Note from the President and CEO | | |
To our CASAs,
School is out and summer is here! Thank you for all you do to encourage your child’s healthy development and success in school. The individualized attention and advocacy CASAs give to a child’s educational needs can make all the difference. 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.
Does your child have summer plans? If you think your child may have some time to fill, reach out to your Advocacy Supervisor to brainstorm how you can help connect your youth to enriching summer activities.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
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Good American Family
A couple adopts who they believe is an 8-year-old girl with a rare form of dwarfism, but questions soon arise concerning the actual identity of the adoptee. Watch on Hulu!
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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Happy Father’s Day to you all! A day we celebrate our dads who kept us safe, showed us love, and made sure we wanted for little. But we also acknowledge that not every young person has had the chance to experience that kind of support. Like Edward, some children in foster care are still waiting to feel what it means to be truly seen and guided by a consistent presence.
Edward is 11 years old. He lives in Winchester, and his courthouse is in Indio
Edward is a healthy young boy with a case of moderate to severe autism. He has difficulty communicating verbally in both English and Spanish. When Edward lived with his parents, he often had tantrums that consisted of screaming and throwing items in the house. When he was upset with his siblings, he would pull their hair, scratch them, and sometimes hit them with his fists. Edward comes from an abusive household; his mother and father constantly got into verbal and physical altercations in front of Edward and his siblings. His mother suffers from Bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. She is continually getting upset over small things and has little patience for Edward. His father has a history of substance misuse, but is trying to reunify with his children. Edward is currently living with a caregiver who shares that he is doing well in his current house and who has not observed the issues he had when he lived with his parents.
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CASA of the Month
This month, we are proud to recognize CASA Leslie as our Riverside County CASA of the Month for her extraordinary commitment to a sibling group of four: Adam*, Mandi*, Alison*, and Violet*. As her first case as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Leslie has demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting these children throughout their journey in foster care.
From advocating for individualized educational support to creating joyful experiences, such as bowling outings, CASA Leslie's compassionate approach has made a meaningful difference in the lives of these siblings. Her efforts exemplify the profound impact a CASA volunteer can have. Click here to learn more about CASA Leslie's inspiring advocacy.
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Social Media Fundraisers
Celebrating a graduation, birthday, wedding, or other special occasion? Consider creating a virtual fundraiser to ask others to give to VFC in lieu of gifts. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok make it very simple for its users to set up fundraisers. Follow the steps for your preferred platform and select @VoicesForChildrenSD as the benefiting nonprofit.
Various fundraisers through social media platforms have generated thousands of dollars for VFC. In addition to funds, these campaigns also raise much-needed awareness of our program and need for dedicated CASA volunteers like you. We deeply appreciate each one.
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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 marks 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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U.S. Bank Foundation
The U.S. Bank Foundation supports communities through work, home and play grants. Through its Community Possible platform, U.S. Bank invests its time, resources, and passion in economic development by supporting efforts to create stable jobs, better homes, and vibrant communities.
VFC was recently awarded a $25,000 Community Possible program grant from U.S. Bank to help provide 13 transitional age youth (ages 16–21) with CASA volunteers to advocate in their daily lives and help them to prepare for life after foster care.
U.S. Bank also engages its employees in giving back by offering paid volunteer time and matching employee charitable contributions.
Since VFC’s inception in 2015, U.S. Bank has been a valued partner. We greatly appreciate U.S. Bank’s continued support.
Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.
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Movie Night: Tricked: The Documentary
Please join Palm Desert Advocacy Supervisor, Angeles Lopez, for a movie night at our Palm Desert office to view Tricked: The Documentary. Light refreshments and popcorn will be enjoyed! This film examines all sides of America's sex-trafficking trade, which destroys lives as it generates $3 billion a year, and follows the Denver VICE SQUAD as they pursue sex traffickers and rescue victims of the trade.
Monday, June 9, 2025: 5:30pm-8:00pm
41550 Eclectic St. Room 103, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Small Group: Engaging with Teens
Please join Palm Desert Advocacy Supervisor Jesus Ruiz for an online continuing education opportunity to discuss engaging with teens. This class will focus on the different ways to engage with a teen, from the initial stages of breaking the ice to maintaining a foundational bond with them. Using real experiences and scenarios, we will explore the challenges and brainstorm new ideas current and new CASA’s can utilize as tools, support, and tips when first meeting their case child.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025; 3:00pm
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 869 7169 1071
· Passcode: 082530
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Summer Apprenticeship Bridge Program
Tuesday, June 3, 2025; 5:30pm-6:30pm
Presented by RCOE
Should you know senior graduates who are interested in an apprenticeship experience and would also like to earn money this summer, please attend the upcoming Summer Bridge Apprenticeship Program informational session. You will be provided with details and the summer program schedule that you can highlight and share with those senior graduates who have an interest in an apprenticeship pathway! Please attend to learn more so you can help connect our seniors. They have the potential to earn over $2,000 this summer!
Trauma-Informed Healing and De-escalation Strategies
Wednesday, June 11, 2025; 12:00pm-1:30pm
Presented by California CASA
California CASA is hosting a Trauma-Informed Advocacy Series presented by Crystal Bennett, LCSW. These sessions will emphasize the importance of understanding the effects of trauma, setting boundaries to minimize over-involvement and under-involvement with youth, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of a trauma response to respond accordingly. 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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Advocacy Supervisor Kyla Vela is reading What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey. This is an essential read for anyone advocating for children who have experienced trauma, especially CASAs. In this compelling conversation between Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry, a leading expert in childhood trauma, the book shifts the question from "What’s wrong with this child?" to "What happened to this child?" It offers clear insights into how early adversity affects behavior, emotions, and development, and shows how consistent, compassionate relationships can support healing. For CASAs, this book provides a powerful perspective to better understand and connect with the youth you serve. It is a reminder that your presence and advocacy can make a lasting difference. After reading this book, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts!
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Advocacy Focus
June is National Safety Month! CASAs can celebrate by engaging their case children in fun and educational activities that promote safety and build life skills. Outings to local fire stations or police departments can help children understand who to turn to in emergencies, while trips to community safety fairs often include hands-on demonstrations about everything from bike safety to emergency preparedness. CASAs can also plan a day at a park to talk about personal boundaries and “safe adults,” or take their youth to pick out reflective gear for walking or biking safely. During home visits, they might cook a simple meal together while discussing kitchen safety or practice a mini fire drill and create a family emergency plan. These experiences not only teach safety but also build trust and create lasting memories!
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 experience of being a CASA 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 for CASAs who have helped out at events this past month: Cynthia Avery, Hillary Bard, Frank Diaz, Yazbeth Dimas Flores, Olivia Garcia, Geri Gonzalez, Carrie Jaramillo, Gisselle Kaufman, Allison Knecht, Pam Lund, Nancy Olsen, Brenda Olson, Julia Peacock, Ginger Rendon, Ana Rocha, and Holly Simmons. 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!
Summer Kick-Off
Friday, June 6, 2025; 10:00am-2:00pm
1300 East Latham Ave., Hemet, CA 92543
Admission: Free!
Come join us as we kick off the summer season. Get ready for a day filled with fun activities, community resources, and opportunity baskets. This in-person event is the perfect way to celebrate the start of summer with friends and family.
Movies in the Park
Friday, June 13 & 27, 2025; 8:00pm
497 Sixth Street, Norco, CA 92860
Admission: Free!
Get ready to enjoy family-friendly entertainment at Movies in the Park! Join the fun on select Friday evenings. Seating is first come, first served. BBQ and refreshments will be available for purchase. Check out the 2025 Movie Lineup!
The 951 Market Presents Community Day
Saturday, June 14, 2025; 2:00pm-7:00pm
459 Center Street, Riverside, CA 92507
Admission: Free!
The 951 Market Presents Community Day! Join us for a fun-filled day of community spirit. This event will have music, delicious food, local vendors, and activities for all ages. Come out and support your neighbors while enjoying a day of togetherness. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your community and have a great time!
Kids Club at the Shops
Saturday, June 28, 2025; 12:00pm-2:00pm
72840 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Kids: ages 3-12
Admission: Free!
This monthly event features Live DJ dance music, dance games, face painting, balloon twisting, fake tattoos, arts & crafts, special guests and much more! Limited spots are available, so register now to secure your child's spot and enter for a chance to win one of many giveaway prizes! Don't miss out – reserve your spot today!
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 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 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!
Thursday, June 19, 2025 (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 14 to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy."
~Samantha Power
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