Note from the President and CEO | |
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To our CASAs,
Voices for Children’s “Your Voice, Their Future” is back. The campaign was created to spread the word about the need for more CASA volunteers like you to serve children on our waiting list. Our goal is to provide 175 more children with CASA volunteers by the first day of National Foster Care Month on May 1.
You can help! Visit our website to recommend a friend who might make a great CASA. Word of mouth and the encouragement of a current or past CASA volunteer are some of the most meaningful ways that members of the community become inspired to get involved. With your support, more local children will have a CASA by their side very soon.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
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I Speak For This Child
Best-selling novelist, Gay Courter, recounts her experiences as a Guardian ad Litem, a volunteer court-appointed advocate for children involved in Florida's court system. Following her first tentative approach to her local Court Appointed Special Advocates program to her more determined efforts, we get an insider's glimpse on this hidden world and learn what it takes to ensure that America's most vulnerable citizens are treated with care and respect. Courter's story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming and is an inspiration for anyone who has ever looked up from a newspaper and wondered, "What can I do to help?"
If you have read this book, please let your supervisor know, and you will be credited with 4 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
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I spent a little time recently thinking about volunteerism. To give of your time – arguably your most valuable thing. Volunteering is as American as George Washington - he established volunteer militias to defend the US, and he promoted public works projects. During WWII, Roosevelt strengthened the fabric of American society by initiating the CCC and WPA. And, JFK extended their work by developing The Peace Corps to show the world how important volunteering is to lift up others. Each and every one of you has carried on these traditions by giving your time to a child in need. Just showing up is the most poignant thing for youth, and that is why I am highlighting a young man who is removed from everything he knows and reaches out to check if he has a CASA yet to see if there might be someone willing to be.
Jack is 15 years old. His hearings are heard in Riverside, and he is currently living in California City. In October 2023, a referral came in that Jack was on runaway status for a week, and his guardian said she no longer wanted to care for him. She is his maternal great-aunt. Jack has been diagnosed with bipolar but does not take his meds. Jack said he ran away because he has been attending virtual school since 2020 but did not like it. He wanted to be in school with other youth. He also said he was physically abused in the home. Mother and father are whereabouts unknown. He has asked for a CASA.
If you are interested in learning more about this case or are considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
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2024 CASA of the Year
Voices for Children Honors Mariana Robles. as Riverside's 2024 CASA of the Year! Mariana has been a CASA volunteer in Riverside County for nearly four years. In that time, she has served ten children in five cases, often advocating for sibling groups. Because she is bilingual in English and Spanish, Mariana has helped multiple families reunite by supporting Spanish-speaking parents. Mariana also serves as a member of VFC’s Legislative Action Team, regularly working to explore how CASA volunteers can serve as ambassadors for the CASA model.
Mariana was honored at December's graduation and swearing-in ceremony.
Click here to learn more about her time as an exemplary CASA for Riverside County.
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CASA of the Month
Congratulations to our Riverside County CASA of the Month, Linda P.! CASA Linda's dedication and empathy have significantly impacted the lives of three-year-old Javier* and seven-year-old Melanie*. These siblings have endured unfathomable neglect and trauma, grappling with the loss of their mother and the absence of their father. Her remarkable advocacy for Javier and Melanie is a testament to the profound difference that a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) can make. By championing their educational needs and nurturing their emotional growth, CASA Linda has shown how a steadfast presence can help children heal and thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Click here to learn more about CASA Linda’s journey with Javier and Melanie and how she goes above and beyond to support our mission.
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Help Us “Hijack” a Mingle
Join Voices for Children on Thursday, February 13, when we hijack a Wild Mingle at Wildest Restaurant & Bar in Palm Desert. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting and light appetizers, happy hour prices, and great company; all while helping raise awareness about Voices for Children.
Where: 72990 El Paseo #3, Palm Desert
When: Thursday, 2/13, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
This event is open to the public, so please help us spread the word. Bring friends, family, and work colleagues who you think would like to know more about the wonderful volunteer work you do as a CASA. You can even bring that special someone in your life and stay for a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner.
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Your Voice, Their Future:
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Wednesday, January 22 – Thursday, May 1
As a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you understand the profound impact a supportive individual can have on children in foster care. Today, there are hundreds of local children in foster care waiting for a CASA volunteer to speak up for them. You can help create a brighter future for them today!
From January 22 through National Foster Care Month in May, we invite you to play a crucial role in helping us move 175 vulnerable youth off our waitlist. We are calling on you to recommend a caring friend, family member, or co-worker you believe possesses the compassion and commitment to become a CASA volunteer. Multiple recommendations are welcome, and the process is quick and simple — completing the recommendation form takes less than five minutes!
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Focusing Philanthropy, a renowned Southern California-based foundation, has been changing lives globally since 2012. To date, over $165 million has been contributed to partnering organizations, improving the lives of more than 13 million people.
Voices for Children is beyond grateful for the support we have received from Focusing Philanthropy for the past 6 years. December marked the end of yet another successful matching campaign. Thanks to our amazing donors, we exceeded our goal of raising $200,000 and Focusing Philanthropy, gracious as always, even matched the amount that we over-raised, bringing in a total of almost $350,000. This funding is essential for the continued growth of our program here in Riverside County where nearly 6,000 children will spend time in foster care this year.
Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.
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Small Group: Five Family Resource Center
Join Latisha Gary for an informative session to discuss the five Family Resource Centers (FRC) across Riverside County. The FRC functions as a hub for community services designed to improve family life, particularly for overburdened or disadvantaged families and children. We will explore all of the services that will help families feel engaged, supported, and strengthened through culturally effective resources. Please RSVP to LatishaG@speakupnow.org to save your spot!
Wednesday, February 26, 2025; 11:00am-12:30pm
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 846 9270 2640
· Passcode: 664305
Upcoming Movie Night
Please join Temecula Program Manager, Nicole Boettger, for a movie night at our Temecula office to view I Am Somebody's Child, The Regina Louise Story. Light refreshments, popcorn, and hot cocoa will be enjoyed! This film tells the journey of a young African American girl who navigates over 30 foster homes and psychiatric facilities before age 18, and the one woman, Jeanne, who believes in her. After Jeanne’s unsuccessful attempt to adopt Regina due to a racially motivated ruling, their bond is forced apart. “I Am Somebody’s Child” is Regina’s story of how one woman’s belief and love becomes her lifeline as she defeats the odds of a corrupt system and succeeds.
Monday, March 10, 2025; 5:30pm-7:30pm
1 Ridge Gate Dr., Suite 120, Temecula CA 92590
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Understanding Grooming Behavior: Critical for Prevention & Intervention
Tuesday, February 11, 2025; 9:00am-10:30am
Event presented by Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council Coalition
Understanding the grooming process, how it happens and what it looks like, is vital to preventing child sexual abuse. This free webinar will give an overview of how children and families are groomed by offenders, the ways this grooming affects victims, and the role of adults in intervening. Register here!
The Virtues Project
Event presented by Voices for Children
Join Samantha Poley and CASA, Gillian Baldocchi, to learn about The Virtues Project and focus on speaking the language of virtues specific to setting boundaries. We will discuss why it is important to set clear boundaries for children and how to do so lovingly and compassionately. The Virtues Project has helped raise awareness in teaching children compassion and integrity, and to integrate authentic self-esteem and moral excellence, helping to create a culture of caring, safety, generosity, and trustworthiness within the community. The Virtues Project is being implemented worldwide in prevention, intervention, and healing programs. Please RSVP to SamanthaP@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025; 12:00pm-1:30pm
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 864 3914 1793
· Passcode: 376083
Opportunities for College-Bound and Transitional-Aged Youth
Financial Aid Completion Resource
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has compiled a Financial Aid Completion Resource guide for California foster and homeless youth to help students and their adult supporters apply for and maintain financial aid.
2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The 2024-2025 FAFSA form is now available for those looking to attend college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the FAFSA form.
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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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Advocacy Supervisor Latisha Gary is reading Disadvantaged Stars by Dr. Rumbidzai Nyanhoto’s. This true story is one of resilience, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. Orphaned at nine and raised in kinship care, Dr. Nyanhoto endured abuse and hardship before transitioning to independent living at 19 with no formal support. Despite these challenges, she defied the odds, finding healing and success on her own terms. In her powerful narrative, she shares the lessons that helped her rise above her circumstances, proving that one's past does not have to define their future. Find this book on Amazon.
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Advocacy Focus
February is National Library Lovers Month! This is a perfect time for CASAs to encourage a love of reading and learning with their case child. Visiting the library together can be a fun and meaningful way to bond while supporting literacy and exploration. CASAs can help their youth pick out books that match their interests, attend storytime sessions or creative workshops, and explore digital resources like audiobooks and educational tools. Many libraries also offer reading challenges with prizes, which can be a great way to motivate and celebrate their progress. A trip to the library is more than just books—it’s an opportunity to explore, learn, and dream!
CASA Outreach Team
May your Valentine's Month and Day be filled with sweet treats! We’d love to have you join the CASA Outreach Team! As a member of the Outreach Team, you get to help share your experience of being a CASA to those who may be unsure of being a CASA or have never heard of the CASA Program. We have a ton of fun at booths (Lunar New Year, Health Fairs, Day of the Child, Walk with the Animals, and more), presentations, and following up with inquiries. No skills are required, you get to choose what you help with, and you get to decide if an event is too far!
If you would like to learn more about the CASA Outreach team, please reach out to Kathi Urmanita, CASA Recruitment and Outreach Manager at KathiU@speakupnow.org or speak with your Supervisor directly.
We would like to send a special thank-you to the CASAs who helped out at events this past month: Cynthia Avery, Frank Diaz, Olivia Garcia, Geri Gonzalez, Carrie Jaramillo, Nancy Olsen, Deborah Roberts, Ana Rocha, Esthefania Rodriguez, Holly Simmons, and Kim Warman. We appreciate their help sharing their experiences and recommending others to becoming a CASA!
Refer a Friend
Currently, we serve 11% of the youth experiencing foster care within Riverside County. This new year, we aim to continue to grow and serve more youth. To reach our goal of serving over 12% of youth in care in 2025, we need your help! We ask that you share your experience with all of those in your circle!
Invite anyone and everyone to an Information Session and let them know to put you down as their personal referral when RSVPing at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/. You will be entered to win a $25 gift! It could be to your youth’s favorite food place or something for yourself! Refer more than one person, and have a better chance at winning.
Black History Expo and Parade
Saturday, February 8, 2025; 10:00am-5:30pm
3900 Main St., Riverside, CA 92501 (Outside of City Hall)
Admission: Free!
The 44th Annual Black History Expo, “It Takes a Village” features a parade and over 40 different vendors offering food, artifacts, clothing, books, information booths, recruitments and an event stage showcasing local entertainment. Find more info here.
Fesca Flow and Creative Glow
Wednesday, February 12, 2025; 5:00pm-7:00pm
Cesar E. Chavez Community Center:2060 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92507
Ages 12-18: Free!
Paint a special Valentine-themed masterpiece, as you enjoy an atmosphere filled with art and music.This fun and free event is perfect for teens looking to unleash their creativity while celebrating love and friendship. Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with art, music and paint a special valentine themed masterpiece. All supplies will be provided.
Art-A-Faire
Friday, February 21, 2025; 5:00pm-8:00pm
Kay Cisneros Senior Center: 29995 Evans Rd., Menifee, CA 92586
Admission: Free!
In celebration of Black History Month, join Murrieta Cultural Arts for a night of live music and art displays by local artists!
Jurupa Mountain Discovery Center
Open Every Saturday & Sunday to the Public: 9:00am-3:00pm
7621 Granite Hill Dr., Riverside, CA 92509
Admission: Free!
CASAs can enrich their case child's learning by visiting the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, which offers interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and earth sciences. The center provides a hands-on educational experience that can inspire curiosity and discovery.
Culture in Our Community
Voices for Children is proud to launch Culture In Our Community, which was 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!
CalFresh
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has updated its FAQ document on NMDs and California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh, for 2024-2025 to reflect recent policy updates. The FAQ document covers key topics such as CalFresh eligibility, income requirements, benefit levels, access for students, the impact of foster care payments and other income sources, and links to application support resources. Click here for more information.
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!
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Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage is now a partner with Voices for Children and our CASAs! If a CASA chooses to take their youth to the museum, they will need to purchase their own ticket and show their CASA badge, and then they will receive the youth’s ticket free of charge.
Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine – Riverside will now waive their studio fee for CASAs and their youth when they show their CASA badge. Please note that there is a cost for the ceramics they may paint, and the price range can exceed the CASA’s limit. Reservations are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome, but not guaranteed. We encourage you to check out their event page for special items to paint and custom to-go kits, as well!
The Wheelhouse Skating Rink
Starting now, CASAs & their youth can attend The Wheelhouse Skating Rink in Hemet with a waived admission fee and only pay $5.00 for their rental skates! CASAs will need to show their CASA badge for this offer. Happy skating!
PUDN
Visit any PUDN pop-up at the following locations and receive a free banana PUDN for your youth when you purchase one for yourself: Old Town Temecula Farmer's Market, Old Town Murrieta Farmer's Market, Temecula Sunset Market, Made Local Market Menifee, Made Local Market Corona, or Palm Springs Village Fest.
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Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form by 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 helps 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 contact your Advocacy Supervisor to arrange a time to pick one up from one of our offices.
Refer-a-Friend Raffle
Would you like a chance to win a $25 gift card? If so, help Voices for Children continue to grow and serve more local youth experiencing foster care in the most successful way possible - direct ask! Voices for Children has a quarterly raffle for active CASAs that refer individuals to an Information Session - each referral that comes in under your name gives you an entry to win. Invite anyone and everyone to an Information Session, and let them know to put you down as the personal referral when RSVPing at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/.
Refer more than one person, and have a better chance at winning!
Book Pick-Up!
Did you know that each of our offices has a small library of approved reading options for you and your kiddos? Next time you visit, feel free to check out our selection, which you can borrow or keep. You are also welcome to bring your own donations!
Upcoming VFC Office Closures
VFC staff will be in the office at least two times per week. If you want to meet in person, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to coordinate a date and time!
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Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (Lincoln's Birthday)
- Monday, February 17, 2025 (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, February 8, to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"Selfless giving is the art of living."
~Frederic Lenz
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