March 2024 CASA Courier

March 2024

Note from the President and CEO

To our CASAs,

Have you heard? Voices for Children has launched the “Your Voice, Their Future” campaign to spread the word about the need for more CASA volunteers like you to serve children on our waiting list. Our goal is to provide 150 more children with CASA volunteers by the first day of National Foster Care Month on May 1.

You can help! Visit our website to recommend a friend who might make a great CASA, share our campaign flier, or use our social media toolkit to spread the word.

With appreciation, always,

Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS

President & CEO

Have You Watched...

Gardens of the Night

An 8-year-old girl is taken from her home and convinced that her family does not want her anymore. After enduring years of horror, she and her fellow victim are dumped by their capturers. Now, 17 years old with no one to turn to, she does her best to survive life on the streets, until one day, she finally accepts the help of a shelter counselor to find her way home. However, what she truly finds is the love of her life and that you can never go back. "Gardens of the Night", is a haunting, gritty and topical story which delves deep into the world of child abduction and where it often leads. Find this on YouTube!

If you have watched this movie, please let your supervisor know and you will be credited with 2 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!

Featured Case of the Month

This month’s case was introduced in January. We are featuring this youth again as this young lady really needs a CASA.

Rebecca is 13 years old and lives in Brawley in Imperial County. Her courthouse is in Riverside. Rebecca really wants a CASA. She would benefit from an additional support person as she is often looking for both positive and negative attention. She was removed from her mother and grandmother's care as there was no food in the home, and then the grandmother kicked the mother out of the home. The home was found to be dirty and the child was smelly. Rebecca is at risk for being sexually exploited.

If you are interested in learning more about this case or considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.

CASA Kudos

Congratulations to our Riverside County CASA of the Month, Tiffany D.! For a child living in foster care, especially an adolescent, trust, and stability are so important as these things tend to be missing in their childhood. CASA Tiffany’s wholesome connection with her assigned youth, Danny*, illustrates the life-changing impact of one consistent adult in creating a trusting relationship with a youth. To learn more about CASA Tiffany's unwavering advocacy, click here.

Ways to Give

CV Giving Day

Voices for Children is excited to be part of the second annual CV Giving Day on Tuesday, March 5!

Join us in celebrating the power of collective giving by helping provide every child in foster care in the Coachella Valley with the transformative advocacy and support of a CASA. The Early Giving campaign has begun so please share VFC’s profile and give what you can. #CVGivingDay2024

Easter at The Roost

For the second consecutive year, The Roost Lounge is hosting two fabulous fundraising events on Easter Sunday, March 31, to benefit VFC. Tickets to the Brunch and Easter Bonnet parade/auction and the three-course Dinner and Debby Holiday performance are on sale now! All proceeds from the ticket sales and live auctions will go to VFC.

Last year, these events generated over $30,000. Please help make it an even greater success by joining in the fun and helping us spread the word.

Fabulous Funder

Silverhawk Self Storage

Every year, each of the 18 Silverhawk Self Storage / San Diego Self Storage facilities in Riverside and San Diego Counties awards a generous donation to a different local nonprofit. We are so grateful to have been selected as this year’s recipient by staff at their Murrieta location. These funds will be used to recruit, train, and support more dedicated CASAs like you!

Thank you, Silverhawk Self Storage, for your support of our mission and for giving back to our communities.

Do you know of a business committed to giving back? Please contact Brianna Miller with ideas.

Continuing Education

Please keep in mind that you must attend three Small Groups each year as part of your Continuing Education requirement!

Small Group: AWOL Youth

Join Advocacy Supervisor, Tiffany Strenn, for a discussion regarding best practices and CASA protocol for when your case child goes AWOL. If you are a CASA who has experienced this on your case, please come and share your advice! RSVP to TiffanyS@speakupnow.org to let her know you will be attending.

Friday, March 15, 2024; 9:00am-10:30am

Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
Meeting ID: 878 1037 7789
Passcode: 615627

Small Group: Advocating for Transitional Aged Youth (TAY)

Those mid-teen years can be challenging, but oh so rewarding! Join Senior Advocacy Supervisor, Melanie Thomas, to chat about the wonderful opportunities you have to advocate for your youth as they approach adulthood. We will focus on kiddos ages 16 and up. RSVP to MelanieT@speakupnow.org to save your spot.

Thursday, March 28, 2024; 12:00pm-1:30pm

Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
Meeting ID: 860 1987 3943
Passcode: 272149

Scheduled CE Workshops

Turning Dreams Into Degrees: Support Foster Youth To and Through College

Wednesday, March 13, 2024; 12:00pm-1:30pm

Event presented by California CASA

This course will empower CASA volunteers to discuss the value of higher education with foster youth and provide ideas for how they can play an active role in supporting these youth to and through college. CASA volunteers will learn the significance of early college exploration, preparation, and key steps that they can take to help youth make a smooth transition from high school to college. Attendees will learn about the benefits of college and the different pathways available to better support youth in making a plan. Participants will also learn about the supports and resources that exist to help foster youth turn their dreams into degrees. Register here !

10th Annual Foster and Homeless Youth Services Summit

Friday, March 15, 2024; 8:30am-3:00pm

RCOE Conference Center: 4280 Brockton Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

Event presented by Riverside County Office of Education

The 10^th Annual Dual-County Summit is just around the corner! RCOE is excited to open registration for the amazing event, Launching Youth to Success. They have limited space to 280 attendees so REGISTER EARLY! Contact Sharon Morris at SharonM@speakupnow.org if you plan to attend. If you have any additional questions, please email RCOE FYSCP or call (951) 826-4700.

Court Report Writing 2.0

Monday, March 25, 2024; 10:00am-11:30am

Event presented by Voices for Children

Join Advocacy Supervisor, Tiffany Strenn, for a court-report-writing refresher! Come for a lively discussion on the best way to answer questions from your templates and include vital information for our judges and attorneys.

Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
Meeting ID: 819 8258 2339
Passcode: 656841

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.

What We're Reading

Each month we'll highlight a staff member's new favorite novel, movie, or podcast.

Our stellar Advocacy Supervisor, Angeles Lopez, is reading The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk. The author demonstrates how experiencing stress can lead to trauma. The author tells the story of multiple individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He uses science to explain how stress can change and alter the brain throughout our lives, and philosophical approaches to explain the connection between the brain, mind, and body and how stress can affect all three. Find this on Amazon!

After you have finished reading, please contact your Advocacy Supervisor to receive continuing education credit and discuss your thoughts on the book!

Out & About

Advocacy Focus

March is National Social Work Month! Much like CASAs, a social service practitioner (SSP) is like an everyday superhero, spreading kindness and making a difference in people's lives. This is a great opportunity to highlight the invaluable role your case team professionals play in the lives of dependent youth. CASAs can use this month as an opportunity to express gratitude to their child's SSP for their dedication and commitment to improving the welfare of children and families in need. Through these efforts, CASAs can commemorate National Social Work Month by reaffirming their commitment to serving as voices for those who need it most.

CASA Outreach Team

February was full of the CASA Outreach Team spreading love and sharing their passion for advocating for youth experiencing foster care! A very special thank you to CASAs, Cynthia Avery, Jeanette Estrada, Olivia Garcia, Carrie Jaramillo, Gisselle Kaufman, Mel Mason, Brenda Olson, Nancy Olsen, Cathy Perring, Esthefania Rodriguez, Coleen Runge, and Jack Silver for all of their help with events this past month.

Join us in welcoming our newest CASA Outreach Team members, Lori Anderson, Jeanette Estrada, Olivia Garcia, Alexi Gasca, Geraldine Gonzalez, Ingrid Householder, Allison Knecht, Nicole Luna, Ana Rocha, Esthefania Rodriguez, Coleen Runge, Holly Simmons, Tamika Smith, and Kim Warman! Welcome to the team, we all are so excited to have each of you!

The Outreach Team is never too full! Join us in sharing how CASAs are the four-leaf clovers of volunteers! If you would like to learn more about the Outreach Team, please reach out to Kathi Shaner, CASA Recruitment and Outreach Manager at KathiS@speakupnow.org or speak with your Supervisor directly.

Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival

Saturday, March 1, 2024; 9:00am-4:00pm

Palm Desert Civic Center: 43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260

Admission: Free!

This is a free day-long event featuring skilled local artisans and shopping! There will be enchanting wildflower displays, a raffle, and live music. Additionally, there will be an interactive Kid’s Zone and a youth art contest. There will also be local food trucks at this event!

Riverside Artswalk

Thursday, March 7, 2024; 6:00pm-9:00pm

Main Street: 3746 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

Admission: Free!

This event is a celebration of local artists who will come together to display their talent. There will be live art demonstrations, visual art performers, art vendors, children’s activities, and more!

MoVal Multicultural Festival

Saturday, March 9, 2024: 1:00pm-5:00pm

Civic Center Amphitheater: 14075 Frederick St., Moreno Valley, CA 92553

Admission: Free!

This event features over 100 artists showing and selling all different forms of art! Vendors are set up along Main Street’s charming cafes and boutiques.

Spring Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23, 2024: 11:00am-1:00pm

Villegas Park: 3901 Esperanza St., Riverside, CA 92504

Admission: Free!

This event is for children 12 and under! This event will include egg hunts, photos with Peter Rabbit, entertainment, arts/crafts, and food!

Springtastic

Saturday, March 23, 2024; 9:00am-12:00pm

Sunnymead Park: 12655 Perris Blvd., Moreno Valley, CA 92553

Admission: Free!

This event features a free egg hunt for children 12 and under. There will be games, a youth fun zone, and food! (See website for specific egg hunt times.)

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 2024; 9:30am-11:00am

Temeku Hills Park: 31367 La Serena Way, Temecula, CA 92591

Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park: 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, CA 92592

Harveston Community Park: 28582 Harveston Dr., Temecula, CA 92591

Admission: Free!

This annual event has Easter egg hunts set up for children ages 0-12. There are 3 different locations, all in Temecula, to choose from! Each location will have 5 designated age groups. Choose what location you want to go to and be sure to arrive by 9:30am! The hunt starts at 10:00am.

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!

Quick Reference Links

Community Resources Directory

Virtual Visit Ideas

City-by-City Activity Guide

Continuing Education Links: Books, Movies, Webinars

Deadlines & Reminders

Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours

Please submit this form no later than March 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.

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!

Monday, April 1, 2024 (Cesar Chavez 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, March 9, to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.

Download the Hours and Miles Form

"To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own."

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Voices for Children | 951-472-9301 | www.speakupnow.org

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