Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS

President & CEO

The Boy From the Basement

For Charlie, the cold, dark basement is home. Father has kept him locked in there as punishment. Charlie doesn’t intend to leave, but when he is accidentally thrust outside, he awakens to the alien surroundings of a world to which he’s never before been exposed. Though haunted by hallucinations, fear of the basement, and his father’s rage, Charlie must find a way to survive in his new world. He has escaped his past, but his journey has just begun. Find this on Amazon!

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!

September is here already, but fall weather is not! In September, we have American Chess Day on the 1^st – maybe this is the day for you to teach your youth some strategy? The 11^th is Are You Ok Day – a good time to call your youth to ask the question and explain the day, perhaps. The 20^th is National Fried Rice Day – you’re welcome for the food idea for your visit on this day with your child! And finally, as if anyone needs an excuse, September 29^th is National Starbucks Day. Enjoy your visit with your child this month, no matter what you do!

Shawn 17 - Court is Riverside – Lives in Beaumont

In 2020, Shawn’s father passed away from cancer. He then went to live with his mother, who was abusing substances. Shawn does not want a connection with his mother or his brother. He is mature for his age. He is a great chef and loves cooking for the home he is currently living in. Shawn says he would love to go to culinary school. He struggles with AWOLing and would benefit from an actively involved CASA to help him find the right path.

CASA of the Month

Congratulations to our CASA of the Month, Selina K.! We’re proud to recognize CASA Selina for her unwavering dedication and deep compassion in supporting 14-year-old Kyle* through an incredibly challenging time in his life. From daily hospital visits to simple acts of kindness, CASA Selina has been a steady, caring presence when Kyle needed it most. Through trust, patience, and resilience, she’s helped him begin to believe in his own worth and potential. CASA Selina’s commitment reminds us that being a CASA isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about showing up, over and over again, and proving to a young person that they are never alone.

Click here to learn more and be inspired by CASA Selina's journey with Kyle. 

Dutch Bros Giveback Day 

September 19, 2025

Bucks for Kids is back Friday, September 19! Grab your favorite drink at Dutch Bros Eastvale, Lake Elsinore, or Norco and make a difference — $1 for every drink sold will be donated by the Dutch Bros Foundation to support VFC and the incredible work you, our CASAs, are doing for vulnerable children in our community. Start the morning, get through the afternoon slump, or beat the heat all day long with a delicious beverage served with a smile at the following locations:

·      Beaumont: 1675 E 8th St, Beaumont, CA 92223

·      Eastvale: 13322 Limonite Ave.

·      Lake Elsinore: 32250 Mission Trail, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

·      Moreno Valley: 23140 Hemlock Ave, Moreno Valley, CA 92557

·      Norco: 3561 Hamner Ave., Norco, CA 92860



 Sip for a cause. Show up big. Let’s make an impact together! 

Dave’s Hot Chicken Fundraiser

October 15, 2025

Save the date and your appetite for our fundraiser with multiple Dave’s Hot Chicken locations on Wednesday, October 15^th. More details to follow in the October Courier. 

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.

Leverage Your Gift of $500 or More

Now through December 15, 2025

We are halfway through 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.

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 CASA experience 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 (Foodie Friday, Child Support Awareness Month Resource Fair, Nonprofit Fair), 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 want to send a special thank-you to CASAs who have helped out at events this past month: Cynthia Avery, Frank Diaz, Yazbeth Dimas Flores, Jannita Gonzales, Geri Gonzalez, Allison Knecht, Judy Napolitano, Pam Lund, Carrie Jaramillo, Ginger Rendon, Nancy Olsen, and Julia Peacock. 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!

GHJ Foundation

A Spirit of Giving. And a Practice of Giving Back.

We are incredibly grateful to the GHJ Foundation for awarding VFC a generous grant to support our program.

GHJ Foundation supports the community through financial contributions and volunteerism and encourages its employees to promote and support the organizations about which they feel passionate. Many team members, including our very own board member, Amy Eybsen, serve on the boards and key committees of nonprofit organizations, and volunteer regularly in the community.

The Foundation graciously agreed to make this gift via our Focusing Philanthropy matching campaign, bringing the total to $6,000, enough to serve three children with a CASA!



Thank you, GHJ Foundation, for supporting our mission and for providing a vehicle for purposeful and proactive giving to local communities.

Know of other fabulous funders? Please contact Brianna Miller.. 

Small Group: The Do’s and Don’ts When Youth Go AWOL

Join Program Manager, Paloma Quiroz, as we discuss the do’s and don'ts of when your youth goes AWOL. As a group we will discuss the reasons many youth go AWOL and what to do when they reach out to you, the CASA, for support.  

Thursday, September 11, 2025; 3:00pm

·   Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.

·   Meeting ID: 882 3850 3284

·   Passcode: 037377

Small Group: Book Club

“Now I Am Known” by Peter Mutabazi

Peter's turnaround story has been remarkable. He served as a relief coordinator during the Rwandan genocide, worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross during the Sudan conflict, emigrated to the United States, fostered countless children, and became a single adoptive parent. He speaks seven languages and has traveled to more than one hundred countries as an international advocate for vulnerable children.

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 ErinM@speakupnow.org   

Tuesday, September 16, 2025: 5:30pm-7:00pm

·   Click this Zoom link and enter the details below.

·   Meeting ID: 890 5924 6667

·   Passcode: 338950

Upcoming Movie Day: Angels in the Outfield

Please join Senior Advocacy Supervisor, Melanie Thomas for a movie day at our Riverside office to view Angels in the Outfield. This film depicts a young child in foster care who longs to reunite with his father and, with the help of some unlikely angels, discovers the power of hope, belief, and the importance of family. Light refreshments and popcorn will be provided! Please RSVP to Melaniet@speakupnow.org so she knows to expect you.

Saturday, October 25, 2025: 11:00am-1:30pm

11870 Pierce St., Suite 260, Riverside, CA 92505

Scheduled CE Workshops

Continuing Education Workshop: Empowering Educational Advocacy: A Practical Guide for CASAs

Presented by CAL CASA

Wednesday, September 17, 2025; 12:00pm

The school system can be a challenging maze for children in the foster care system, and for their advocates. This webinar will equip CASA Staff and Volunteers with actionable strategies to confidently navigate the complexities of the school system and become even more effective educational advocates. Learn how to build strong relationships with teachers and school staff, identify and advocate for crucial resources, and confidently navigate the complexities of the school system to ensure the children you serve thrive academically. Register here!

Continuing Education Workshop: Ask Me Anything: Stress, Self-Care, and Showing Up for Youth

Presented by CAL CASA

Wednesday, September 24, 2025; 12:00pm

Sometimes, the most valuable learning comes from the questions we carry. This open-format session invites CASA advocates into a live, facilitated conversation space where they can share real challenges, ask nuanced questions, and reflect on what it means to support youth while also supporting themselves. The session will center around the themes of stress, regulation, resilience, and giving care to both youth and the advocates themselves.

Rather than a traditional presentation, this session will be guided by the interests and needs of attendees, while offering trauma-informed structure to keep the space supportive and focused. Register here!

Continuing Education New Course: Disparities in the Child Welfare System

Presented by CAL CASA

We've launched a new learning opportunity inspired by the feedback we’ve received from YOU! This new course offers a deep dive into the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities that influence the quality of care, attention, and the quantity of services offered to the children we serve.

Disparities in the Child Welfare System is a two-part, interactive course that explores how race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect the experiences of children and families in the system. Through real-world scenarios and quick knowledge checks, you'll gain practical tools to support more equitable advocacy.

Whether you're a new or seasoned CASA, this course will deepen your understanding of how bias and systemic inequities influence outcomes — and how you can help address them.

Access the course today:

👉 Part 1

👉 Part 2



Please provide your feedback on this course and any other course listed in the California CASA DEIBJ Course Catalog to Cynthia Featherson, DEI Manager. Together, we can ensure every child’s voice is heard — and every child’s rights are protected — regardless of their background.

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.  

Advocacy Focus

September is National Recovery Month, which, in the scope of the CASA role, can highlight the importance of emotional healing and building resilience. You can celebrate this month with your youth by encouraging small, meaningful practices that support their well-being, such as journaling, exploring mindfulness, talking about healthy ways to cope with stress, or simply celebrating the progress they’ve already made in their healing journey. Remind your youth that recovery is not about perfection, but about growth, balance, and recognizing their own strength!

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.

CASAs 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. 

Mulligan's Family Fun Center

Mulligan's Family Fun Center in Murrieta is your go-to for unforgettable family adventures. With attractions like go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, and mini golf! Mulligan's has been so generous to allow CASA Volunteers to purchase a special playing card just for them and their youth! With their CASA Badge, CASAs can purchase a CASA Card for $20.00 which included $10.00 for the arcade and three attractions. CASAs can purchase multiple cards. The center's hours change monthly, so please visit their website prior to attending.

Painted Earth Pottery

Founded in 1998, Painted Earth has become a point of reference for art, creativity, and entertainment in Temecula and Menifee. CASAs and their youth can attend

classes with a 25% discount at both locations with their CASA badge. Volunteers can reserve a table to paint in the front studio with this link at no charge. CASAs may choose to participate in a class instead, but would have sign up in person.

Mud Hut Pottery Studio

Mud Hut Pottery Studio is a full-service pottery studio located in Riverside. 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.

"The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves."

~Helen Keller

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