Note from the President and CEO | | |
To our CASAs,
This month, I just want to take a moment to tell you how fabulous you are! CASA volunteers are the heart and hands of our work at Voices for Children. The thousands of children we serve each year are because of YOU. Thank you so much for all you do for the child to whom you are assigned.
Speaking of fabulous people, we are also celebrating the retirement of Sabrina Goosby, Vice President of Programs – San Diego, who has served VFC for 37 years! Sabrina has inspired so many through her lifelong service to children. I hope you will scroll down to learn more about her remarkable commitment to our mission.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
| | Honoring Sabrina Goosby: 37 Years of Impact | | |
This month, we celebrate the retirement of Sabrina Goosby, who has dedicated 37 remarkable years to Voices for Children. As Vice President of Programs, Sabrina has been instrumental in shaping the services and support we provide to children in foster care.
Her leadership has been rooted in compassion, conviction, and a steadfast belief that every child deserves to be heard. So much of her work has happened quietly behind the scenes—during late nights, weekends, and in the in-between moments where real impact often begins. And it’s in those moments that Sabrina made a difference, time and time again.
She has stood beside our children and volunteers through life’s highs and heartbreaks—always advocating, always showing up, and always putting their best interest first. Her work has not only touched thousands of lives, but has also strengthened the very heart of our programs.
Sabrina leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and significance, impacting people in ways she may never fully know. Her influence will continue to shape our mission and guide our work for years to come.
Please join us in thanking Sabrina for her decades of heart, leadership, and deep commitment to children. We wish her the very best in this next chapter.
-Voices for Children
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Girls Incarcerated
Teens at Indiana juvenile correctional facilities deal with conflict and heartbreak as they try to turn their lives around in this reality series. Watch on Netflix!
If you have watched this show, please let your supervisor know, and you will be credited with 6 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education! Remember, June is the last month to complete your required hours for the fiscal year!
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It’s summer!
Some of us love it, some of us can’t wait for it to be over because of the heat! But, summer for me has very happy memories of long bright days in the back garden, playing with friends, fruit salad, games, and the chance to wear flip flops!
I wanted to highlight a case where a CASA could help build these happy summer memories.
Eddie 14, Betty 11, Nora 8, Nicky 3. Their court is Murrieta & they live in Lake Elsinore
The children grew up in a home without their mother. She failed to provide food, clothing, and protection for her children. She is currently in prison for drug trafficking. Their father was caught driving while intoxicated with the four children after he crashed into a bicyclist. He has a history of criminal activity and drug use. The children are all currently living with their aunt. Eddie is a healthy young boy with no physical or mental issues. He is doing well in school, and the caregiver expressed no concerns. Betty was born with a cleft lip and palate. She talks with a slight lisp, but can express herself with no issues. Other than that, she is a healthy young girl. She is a straight-A student in her current grade. Nora has a spunky and outgoing personality. She wants to be involved with every conversation and is a very happy girl. Nora loves to read books and is doing well in school. She is a perfectly healthy young girl. Nicky is the youngest of the children and was born with a cleft palate. He is nonverbal, despite the father expressing that he does speak. Nicky is physically healthy and appears comfortable in his home.
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CASA of the Month
Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Rhiana L.! 🥳 Since 2021, CASA Rhiana has been a steady, unwavering presence in Andy’s* life—through every placement, every challenge, and every milestone. When instability defined his world, she brought consistency. When he struggled to trust, she showed up again and again. Now 16, Andy is thriving, excelling in school, building healthy relationships, and imagining a future filled with possibility. His transformation didn’t happen overnight. It happened because CASA Rhiana kept showing up. This is what a CASA does—not fix everything, but walk beside a young person long enough to help them believe in stability, in their own voice, and in their worth.
Click here to learn more about CASA Rhiana and Andy’s journey.
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Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage
July 24 – August 17, 2025
Voices for Children is excited to participate in the 2025 Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage. For just $10, an event wristband opens up a world of exclusive summer specials at nearly 30 participating restaurants in the city of Rancho Mirage.
· VFC raises funds by selling $10 wristbands
· You enjoy delicious food, cool treats, and GREAT specials!
· Restaurants keep busy during the slower summer months
All proceeds from the sale of the wristbands purchased from VFC go to VFC! If you are interested in purchasing wristbands for you, your friends, family, clients, or neighbors, please contact Brianna Miller at BriannaM@speakupnow.org or (951) 472-9300. Please note that wristbands cannot be mailed.
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Starfish Giving Circle
The Starfish Giving Circle offers you a meaningful way to make a lasting difference. By committing to a monthly donation, you ensure that children in foster care receive ongoing support throughout the year. No contribution is too small—each recurring donation strengthens our efforts to advocate for these children and empowers them to build a brighter future.
Together, we can offer these children the safety, care, and support they deserve, and watch them blossom into the best versions of themselves. Thank you for being a champion for children in need.
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Leverage Your Gift of $500 or More
Now through December 15, 2025
May 1 marked the start of our 2025 2:1 matching campaign with our partner, Focusing Philanthropy. Now through December 15, Focusing Philanthropy will give an additional $1 for every $2 that VFC raises, up to $250,000! That’s a total of $375,000, enough to serve 187 children!
Gifts must be $500 or greater to qualify for the match and must be made directly to Focusing Philanthropy. Click HERE to make your secure online gift and help us reach our campaign goal of serving over 180 children. Focusing Philanthropy does not charge any administrative fees, so the entire gift benefits VFC.
For further information on ways to give, please contact Brianna Miller.
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GFWC - Woman's Club of Indio
At the GFWC - Woman's Club of Indio's Second Annual Scholarship & Donation Brunch, VFC was presented with a $1,000 grant to support our CASA program. The funds will help ensure that more local children in foster care receive the individualized support of a CASA.
Since 1912, the Club has been dedicated to serving and improving the local community through service and volunteerism. We are honored that they have chosen to support our mission for the past two years. We are especially grateful to Club member and CASA, Pamela Smyth, for being VFC's Project Champion!
Thank you, Woman’s Club of Indio, for enhancing our community through active, committed and civic-minded participation.
Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.
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Small Group
Please join Riverside Advocacy Supervisor Gabriela Mata for a small group gathering at our Riverside office where we can sit together, share, and support one another with tips and strategies for initial meetings with caregivers and kiddos. Whether you're currently starting a new case, considering taking one, or already had some initial visits, we would really appreciate you sharing your experiences to help those who are just starting out.
Monday, July 14, 2025: 10:00am
11870 Pierce St. Suite 260, Riverside, CA 92505
Small Group: Safe Family Justice Centers Riverside County
Please join Advocacy Supervisor Anthony Rojas and guest speaker, Marshall Hamilton, for a session to learn about Safe Family Justice Centers (SFJC) Riverside County. SFJC provide advocacy and support services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child/elder abuse, and services for youth who are at risk. Their programs focuses on providing comprehensive services that help protect families, seek justice, and promote SAFE futures for children, youth, and families who have been affected by violence.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025; 10:00am
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 885 6431 4066
· Passcode: 072200
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Navigating Stress and Prioritizing Wellness
Wednesday, July 23, 2025; 12:00pm-1:15pm
Presented by California CASA
This webinar will be hosted by Lacy Alana, a psychotherapist, trainer, and multi-disciplinary artist. This series has been designed to empower and equip CASA staff and volunteers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate collective, constant, and often overwhelming stress effectively. For youth in foster care, daily stress is compounded by trauma histories, systemic instability, and frequent exposure to complex topics in the media, from climate change to war and political unrest. Register here.
Opportunities for College-Bound and Transitional-Aged Youth
Financial Aid Completion Resource
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has compiled a Financial Aid Completion Resource guide to help California foster and homeless youth and their adult supporters apply for and maintain financial aid.
2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is now available for those looking to attend college between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the FAFSA form.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has released a statewide roster of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in California to assist current and former foster youth with identifying free, one-on-one assistance filing their taxes. Many young adults aren’t required to file taxes due to earning below the filing threshold, but with the California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC), filing can lead to substantial refunds. In 2024, 96 percent of youth who filed through a Foster Youth Tax Project VITA site received a tax refund averaging $1,370 for single filers and $5,265 for head-of-household (parenting) filers. Eligible youth between 18 and 25 can receive up to $1,154 from the FYTC, plus money from additional credits like the state and federal earned income tax credits and child tax credits for parenting youth. For more JBAY tax filing and FYTC resources, click here.
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What We're Reading
Each month, we'll highlight a staff member's new favorite novel, movie, or podcast.
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Philanthropy Manager Brianna Miller is reading Hey White Boy: Conversations of Redemption, a profoundly authentic and moving memoir that delves into the transformative journey of Sonny Von Cleveland, whose childhood was marred by unimaginable sexual molestation. Unable to cope with the devastating abuse, Sonny's once gregarious and outgoing nature gave way to anger and rebellion, resulting in eighteen years behind bars. During this time, he encountered a fellow inmate who would become his mentor. Through their profound conversations and teachings, Sonny embarked on a journey of self-examination, forgiveness, and personal accountability. In Hey White Boy, Sonny shares his remarkable transformation from victimhood to self-actualization and redemption. This memoir is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of letting go, and the capacity for personal growth.
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Advocacy Focus
July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month! It’s no secret...kids love their tech. But CASAs have a unique opportunity to model respectful and mindful phone habits. This month is a great time to show your youth what it looks like to be present and intentional with screen time. Try planning a phone-free outing and challenge each other to keep devices tucked away during your time together. You can also have a lighthearted conversation about pet peeves, such as what bugs them most about phone use in public, and what rules would they make if they were in charge. Encourage your youth to set simple boundaries like no phones at the dinner table or during conversations, and then lead by example. Being mindful of when and where we use our phones helps strengthen relationships, and CASAs can play a key role in helping youth find that balance!
CASA Outreach Team
If you’d like to learn how to help VFC in other aspects this year, consider joining our Outreach Team. As a member of the Outreach Team, you get to share your CASA experience with those who may be unsure about being a CASA or have never heard of the CASA Program. We have a ton of fun at booths (Riverside Pride, Beaumont Cherry Festival, Murrieta’s Fathers’ Day Car Show, and Juneteenth), presentations, and following up on inquiries. No skills are required. You get to choose what you help with, and you get to decide if an event is too far!
If you would like to learn more about the CASA Outreach team, please reach out to Kathi Urmanita, CASA Recruitment and Outreach Manager, at KathiU@speakupnow.org or speak with your Supervisor directly.
We would like to send a special thank-you to CASAs who have helped out at events this past month: Cynthia Avery, Frank Diaz, Olivia Garcia, Jannita Gonzales, Allison Knecht, Pam Lund, Judy Napolitano, Nancy Olsen, Brenda Olson, Julia Peacock, Ginger Rendon, Ana Rocha, and Esthefania Rodriguez. Thank you for sharing your experiences and recommending others to become a CASA!
Refer a Friend
Thank you to everyone who shares endlessly regarding your work as a CASA Volunteer! We love it when you share your passion for your youth because it naturally inspires others to help! If you know anyone who would be a good CASA or anyone who shares they would like to learn more about becoming a CASA, please invite them to an Information Session to learn more at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/volunteer-information-session/. When they RSVP for Riverside County and put you as their referral, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift! It could be to your youth’s favorite food place or something for yourself! Refer more than one person to have your name added multiple times in the drawing!
Independence Day Celebration
Friday, July 4, 2025; 7:30pm-9:30pm
Civic Center Park: 43-900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92660
Admission: Free!
The City of Palm Desert will celebrate Fourth of July with a concert and fireworks display at Civic Center Park. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a free concert featuring a number of beloved pop tunes. Then, at 9 p.m., a 20-minute fireworks display with accompanying music will be played on two local radio stations (to be announced) to cap off the evening.
4th of July Extravaganza
Friday, July 4, 2025; 2:00pm-10:00pm
Ronald Reagan Sports Park: 30875 Rancho Vista Rd., Temecula, CA 92592
Admission: Free!
Celebrate the 4th of July at Ronald Reagan Sports Park with live music, vendors and a fun zone for the kids. End the celebration with the spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 PM sharp.
Inland Empire Summer Food Festival
Saturday, July 12, 2025; 1:00pm-8:30pm
97 Sixth Street, Norco, CA 92860
Admission: Free!
Welcome to the Inland Empire Summer Food Festival! Get ready for a day filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and great company. Indulge in a variety of mouth-watering dishes from local vendors, Watermelon eating contest, Water Balloon Toss and enjoy live music and entertainment. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the best flavors of the Inland Empire. See you there!
Taste of Perris Music Festival
Saturday, July 19, 2025; 4:00pm-10:00pm
42201 South A Street, Perris, CA 92570
Admission: Free!
Welcome to the Taste of Perris Music Festival! Join us for a day filled with fantastic music and delicious food at the Southern California Railway Museum. Get ready to groove to live performances from local artists while indulging in a variety of tasty treats. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a foodie, this event has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the best of Perris's music and culinary scene all in one place!
You've Got a Friend in Me
Saturday, July 19, 2025; 4:00pm-8:00pm
41400 Orange Ave., Perris, CA 92571
Admission: Free!
Round up your pals—Sheriff Woody says it’s time for some rootin’-tootin’ fun! Don’t miss this event! Here’s what we have planned for you:• Woody Meet & Greet• Kids Workshop• Raffles & Exciting Giveaways• Delicious Food Vendors• Face Painting• Music and Good Vibes• Fun for the Whole Family! Bring the kids, bring your friends, the furry ones too — There’s a snake in our boots… and a whole lot of fun too!
Culture in Our Community
Voices for Children is proud to launch Culture In Our Community, which was brought to you by Voices for Children’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness, and Action (IDEAA) Council. We invite CASAs to use this online guide to find places to visit, upcoming events, local restaurants, and other resources that help connect youth in foster care with their culture or background. We encourage you to explore this resource and use it in your upcoming outings!
CalFresh
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) has updated its FAQ document on NMDs and California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh, for 2024-2025 to reflect recent policy updates. The FAQ document covers key topics such as CalFresh eligibility, income requirements, benefit levels, access for students, the impact of foster care payments and other income sources, and links to application support resources. Click here for more information.
iFoster Back to School Resources
Click here to access iFoster's very first newsletter with resources including, free laptops for college, free K-12 tutoring services, discounted school supplies, and more!
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If there is an organization you would like to see as a Fostering Partnership, please reach out to Kathi Urmanita at KathiU@speakupnow.org with your request.
Portals Entertainment Center
Portals is an immersive entertainment facility that takes visitors into an active portal space where they can experience one of our many attractions. Through harnessing the power of blacklight, Portals Entertainment Center brings you two indoor, 9-hole blacklight mini golf courses, a designated arcade space, and a food service component. Portals Entertainment Center aims to provide each visitor with a unique experience, transporting them to unknown worlds and offering an entertainment facility like no other.
CASA’s can pick up a Portals gift card from the Temecula office – just as they would for the a birthday or graduation gift card. Please note that these gift cards include $10 for arcade games and 4 Rounds of Mini Golf (for two people this would give them one game per course). If the CASA has multiple youths, then they should take one gift card for each youth. Laser tag requires a signed waiver and not an option for CASAs & youth. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Mud Hut Pottery Studio
Mud Hut Pottery Studio is a full-service pottery studio located in Riverside, CA. Mud Hut’s mission is to foster an inclusive environment that is enjoyable and supportive for everyone, no matter your skill level. Whether you have never touched clay or can craft a piece in your sleep, they are excited to partner with us. CASAs can receive 50% off classes with their youth by using the code “CASA” for any class. Click here for their booking link.
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage is now a partner with Voices for Children and our CASAs! If a CASA chooses to take their youth to the museum, they will need to purchase their own ticket and show their CASA badge; then the youth’s ticket will be free of charge.
Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine – Riverside will now waive their studio fee for CASAs and their youth when they show their CASA badge. Please note that there is a cost for the ceramics they may paint, and the price range can exceed the CASA’s limit. Reservations are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome, but not guaranteed. We encourage you to check out their event page for special items to paint and custom to-go kits, as well!
The Wheelhouse Skating Rink
Starting now, CASAs & their youth can attend The Wheelhouse Skating Rink in Hemet with a waived admission fee and only pay $5.00 for their rental skates! CASAs will need to show their CASA badge to receive this offer. Happy skating!
PUDN
Visit any PUDN pop-up at the following locations and receive a free banana PUDN for your youth when you purchase one for yourself: Old Town Temecula Farmer's Market, Old Town Murrieta Farmer's Market, Temecula Sunset Market, Made Local Market Menifee, Made Local Market Corona, or Palm Springs Village Fest.
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Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form by July 7 to your Advocacy Supervisor. Remember to include time spent driving to and from visits, attending meetings, and other CASA-related efforts.
***This deadline is the final date to submit any back mileage from the 2024-2025 fiscal year! Please reach out to your supervisor if you have any questions or need assistance with submitting prior mileage.***
Even if you did not drive last month, please submit the form with an estimation of hours spent calling, researching, and writing. This tally helps us to quantify the advocacy investment each of you contributes to your case. Your child matters, and the hours you spend on their case help to illustrate that reality.
Birthday Gift Cards
Does your case child have a birthday coming up? Voices for Children will provide a $25 gift card for you to take your kiddo shopping! Please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to arrange a time to pick one up from one of our offices.
Refer-a-Friend Raffle
Would you like a chance to win a $25 gift card? If so, help Voices for Children continue to grow and serve more local youth experiencing foster care in the most successful way possible - direct ask! Voices for Children has a quarterly raffle for active CASAs that refer individuals to an Information Session - each referral that comes in under your name gives you an entry to win. Invite anyone and everyone to an Information Session and ask them to list you as their personal referral when RSVPing at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/.
Refer more than one person, and have a better chance at winning!
Book Pick-Up!
Did you know that each of our offices has a small library of approved reading options for you and your kiddos? Next time you visit, feel free to check out our selection, which you can borrow or keep. You are also welcome to bring your own donations!
Upcoming VFC Office Closures
VFC staff will be in the office at least twice per week. If you would like to meet in person, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to coordinate a date and time!
Friday, July 4, 2025 (Independence Day)
For after-hours case emergencies, contact our 24-hour VFC hotline at 1-858-336-0609.
Second Saturday
Every second Saturday of the month, we encourage our volunteers, staff, board members, and other supporters to showcase their VFC apparel. Join us by wearing yours on Saturday, July 12 to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"When the world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful."
~Malala Youszafzai
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