Note from the President and CEO | |
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To our CASAs,
As the school year draws to a close, I want to acknowledge all that you do to support the education of the children you serve. Whether you have helped your child to navigate kindergarten or college, CASAs are often the person in a child’s life to speak up when there are academic or extracurricular needs that need to be addressed. For CASAs who are celebrating a graduation with their child, I’d like to extend a very heartfelt thank you for all of the ways you have nurtured that special accomplishment.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
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Found
This film centers on three cousins, Sadie, Lily and Chloe, who learn they are adopted and discover each other on 23andMe. Beyond their genetic connection, the girls’ biological families are a mystery to them. All three were left as infants in public places, to be found by strangers and taken in by orphanages. But the thrill of finding each other empowers the girls to take the next step, and the three families decide to embark on a trip together to rediscover the girls’ roots. This documentary goes out of its way to consider how adoption looks from all angles. Watch now on Netflix!
If you have watched this documentary, please let your supervisor know and you will be credited with 2 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
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Featured Case of the Month | |
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This month’s case is for a young man in need of a caring and consistent CASA.
Charlie is eleven years old. He lives in Hemet and his court is in Riverside. The mother and father's rights were terminated in 2019, and Charlie was in an adoptive placement that did not work out. He is doing well in school and has above average grades. Charlie wants to play soccer on a team. He likes running, jumping, walking. He can be quiet and keeps to himself.
If you are interested in learning more about this case or considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
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Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, CASA Lynn! One of the most unique and impactful figures in the life of a child or youth in foster care is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). This enduring relationship can last a lifetime, as demonstrated by CASA Lynn, a true champion for her youth, Claudia*. In 2016, CASA Lynn met 13-year-old Claudia, a sweet, soft-spoken young girl. At the time, Claudia struggled in school, was adapting to a new placement, and missed her siblings. Today, Claudia is a shining example of resilience and personal growth, advocating for herself confidently, nurturing strong relationships with her family and those around her, and building a secure financial future as a young adult. Claudia is on the path to successful independent living, a testament to the transformative power of CASA Lynn’s unwavering support.
Click here to learn more about their eight-year journey and long-standing tradition of going out to eat wings!
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Target Circle Community Giving
Voices for Children is being featured as a participant through Target Circle and this is the last month to vote!
Here's how you can show your support:
1. Sign up or sign in at buff.ly/2LoO3SU
2. Look for Voices for Children under "Vote for Nonprofits."
3. Cast your votes for Voices for Children!
Through June 30, vote for VFC through the Target Circle program and help us receive Target funds. Don't forget that as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign!
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Focusing Philanthropy's Matching-gift Campaign
For the sixth year, VFC is partnering with Focusing Philanthropy, a renowned Southern California-based foundation, for a matching-gift challenge. Focusing Philanthropy will give an additional $1 for every $2 that VFC raises, up to $200,000! That’s a total of $300,000, enough to serve 150 children! Gifts must be $500 or greater to qualify for the match.
Click HERE to make your secure online gift. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Focusing Philanthropy, and mail it to Focusing Philanthropy at 1637 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Directing your gift to Focusing Philanthropy allows them to confirm that gifts meet their criteria for a match and provide appropriate documentation for the IRS. Focusing Philanthropy does not charge any administrative fees, so the entire gift benefits VFC.
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Fabulous Funder
Rotary Club of Murrieta
During National Child Abuse Awareness Month in April, the Rotary Club of Murrieta invited us to share about how our CASA volunteers transform the lives of children who have been abused and are currently experiencing foster care.
In May, National Foster Care Month, the Club presented us with a $1,000 check, using funds allocated to youth experiencing foster care or homelessness. They were even gracious enough to make the gift through our 2:1 matching campaign with Focusing Philanthropy, bringing the total to $1,500!
Thank you Rotary Club of Murrieta for supporting our mission and for all you do to benefit the local community and beyond!
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Women's Club of Indio
We were so honored to receive a first-time grant from the Woman’s Club of Indio (WCI). This fiscal year, the club, whose mission is “to enhance our community through active, committed, and civic-minded participation,” awarded over $60,000 in grants and scholarships to seventeen local nonprofits and eighteen high school seniors and women going back to school. The recipients were presented with their checks last month at a lovely Donation Day Brunch hosted by WCI.
Thank you to WCI members for your dedication to serving and improving our community!
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Exciting update! Going forward, CASAs are required to only attend one Small Group each year as part of your Continuing Education requirement!
Small Group: Extending Support for Foster Care Youth (Pre-Recorded Presentation by the National Press Foundation)
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Alfred Williams, as we watch a pre-recorded presentation through the National Press Foundation with speaker, Jennifer Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Youth Law Center. By partnering with the Institute for the Future and the California Youth Connection, the Youth Law Center produced a deep-dive exploration into the experiences and prospects of young people leaving California’s foster care system. During this small group we will watch the pre-recorded presentation and then have a short discussion that follows. RSVP to AlfredW@speakupnow.org to let him know you plan to attend.
Friday, June 14, 2024; 10:00am-11:30am
Small Group: CASA Advocacy 101 Mixer
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Paloma Quiroz, and other CASAs at this mixer where you can enjoy snacks and drinks while discussing, "What is advocacy?" and how CASAs can best advocate for their youth in home, school, and court.
RSVP to PalomaQ@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Monday, June 17, 2024; 5:30pm-7:00pm
Palm Desert Office: 41550 Eclectic St. Palm Desert, CA 92260
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Unlocking Understanding: Understanding Difficult Behaviors and Emotional Dysregulation
Wednesday, June 26, 2024; 12:00pm-1:00pm
Event presented by California CASA
When a child who has experienced trauma melts down emotionally or struggles with big behaviors, the adults in their life can struggle to know how to make sense of exactly what is happening, or to know how to best help. Even if you logically know that trauma and adverse experiences can impact youth behavior - it can still be incredibly difficult to make sense of the complexity of the most difficult moments. In this training, we’ll focus on equipping you with information that will help you to better understand difficult behaviors, emotional dysregulation, in addition to providing you with actionable tips and tools that you can use in response. Register here!
Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE): Collaboration with School Districts and RCOE Resources
Thursday, June 27, 2024; 1:00pm-2:30pm
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Alfred Williams, and representatives from RCOE to discuss how we as CASAs can support and collaborate with youth in foster care within school settings, communicate with educational professionals, and utilize resources to better support our youth’s academics.
Please RSVP to AlfredW@speakupnow.org so he knows you are planning to attend.
*Zoom link to be sent out upon RSVP*
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 for California foster and homeless youth to help students, and their adult supporters, apply for and maintain financial aid.
2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The 2024-2025 FAFSA form is now available for those looking to attend college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the FAFSA form.
Free Virtual Self-Filing Tax Guide
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) and iFoster have partnered to create a free, virtual self-filing tax guide, providing step-by-step instructions for current and former foster youth to file their taxes and claim the $1,117 Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC). The virtual guide walks youth through common tax scenarios, such as reporting financial aid and claiming dependents. Youths using the guide should be able to file their taxes in under an hour. Young adults who have already filed their taxes and missed the FYTC can file an amendment to their existing return and still claim the credit.
High School Scholarships
Applications are now being accepted for Cal Coast Cares Foundation’s High School Scholarships. This scholarship program recognizes outstanding students for their dedication to academic excellence and community leadership. Students can receive up to $2,000 towards college expenses. To qualify, students must be planning to enroll in 12 or more college units. The deadline to apply is April 15.
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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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CASA Recruitment & Outreach Manager, Kathi Urmanita, is reading “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents.”
If you grew up with an emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parent, you may have lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, betrayal, or abandonment. You may recall your childhood as a time when your emotional needs were not met, when your feelings were dismissed, or when you took on adult levels of responsibility in an effort to compensate for your parent’s behavior. These wounds can be healed, and you can move forward in your life.
In this breakthrough book, clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. You will see how these parents create a sense of neglect, and discover ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by your childhood. By freeing yourself from your parents’ emotional immaturity, you can recover your true nature, control how you react to them, and avoid disappointment. Finally, you’ll learn how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life. Find this book at your local library or purchase on Amazon
After you have finished reading this book, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts on the content.
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Advocacy Focus
June is National Great Outdoors Month and aims to encourage more people to get out into beautiful spaces and enjoy the world around them. Celebrate with a nature hike in a local park, where children can learn about different plants and animals, and encourage a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature, or have a scenic picnic that could provide a relaxing setting for conversations and storytelling. CASAs might also consider community gardening projects, where children can learn about growing their own food, or outdoor sports and games that promote physical health and teamwork. These activities not only offer fresh air and exercise, but also create memorable experiences that can positively impact your kiddo's emotional and mental well-being. There is so much that the great outdoors has to offer, get out there and enjoy it!
CASA Outreach Team
Last month, the Outreach Team was out and about at some very fun events including but not limited to, Cinco de Mayo celebrations and the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival! A very special thank you to CASAs Cynthia Avery, Frank Diaz, Jeanette Estrada, Olivia Garcia, Geri Gonzalez, Peggy Huetten, Carrie Jaramillo, Gisselle Kaufman, Allison Knecht, Mel Mason, Nancy Olsen, Brenda Olson, Barbara Ragsdale, Deborah Roberts, and Esthefania Rodriguez for all of their help!
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.
Family Fun Fest
Friday, June 7, 2024 - June 9, 2024
Outlets at Lake Elsinore: 17600 Collier Ave. Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Admission: Free!
This 3-day event will include carnival rides, shopping, music, food, and former WWE superstar wrestling!
Summer Fun Concerts in the Park
Wednesday, June 12, 2024; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday, June 19, 2024; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday, June 26, 2024; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Fairmount Park: 2601 Fairmount Blvd. Riverside, CA 92501
Admission: Free!
Throughout June and July, enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and fun activities at these events! See the website for more details and performances.
Movies in the Park
Every Friday from June 14, 2024 to August 9, 2024
Location varies each week, see website for details
Admission: Free!
Riverside presents movies in the park every Friday from June 14 - August 9. All movies begin at dusk. Seating is in the grass, so be sure to bring something to sit on.
Father's Day Car Show
Saturday, June 15, 2024: 12:00pm-3:00pm
The Shops at Dos Lagos: 2780 Cabot Dr. Corona, CA 92883
Admission: Free!
This event will include several cool cars to look at, lots of fun children’s activities, live music performances, and great vendors!
Reptile Show
Friday, June 21, 2024; 11:00am
La Quinta Library: 78275 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253
Admission: Free!
At this event you will learn about reptiles and their habitats at a live animal Reptile Fun Show!
MoVal Movies
Friday, June 28, 2024; 7:00pm
Civic Center Amphitheater: 14075 Frederick St. Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Admission: Free!
Enjoy a movie at the new city amphitheater in Moreno Valley. Be sure to bring something to sit on! See the website for more details!
Community Building Social Outing
Friday, June 28, 2024; 3:00pm
Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California
3933 Mission Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
Voices for Children invites you, your friend, family, coworker, etc to join us for a private tour at the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California. For active CASAs, this will count toward your CE hours as well! We kindly ask that you RSVP with your party's head count to Kathi Urmanita. Space is limited but we can add on additional tours if needed!
Fostering Partnership: PUDN
Famous PUDN in Murrieta is now a partner with Voices for Children and our CASAs! Purchase one PUDN for yourself, and your youth(s) accompanying you will get a free 5oz original banana pudding! Simply show your CASA badge and let the server know you are a CASA with Voices for Children.
Culture in Our Community
Voices for Children is proud to launch Culture In Our Community, 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 to 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!
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!
Youth Opportunity Center (YOC)
From innovation center classes to youth sports leagues to holiday programs, the YOC has it all! Check out this Riverside Events Catalog for some free and low-cost activities taking place from now through Winter 2023. This facility offers a combination of virtual and in-person classes and events to explore with your case child!
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Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form no later than June 7 to your Advocacy Supervisor. Remember to include time spent driving to and from visits, attending meetings, and other CASA-related efforts.
Even if you did not drive last month, please submit the form with an estimation of hours spent calling, researching, and writing. This tally is a helpful way for 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 reach out to 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 let them know to put you down as the personal referral when RSVPing at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/.
Refer more than one person, and have a better chance at winning!
Upcoming VFC Office Closures
VFC staff will be in the office at a minimum of two times per week. If you would like to meet in person, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to coordinate a date and time!
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Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (Juneteenth)
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, June 8, to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness."
~Seneca
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