Note from the President and CEO | |
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To our CASAs,
We are grateful every day for our CASA volunteers. You are examples of compassion and caring for all of us at Voices for Children, and, truly, for our entire community. Thank you for lifting up the experiences of children and young people – for giving a voice to their needs and wishes. As we start to take stock of all of the people and things for which we are thankful this year, you are at the very top of our list.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
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The Saddest Girl in the World
Author Cathy Glass tells the true story of Donna, who came into foster care at age ten, having been abused, victimized and rejected by her family. Follow along as Donna opens up about her trauma and faces the long road to recovery.
If you have read this book, please let your supervisor know, and you will be credited with 4 of your 12 required hours of Continuing Education!
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Happy November, CASAs! You were recently sent an invite to our annual holiday party on December 7 from 12pm to 2pm in Moreno Valley. If you have never been, I want to encourage you to consider coming – we have found the youth of all ages really enjoy themselves. Santa had to change his time to arrive as the elves overfed Rudolph, and he had to get back in shape, so he will be there now from 1-2pm. All children will receive their holiday gift card from you at the event and enjoy pizza, hot chocolate, and the chance to decorate some cookies. We have a few other surprises on the horizon too! Please RSVP to RCRSVP@speakupnow.org and let us know if you can or cannot make it, and which of your case youth will be attending with you. Most of our staff will be there, and we cannot wait to see you!
This month we highlight Afton who is 17 years old and in need of a CASA. Her hearings are heard in Riverside and she is currently living in Beaumont. Her mother lives in another state so Afton was living with her grandmother who refused to pick her up from a hospitalization after wanting to harm herself. She needs help and more support in her life. She has a severe nut and shellfish allergy. She is a very high runaway risk. She likes making jewelry, writing and photography. She has been diagnosed with bi-polar, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD. Are you able to be her person?
If you are interested in learning more about this case or are considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shelly Henderson-Cuthbertson, a dedicated and compassionate CASA volunteer.
Shelly joined our CASA family in April 2018 and during her years of service, advocated tirelessly for five dependent youth, two of whom saw their cases successfully resolved. Shelly was a remarkable advocate and a cherished member of our Voices for Children family. Many of you had the privilege of knowing and working with her in small groups and continuing education sessions. She brought warmth, empathy, and a sense of purpose to her role as a CASA.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
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Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Jennifer O.! CASA volunteers help build a child’s confidence by providing a stable presence, consistent support, and genuine care. This support is critical, especially when a child transitions into a teenager.
When CASA Jenn met 12-year-old Natalie* the two spent time together going on fun outings and talking about clothes, makeup, and food, allowing Natalie a safe space to share anything with CASA Jenn. Recently, Natalie moved to her eighth placement right before starting a new school year. After two years of being encouraged and motivated to do well in school by CASA Jenn, Natalie wanted to start the school year feeling confident in herself. When Natalie expressed her desire to have her hair braided, CASA Jenn stepped up when it proved challenging to make this a reality.
Click here to learn how CASA Jenn's determination ensured Natalie started her first day at a new school feeling confident and beautiful.
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Anthony Rojas joins the Riverside team as an Advocacy Supervisor. He is an Inland Empire native, having grown up in Rialto, CA, before eventually moving to Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Anthony has held a variety of professional positions in sales and the nonprofit sector, working with aspiring and enrolled college students from underprivileged backgrounds. He worked with the Career Services team at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to provide internship opportunities for many Fortune 500 companies, including Northrop Grumman, American Express, and Google. In his personal time, Anthony enjoys golfing, relaxing with his beagle, Maui, and having cozy nights in, playing video games. He keeps himself grounded with the quote, “Perfection is the enemy of progress.”
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Coffee for a Cause – Saturday, November 9
We are once partnering with our friends at Dutch Bros for a give back day! On Saturday, November 9th, grab your favorite drink at the Lake Elsinore location at 32250 Mission Trail and help Voices for Children! Dutch Bros Coffee will donate $1 from every drink sold that day to VFC and support our mission to provide every child in foster care with the transformative advocacy of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer!
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Transform Lives on Giving Tuesday — December 3, 2024
With your unwavering commitment as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Voices for Children provides essential support and advocacy for thousands of children living in foster care, who face unique challenges every day. Your kindheartedness and goodwill help plant seeds of hope, love, and opportunity in their lives, making a significant difference in their journey.
As someone who experiences firsthand the impact of a CASA's role on a child’s life, we invite you to save the date for this year's Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024, and join us in raising our voices for children who deserve a brighter future. Help spread the word about why you volunteer with Voices for Children and encourage your friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and anyone who will listen to consider making a donation this Giving Tuesday!
Every gift makes a difference and empowers a CASA volunteer like you to continue vital work, ensuring every child in care is heard, valued, and given the chance to thrive.
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Leverage Your Gift – Now through December 15, 2024
For the sixth year, VFC is partnering with Focusing Philanthropy, a renowned Southern California-based foundation, for a matching-gift challenge. Through December 15, 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 and help us reach our campaign goal. 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.
For further information on ways to give, please contact Brianna Miller.
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Voices for Children is honored to have been selected to receive a first-time grant from the Sun Lakes Country Club Charitable Trust. The Trust is organized and operated by Sun Lakes Country Club residents who volunteer and raise money through various fundraising events throughout the year. The $2,500 gift will be used to recruit, train and support CASA volunteers to serve youth in foster care in the greater San Gorgonio pass area.
Thank you to Sun Lakes Country Charitable Trust for making the work of local charities possible and for all you do to better the lives of people in the local community!
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Exciting update! Going forward, CASAs are required attend only one Small Group each year as part of your Continuing Education requirement!
Small Group: Unlocking Advocacy Success: Creative Problem-Solving
Join Program Manager, Marsha Carey, in a small group in person on Thursday, November 14, from 4 - 5:30 pm at the Riverside Office for an interactive session focused on making your CASA's advocacy easier and more effective. Let's brainstorm fresh ideas, share strategies, and tackle challenges together! We will have snacks.
Please RSVP to marshac@speakupnow.org
Thursday, November 14, 2024; 4:00pm-5:30pm
Riverside Office: 11870 Pierce St. Suite 260, Riverside, CA 92505
Quarterly Book Club: The Glass Castle
Join Latisha Gary for a discussion about the book The Glass Castle by Jeanette Wall. This memoir recounts Wall's dysfunctional and nomadic yet vibrant upbringing, emphasizing her resilience and her father's attempts toward redemption. Despite her family's flaws, their love for each other and her unique perspective on life allowed her to create a successful life of her own, culminating in a career in journalism in New York City. Find this book in several formats on Amazon. Send your RSVP to LatishaG@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Monday, November 18, 2024; 9:00-10:30am
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 824 4267 2738
· Passcode: 210481
Small Group: Self-Care-Managing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Join Melanie Thomas as we discuss the importance of self-care in the CASA role and explore strategies to manage compassion fatigue and burnout. This session will provide practical tools for maintaining emotional resilience while advocating for vulnerable children, ensuring that you can continue to offer dedicated support without compromising your personal health. RSVP to MelanieT@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Monday, November 25, 2024; 12:00-1:30pm
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 863 9876 8324
· Passcode: 102491
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Scheduled CE Workshops
CalKIDS Presentation
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Samantha Poley, for a continuing education opportunity with a guest presenter, Roxanne Anderson, Outreach Specialist for ScholarShare Investment Board. This presentation from The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is a children’s savings account program administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the state of California. CalKIDS will provide eligible participants with college savings accounts, including seed deposits and other potential incentives, to help pay for future qualified higher education expenses. To learn more about CalKIDS and the up to $1500 available for California public school foster care youths to use for college or career training. RSVP to SamanthaP@speakupnow.org if you plan to attend.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 11:00am-12:30pm
Completing the FAFSA/CADAA: A How-To for Adult Supporters of Youth with Experience with Foster Care or Homelessness
Event presented by John Burton Advocates for Youth
Students who submit a FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in college. This webinar is your ultimate guide to ensuring your students have the necessary support to successfully apply for financial aid and launch their postsecondary education journey. JBAY’s expert panelists will dive deep into the FAFSA and CADAA, walking you through step-by-step and sharing detailed instructions on how eligible students can qualify as independent students and maximize their financial aid. They will also guide you through essential next steps after submitting the FAFSA or CADAA, like setting up a WebGrants account and claiming a CalKIDS college savings account, and leave you with helpful resources and tools. Register here!
Wednesday, November 20, 2024; 10:00am-11:30am
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.
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What We're Watching
Each month we'll highlight a staff member's new favorite novel, movie, or podcast.
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Advocacy Supervisor, Gabriela Mata, is watching "The Menendez Brothers” directed by Alejandro Hartmann.
The film by Alejandro Harman dives into Lyle and Erik Menendez, two brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. The film explores the events leading up to the killings, including allegations of abuse, the brothers’ psychological state, and their highly publicized trial. It delves into their motivations and complex family dynamics. Find it on Netflix.
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Advocacy Focus
November is National Gratitude Month! Celebrate with your case children by fostering a sense of appreciation and reflection. Encourage your youth to create a "gratitude journal" where they can write or draw about things they are thankful for each day, helping them focus on positive aspects of their life despite challenges. CASAs can also plan activities such as making thank-you cards for supportive people in the child’s life, or even engaging in small acts of kindness together, like baking for a neighbor or volunteering. These activities not only nurture gratitude but also build emotional resilience and a sense of community.
CASA Outreach Team
What is the Outreach Team? This is a unique additional volunteer opportunity for CASAs! By being a member of the Outreach Team, you get to help share your experience of being a CASA to those who may be on the fence, or have never heard of the CASA program. We have a ton of fun at booths (like at Pride, Juneteenth, Murrieta Firefighters BBQ, and more!), presentations, and following up with 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, Jeanette Estrada, Olivia Garcia, Shelly Henderson-Cuthbertson, Ingrid Householder, Gisselle Kaufman, Allison Knecht, Brenda Olson, and Ana Rocha. In addition to helping this past month, we are also welcoming Yazbeth Dimas Flores to the team!
Refer-a-Friend
Currently, we are serving 11% of the youth experiencing foster care within Riverside County. This new year we aim to continue to grow and serve more youth. To reach our goal of serving over 12% of youth in care in 2025, we need your help! We ask that you share your experience this holiday season with all of those in your circle!
Invite anyone and everyone to an Information Session and let them know to put you down as their personal referral when RSVPing at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/. You will be entered to win a $25 gift! It could be to your youth’s favorite food place or something for yourself! Refer more than one person, have a better chance at winning.
Temecula Sunset Market
2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month; 5:00pm-9:00pm
Town Square Park; 41200 Main St. Temecula, CA 92590
Admission: Free!
The Temecula Sunset Market is a vibrant celebration of local community culture art food and music and is the very essence of what makes Temecula such a special place.
Join for a memorable evening under the stars filled with live music delicious food and one of a kind handcrafted treasures and curated collections.
Culture Days in Temecula Valley Museum
November 9, 2024; 10:00am-4:00pm
Temecula History Museum; 28314 Mercedes St. Temecula, CA 92590
Admission: Free!
The Museum created this program to share a full history of the people of the Temecula Valley, one that embraces diversity and celebrates contemporary life in Temecula. Each month will celebrate various cultures with food, music, activities and arts. Local artist Tony Moramarco from Bigfoot Art Classes will offer a free art class on site relating to each monthly theme. This fun event happens the second Saturday of every month with culture, entertainment, food, and fun...all for free!
Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 2024; 3:30pm-5:30pm
285 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
Admission: Free!
The City of Palm Springs proudly presents the 27th annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade in downtown Palm Springs. The parade begins at Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive and heads northbound on Palm Canyon Drive to Alejo Road. The parade lasts approximately one hour and concludes with a patriotic concert featuring the 300th Army Reserve Band. The concert concludes with a fireworks finale. The main stage is located at the intersection of Amado Road and Palm Canyon Drive.
Festival of Lights: The Grand Switch on Ceremony
November 23, 2024; 5:00pm
Mission Inn Hotel; 3649 Mission Inn Ave. Riverside, CA 92501
Admission: Free!
Renowned for it's breathtaking holiday light collection with over ten million dazzling lights and festive spirit, The Mission Inn Hotel's Festival of Lights will commence on Saturday with a Switch on Ceremony, sure to set the town aglow.
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 December 2024. This facility offers a combination of virtual and in-person classes and events to explore with your case child!
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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, 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 go above 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!
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Submit Your Mileage and Case Hours
Please submit this form by November 7 to your Advocacy Supervisor. Remember to include time spent driving to and from visits, attending meetings, and other CASA-related efforts. **If you have mileage sheets that you forgot to submit for the last fiscal year (July 2023-June 2024), you can still submit them until the deadline!
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 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!
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 come for a visit, feel free to check out our selection available for you to borrow or keep. You are also welcome to even bring your own donations!
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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Monday, November 11, 2024 (Veteran's 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, November 9, to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change he world are the ones whodo."
~Steve Jobs
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