her 17-year-old case child, Bianca*. Click here to learn more about how CASA Merav has shown Bianca that she can rely on her CASA and is a devoted presence in Bianca's life.
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Ways to Give
Year-End Tax Planning and IRAs
Taxpayers who itemize deductions have until December 31, 2023, to make charitable contributions for their 2023 tax years. Moreover, those 70½ and older can use their individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to support Voices for Children. An IRA charitable rollover gift to Voices for Children may lower income taxes, satisfy the minimum distribution for the year, reduce taxable income even for those who do not itemize deductions, and more. For more information, click here.
Dutch Bros Give Back Day
We are once partnering with our friends at Dutch Bros for a give back day. On Friday, December 1st, grab your favorite drink at the La Quinta or Indio location and help Voices for Children! Dutch Bros Coffee will donate $1 from every drink sold that day to VFC and support our mission to provide every child in foster care with the transformative advocacy of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer!
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Dutch Bros Give Back Day
We are once partnering with our friends at Dutch Bros for a give back day. On Friday, December 1st, grab your favorite drink at the La Quinta or Indio location and help Voices for Children! Dutch Bros Coffee will donate $1 from every drink sold that day to VFC and support our mission to provide every child in foster care with the transformative advocacy of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer!
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Focusing Philanthropy's Gift-Matching Campaign
We’re in the final month of our gift-matching challenge with our partner, Focusing Philanthropy. Since the challenge launched on May 1st, VFC has raised $140,000 toward the campaign’s goal and must raise the remaining $60,000 by December 31st. We are over half way there, but we need your help. As a reminder. Focusing Philanthropy will give an additional $1 for every $2 that VFC raises, up to $200,000! That’s a total of $300,000, enough to serve 150 children! Gifts must be $500 or greater to qualify for the match.
Click HERE to make your secure online gift. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Focusing Philanthropy, and mail it to Focusing Philanthropy at 1637 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Directing your gift to Focusing Philanthropy allows them to confirm that gifts meet their criteria for a match and provide appropriate documentation for the IRS. Focusing Philanthropy does not charge any administrative fees, so the entire gift benefits VFC.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a generous, tax-deductible gift of $500 or more, please follow the above instructions or contact Brianna at BriannaM@speakupnow.org for more information.
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Fabulous Funder
BNI Riverside County
Business Network International or BNI is the world's largest business networking and business referral organization. At the invite of CASA and Executive Director of BNI Riverside County, Susan Goodsell, Voices for Children joined a local chapter in 2019. Thanks to our involvement, we have developed meaningful partnerships, increased awareness of our program, and raised vital funds.
In celebration of BNI “Friendsgiving” last month, VFC received over a dozen gifts from members of various chapters across the County, some who were learning about us for the first time. Many of these gifts were matched for Giving Tuesday. BNI Success Professionals, the chapter of which Brianna Miller is a member, even made a $1,000 donation to sponsor VFC’s booth at Palm Springs Pride. To sweeten the deal, this gift was made through Focusing Philanthropy bringing in a total of $1,500. We are so grateful to CASA Susan and our BNI family!
You, our CASAs
This month, we want to express our gratitude to all of you. Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our fundraising goal for Giving Tuesday. The total raised plus the match will help ensure that over 30 children living in foster care in Riverside and San Diego Counties will be provided the support and consistency of a CASA like you! Thank you for giving of your time and your treasure to help local children in foster care.
If you are feeling fabulous and have ideas to help raise funds for VFC, please contact Brianna at BriannaM@speakupnow.org.
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Please keep in mind that you must attend three Small Groups each year as part of your Continuing Education requirement!
Small Group: Open Topic
As the year wraps up, we want to hear about your time with your kiddos! Whether you need to vent, need some advice, or want to brag about your awesome case child, we want to hear it all! We are here to support you on this journey and look forward to catching up with you! RSVP to MelanieT@speakupnow.org to save your spot.
Friday, December 15, 2023; 12:00pm-1:30pm
Small Group: The Ins and Outs of Reunification
If you are on a reunification case or simply want to learn more, join Alysa Deane at our Riverside Office to discuss reunification proceedings, visitation, and much more! Come dressed in your favorite holiday sweater and enjoy some delicious holiday treats. RSVP to AlysaD@speakupnow.org to let her know you're coming.
Thursday, December 21, 2023; 3:00pm-4:30pm
Riverside Office: 11870 Pierce St., Suite 260, Riverside, CA 92505
(We are located on the second floor of the Kaiser building).
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Completing the FAFSA/CADAA: A How-To Webinar for Adult Supporters of Youth in Foster Care
Event presented by John Burton Advocates for Youth
Wednesday, December 6, 2023; 10:00am-11:30am
The all-new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) are launching in December. Please join John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) to learn about important changes to these applications and the steps to take to ensure that these applications are completed correctly for students experiencing homelessness as well as those in foster care. Attendees will also receive information on key steps to take after a FAFSA or CADAA is completed. Click here to register!
First 5 - Understanding the Importance of the Early Years in Buffering Against Adverse Childhood Experiences
Wednesday, December 13, 2023; 12:00pm-1:30pm
Event presented by California CASA
Understanding the importance of supporting protective factors in the early years of development will have a positive impact over a child’s life course. First 5's core vision is to develop programs, supports, and structures to create healing-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive systems. Children in foster care have been exposed to many Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that can impact brain development in the early years. Learn how to partner with First 5 to buffer against the long-term impact of this trauma. Register here to save your spot!
Autism: Supporting Youth and Caregivers as a CASA
Event presented by Voices for Children
Wednesday, December 13, 2023; 3:00pm-4:30pm
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Alfred Williams, and CASA, Carrie Jaramillo, as they discuss and answer questions about autism, how to support youth on the autism spectrum, and how to help caregivers better understand the youth in their care. Carrie is excited to bring her experience and expertise to this lively discussion and answer questions from those who may be new to working with youth on the spectrum. While we are not medical or mental health professionals, we can still bring tools and resources to the table for our kiddo's case team. Email AlfredW@speakupnow.org to RSVP.
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What We're Reading
Each month we'll highlight a staff member's new favorite novel, movie, or podcast.
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Our fabulous Advocacy Supervisor, Melanie Thomas, is reading The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her questioning what’s been missing in her life. Find this best seller on Amazon!
After you have finished reading, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts on the series!
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Advocacy Focus
December is National Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month! The winter months introduce a change in weather, sleep patterns, and emotions that hit some of us pretty hard and may cause an increase in thoughts or feelings of depression. Seasonal depression affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. Our kiddos may experience this on a different level. They may not have any family nearby or miss the traditions they once had in their own homes. While we cannot alleviate these feelings altogether, we can certainly try to make the holidays a more enjoyable time for our children! Take this month as an opportunity to communicate; ask your child how they are feeling, and how they wish to celebrate the holiday season now or in the future. Stay active and healthy; arts and crafts, physical exercise, and nature-based activities are great ways to incorporate self-care. With the power of consistency and support, we can help our dependent youth combat this season of the blues and switch the narrative! For any assistance with how to make this holiday season more fun for you and your case child, reach out to your Advocacy Supervisor for additional ideas!
CASA Outreach Team
Help us not only share the holiday cheer, but also the need for new CASA Volunteers! The CASA Outreach team has helped increase awareness and inquiries about becoming a CASA. In the past three months, our CASA Outreach team has been responsible for 41% of all new interest in becoming a CASA!!bout
A very special thank you to CASAs: Cynthia Avery, Kevin Dell, Frank Diaz, Carrie Jaramillo, Gisselle Kaufman, Brenda Olson, Cathy Perry, and Deborah Roberts, for all of their help with recruiting new CASA Volunteers! These fabulous CASAs help recruit at a variety of events and have helped increase the support we can provide to all youth experiencing foster care in Riverside County!
Join the Outreach team to share your passion as a CASA and help us grow to serve more youth in care! If you would like to learn more about the CASA Outreach team and helping us grow to ensure each youth experiencing foster care has a CASA Volunteer, please reach out to Kathi Shaner, CASA Recruitment and Outreach Manager, at KathiS@speakupnow.org.
Santa's Electric Light Parade
Friday, December 1, 2023; 7:00pm
Old Town Temecula
Admission: Free!
Have yourself a merry little Christmas when you attend the annual Santa's Electric Light Parade! The parade will begin at 7:00 PM sharp at the intersection of Jefferson Ave & Del Rio Rd. Be sure to bring your blankets and chairs as you watch the entries travel south along the parade route into Old Town Temecula. Click here for parking maps and road closures.
Downtown Banning Christmas
Friday, December 1, 2023; 4:00pm-8:00pm
60 E. Ramsey St., Banning, CA 92220
Admission: Free!
Coordinated by the Banning Chamber of Commerce, this event will feature food vendors, snow sledding, a tree lighting, and more!
Menifee Hometown Holiday Festival
Saturday, December 9, 2023: 3:00pm-8:00pm
MSJC Menifee Campus: 282237 La Piedra Rd., Menifee, CA 92584
Admission: Free!
This event will include local vendors, food, photo ops, and a live DJ. Don't forget your ugly Christmas sweater, there's a contest!
Winter Kid's Fun
Saturday, December 16, 2023: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Saturday, December 23, 2023: 1:00pm-3:00pm
2780 Cabot Dr., Corona, CA 92883
Visit the Shops at Dos Lagos and jump on the Polar Express Train to take pictures with Santa, have your faces painted, make some holiday crafts, and more!
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
December 1, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Mission Inn: 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
Admission: Free!
Bring your case child to see the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside. Be sure to arrive early to avoid traffic, the lights begin at dusk!
Culture in Our Community
Voices for Children is proud to launch Culture In Our Community, brought to you by Voices for Children’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness, and Action (IDEAA) Council. We invite CASAs to use this online guide to find places to visit, upcoming events, local restaurants, and other resources to help connect youth in foster care with their culture or background. We encourage you to explore this resource and use it in your upcoming outings!
iFoster Back to School Resources
Click here to access iFoster's very first newsletter with resources including free laptops for college, free K-12 tutoring services, discounted school supplies, and more!
Youth Opportunity Center (YOC)
From innovation center classes to youth sports leagues to holiday programs, the YOC has it all! Check out this Riverside Events Catalog for some free and low-cost activities taking place from now through Fall 2023. This facility offers a combination of virtual and in-person classes and events to explore with your case child!
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Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form no later than December 7 to your Advocacy Supervisor. Remember to include time spent driving to and from visits, attending meetings, and other CASA-related efforts.
Even if you did not drive last month, please submit the form with an estimation of hours spent calling, researching, and writing. This tally is a helpful way for us to quantify the advocacy investment each of you contributes to your case. Your child matters and the hours you spend on their case help to illustrate that reality.
Birthday Gift Cards
Does your case child have a birthday coming up? Voices for Children will provide a $25 gift card for you to take your kiddo shopping! Please reach out to your Advocacy Supervisor to arrange a time to pick one up from one of our offices.
Upcoming VFC Office Closures
VFC staff will be in the office at a minimum of two times per week. If you would like to meet in person, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to coordinate a date and time!
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Monday, December 25, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024 (Holiday Break)
For after-hours case emergencies, contact our 24-hour VFC hotline at 1-858-336-0609.
Second Saturday
Every second Saturday of the month, we encourage our volunteers, staff, board members, and other supporters to showcase their VFC apparel. Join us by wearing yours on Saturday, December 9, to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"
~Martin Luther King Jr.
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