FEBRUARY 2020
CASA NEWS
Voyage LA Article
"At CASA, we work within the court system and I am an attorney, but we do not practice law. We practice the art of human connection, connecting one caring adult with one child or youth in foster care. The results are objectively and subjectively great – we connect children faster to permanent homes, we help them excel in school and ensure they are safe and receiving the services they need and deserve. I love my job, mostly because of the extraordinary volunteers and children I get to work with." -Wende Julien
Read the rest of the article here .
Human Trafficking, Racism, and the lessons of Dr. King
"January is over, the month we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and recognize  National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month . February brings the celebration of Black History Month. These three things intersect in a way that deserves attention, in particular from non-Black communities."

Read the rest of Wende's the article here.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING

CSEC: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
When: Friday, February 7 at 12-2 PM
Where: CASA Office, Monterey Park & Online via Zoom
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours
Note: Indicate if you wish to attend in-person/online in the "Comments" box

Tour Camp Waldorf (FULL)
When: Friday, February 21 at 9:30-11 AM
Where: La Crescenta / Verdugo City
Continuing Education Credits: 1.5 hours

Court Report Writing
When: Thursday, February 27 at 12-2 PM
Where: CASA Office, Monterey Park & Online via Zoom
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours
Note: Indicate if you wish to attend in-person/online in the "Comments" box

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

San Fernando Valley Book Club
Where: CASA's home in Studio City
When: Tuesday, March 3 at 7 PM
We're Reading: “Another Place at the Table” by Kathy Harrison
RSVP: contact Renne Bilson at  rjbilson@aol.com

Coastline Book Group
Where: CASA's home in Santa Monica
When: Thursday, March 12 at 1:30-3 PM
We're Reading : "An American Mariage" by Tayari Jones
RSVP : contact Gina Pressman-Elardo @ ginaelardo@yahoo.com

Want to host a book club?
Contact Betsy Ann Mudd at bmudd@casala.org .
CASA CONNECTIONS
Social get-togethers organized by CASAs and for CASAs

Westside Coffee Connection
Where: Firestation 59, West Los Angeles
When: Saturday, February 29 at 10am-12 PM
RSVP : contact Lisa Foux at Lfoux@advocatecasala.org

Palos Verdes Connection
Where: CASA's home in Palos Verdes
When: Saturday, March 28 at 2-4 PM
RSVP : contact Kees Steeneken at KSteeneken@advocatecasala.org

Want to host a CASA Connection?
Contact Betsy Ann Mudd at bmudd@casala.org .
EVENTS
Quarterly Volunteer Forum Rescheduled

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.

Please join us to learn about recent updates at CASA, reflect on 2019 and discuss goals for the year 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.

Wednesday, February 19
1-3 PM
Robertson Palmdale Honda
455 Auto Vista Drive, Palmdale, CA 93551 
CASAs invited to Dr. Phil Taping!

The Dr. Phil Show has graciously invited CASA volunteers to see a taping of their show live at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Wednesday, March 18
8:30 AM-1:30 PM

RSVP to the Dr. Phil show by following this link .
The LA Big 5K is Just a Month Away!

We are just a month away from LA’s biggest race weekend, and we would love to have you join in as a member of our official 5K team! You will enjoy a scenic loop through Elysian Park with fellow runners who have a passion for CASA/LA’s mission. Plus, when you use our code CASALA5K20 your $40 registration fee will be waived! By joining our team you commit to fundraising at least $350 for CASA/LA, ensuring that every step you take helps us provide more of the children on our wait list with a CASA volunteer.
First, register by using our code
CASALA5K20 :
  Then set up your personal fundraising page:  
Please contact Kelly at klozo@casala.org or call (323) 859-2888 x6353 with questions. See you there! 
Nothing Says “I Love You” Like Donuts!

Nothing says "I love you" like donuts and a FREE sweatshirt! The entire month of February,  Donut Friend  is showing us love by donating 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their Compassion Fruit donut to CASA/LA. Here's your chance to give back and win a FREE CASA/LA sweatshirt. Simply:

1) Visit Donut Friend in DTLA or Highland Park
2) Purchase a compassion fruit donut
3) Share your favorite compassion fruit donut photo with us using  #casacompassionfruit

And just like that, you'll be entered to win a FREE CASA/LA sweatshirt. Only one winner will be chosen, hopefully, it's you. Good Luck!
 
Highland Park location : 5107 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
DTLA location : 543 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
 
Please contact Kelly at klozo@casala.org or call (323) 859-2888 x6353 with questions.
For CASA Youth
2020 Idyllwild Arts Camp Scholarship Available

If you are working with a youth age 13-18 (as of summer 2020) who shows interest and talent in painting, drawing, theater, music, writing, etc, please click the link below which includes the CASA/LA application and explains how to access the Idyllwild online summer 2020 catalogue for teens. Idyllwild Arts Camp is in the mountains above Palm Springs. A 2-week scholarship is worth more than $3,100.
Applications are due on February 21, 2020.

Questions? Contact Eileen Sheiniuk at esheiniuk@advocatecasala.org .
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.
Financial Literacy Event for Teens

A great opportunity for our youth - financial education through a fun and engaging workshop AND a chance to Open a College Savings Account. The first deposit will be made by SCE Federal Credit Union in the amount of $50! The event will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 9-12:30 PM. Contact Renee Willis (626.818.3631) to register.
Hope In A Suitcase

Hope in a Suitcase is a volunteer lead effort to provide clothing to foster youth who are in high need. To be eligible youth must have an open case with DCFS, between 7-17 years of age, a referral from their CASA/CSW and a confirmed appointment. Youth must be present in order to get clothing. The next shopping day is scheduled for Sunday, February 9. Contact Tami at tami@hopeinasuitcase.org if you have questions.
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
I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me
and I didn't have the heart to let him down.

―  Abraham Lincoln
CASA of Los Angeles | 323-859-2888 | www.casala.org