Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS

President & CEO

Second Best

Graham, a lonely Welsh postal worker, adopts James, a troubled ten-year-old boy. Graham always wanted a son, but James loves his biological father too much to give Graham a chance. Will the two be able to accept each other as family? Watch on Apple TV!

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!

As we enter May, I took some time this weekend as I was gardening to think about the wonderful looking and smelling flowers that Spring brings. Two small garden birds also built a nest within my patio cover. I can hear them feeding their young and flying back and forth on the lookout for what I am guessing are bugs and worms. The food of champions! While I am a Summer girl, Spring really comes a very close second for all the beauty it brings and the new starts. This led me to pick this month’s case highlight.

Our featured case this month is a 13-year-old boy out of Indio Court

Zackary is 13. His courthouse is in Indio, and he lives in Lake Elsinore. He is very interested in food and likes trying new places. He also likes gaming. Zackary has expressed an interest in playing either soccer or football.

He has had two CASAs who both quit after a very short time, no fault of Zackary's. He needs someone to stay and show him that adults can be trusted. Zackary needs an African American Male CASA.

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

Please welcome Jeremy, who is joining as our new Advocacy Supervisor! Jeremy joins the Riverside County team, working out of the Temecula office. Jeremy comes to us with a 25-year background in running a small publishing and marketing business. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He was a private and corporate pilot for over 25 years, plus a pilot for the Sheriff’s Department. Recently, he retired from a career in law enforcement with over 20 total years of service.

He has a passion for helping underprivileged people and wants to make a difference, one life at a time. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, MMA and high-intensity workouts. A quote he likes is: "If Plan 'A' fails, always remember, there are 25 letters left in the alphabet."

CASA of the Month

Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Dr. Cynthia A.! After relocating to Riverside County, Cynthia became one of the first to serve children through our partnership with the Pechanga Band of Indians. She built a strong, trusting bond with two young brothers, remaining involved even after the case closed at the judge’s request—an incredible testament to her impact.

CASA Cynthia then began advocating for Iris*, a 13-year-old who had experienced significant trauma and needed a constant, caring adult in her life. From hospital visits and school meetings to fun outings and phone check-ins, CASA Cynthia has been a steady presence in Iris’s journey toward healing and growth. Most recently, CASA Cynthia stepped up when she was asked to support siblings from the Pechanga Band of Indians struggling with significant mental health needs. Understanding their fear and hesitation to trust, CASA Cynthia is creating a safe, nurturing space where they are beginning to feel heard, supported, and seen.

CASA Cynthia’s journey is a powerful reminder that CASA advocacy is about more than court reports—it’s about consistency, compassion, and showing up, no matter what. Click here to learn more about her CASA journey and the transformative advocacy she provides to youth in foster care. 

Highlight VFC during National Foster Care Awareness Month

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and a great time to get your workplace, community group, place of worship, etc., involved in the amazing work that you do as a CASA.

INVITE VFC to share information with your employees or members.

LEND YOUR VOICE by publishing information about VFC in your company or organization’s email communication, breakrooms, lobbies, and social media.

MAKE A GIFT of any kind by hosting or sponsoring a fundraising event, participating in a matching gift program, or donating in-kind donations.

Thank you for helping more children in foster care receive the individualized advocacy and support of a caring CASA like you.

Leverage Your Gift of $500 or More

Now through December 15, 2025

May 1^st 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.

Michael “Mike the Driver” Tellez, Founder & CEO of TRYPPS, combined his love of networking and giving back by creating TRYPPIN Tuesday Nights, a monthly mixer that highlights a selected nonprofit.

VFC was honored to have been chosen as the benefiting charity for the month of April. VFC received $10 of each admission and had the opportunity to host an opportunity drawing for some great prizes donated by local businesses. In total, the event brought in close to $600. In addition to raising funds, we were thankful to briefly share about our program, helping us raise raising invaluable awareness.

Thank you, Mike, for lifting up local nonprofits and for believing in our mission. 

Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.

We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for Camp HOPE 2025. We need your help identifying youth who could benefit from this life-changing experience. Attached are the flyers for both campers and counselors, and we encourage you to share them widely.

What is Camp HOPE?

Camp HOPE America is a transformative, evidence-based program for youth (ages 7-17) who have experienced violence or abuse. Through outdoor adventures, team-building activities, and mentorship, campers build resilience, self-confidence, and lasting connections in a supportive and empowering environment.

How You Can Help

We are seeking nominations for youth who have experienced abuse or violence and would benefit from a structured, positive, and trauma-informed camp experience. While we welcome all nominations, please note that not all nominated campers will be selected, as there is a screening process to ensure we can best meet their needs.

In addition to camper nominations, we are also looking for HOPE Counselors (ages 18-24) who are eager to support and inspire the next generation.

These nominations** are open countywide, and we hope to have participants from all across Riverside County join us.

**Please note that this is a conversation that must include the caregiver or SSP, as they are the only parties who can fill out the official nomination forms.

For more details and nomination forms, please visit the Camp HOPE website

Small Group: Coffee with CASAs

Please join Temecula team members, Nicole Boettger, Samantha Poley, and Kyla Vela, in person for Coffee with CASAS at our Temecula office!

This is an opportunity for CASAS who work during the week and don’t get to participate in the small groups often. This is an open topic small group opportunity, so come on in and join us for some coffee, donuts, and plenty of conversation and support with fellow CASAS and VFC staff! We hope to see you there if you are in the area! Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Samantha Poley at: Samanthap@speakupnow.org to save your spot!

Although this is an in-person small group, we will also have a Zoom option available for those who wish to join from a distance.

Please let Samantha know if you will join in person or by Zoom when you RSVP:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83101479853?pwd=yhKkmEl7cv4c5sf276QEm6mvb4eemP.1

Saturday, May 10, 2025; 9:00am-10:30am

1 Ridgegate Dr. Suite 120, Temecula, CA 92590

Quarterly Book Club: "The Child Catcher" by Andrew Bridge

In recognition of National Foster Care Month in May, join Philanthropy Manager Brianna Miller to discuss Andrew Bridge’s second book, The Child Catcher. Bridge, who spent 11 years in LA County’s foster care, chronicles his role in the longest-running, most bitterly fought mental health lawsuit in American history. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Bridge joined the small team of civil rights lawyers representing the children of the Eufaula Adolescent Center, a violent and secretive institution in the rural South, against the State of Alabama.

In addition to receiving credit for the Small Group, you will also receive continuing education credit for reading the book! Please send your RSVP to BriannaM@speakupnow.org 

Thursday, May 29, 2025; 5:30pm-7:00pm

·   Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.

·   Meeting ID: 862 0445 9236

·   Passcode: 553985

Upcoming 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

Scheduled CE Workshops

Bridging Collaborative Systems: Expert Insights, Strategies, & Resources for Supporting Youth in Foster Care

Each Thursday in May; 12:00pm-1:00pm

Event presented by RCOE

Join the Riverside County Office of Education for a five-part virtual 'Lunch-and-Learn' series in honor of Foster Care Awareness Month. Designed to enhance knowledge and foster collaboration, this series will feature experts from key agencies sharing critical insights on government agency processes, resources, and strategies to support foster youth. Whether you’re an educator, social service provider, or advocate, each session is aimed at empowering you with the tools and understanding needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of foster youth. 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 for California foster and homeless youth to help students 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.  

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 to 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, and then they will receive the youth’s ticket 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 for 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.

"We do not need to know the beginning of a child's story to change the ending."

~Fi Newood

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