APRIL 2020
CASA NEWS
Do you love podcasts? So do we!
In early March CASA/LA CEO Wende Julien was a guest of the Clearly Off Topic podcast.

Clearly Off Topic is a weekly podcast dedicated to sharing inspirational stories, growth moments and life tips that help individuals be the best that they can be.

Tune in for Wende's favorite line where the host reflects on what a CASA is – "like a Swiss army knife for a kid in foster care. All the tools they need to help them survive!"

Look for episode number 53 wherever you listen to your podcasts. Here's a few for your convenience: Apple , Spotify , and the Clearly Off Topic website .
TECH TIP
Cyber criminals using COVID-19 as the subject for scams
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.
CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See  Using Caution with Email Attachments  and  Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams  for more information.

It is also important to remember that all CASAs should be using their assigned advocate email account for all CASA related communications.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING

Grief: Supporting Grieving Children as a CASA
When: Thursday, April 9 at 12-2 PM
Where: Online via ZOOM
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours

CBD + Cannabis
When: Monday, April 20 at 12-2 PM
Where: Online via ZOOM
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours

Tour: UCLA TIES for Families
When: Thursday, April 29 at 12-2 PM
Where: Online via ZOOM
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours

To RSVP for CASA In-Services, c lick here .
To download recent In-Service handouts, click here .
CONNECTION
BOOK CLUBS

Coastline Book Group
Where : CASA's home in Pacific Palisades
When : Wednesday, May 13 at 1:30-3 PM
We're Reading : “To the End of June: The Intimate Life of American Foster Care,” by Cris Beam
RSVP : contact Jeanne Irving  @ jirving@advocatecasala.org
Note: Book club will take place online if the circumstances call for it.

San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where : CASA's home in Studio City
When : May 5 at 7 PM
We're Reading : "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond
RSVP : contact Renne Bilson @ rjbilson@aol.com
Note: Book club will take place online if the circumstances call for it.



Want to host a book club?
Contact Betsy Ann Mudd at bmudd@casala.org .
EVENTS
You're Invited to the Quarterly Volunteer Forum
At CASA of Los Angeles we are all about transparency and connection.
That's why we would like to invite you to our quarterly volunteer forum.

Amidst this unprecedented time in our world, our work still continues . Please join us to reflect on recent successes, where we are in current strategic initiatives and discuss our goals ahead. The quarterly volunteer forum provides you with a platform to share your thoughts and feedback on your volunteer experience. It's also a great opportunity to have a dialogue directly with CASA CEO, Wende Julien, and other staff members on topics that truly matter to you. 
 
Friday, April 17, 2020
12-2 PM
Online via ZOOM
CASA/LA Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Postponed
Every year, CASA of Los Angeles hosts a grand event to show our sincere gratitude for your work. You may have seen an email asking you to save-the-date for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon which was scheduled for May 15. We have decided to postpone the luncheon until a later date. While our luncheon may be postponed, our significant appreciation for you remains each and every day of the year.

Thank you for all that you do and all that you are!
Order In and Support CASA/LA
Whether you're working from home, home schooling or figuring out a way to connect with your CASA youth virtually, we know these days can be tough. So give yourself a break and order take-out at the  California Pizza Kitchen !   Through our special  Philanthropizza Campaign , you can gift 20% of the cost of your meal to CASA/LA when ordering from 23 locations across LA County*.  Simply call to place your order and provide the number on the back of your Philanthropizza Card at checkout.
If you would like to take part in this delicious opportunity to support our advocacy, kindly email Kelly at  klozo@casala.org  with your preferred mailing address and she will mail you a Philanthropizza card directly to you. 

*Locations listed   here
For CASA Youth
For Youth in College
Several colleges are transitioning to online classes and closing dorms due to COVID-19 health concerns. Counties must support Non-Minor Dependent youth and ensure they have the resources needed to remain supported while they are out of school and to assist with ensuring that they are able to return to their campuses if they need to leave.  iFoster  is currently offering technology access to foster youth ages 13-24, which include: free, unlimited high-speed data hotspots, headsets, and laptops to assist in taking online classes.
Youth Writing Contest: The Chronicle for Social Change

Writing contest specifically for youth ages 18-26 with experience in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, located anywhere in the United States. Winners will have the opportunity to have their essays published in The Chronicle of Social Change as well as our print magazine, Fostering Families Today. The grand prize winner will receive $250 cash, one runner up will get $100 cash, and 3 finalists will each receive a $50 gift card. For more info click here . Deadline March 24.
Camp Bob Waldorf

Registration is now open for Camp Bob Waldorf . CBW is a non-denominational residential camp located in Verdugo Hills serving youth in grades 3-9. Camp Bob Waldorf fosters growth and development in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment.
TECH
Need help with ETO?
Refer to the updated Advocate Handbook or contact Josh Saxelby-Valle at jsaxelby-valle@casala.org or 323.859.2888 x.6354
" Often when you think you're at the end of something,
you're at the beginning of something else."
 Mr. Rogers
CASA of Los Angeles | 323-859-2888 | www.casala.org