Note from the President and CEO | | |
To our CASAs,
I had the pleasure recently of chatting with a long-time CASA. We reminisced about some of the challenges one of her girls has faced. While every child is unique and this volunteer is undoubtedly one of a kind, what she shared next is something that will feel relatable to many of you. After a period of not being in touch (this young woman is now an adult), she reconnected with her CASA when she was ready, and she was excited to share that she has been making some really healthy decisions that have set her on a path for greater stability.
CASAs come alongside children and their families during difficult times in their lives. You are often the one to witness the highs and lows, and it is hard to know when one season will turn into another. For me, that’s the beauty of what you offer the children you serve. It doesn’t matter how long it takes for things to start getting better – because you will still be there.
With appreciation, always,
| | |
Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
| | |
Good American Family
A couple adopts who they believe is an 8-year-old girl with a rare form of dwarfism, but questions soon arise concerning the actual identity of the adoptee. Watch this on Hulu!
If you have watched this movie, please let your supervisor know, and you will be credited with 2 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
| | |
I was chatting with someone recently about what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. I had to decide in high school to choose subjects to study that would influence the rest of my life. I was 16. As I write this to you, I am 55 and still wonder what it might have been like to be a prison guard, police officer, or hairdresser. Those were all occupations I considered at 16 with the guidance of my parents. At the ripe old age of 18 our youth make these decisions, but often find themselves doing it alone. When they become NMDs, they live independently, and their social worker and attorney’s roles change from when they were 17 years and 364 days old. They pull back and allow these new adults to make their own decisions. This is why I hope all our NMD’s have a caring CASA by their side. As such, I am featuring one this month who is in need of a CASA.
Our featured case this month is looking for a male or female CASA
Seth needs a positive figure in his life. He needs guidance with choices and decision-making. Seth was at YTEC, but then, when he was about to be released, his mother refused to get him, and he became a dependent of the court. Seth had joined a gang, which led him to have an open probation case. The mother also has charges against her, and the father is incarcerated. Seth struggles to test clean on his drug tests. He only needs 20 more credits to graduate high school. He was in Fresno but is now living independently in Hemet. He needs someone just for him and is open to having a CASA.
If you are interested in learning more about this case or are considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
| | |
CASA of the Month
Join us in congratulating our Riverside County CASA of the Month, Julia P.! Her unwavering advocacy and compassion have made all the difference for Jennifer* (17) and Nicole* (15), two sisters who’ve faced unimaginable challenges.
Because of CASA Julia, Jennifer, and Nicole’s voices were heard, their truths were brought to light, and their safety was no longer in question. Her actions served as a powerful reminder to everyone involved that the role of a CASA is not just about offering guidance; it’s about standing firm in the face of adversity, being the advocate when others are too quick to dismiss, and never giving up on the children who depend on someone to believe in them.
Click here to read the full, heartfelt story of CASA Julia’s impact on Jennifer and Nicole’s lives and how she continues to be a critical support system for them.
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 Cynthia Cullen-Carroll!
Cynthia has been a steadfast advocate for her case youth from the start, consistently ensuring their needs are clearly communicated to the court through her thorough and effective reporting.
| | |
Easter Extravaganza: Join Us for a Funraiser
Sunday, April 20, 2025
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, The Roost Lounge is hosting its 3rd annual Easter event benefiting Voices for Children.
Join us on Sunday, April 20, 2025, for a plated brunch, Easter bonnet parade and contest, and live Easter basket auction. The festivities will be hosted by the amazing Ethylina Canne and will conclude with a live performance by country music singer and songwriter, Ty Herndon.
All proceeds from ticket sales and the live auction will go to VFC. Tickets are available now.
| | |
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!
For further information on ways to give, please contact Brianna Miller.
| | |
In March, VFC was awarded a grant from the Riverside County District Attorney's Office Asset Forfeiture Special Fund. These are funds set aside by the Legislature to develop and maintain intervention programs that combat drug abuse and divert gang activity. The distribution of the funds through the Special Fund Grant Program is determined by a panel consisting of the Riverside County District Attorney, the Riverside County Sheriff, the City of Riverside Police Chief, and the Riverside County Chief Probation Officer.
Voices for Children is honored to have been selected as a grant recipient for the 8th year. Thank you to the Riverside County District Attorney’s office for understanding how important the presence of a stable, consistent adult is in the life of a child.
Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.
| | |
We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for Camp HOPE 2025. We need your help identifying youth who could benefit from this life-changing experience. Attached are the flyers for both campers and counselors, and we encourage you to share them widely.
What is Camp HOPE?
Camp HOPE America is a transformative, evidence-based program for youth (ages 7-17) who have experienced violence or abuse. Through outdoor adventures, team-building activities, and mentorship, campers build resilience, self-confidence, and lasting connections in a supportive and empowering environment.
How You Can Help
We are seeking nominations for youth who have experienced abuse or violence and would benefit from a structured, positive, and trauma-informed camp experience. While we welcome all nominations, please note that not all nominated campers will be selected, as there is a screening process to ensure we can best meet their needs.
In addition to camper nominations, we are also looking for HOPE Counselors (ages 18-24) who are eager to support and inspire the next generation.
These nominations** are open countywide, and we hope to have participants from all across Riverside County join us.
**Please note that this is a conversation that must include the caregiver or SSP, as they are the only parties who can fill out the official nomination forms.
For more details and nomination forms, please visit the Camp HOPE website
| | |
Small Group: Coffee with CASAs
Join Advocacy Supervisor Latisha Gary for **Coffee with CASAs** This is a great opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee, connect with fellow CASAs, share experiences, ask questions, and exchange advice in a relaxed and supportive setting. Whether you're looking for guidance or just want to mingle with others who share your passion, we’d love to see you there! PLEASE RSVP to LatishaG@speakupnow.org so she knows to expect you and can save your seat!
Wednesday, April 30, 2025; 9:00am
11870 Pierce St., Suite 260, Riverside, CA 92505
Upcoming Book Club: "The Child Catcher" by Andrew Bridge
In recognition of National Foster Care Month in May, join Philanthropy Manager Brianna Miller to discuss Andrew Bridge’s second book, The Child Catcher. Bridge, who spent 11 years in LA County’s foster care, chronicles his role in the longest-running, most bitterly fought mental health lawsuit in American history. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Bridge joined the small team of civil rights lawyers representing the children of the Eufaula Adolescent Center, a violent and secretive institution in the rural South, against the State of Alabama.
In addition to receiving credit for the Small Group, you will also receive continuing education credit for reading the book! Please send your RSVP to BriannaM@speakupnow.org
Thursday, May 29, 2025; 5:30pm-7:00pm
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 862 0445 9236
· Passcode: 553985
| | |
Scheduled CE Workshops
2025 Juvenile Dependency Legal Updates
Wednesday, April 2, 2025; 12:00pm-1:15pm
Event presented by California CASA
There are new laws passed each year that affect youth in the dependency system. We have the opportunity to hear from attorneys Allison Cruz and Georgina Dews on these updates to juvenile law. This session will be fast-paced and review changes to statutes and case law. There will be limited time for questions at the end of the presentation. Register here!
Riverside County of Education (RCOE) Foundation Programs
Monday, April 28, 2025; 4:00pm
Event presented by Voices for Children
Join Gabriela Mata and guest speaker, Trisha Jenkins, for a session to learn about The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) services, including academic support, college and career readiness, and mental health resources. The discussion will focus on empowering foster students with the confidence and skills to build a brighter future. Their programs focus on bridging gaps in education, mentorship, and career preparation to ensure every foster youth has the resources needed for success.
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below..
· Meeting ID: 867 5296 1587
· Passcode: 865885
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.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has released a statewide roster of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in California to assist current and former foster youth with identifying free, one-on-one assistance filing their taxes. Many young adults aren’t required to file taxes due to earning below the filing threshold, but with the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC), filing can lead to substantial refunds. In 2024, 96 percent of youth who filed through a Foster Youth Tax Project VITA site received a tax refund averaging $1,370 for single filers and $5,265 for head-of-household (parenting) filers. Eligible youth between 18 and 25 can receive up to $1,154 from the FYTC, plus money from additional credits like the state and federal earned income tax credits and child tax credits for parenting youth. For more JBAY tax filing and FYTC resources, click here.
| | |
What We're Watching
Each month, we'll highlight a staff member's new favorite novel, movie, or podcast.
| |
| |  | Recruitment & Outreach Manager Kathi Urmanita, is watching “Devil in the Family, The Fall of Ruby Franke” on Hulu. For years, the Frankes’ YouTube channel had documented a wholesome, happy family life, with nearly 3 million subscribers tuning in at its peak. But happy families are rarely what they seem. As the cracks began to show, the family turned to counselor Jodi Hildebrandt for guidance – and rapidly found themselves trapped in a nightmare. Only the Frankes know what went on inside their home. This series marks the first time Shari and Chad, the Frankes’ two eldest children, and Kevin, Ruby’s husband, will share their story in depth on camera. With exclusive access to the Frankes, their friends and neighbors, and over a thousand hours of their YouTube channel’s unseen rushes, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke cuts through the social media reaction to explore the untold story behind the Ruby Franke case: part family tragedy, part coming-of-age narrative, part tale of our times about the perils of life lived online.
After watching this series, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts!
| | |
Advocacy Focus
April is National Financial Literacy Month! This is a great time for CASAs to help their youth build essential money management skills for a successful future. Many youth in foster care don’t receive formal financial education, making it crucial to introduce key concepts like budgeting, saving, credit, and smart spending. CASAs can engage their youth by creating simple budgets, discussing the basics of banking and savings, explaining credit and debt, and exploring real-world financial responsibilities like rent and bills. Fun activities like a smart spending challenge or setting savings goals can make learning interactive and practical. By incorporating financial literacy into advocacy, you can help empower your youth with the knowledge to make informed, confident financial decisions!
CASA Outreach Team
Did you know April is National Child Abuse Prevention and National Volunteer Month? Thank you for your time, thank you for your effort, but mostly, thank you for helping our youth experiencing foster care that have experienced childhood abuse. Volunteering as a CASA is an extraordinary gift that not everyone can give. Even though you may not feel it every day, you are greatly appreciated by your youth, by us from Voices for Children, and the community. The impact you have made and make each day moving forward is a vast ripple effect in our community that will continue to make positive effects for more than a lifetime.
If you’d like to learn how to help VFC in other aspects this year, consider joining our 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 (Volunteer & Resource Fairs, Walk for Animals, Murrieta Fire Fighters BBQ, Health Fairs, and more), presentations, and following up with inquiries. No skills are required; you get to choose what you help with and 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 want to send a special thank you for CASAs who have helped out at events this past month: Lori Anderson, Cynthia Avery, Hillary Bard, Cherrie Cunningham, Yazbeth Dimas Flores, Allison Knecht, Pamela Lund, Judy Napolitano, Nancy Olsen, Julia Peacock, Deborah Roberts, Esthefania Rodriguez, Holy Simmons, and Kim Warman for all of their help with their experiences and recommending others to becoming a CASA!
Refer a Friend
Over 5,900 youth are experiencing foster care within Riverside County today. We are aiming to recruit CASA volunteers for 175 local kids in foster care by May 1, the beginning of National Foster Care Awareness Month. Can you help us spread the word?
Recommend a voice that you know to become a CASA volunteer at https://www.speakupnow.org/recommend/. You will be entered into winning a $25 gift! It could be to your youth’s favorite food place or something for yourself! Refer more than one person to have a better chance at winning!
Invite Voices for Children to be a speaker at your place of work to share the need and highlight National Foster Care Awareness month – May. Please reach out directly Kathi Urmanita for scheduling at KathiU@speakupnow.org or speak with your Advocacy Supervisor today”
Menifee Multicultural Festival
Saturday, April 5, 2025; 11:00am-3:00pm
28237 La Piedra Rd., Menifee, CA 92584
Admission: Free!
This event includes live entertainment, dance performances, children's activities, food, and craft vendors!
Riverside Art Market
Saturday, April 12, 2025; 10:00am-4:00pm
White Park: 3936 Chestnut Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
The Art Alliance of the Riverside Art Museum is delighted to announce its 10th annual Riverside Art Market! The event will feature 100 artist booths, activities for children, art demonstrations, entertainment, food, beer and wine, and much more!
Easter Eggventure at the Shops
Saturday, April 12, 2025; 3:00pm-5:30pm
72840 California 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Admission: Free!
Hop into a fun-filled Easter celebration for the whole family! Join us for a delightful pizza party, live music from local band Steppin Out, exciting giveaways, and the ultimate Eggventure Hunt, where kids can collect Easter goodies from our stores.
Registration is required! Every registered child receives a special Easter bag, bunny ears, and 10 starter eggs to begin their Eggventure.
Easter Egg Hunt 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025; 11:00am-3:00pm
TownGate Memorial Park , 13051 Elsworth St., Moreno Valley, CA, 92553
Admission: Free!
This free community event is packed with activities for kids of all ages, including an epic Easter egg hunt, games, music, arts & crafts, face painting, and even an Easter Bunny Photo-op!
Earth and Arbor Day
Saturday, April 19, 2025; 9:00am-11:00am
28582 Harveston Dr., Temecula, CA 92591
Admission: Free!
Join us for a tree-mendous time as we celebrate Earth & Arbor Day in conjunction with the Easter Egg Hunt! Visit with local environmental organizations and observe the ceremonial tree planting.
Springtime Spectacular - Meet Bluey
Saturday, April 26, 2025; 12:00pm-4:00pm
1400 Orange Ave., Perris, CA 92571
Admission: Free!
Spring on over to Magic Dreamers Market! Get ready for a FREE family event with vendors, music, character meet and greet, music, a kids painting workshop, and more! Sensory Friendly Area
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!
| | |
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.
| | |
Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form by April 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!
Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial 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, April 12 to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
| | |
"The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers."
~Terri Guillemets
| | | | |
