Note from the President and CEO | |
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To our CASAs,
I admit – I love autumn. I like the cooler weather, I like college football, and –yes—from time to time I indulge in a pumpkin spice latte. There is something about this time of year that makes curling up with a good book or great movie feel like a wonderful way to spend an evening.
Speaking of books and movies, don’t forget that CASAs can earn CE credit for books, movies, and even podcasts that explore topics related to child welfare or juvenile justice. If you’re looking for your next selection, visit the CASA Portal or ask your Advocacy Supervisor for suggestions.
With appreciation, always,
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Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS
President & CEO
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Fostered
Tori Hope Peterson grew up in the foster care system, a bi-racial child in a confusing and volatile world. Growing up with a mentally ill mother and living in twelve different foster homes, nothing was in her favor. And yet, even with a minuscule chance of graduating college and a great risk of being homeless or jobless, Tori overcame every negative stereotype and assumption that attacked her identity
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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Featured Case of the Month | |
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We are still searching for a CASA for 15-year-old Landon. He lives in Hemet, and his courthouse is in Murrieta.
In February 2023, Landon was living with a legal guardian - his parents are both deceased from a fentanyl overdose. Landon's guardian is now deceased as well. Landon has no one other than his foster parents. He witnessed his legal guardian deceased from substances and tried to revive him. He has services through Inland Regional Center - he has autism. Landon has a tic disorder. He is suffering from severe emotional damage with the loss of parents and now guardians. Landon needs someone for him to advocate for all of his needs.
If you are interested in learning more about this case or are considering taking another, please contact Sharon Morris.
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Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Julie C.! 🎉When a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is sworn in and appointed by a judge, many can have the looming question, “Will I find a way to connect with my youth?” when assigned to advocate for teenagers. At this age, many youth in foster care have been let down by every adult in their lives, and they have built up walls as a defensive mechanism to protect themselves. At first, youth might not engage or even talk with their CASA, but time and time again, we see how our CASA volunteers bring those walls down simply by showing up and proving to them that they are here to stay. This is what CASA Julie has done for 15-year-old Dakota* and 17-year-old Nina*. Click here to learn more about their journey together.
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 |  | Amy Kathleen joins the Riverside team as a Community Outreach Coordinator. She and her family recently moved to California from Indiana where she was born and raised. Amy Kathleen has held a variety of professional positions in the nonprofit sector and state government working with underserved populations and minority and women businesses. She served as a Donor Advisor and a Grant Officer to a variety of donors, businesses, nonprofits, education foundations and community stakeholders helping create and manage college readiness and success initiates. Prior to her nonprofit work, Amy Kathleen served as a Program Director of the State of Indiana providing economic and business development services for minority and women businesses. In 2012 Amy Kathleen left the workforce to raise her four beautiful children, her greatest and most challenging passion. In her free time, Amy Kathleen enjoys the pursuit of health and wellness. She has been involved in the fitness industry for over 10 years teaching barre, functional strength, HIIT and a variety of other classes. She earned her Personal Training Certification in 2023. Amy Kathleen loves spending time with her children and husband, especially when they are at the beach. She seeks refuge in running, tennis and reading. Amy Kathleen is looking forward to serving her new community as a Community Outreach Coordinator and to continually embrace her motto of “Be bold, be strong but most importantly be kind. Sometimes you will need to be bold and strong to be kind.”
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There’s one week left to buy a book and benefit VFC.
A huge congratulations to our very own, CASA Keri Ohlrich, on the recent publishing of her first book! Through October 8, if you purchase the book and post the receipt on social media, a portion of the sales will go to VFC.
In Whatever the Hell You Want: An Escape Plan to Break Out of Life's Little Boxes and Live Free from Expectations, Keri and her business partner and best friend, Kelly Guenther, bring their twenty-plus years of coaching and corporate-change expertise to help you redefine what you want in your life—outside the expectations that have been placed on you by your parents, partners, society, and even yourself. Decades of working with small businesses and Fortune 500 companies led them to create the BREAK model for real change. For more details and to order your copy, click here.
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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. 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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Fabulous Funder
Voices for Children has been involved with BNI Success Professionals for five years. For the second consecutive year, the Chapter made a generous donation of $500 to VFC. The gift was made through our matching campaign partner, Focusing Philanthropy, resulting in $750 to help recruit, train, and support more amazing CASA volunteers.
Thank you for supporting the children we serve!
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Thank you to the Riverside Elks Lodge #643 for awarding a $5,000 grant to Voices for Children! Because they made the gift through our matching partner, Focusing Philanthropy, we will receive a total of $7,500. These funds will help support the crucial advocacy for vulnerable children living in foster care right here in our local community.
In addition to their financial support, the Riverside Elks also allow us to use their event space at the lodge for our Advocate University graduations throughout the year. We are so grateful for their partnership.
Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.
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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: CASA Outing Resources under $25
Join Angeles Lopez to learn how to plan meaningful activities while adhering to VFC's policy of spending no more than $25. Discover free or low-cost local resources, community events, and creative ways to engage kids in fun, educational experiences that won’t exceed the budget, ensuring every outing is both impactful and affordable.
RSVP to Angelesl@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024; 4:00pm-5:30pm
Palm Desert Office: RAP Foundation 41550 Eclectic St. Palm Desert, CA 92260
Small Group: Advocating for Youth with Therapy Services
Join Paloma Quiroz as she equips you with knowledge and skills to support children involved in specialized programs such as Wraparound, Inland Regional Center (IRC), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and 504 plans. This group will provide valuable insights on how to collaborate effectively with these services, ensuring that youth receive comprehensive care and advocacy that meets their educational and developmental needs .RSVP to PalomaQ@speakupnow.org to let her know you plan to attend.
Monday, October 28, 2024; 2:00-3:30pm
· Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.
· Meeting ID: 840 7857 7378
· Passcode: 447863
Upcoming 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
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Scheduled CE Workshops
Fostering Educational Success: The Guardian Scholars Program
Event presented by California CASA
California CASA in partnership with Learning for Action (LFA) is hosting “California CASA’s Impact Evaluation Report: What Have We Learned?” California CASA engaged LFA, an independent consulting firm, to serve as a learning and strategy partner to support their statewide learning and evaluation efforts. The core focus of these efforts was the development of an impact evaluation and learning approach that effectively defines and demonstrates the impact of CASA advocates across the state of California and is grounded in the strengths, needs, and priorities of the 44 CASA programs. With the support of programs across the state, data was gathered from more than 1,800 advocate surveys and more than 50 focus groups with advocates and former foster youth. LFA prepared an Impact Report that summarizes the findings, and we are eager to share what we have learned through these efforts. Please join us for an in-depth look at the findings and how these results might help better understand the impact a CASA Advocate has on the life of a youth in foster care. Register here!
Wednesday, October 2, 2024; 12:00pm-1:30pm
Olive Crest: History & Programs Overview/The Golden Mean for Purpose-Driven Professionals
Join Advocacy Supervisor, Alfred Williams, for a continuing education opportunity with guest presenter, Addison Cooper, an LCSW and Regional Programs Manager for Olive Crest. This presentation will give an overview of the history and programs of Olive Crest and then Addison will share "The Golden Mean for Purpose-Driven Professionals," his own developing approach to work/life balance for people who work with people. Please RSVP to AlfredW@speakupnow.org if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 2:00pm-3:30pm
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 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.
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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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Program Manager, Marsha Carey, is reading "From Foster Care to College” by Dr. Royel M. Johnson
This book by Dr. Royel M. Johnson, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, tells the stories of 49 students with foster care experience as they navigate college. It uses a strengths-based framework to explore the factors that help students succeed. Find it on Amazon.
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Advocacy Focus
October is National Learning and Development Month! To celebrate, CASAs can encourage growth and curiosity in the children they support through engaging activities. Consider planning fun educational outings like trips to local museums, science centers, or even nature walks where kids can explore and ask questions. At home, you can nurture their creativity with hands-on projects like arts and crafts or simple science experiments. For older youth, introducing them to a new skill, such as cooking, coding, or photography, can spark a passion! Don't forget to celebrate their achievements, big or small, to build confidence and a love for learning!
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 for CASAs who have helped out at events this past month. Cynthia Avery, Carrie Jaramillo, Allison Knecht, Judy Napolitano, Nancy Olsen, Brenda Olson, Ana Rocha, Esthefania Rodriguez, and Deborah Roberts. In addition to helping this past month, we are also welcoming Yazbeth Dimas Flores to the team!
Riverside Doors Open
October 5, 2024; 2:00pm-7:00pm
See website for specific location options
Admission: Free!
This community event provides free access to captivating historic sites and museums that are often closed to the public. See the website for additional details.
Temecula History Day
October 12, 2024; 10:00am-1:00pm
Sam Hicks Monument Park; 41970 Moreno Rd. Temecula, CA 92590
Admission: Free!
This free community event celebrates Temecula’s Legends and Pioneers. At this event, you’ll get to travel back in time to explore Temecula’s rich history with educational games such as Flood the Temecula Canyon, Great Oak Acorn Gathering, and Temecula Rooster Pull Race. This event will also include live music, tractor races, giveaways, and more.
Harvest Festival
October 18, 2024; 5:00pm-9:00pm
City Hall Campus; 101 N. D Street Perris, CA 92570
Admission: Free!
The city of Perris is having their annual harvest festival which will include many fun activities such as a contest for pre-carved Jack-O-Lanterns, games, candy, treats, entertainment, and food vendors!
Wings & Treats
October 19, 2024; 6:00pm-10:00pm
March Field Air Museum; 22550 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518
Admission: Free!
This fun event transforms the March Field Air Museum into a Halloween wonderland! There will be activities including a trick-or treating adventure. Parking and admission is free!
Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade
October 27, 2024; 8:00am
El Paseo between Highway 74 and Sage Ln. Palm Desert, CA 92260
Admission: Free!
This community event will include a golf cart parade, golf cart show, classic car show, market place booth, a kid zone booth, live music, food vendors, and more!
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 Summer 2023. 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 October 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, October 12, to help spread awareness about Voices for Children.
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"Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
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