Thank you so much to everyone who attended our Spring FriendRaiser at Denizens Brewing Co. for an afternoon of games and fun, all while supporting our mission.

Voices for Children Montgomery is happy to welcome our newest case supervisor to the VFCM team, DeAngela Alexander!

Originally from Virginia, DeAngela is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College, in Staunton, Va, where she earned her bachelor's degree in social work. She has an extensive background in working with vulnerable populations, including at-risk youth in Honduras. During her career, DeAngela has worked at ChildHelp in Virginia, was a unit social worker at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville, VA, and was a Child Protective Services worker for Madison County Department of Social Services, where she conducted safety and risk-of-harm assessments. In addition, DeAngela has worked as a community-based counselor for Chrysalis Counseling Centers, where she provided mental health support to children and their families, and she has experience providing intensive case management to individuals and families experiencing homelessness through her work at Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission. Before coming to VFCM, DeAngela was a support planner for the Coordinating Center, an organization that supports children, youth, adults and seniors with complex medical needs and disabilities. DeAngela resides in Ellicott City with her fiance and is planning a January wedding!  

Given her extensive training and background in working with at risk populations, we believe DeAngela is a great fit for VFCM, and, we are excited to welcome DeAngela to the VFCM team!

• CASA Connections, July 24, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Fall Volunteer Training, starts September 23, 2023

Tyler* is a 16-year-old young man who came into foster care after he and his five siblings were physically abused in his adoptive home. He and his siblings have been placed into six different placements and they are all trying to adjust to their lives in foster care. Tyler is struggling with academic and mental health issues and could greatly benefit from having a CASA volunteer in his corner. 

Adam Carlesco was appointed as the CASA for 18-year-old Jason* in August 2022. At the time, Jason was living with a relative, as his mother was unable to care for him and his father was not involved in his life. Jason was chronically absent from school, getting into fights, and eventually found himself without family support. Jason became involved with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), and was placed in a youth detention facility. While there, Jason’s family did not contact or visit him. Adam was consistent in his efforts to reach Jason and his treatment team and to demonstrate that he was going to be a presence in Jason’s life. Jason has since stepped down to a residential setting, and Adam has worked hard to encourage Jason to meet his potential and focus on his growth. Jason is now earning As and Bs in school, is engaged in mental health treatment, and is on the path to reunification with his mother. 

Melody Elliott has been working with 7-year-old Jamie since February 2021. Jamie came to the attention of the Court in 2018 when Child Welfare Services (CWS) began a neglect investigation. The reported concerns included the home's condition, which was described as being in a condemned state with no running water, toilets full of fecal matter, missing drywall, and general filth. Additionally, CWS was concerned that Jamie was not receiving medical care. In December 2018, Jamie was placed in foster care. Jamie has resided in her current foster placement since January 2019. Jamie and her current foster family are currently working toward adoption. Melody has been able to foster a positive relationship with Jamie and continues to advocate in her best interest. 

Thank you to each of the following CASA volunteers for your years of service and dedication to helping vulnerable children and youth. Happy Anniversary! 

Donations received from February 28, 2023 through July 17, 2023

Be the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer that every child in Montgomery County, Maryland’s foster care system needs. CASA volunteers bring a variety of experiences to their work as advocates on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Voices for Children Montgomery depends on donations from people like you to continue its work. Make a donation today to help us reach our goal of serving ALL children in foster care in Montgomery County by 2026. Thank you!