Note from the President and CEO | |
|
To our CASAs,
Over the last few weeks, I have heard some beautiful stories of CASAs sharing special moments with their assigned child–opportunities to try something new, to celebrate a milestone, or to provide needed comfort and reassurance.
While I am sure that many of these moments will transform into cherished memories for many children, I know with certainty that in each of these moments you are showing your child what it means to feel valued and seen. Thank you for all of the “little” things you do that make such giant impacts in the life of the child you serve.
With appreciation, always,
| |
|
Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
| |
|
Boy Interrupted
From a very young age, Evan Perry was obsessed with death. At 15, he died by suicide. Produced and directed by his mother, Dana Perry, this heartbreaking film delves into the complexity of Evan's disease and shares the story of a family's worst nightmare. The result is a wrenching chronicle of Evan's struggle with bipolar disorder and the impact of his suicide. Stream this film on HBO Max!
If you have watched this movie please let your supervisor know and you will be credited with 1.5 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
| |
Featured Case of the Month | |
|
This month’s case is for a CASA who has experience with medically fragile infants who would like to take a second case.
Paula is six months old. She has been with one foster family since birth, then went to her maternal grandmother in San Diego for couple of weeks. The maternal grandmother called CPS and decided to return the baby. Since May, Paula has been with a new foster family. The biological mother has a history of homelessness and substance abuse. The biological father is not involved. Paula has some feeding difficulties related to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), and is currently seeing a speech therapist. Paula completed evaluation with Inland Regional Central (IRC) but her care plan is unknown at this time.
If you are interested in learning more about this case, or considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
| |
New Staff Member Shoutout | |
|
Please join us in welcoming our newest VFC team member, Latisha Gary! Latisha will be taking on the role of Advocacy Supervisor in our Murrieta office and we are thrilled to have her on board! Here are a few words from Latisha:
"Volunteering with the district attorney's office as a victim's advocate has been a transformative experience that has reinforced my genuine passion for helping others. It has made me realize that serving people is at the very heart of what I aspire to do. I am now thrilled to extend my support to foster children in this new capacity. Witnessing the incredible impact of this organization's work has left me deeply moved, and I am truly honored to become a contributing member in their efforts."
| |
|
CASA of the Month
Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Bob Ford! Bob has quickly become a reliable male role model for his assigned youth, David. For over a year, CASA Bob has helped David with job applications, supported his school activities, and advocated for needed health services. To read his inspiring story, click here.
Five Year Anniversaries
Peggy Huetten has served a total of three nonminor dependents (NMDs) over the course of her five years as a CASA. She has been instrumental in making sure her youth successfully age out of foster care and goes above and beyond to ensure they do not fall through the cracks. Peggy has developed a close relationship with every professional on her cases and has a reputation of endless support and consistency. So many lives have been changed for the better over the past five years because of this amazing CASA. Congratulations, Peggy!
| |
|
Dutch Bros Giveback Day
For the second year, VFC has been selected as the benefiting charity of Dutch Bros’ giveback day next month. During the “Bucks for Kids” campaign on Friday, September 15, $1 of every drink sold at the Eastvale store, located at 13322 Limonite Ave, will be donated to VFC. Enjoy a delicious drink sure to be served with a smile, while supporting your favorite nonprofit.
| |
|
Wine Down Wednesday
We are so excited to be a part of this year's "Wine Down Wednesday" series hosted by Marker Broadcasting. Join us from 5-7PM on Wednesday, September 27th, at the Hyatt Palm Springs for wine, tasty appetizers, opportunity drawings, and great company. Admission is just $15, 80% of which goes to Voices for Children, in order to recruit, train, and support more wonderful CASAs like you.
| |
|
Fabulous Funder
PRSH Foundation
In December of last year, a local company, Pavement Recycling Systems, started a foundation in order to give back to the local communities in its service areas. We were so honored to be one of the first nonprofits to receive a gift. The PRSH Foundation kindly agreed to make the $5,000 donation through our matching partner, Focusing Philanthropy, bringing the total received to $7,500. That’s enough to serve almost 4 children with a CASA! The check was presented by Foundation Administrator Emily Leyva and Project Manager Jason Flowers.
| |
|
Please keep in mind that you must attend three Small Groups each year as part of your Continuing Education requirement!
Small Group: Autumn Activities & New Advocacy Supervisor Introduction
Join Nicole Boettger and new supervisor, Latisha Gary for some outing ideas as well as autumn arts and crafts ideas to create with your case child. This will also be a great opportunity to chat with Latisha and welcome her to the VFC community! Send your RSVP to NicoleB@speakupnow.org so she knows to expect you.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023; 9:00am-10:30am
Small Group: Coffee, CASAs, & Catch Up
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Alysa Deane, for coffee and some early morning CASA catch up! In this small group we will discuss how to complete CE’s, review our monthly mileage and hours log, talk about remaining in compliance with our policies, touch on court report writing, and more! RSVP to AlysaD@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Friday, September 15, 2023; 9:00am-10:30am
Upcoming Book Club: The Grown-Ups Guide to Teenage Humans
Next month, Sharon Morris will be hosting a Small Group to discuss the novel, The Grown-Up's Guide to Teenage Humans by Josh Shipp. Harvard's Center on the Developing Child found that every child who succeeds in the face of adversity has had at least one committed relationship with a supportive adult. But Josh Shipp didn't need Harvard to understand that. Once an at-risk foster child, he was facing a bleak future that was likely to include prison or homelessness--until he met the grown-up who changed his life. Enter Rodney, the foster parent who refused to quit on Shipp and finally got him to believe in himself. Find this book on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble! Make sure to send your RSVP to SharonM@speakupnow.org to save your spot.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023; 5:30pm-7:00pm
| |
|
Scheduled CE Workshops
Supporting the Educational Needs of Youth in Foster Care & Understanding the Role of Educational Rights Holders
Wednesday, September 6, 2023; 12:00pm
Event presented by California CASA
California CASA is excited to provide an in-depth look at Educational Rights Holders during which we will be discussing the role of the advocate in supporting educational and academic success. This includes the role of an Educational Rights Holder, the Best Interest Determination process, and school stability protections. Additional information will be provided on educational entitlements, available supports, and the role FYSCPs (Foster Youth Services - California Department of Education) can play in supporting children and youth in foster care. Register here for the webinar.
Housing Options, Rights, Responsibilities, and Resources for Nonminor Dependents
Event presented by John Burton Advocates for Youth
Wednesday, September 13, 2023; 1:00pm-2:30pm
In this webinar, JBAY will release its annual publication on foster youth tax filing, which will provide information about the first-year implementation of the FYTC, specifically what groups of young people received the FYTC and how much they received. It will also address challenges faced in the first year of FYTC implementation, which if addressed, can lead to higher rates of filing in 2024. Click here to register and make sure to let your supervisor once you have attended!
All Your Questions Answered by a Juvenile Attorney!
Event presented by Voices for Children
Monday, September 18, 2023; 4:00pm-5:30pm
Join us for a meet and greet casual conversation with a minor’s attorney! Learn about the day in the life of an attorney who works with our youth on a daily basis. Come with stories, questions, or to listen as we share an hour and a half with attorney Pauline Hirose. RSVP to MarshaC@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
| |
|
What We're Reading
Each month we'll highlight a staff member's new favorite novel, movie, or podcast.
| |
|
Our incredible Advocacy Supervisor, Paloma Quiroz, is reading Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott. This novel follows eight dramatic years in the life of Dasani, a girl whose imagination is as soaring as the skyscrapers near her Brooklyn shelter. In this sweeping narrative, Elliott weaves the story of Dasani’s childhood with the history of her ancestors, tracing their passage from slavery to the Great Migration north. As Dasani comes of age, New York City’s homeless crisis has exploded, deepening the chasm between rich and poor. She must guide her siblings through a world riddled by hunger, violence, racism, drug addiction, and the threat of foster care. Out on the street, Dasani becomes a fierce fighter to protect those she loves. When she finally escapes city life to enroll in a boarding school, she faces an impossible question: What if leaving poverty means abandoning your family, and yourself?
After you have finished reading, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts on the book!
| |
|
Advocacy Focus
September is National Recovery Month! This is an opportunity to recognize ways to help our children recover from their own trauma as well as allow them cope with their parents' recovery plans. While our main focus is advocating for the child, this is a great time to keep in mind that these kiddos have seen their loved ones struggle and also work on their own rehabilitation. Take this month and celebrate how far your case kiddo and their caregivers have come. Tell your child you have seen their growth, encourage caregivers to keep going, and praise the efforts you see, big or small! Recovery is a long road, but we can continue to inspire positive changes in the lives of everyone we meet. Reach out to your Advocacy Supervisor for any suggestions on how to navigate this monthly observance.
CASA Outreach Team
August was an exciting month as the CASA Outreach Team took off and helped with 5 community events! A very special thank you to CASAs: Cynthia Avery, Youshi Berry, Chad Dillard, Jessie Kelley, Nancy Olsen, Brenda Olsen, Kevin Dell, Frank Diaz, Barbara Ragsdale, Jodi Duffle, Jack Silver, and Gisselle Kaufman for all of their help with recruiting new CASA Volunteers! With their help, our inquiries for the month of August went up over 10% from 2022!
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.
Lakeside Night Market
Friday, September 8, 2023; 5:00pm-9:00pm
The Shops at Dos Lagos: 2780 Cabot Dr., Corona CA 92883
Admission: Free!
Bring your case child to this Corona event showcasing local artists and grab some snacks from the local vendors!
Plant Wildflowers for Children
Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 4:00pm
Murrieta Public Library: 8 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
Admission: Free!
This one is for kiddos ages 5-12. Make wildflower seed balls with landscape architect, Laurie Levine. A fun and sustainable way to grow clusters of native plants important for local wildlife. Register here as space is limited!
Riverside Electric Light Parade
Saturday September 30, 2023; 6:00pm
4050 Main St., Riverside, CA 92501
Admission: Free!
All ages are welcome to participate or be spectators to this light-up bike parade downtown! Find out more here.
Main Street Eats:
Saturday September 30, 2023; 5:00pm-9:00pm
Historical Downtown Main Street: 169 N. Main St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Admission: Free!
Bring your case child to this fun, food-focused, event in historical downtown Lake Elsinore! There will be live music, local makers, and lots of food!
Food Truck Fridays
Every Friday in September; 6:00pm
The Corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, Indio CA
Admission: Free!
Visit local vendors and try some new treats with your case kiddo if they live in the Indio area!
Glo Mini Golf
Starting now, all CASAs and their youth will receive a discount at Glo Mini Golf when they show their CASA Badge. Visit their website for more information!
Summer Meal Programs
Summer Meal Programs are offered for free for youth 18 years and younger. No registration is required. Text FOOD to 304-304 for a location near you. For more information, click here.
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 summer school tutoring, the YOC has it all! Check out this Riverside Events Catalog for some free and low-cost activities taking place from now through Summer 2023. This facility offers a combination of virtual and in-person classes and events to explore with your case child!
| |
|
Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form no later than September 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 one time per week. If you would like to meet in person, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to coordinate a date and time!
-
Monday, September 4, 2023 (Labor Day)
-
Friday, September 22, 2023 (Native American Day)
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, September 9 to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
| |
|
"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."
~Aesop
| | | | |
