OCTOBER IS

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of domestic violence, while honoring survivors and remembering those who have lost their lives to these acts. The rates of domestic violence in Nevada are alarming and it is vital to bring awareness to the fact that Nevada ranks the second highest state in the nation for domestic violence homicides. For CASA volunteers, it is a reminder of the silent battles many children in care have faced behind closed doors.

Domestic violence impacts more than just the direct victims. Children who witness abuse, both visual and auditory, are often the hidden victims, experiencing emotional, psychological, and even physical harm. Their trauma can manifest in behavioral issues, academic struggles, a lack of trust in those around them, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. 

CASA volunteers are on the frontlines, working with children who have experienced trauma, including domestic violence, by being a consistent and caring adult for these children in their everyday life, as well as in court. By helping the Court make informed decisions about a child, CASA volunteers play a critical role in breaking the cycle of violence and trauma for the children and youth that they work with.

This October, we honor the resilience of survivors, reaffirm our commitment to protecting vulnerable children, and work toward a future where every home is a safe one. Please join communities across the nation on October 17^th by wearing purple, symbolizing domestic violence awareness, to show support for survivors and a commitment to ending domestic abuse.

Please help to break the silence that surrounds domestic violence. Start conversations, share resources, and reach out to those who may be experiencing abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:

Recognizing Judge John F. Mendoza

Judge Mendoza grew up on Las Vegas, served in the U.S. Army and attended the University of Notre Dame on a football scholarship. He graduated Juris Doctorate, cum laude from Notre Dame in 1951.

In 1966, Judge Mendoza was elected District Court Judge of the Eighth Judicial District for Nevada, a role he served in until 1990. While in that role, Judge Mendoza played a significant role in the development of the CASA Las Vegas Program and can be credited with creating the name, “CASA” which means, Court Appointed Special Advocate.

SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR NEW CASA VOLUNTEERS

Eighteen new CASA volunteers were sworn in by Family Court Judge Pickard on Monday, September 29th. These CASA volunteers completed the necessary background checks and 5 weeks of Flex training (50% online & 50% in person). They are now assigned to advocate for the best interest of 41 children in foster care. The following judges were also in attendance: Judge Giuliani, Judge White, Judge Gordon, Chief Judge Wiese and Judge Ochoa.

CASA LICENSE PLATES ARE HERE

CASA license plates are now available for purchase. With the purchase of every plate $25 is donated to Nevada CASA Association. This purchase allows Nevada CASA Association to continue its work across the state to support each of the local programs and their volunteers.

THE POWER OF 1 PODCAST:

AMPLIFYING VOICES, INSPIRING CHANGE

The Power of 1 shares extraordinary stories of real experiences from the child welfare system, highlights the work of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA volunteers), the processes of the foster care system, and shares ways the community can get involved. Whether you’re a current CASA volunteer, a supporter, or someone wanting more information on volunteering, this podcast offers insight, heart, and inspiration.

The third Wednesday of each month a new episode is released on the YouTube channel @Powerof1Podcast. Follow us on Instagram @powerof1.podcast.

For more information, contact Champions for CASA at pkendall@championsforcasa.org or (702) 378-7777. One person can make all the difference!

Become a CASA Volunteer!

Are you interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Maybe you know someone who would be a terrific child advocate. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are assigned by the Judge to advocate for the best interest of a child in foster care. Free informational meetings are scheduled (virtually) four times every month.

CASA Program of the Eighth Judicial District Court- Family Division | 702.455.CASA (2272)