Meet CASA/LA's new CEO, Charity Chandler-Cole! |
|
Dear CASA/LA Volunteers,
How exciting it is for me to join this village of amazing, dynamic, and inspiring people during National Volunteer Month! At CASA/LA, our volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we cannot do the work we do without you. Thank you so much for your contributions to our youth and for generously donating your time and talents to help positively change the life and outcomes of a beautiful child.
A little about me: I am a wife to a very charming personal injury attorney; a mother to six beautiful children, one being my nephew for whom I have been a relative caregiver to for the past 12 years. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and experienced both its child welfare and juvenile justice systems. My experiences in both led me to become an advocate for kids like me, with a goal of not only helping to influence and change social structures, policies, and systems that have negatively and disproportionately impacted and oppressed foster youth and vulnerable communities but also being a source of inspiration and hope for my sisters and brothers in care. For me, that meant against all odds, intentionally creating and becoming the person you see today and proving to the world that with the right amount of love, support, healing, and resources, we are all capable of amazing things despite our circumstances, upbringing and past.
Having been in the system and seeing the dire outcomes for so many children who feel they have no voice and no one who cares for them, I was drawn to CASA/LA because we have a direct way and path to change outcomes that so often seem automated in an overburdened system. A CASA volunteer sends a distinct message, letting everyone that interacts with that child know that they are not alone, they have someone looking out for them and someone who cares.
I look forward to meeting and getting to know you all. I am extremely approachable and am here to be your biggest cheerleader and support, so please do not hesitate to reach out and let me know how I can be of service to you. We are a village and it will take a village to help our children in care thrive. See you soon!
Charity Chandler-Cole
|
|
You're Invited to a Meet-and-Greet with Charity Chandler-Cole
It's with great excitement that we welcome Charity Chandler-Cole as our new CEO! We know you are looking forward to meeting her so join us on Wednesday, May 26 @ 12-1 PM for an informal meet-and-greet where we can all begin to know each other.
|
|
Introducing our Fireside Chats Series
On Friday, May 7 at 12-1 PM, CASA of Los Angeles will host our first-ever Fireside Chat. Join us for a conversation on blind removals, a bill currently in committee: AB 656 - Addressing racial disparities in child welfare by establishing a blind removal pilot with former foster youth and current child welfare advocates. Charity Chandler-Cole will moderate the chat with our panel of experts.
|
|
CASA IN-SERVICE TRAINING
DCFS 101
When: Wednesday, May 5 at 12-1 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 1
Court Report Writing
When: Thursday, May 13 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
Fatherhood Engagement
When: Tuesday, May 18 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
Benefits: Funding and Fostering Rates
When: Tuesday, May 27 at 12-2 PM
Where: online via Zoom
Continuing Education Hours: 2
|
|
If you are interested in watching a recorded video of a past training that you missed, reach out to Betsy Ann Mudd (bmudd@casala.org). We may have what you are looking for!
|
|
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment
When: Thursday, May 20 at 2-4 PM
Provider: Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and Hollaback!
Virtual book reading with author, former foster youth, and inspirational speaker Tonia Allen Gould
When: May 12 at 12-2 PM
Provider: California CASA
Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment
When: Monday, May 24 at 1-3 PM
Provider: Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and Hollaback!
|
|
CASA of Los Angeles' Supporting Dual Status Youth Conference |
|
SAVE THE DATE
June 10-11 at 12-5 PM
The Supporting Dual Status Youth: Intersections in Advocacy is a free, virtual two-day conference designed for advocates, community members, and professionals in both the dependency and juvenile justice systems.
|
|
BOOK CLUBS
Coastline Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, May 11 at 1:30-3 PM
We're Reading: "Four Seasons of Loneliness" by J.W. Freiberg
San Fernando Valley Book Group
Where: Online
When: Tuesday, May 11 at 7 PM
We're Reading: "The Girl with the Louding Voice: A Novel" by Abi Daré
Want to host a book club?
|
|
CASA CONNECTIONS
CASA Connections are groups for CASA volunteers to connect and support each other.
Early Childhood (0~5) Tuesday, May 18, 5 PM
Middle Childhood (6~9) Wednesday, May 26, 4 PM
Tween (10~14) Tuesday, May 25, 6 PM
Transitional Age Youth (15~17) Wednesday, May 19, 3 PM
Non-Minor Dependent (18~21) Tuesday, May 11, 5 PM
|
|
Support CASA/LA While You Shop
Lanni Ella is recognizing Foster Care Awareness Month with a variety of ways to support CASA/LA while you shop their unique designs! Get yourself an adorable enamel pin and Lanni Ella will donate $2 of your purchase to support our advocacy. Choose from 3 different designs! In addition, they are donating 15% of proceeds from their Mary Blair Throw and Towels, “Welcome to The Show” sweaters and tees, “Stay in Your Lane and Mind Your Business” tees and crop, and “Audrey Top” in all three colors for the month of May! |
|
Don't miss CASA/LA's biggest night of the year on Thursday, May 13 honoring our advocacy for children in LA County's child welfare system. We are proud to recognize our honorees who have dedicated their time and philanthropic efforts to our mission.
The deadline to get your dinner and viewing ticket is coming up so get your tickets before we sell out. You'll get access to a fun and entertaining virtual cocktail reception featuring a mixologist, a magician and a comedian. Enjoy virtual tables with friends, a swag bag, and a 3-course meal provided by Homegirl Catering with wine, delivered to your home.
|
|
We are excited to introduce the Dunk Tank Challenge where you can help us raise funds by dunking some of your favorite CASA/LA staff and friends!
If each of our friends reach their fundraising goal, they will take the plunge in the CASA/LA dunk tank on the night of the gala on May 13.
Our goal is to raise $60,000 from the challenge. Can we do it? We'll need your help to get us there! Every donation to this campaign comes with one complimentary viewing ticket to the virtual event. When you make a donation of $100 or more you will also receive a swag bag in the mail.
|
|
"Here Comes The Sun" FREE Drive-Thru Event in Mid City
HOPE in a Suitcase & Make Good, Inc. come together to provide brand new summer essentials to youth in foster care. Items include duffel bags or backpacks loaded with clothing, a beach towel, book bundles, art supplies, self-care items, and other fun surprises. Self-care and beauty bags also available for caregivers.
Sunday, May 16, 2021, between 10:30 AM - 2 PM
To be eligible, youth need to have an open case with DCFS and a referral from either their CASA or CSW, as well as a, confirmed appointment time. Register early as spaces are limited. Complete the referral form to request an appointment for your youth. |
|
Petition
FixFosterCare.org has started a petition to eliminate the use of contracts with for-profit foster care services and placements.
|
|
Meet other CASA volunteers virtually for monthly discussions and support. Connections are organized by age group of youth served. Sign up here. |
|
You can visit our website for the most up to date version of our court report writing handbook and templates for your court report. In-service trainings on this topic are held quarterly. |
|
|
Join the CASA resource forum in Muut to search/share resources, communicate with other CASAs, ask questions, and get updates. Read the following instructions to begin. |
|
Visit Litmos to access webinars on transitional age youth, early childhood, etc.
Look in your advocate email for an invitation from CASA/LA or contact your supervisor.
|
|
Read our volunteer handbook for any CASA/LA policies regarding anything from conflict of interest, mandatory reporting, boundaries, or posting on social media. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
