Introducing our new Advocate Supervisor, Chelsea O'Neill! |
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Chelsea O’Neill holds a Masters in Social Work from Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work. She has dedicated her academic and professional work towards social justice issues in marginalized communities. Chelsea has worked in the social services field in a variety of settings and organizations serving various ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and gender identities, including refugee children and families, Black girls, and gender non-conforming youth of color, and formerly incarcerated individuals. In her previous role as the Sisters in Strength Program Liaison at Girls for Gender Equity, she facilitated a healing justice, community organizing, and civic engagement curriculum for Black girls and gender non-conforming youth of color who are survivors and/or allies of gender-based violence and sexual assault. During her free time, Chelsea loves to go for walks, spend time in nature, and read. Chelsea is excited to join the CASA/LA team and promote the well-being of young people. |
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Meet our new Individual Giving Manager, Kim Stauffer! |
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Hello! In my role with CASA/LA, I have the opportunity to help fundraise, advocate, and share all of the AMAZING work you and your supervisors do! Thank you for the time, energy, and heart that you all give! I hope to have the opportunity to speak and get to know you more as we move into the New Year. Happy Holidays to you all!
A little about me. I went to Cal-State Fullerton with the plan of becoming a high school counselor. I am a first-generation college graduate and the only reason I went was that my own high school counselor pushed me to do so. When people say one person can change your life, I am a true believer in just that! I hold a BS in Human Services with an emphasis in Mental Health. During my senior year, we had to do internship hours and I chose to do mine through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I fell in love with the non-profit sector, the opportunity to give back and change lives, and the culture of communities supporting a cause! I have over 12 years of Development/Fundraising/Marketing experience and have had the great pleasure to work with Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girls Clubs, Ronald McDonald House, and Martha’s Village & Kitchen in my career. I am so thrilled to be here now with you all at CASA/LA and look forward to helping out wherever and however I can.
On a more personal note. I moved to Los Angeles about 3 months ago with my girlfriend and our fur babies. Our world is consumed by our dogs, cat, and turtles but we love it and are big advocates in supporting rescues in our local community.
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CASA/LA IN-SERVICE TRAINING
When: Thursday, January 13 from 12-2 PM
Where: online
Family Urgent Response System (FURS): 24/7 Trauma-Informed Support
When: Thursday, January 20 from 12-1:30 PM
Where: online
Adoption
When: Wednesday, January 26 from 12-2 PM
Where: online
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If you are interested in watching a recording of past in-service training, contact Betsy Ann Mudd. We may have what you are looking for!
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Fireside Chat Series - January Edition
On Friday, January 7, join us for a conversation on "Expectant and Parenting Youth." Must RSVP to attend. New discussions every 1st Friday of the month.
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Virtual Early Childhood (EC) Training
This training is a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into the topic of early childhood. You will gain an overall understanding of early childhood development and the factors that influence developmental outcomes. The EC training will address how you can use a developmental lens to support and advocate for the unique needs of young children who are in the court and welfare system.
The training is six modules; three are self-paced online and three modules are live via Zoom. For the Zoom sessions, you must have a camera and microphone. Class size is limited and prior registration is required. Participation in all six sessions is mandatory.
Module 1: Online reading
Module 2: Zoom (Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 3-6 PM)
Module 3: Online reading
Module 4: Zoom (Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 3-6 PM)
Module 5: Online reading
Module 6: Zoom (Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 3-6 PM)
Facilitators: Lauri Halderman, program manager, early childhood; Rosa Arevalo, advocacy team manager; and Ben Miller, advocate supervisor
Continuing Education Hours: 12
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BOOK CLUBS
Coastline Book Group
Where: A CASA's home in Santa Monica*
When: Tuesday, January 25 at 1:30 PM
We're Reading: "Pictures of Hollis Woods" by Patricia Reilly Giff
*Space is limited to those with completed COVID-19 vaccines.
San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where: online via Zoom
When: Thursday, January 19 at 7 PM
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QUARTERLY VOLUNTEER FORUM
At CAS/LA, we are all about transparency and connection. That's why we're inviting you to our quarterly volunteer forum. Please join us to reflect on recent successes, where we are in current strategic initiatives, and discuss our goals ahead. This 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/LA leadership on topics that truly matter to you!
Thursday, January 20 from 4-5:30 PM
Online via ZOOM
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CASA CONNECTIONS
Opportunities for CASA volunteers to connect with and support each other.
Early Childhood (0~5) TBD
Middle Childhood (6~9) TBD
Tween (10~14) Tuesday, January 4, 6 PM
Transitional Age Youth (15~17) Tuesday, January 18, 3 PM
Non-Minor Dependent (18~21) Monday, January 10, 5 PM
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Drag Queen Bingo is back! Join CASA/LA & Glamour Gowns Suit Up on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 🌟 7:00 PM-9:30 PM at Hamburger Mary's for a wild night filled with sparkles, stilettos, and sass! Starring Bingo Boy and guest bingo hostess Roz Hernandez. All proceeds will go directly to buying brand new formal attire for the Spring 2022 Glamour Gowns & Suit Up event for youth in foster care. |
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Holiday Gifts Appreciation
Thank you to all our friends and partners who made CASA of Los Angeles's holiday wishes come true this year! With the help of Anthem Blue Cross, Astra Nova School, Astra Zeneca, Eisner Foundation, Elysian Heights Parents Association, Frandzel, Girl Scout Troop 166, Judge Downing and CHUMS, Julie Haire, MBS Group, NBS Be Strong Stay Fit, Neptunian Woman’s Group, Prost LA, The Amity Foundation, Together We Rise, UCLA Luskin Black Caucus, USC Annenberg Women's Leadership Society, Erin Foster, and Julie Mints, we were able to fulfill our 2021 holidays wish list for the children we serve. We are so grateful for your support during this holiday season. As we begin the new year, please see our essential wish list items that CASA has a need for throughout the year.
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Corey Linsley + Chargers Partnership
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Corey Linsley Matching Gift Challenge in November. Earlier last month, the Chargers presented a check for $100,000 to CASA/LA from the Chargers Impact Fund and Chargers Center Corey Linsley and wife Anna Linsley. Make sure to help Corey win an additional grant for his charity by voting on Twitter using #WPMOYChallenge + Linsley or retweet our top post @CASAofLA! (Votes are doubled on January 4 th & 5 th) |
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Together we THRIVE
Join the THRIVE community today and help us sustain CASA/LA's transformational programs through a monthly gift. Just as consistent advocacy is vital for the well-being of the youth we serve, the reliable financial support from Thrive monthly donors is essential to CASA of Los Angeles' ability to train, recruit, and support more CASA volunteers. As a nonprofit organization, CASA/LA's programs are fueled by contributions from the public. Monthly donations are crucial to buffering our organization from the ups and downs of life, ensuring that there is no lull in service to the children & families we serve.
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2022 Idyllwild Arts Camp Scholarship Available
If you are working with a youth between the ages of 13-18 (as of summer 2022) who shows interest and talent in the arts (painting, drawing, theater, music, writing, etc) the Idyllwild Art Camp is a great opportunity. Idyllwild Arts Camp is in the mountains above Palm Springs. This generous 2-week scholarship is worth more than $3,300.00!
For more information, click the links below for instructions on accessing the Idyllwild Summer 2022 catalog for teens and the application. Have q uestions? Contact CASA/LA volunteer Eileen Sheiniuk.
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Meet other CASA volunteers virtually for discussion and support. Connections are organized by age of youth served and meet monthly.
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Want to get your own CASA/LA swag?
Our CASA Shop will have you looking good and supporting our cause all at once. It's a win win!
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Join our resource forum Muut to search/share resources, communicate with other CASAs, and ask questions. Read these instructions to begin.
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Visit Litmos for webinars on transition age youth, early childhood, and more.
Look in your email for an invite from CASA/LA or contact Lynne Gabriel.
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Read our volunteer handbook for policies covering everything from conflict of interest and mandatory reporting to boundaries and posting on social media.
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