IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Training Recap | Upcoming Events | Volunteer Spotlights | Upcoming Pre-Service Training | Volunteer Anniversaries | Donors Making a Difference

A huge thank you to our in-service speakers this quarter! In April, Frank Duncan, Assistant Regional Director, Metro Region, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services shared the DJS process with us, the expectations DJS has for youth, as well as how CASAs can work effectively with DJS staff and DJS-involved youth. In June, Smita Varia, from Choose Respect Montgomery, part of the Family Justice Center, spoke about the effects of domestic violence on children and youth, how to recognize when youth are involved in unhealthy and/or violent relationships, how to support youth who are in an abusive relationship and community resources to help youth in unhealthy relationships. We greatly appreciate the time and expertise our speakers provided to help our volunteers better advocate for children in foster care!

• July 12, 2022, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., “The Trans List” Documentary- Viewing and Discussion
• July 21, 2022, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Book Club, The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker
• July 28, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CASA Connections
• September 17, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fall Volunteer Pre-Service Training Begins

Please RSVP to Nancy King at nking@casamontgomery.org

Josh Shaw is the CASA for 19-year-old Austin*. Austin is currently placed in an Independent Living Program and is focusing on life after aging out at 21. Since being assigned to Austin’s case in early 2022, Josh has assisted Austin in being accepted into an HVAC apprenticeship program through a local community college. Austin has also found a part-time job through the help of a staffing agency.  

12-year-old Adam* is diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He came into care in February 2019 when his parents were not able to care for him. Adam was placed in a foster home, and his CASA volunteer, Ann Bradley, has been working with him for almost a year. In early 2022, Adam’s therapist indicated she could no longer work with him due to her schedule, and she would stop services in March. The foster parents wanted Adam to have a therapist who could meet with him in-person but did not explore the list of providers given to them by the social worker. As a result, Ann contacted one of the providers on the list who indicated she had an opening. Ann shared this information with the foster parents and social worker, and consequently, Adam had an intake appointment in late March and started seeing his new therapist shortly thereafter.  

*Names changed and photos are not of CASA children

Thank you to each of the following individuals for your years of service and dedication to your CASA youth. Happy Anniversary!

*Donations received from 4/09/2022-

Thank you to everyone who made a donation! Your generosity is the reason we are able to continue to help children in foster care in Montgomery County. We could not do this work without YOU!!

Voices for Children Montgomery is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and receives partial funding from the Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services and the Administrative Office of the Courts Dept. of Juvenile and Family Services.