Dear Friends of CASA,

During the past fiscal year we served 509 children, which is more than ever before. Unfortunately, our work is not done. There are children in our community waiting for a CASA volunteer, so we continue to work hard to make sure they get the advocacy they need as soon as possible.

We believe It is our responsibility, as a community, to care for these children during what is surely the most stressful and chaotic time of their life.

I want to share a story with you that a volunteer recently told me:

Patrick's volunteer shared with me that he was worried about the level of stress Patrick was experiencing. Patrick had been shuffled through several foster homes, barely even getting to unpack his belongings before having to do it all over again. Just eight years old, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Patrick told his CASA volunteer that he was worried about getting lost in all of the moves and that his CASA volunteer would not be able to find him. “What if they move me to Nipomo?” Patrick asked. His CASA volunteer replied, “Even if they move you to China, I will find you. You will never be lost.”

This is the security that we give children when we pair them with a CASA volunteer who sees them every week, checking in on what is happening in their life. Learning what scares them, and what they hope for.

Thank you for being a CASA friend and supporter.

Sincerely,

Kim Colby Davis

Executive Director, CASA of Santa Barbara County

P.S. If you are thinking it is time to join the CASA team, we welcome you. Kids are waiting, and we want to make sure that every child in need has an advocate.

*Names, pictures, and details of a case are always changed to protect the identity of the children and families involved.

This newsletter is supported by our event sponsors who support our mission to serve every abused and neglected child in Santa Barbara County. We encourage you to visit them and tell them thanks!