Note from the Executive Director | |
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"How do you spell love?" asked Piglet.
"You don't spell it, you feel it," said Pooh.
When I was a kid I loved Conversation Hearts, the little heart-shaped candies people give on Valentine’s Day that say things like “I’m Yours,” “Hug Me,” and “Sweetheart.” I saw them in the checkout line at the store last week. While waiting for my turn to pay for my groceries, I started to imagine what Conversation Hearts for CASAs might say. Everything I thought of fell flat. The truth is there aren’t enough words to express the difference that CASAs make every day, the small, deeply personal victories and the long-term successes that might not come to fruition for months or years. You put your whole heart into serving a child who really needs you, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of mine.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
Executive Director, Riverside County
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Maid
This ten-part series follows a young mother as she flees an abusive relationship and finds a job cleaning houses. Follow along as she fights to provide for her child and build them a better future.
If you have watched this series at any point after July 1, 2022, please alert your supervisor to be credited with 6 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
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Today, there are hundreds of children in foster care in San Diego and Riverside Counties waiting for a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer to speak up for them. Tomorrow, more youth will enter the foster care system.
You can help create a brighter future for them, today! Help us move 100 vulnerable youth off our waitlist now until May, which is National Foster Care Month.
As a supporter of Voices for Children, you know the profound impact a CASA can make on a child in foster care. We invite you to take five minutes and recommend a caring friend, family member, or co-worker to become a CASA volunteer. Feel free to submit multiple recommendations!
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CASA of the Month
Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Cassie Bruccheri, who joined our program in 2020! Learn more about CASA Cassie and the critical role she played in one family’s reunification here.
On Time Report Winner
Judges rely on the detailed information in your reports to make their decisions. We know it's a time-consuming effort so in celebration of a job well done, all CASAs who submit their reports on time, are entered in a quarterly raffle to receive a $25 gift card. The winner for this past quarter is Crystal Baldwin!
Crystal is about to celebrate her one-year anniversary with Voices for Children!
She currently has two different cases and has been a phenomenal CASA to both of the young men she serves. During the last quarter, Crystal had two reports due. Both were submitted on time and contained several details, examples, and comprehensive information for the Court. Crystal is dedicated, follows through on her commitments, and has been an exemplary CASA. Congratulations, Crystal!
Continuing Education Hours Winner
In the spirit of keeping CASAs motivated, we stay up to date on how many Continuing Education hours each advocate has completed quarterly. For the second quarter, CASAs who have hit their halfway mark by completing 6 of the 12 required CE hours were entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card. This winner for this past quarter is Melanie Fitzgerald!
Melanie has been a sensational CASA for over six years and has advocated for five dependent youth during her time at VFC. She is diligent in prioritizing deadlines, effective in communicating with her case team, and an extraordinary representative of the mission we serve. Congratulations, Melanie!
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Coachella Valley Giving Day
Voices for Children is excited to participate in the Coachella Valley's first-ever annual CV Giving Day, which will take place on March 1, 2023. CV Giving Day brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits in the Coachella Valley. In addition to raising funds and awareness, some incentive prizes are up for grabs. The organization with the most unique donors between January 30 and March 1, 2023, will take home the grand prize of $10,000 and the runner-up will receive $5,000! There is also a chance to win through their random drawing; one lucky organization will receive $10,000 and four runners-up will receive $5,000 each. Please help us make this campaign a huge success by sharing with your friends, family, clients, employees, etc. Early donations are now being accepted for CV Giving Day at https://www.cvgivingday.org/.
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Fabulous Funders
We did it again! With the conclusion of our 2022 matching campaign with our partner, Focusing Philanthropy, we are happy to share that we exceeded our campaign goal of $150,000. Many thanks to those who donated and helped spread the word, and a huge thank you to Focusing Philanthropy who generously matched all donations, even those that surpassed our target amount. As a direct result of the funds raised, over 120 children will benefit from the life-changing advocacy of a CASA volunteer. Voices for Children is deeply grateful for the support of Focusing Philanthropy as we aim to serve even more children in the coming fiscal year.
If you learn of a grant or other funding opportunity, please contact Brianna Miller at BriannaM@speakupnow.org.
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Each month, will be hosting Small Group sessions both in person and virtually.
Please feel free to attend the format with which you're most comfortable. Please also keep in mind that you must attend three Small Groups each year as part of your Continuing Education requirement!
Small Group: Ways CASAs Can Assist with the Transition to Adulthood
Do you currently serve a nonminor dependent or a youth that will soon be turning 18? Join Nicole Boettger and other CASAs to discuss ways to help your case child with the transition to adulthood. Send your RSVP to NicoleB@speakupnow.org so she knows to expect you.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 8:30pm-10:00am
Small Group: Contacting Case Professionals
Join Alysa Deane to discuss tips and tricks on effectively communicating with professionals, building relationships, and staying up-to-date with individuals on your child's case team. RSVP to AlysaD@speakupnow.org to let her know you'll be attending.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023; 3:00pm-4:30pm
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Foster Youth Bill of Rights and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard Training
Thursday, February 2, 2023; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Event presented by California Foster Care Ombuds
Every month, the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson (OFCO) provides instructor-led virtual trainings about the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard. These trainings are available to anyone who works with or cares for youth in foster care in California, such as social workers, probation officers, resource parents, caregivers, CASA, and group home staff.
For more information and how to register, click here. Don't forget to let your Advocacy Supervisor know once you have completed the session!
Trauma Responsive Care
Friday, February 10, 2023; 9:00am-12:30pm
Event presented by Children's Fund Inc.
This workshop led by Ami Davis covers the impacts and behaviors of trauma on early brain development, ACE Study, toxic stress, and Trauma Responsive Care - what is it and how to use it within the CSEC population.
Register here and make sure to let your Advocacy Supervisor know once you've attended.
Understanding the Impact of Stress and Trauma
Wednesday, February 22, 2023; 1:00pm-2:00pm
Event presented by the Hecht Trauma Institute
Join host, Kathryn Hamel, for a new community resource training series during which she will discuss adverse community experiences, trauma-informed care, resilience, burnouts, and the impacts of stress and trauma.
Register here and make sure to let your Advocacy Supervisor know that you completed the training!
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Navigating the DPSS Welcome Center
Event presented by Voices for Children
Thursday, February 23, 2023; 1:00pm-2:30pm
What is the Welcome Center? Join Marsha Carey and Regional Director, Sherry Jansen, to learn about this unique, temporary-placement facility and ways they serve our children. Come prepared with any questions, thoughts, or comments. Send your RSVP to MarshaC@speakupnow.org to reserve your spot!
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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 Riverside-based Advocacy Supervisor, Melanie Thomas, is reading Don't Tell Me I Can't: An Ambitious Homeschooler's Journey. This autobiography follows a young man's journey through entrepreneurial unschooling and his early path of conquering devastating setbacks on the way to his accomplishments. This captivating tale of a unique perspective is available through Amazon and Kindle!
After you have finished reading, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts on the book!
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Advocacy Focus
February is American Heart Month! This can be a two-fer for CASAs and their case kiddos. What a great month to focus on physical health with an extra opportunity to address those emotional heartstrings. Celebrate this month by setting up a walking schedule with your case child and holding each other accountable, by dedicating your outings to stress-free activities, or by finding some heart-healthy recipes and cooking together over Zoom! Additionally, try to incorporate those heart-to-heart conversations that hold so much value for both you and your case child. Make sure to reach out to your Advocacy Supervisor if you need suggestions for heart-healthy outing ideas or conversation topics!
Friendship Heart Necklace Make-It and Take-It Craft
Tuesday, February 7, 2023; 10:00am-6:00pm
Arlanza Library: 8267 Philbin Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
Admission: Free!
Bring your case child to the library to complete a fun craft for the month of February! Learn more about the event here.
Black History Expo and Parade
Saturday, February 11, 2023; 10:00am-5:00pm
3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522
Admission: Free!
This event will feature a parade and over 40 different vendors including food, artifacts, clothing, books, and more! There will also be an event stage showcasing local entertainment!
2023 Lunar Festival at the River
Saturday, February 11, 2023; 11:00am-5:00pm
The River @ Rancho Mirage: 71800 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Admission: Free!
The Lunar Festival is a cultural celebration and will include live entertainment and art! From red lanterns to lion dancing, everyone is welcome to come and experience the festive atmosphere of the Year of the Rabbit!
Eastvale Lantern Festival
- Saturday, February 18, 2023; 11:00am-8:00pm
- Sunday, February 19, 2023; 11:00am-7:00pm
7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880
Admission: Free!
This event will be filled with a lot of great opportunities! There will be activities, food, performances, games, prizes, and more. There will be a free “fun-zone” that will have inflatable rides, an obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, and jumpers!
Riverside Dickens Festival
- Saturday, February 25, 2023; 10:00am-5:00pm
- Sunday, February 26, 2023; 10:00am-5:00pm
Main Street & Tenth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
(See website for specific details regarding the parade route.)
Admission: Free!
This is a Victorian-themed event that includes a parade, live entertainment, tasty food, shopping, and more! There will be games and activities for children of all ages! There will also be some characters to meet such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Edgar Allen Poe, and more!
iFoster Back to School Resources
Click here to access iFoster's very first newsletter for 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 Spring 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 February 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.
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!
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Monday, February 13, 2023 (Lincoln's Birthday)
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Monday, February 20, 2023 (President's 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, January 11 to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"Nothing is as strong as the heart of a volunteer."
~Jimmy Doolittle
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