MAY 2020
CASA NEWS
We Want to Hear From You

CASA of Los Angeles is committed to helping CASAs advocate for the needs of their child/youth, especially as we advocate in these more challenging circumstances. We're interested to hear how COVID-19 is impacting your advocacy for your child/youth. Please share any experiences (successes or challenges!) that you’ve come across in your work, such as needs that have come up for your young person, safety concerns, working with partners or any other information you think is important to share. 
Send your feedback to: Maegan Mattock,  mmattock@casala.org .
CASA/LA in the News

CASA/LA CEO, Wende Julien contributed to this article from laist.com discussing the drop in child abuse reports in LA - and why that's not such a good thing.

"People who are mandated to report suspected child abuse, like teachers,
can't flag what they don't see when kids are out of school." - Wende Julien
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING

Benefits: Funding and Foster Care Rates
When: Monday, May 11 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours

Reproductive + Sexual Health
When: Wednesday, May 13 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours

Court Report Writing
When: Thursday, May 21 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Credits: 2 hours

DCFS 101
When: Tuesday, June 2 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 via Zoom.

San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where : CASA's home in Studio City
When : May 5   at 7 PM
We're Reading : "Trauma Stewardship" by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky
RSVP : contact Renne Bilson @  rjbilson@aol.com
Note:  Book club will take place online via Zoom.

Want to host a book club?
Contact Betsy Ann Mudd at bmudd@casala.org .
EVENTS
Let CPK do the shopping!

We know that it can be hard to get to the grocery store or prep dinner for yourself and your family while juggling working from home, home schooling, and virtual CASA advocacy. But with the help of our partners at California Pizza Kitchen, meals have become easier! With  CPK Market , you can purchase delicious meal kits for two or four people and order pantry items, all with contactless pickup or delivery. Better yet, through our  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 to support our advocacy in this way, kindly email Kelly at   klozo@casala.org   with your preferred mailing address and how many cards you would like. *Locations listed  here . 
For CASA Youth
Alliance for Children's Rights

The Alliance for Children's Rights has put together a list of resources and information geared towards foster youth and families impacted by COVID-19.
Aim 4 the Heart

Aim4TheHeart.org provides community-based programs designed to positively intervene in the lives of at-risk youth through the Arts. Now offering online classes. Visit their website to learn more.
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
“ No one stands taller than when
they bend down on one knee to lift another up. ” 
― Gavin Newsom
CASA of Los Angeles | 323-859-2888 | www.casala.org