A Season of Giving, A Season of Hope


Dear Friends,


The holiday season is in full swing at CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter! For many, this is a time of reflection and generosity, where we choose the causes that matter most to us and take action to support them.


Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a global movement dedicated to supporting charities close to your heart. Participating in Giving Tuesday is more than just a charitable gift—it is a direct investment in our mission. Your support empowers us to connect foster youth and families in crisis with compassionate volunteer advocates, offering them hope, guidance, and a pathway to stability and lasting permanency.


This year, we are thrilled to announce a generous matching gift fund from the John Mohme Foundation! Now through December 31st, every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.


That means your $100 gift becomes $200, doubling your impact. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference--early giving starts today!

We’re also excited to host our first-ever Kids' Holiday Toy Shop on December 18th! This event will bring the holiday spirit to CASA kids, empowering them to select a gift of their choice while also enjoying photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and a Hot Chocolate Bar. If you'd like to donate a new, unwrapped toy, please drop it off at our Roseville office Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM.


Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful season filled with gratitude, laughter, and love.


With heartfelt thanks,

Amy Sugimoto

Chief Executive Officer

CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter

Brighten the Season for Local Foster Youth


The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and generosity — and at CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter, we’re making sure every child and teen we serve feels seen, valued, and supported.


This year, we’re collecting toys for children and gift cards for our teens, ensuring every young person receives something meaningful and age-appropriate.


Why It Matters

Our younger kids light up over toys and games. Our teens, however, often prefer the independence of choosing something for themselves — a new hoodie, makeup, or a special treat with friends.


Here’s how you can help:


  • Purchase a gift card for teens HERE
  • Shop our toy wish list HERE
  • Share with friends and family to help us reach every youth on our wish list


More Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer


Holiday Toy Shop: December 15–19 | 8 AM–4 PM

CASA Shopping Day--stop by our CASA Holiday Store to pick out a toy for your CASA child — or bring them along to choose their own! The Toy Shop will be filled with gifts for all ages, ensuring every child has something special waiting for them this holiday season.


Santa Night: December 18 | 4–7 PM

Bring your youth for an evening of holiday magic — meet Santa, sip hot chocolate, decorate cookies, and make a festive craft together. Click HERE to RSVP.


Together, we can make the holidays brighter for every child, teen, and family we serve. Because when a young person feels seen, supported, and celebrated, they feel loved.

Honoring the Heart of our Mission


In November, we had the privilege of hosting one of our favorite annual traditions—The Gratitude Feast, a joyful celebration dedicated to the extraordinary volunteers who power the mission of CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter.


This special evening brought together the heart of our organization: the advocates, mentors, and supporters who show up—day after day—to lift up children and families in our community.


The room was filled with warmth, connection, and heartfelt appreciation as we celebrated each unique contribution that makes our impact possible.

Volunteer Spotlight

Honoring CASA Alberto Rolon


Every CASA volunteer brings something uniquely powerful to the young lives we serve—wisdom, compassion, advocacy, and unwavering presence. This month, we’re honored to spotlight a dedicated volunteer whose heart for service shines through everything he does.


What inspired you to become a CASA?

“I saw a flyer posted about the opportunities to help young boys and girls who are going through difficult times and could use a mentor to guide them and help them with encouragement. I wanted to contribute to our community and use my expertise and experiences as a vice-principal to impart wisdom and advice to the young lives and their parents, and hopefully make a difference in their lives by showing love and compassion.”


How has your advocacy made a difference?

"I believe that I have been instrumental in helping my youth in their education, helping him to secure bus transportation when they moved to a different city, and assisted him in staying in their current school without disturbing his schooling. Also, I have been consistently meeting with him so that he knows that he has someone he can count on. This was evidence by his request and that of his parents in me continuing to meet with him as a mentor even after the case has been closed."


A memorable moment from your CASA journey:

“There are many memories I could share with, but I was truly blessed when my youth presented me as his "mentor" to his school friends. Especially, when he sees me and wants to give me a hug in appreciation for the things we do together.”


Hobbies & interests:

"My favorite hobby is playing golf. However, I love traveling with my wife and spending time with my married adult children and grandchildren. Going together on vacation and being involved in activities together creating memories. One of my favorites is having dinner together and playing games as a family."


Bucket list dream:

"I would like to travel to Israel, the Holy Land. My wife and I were on our way there, but unfortunately, the war between Israel and Gaza started, and we needed to change our plans and went to Italy instead. It was also a great trip."


A fun fact:

"Many years ago, in 1968, I was part of the Central Olympic team and went to Guatemala representing Puerto Rico in springboard diving competition. In addition, I jumped out of an airplane and went skydiving five times."

Donor Spotlight: Cody Sloan & Edward Jones


We are honored to highlight one of our incredible CASA volunteers and community champions: Cody Sloan.


Each year—entirely on his own initiative—Cody organizes a donation drive through his Edward Jones office in the Fountains at Roseville. Thanks to his leadership and generosity, this year he collected warm jackets and brand-new backpacks for the youth we serve across Placer, Yuba & Sutter Counties.


Cody not only shows up as a dedicated CASA volunteer, advocating for a child in foster care, but goes above and beyond by rallying his clients, colleagues, and community to meet the real, everyday needs of local youth.


His commitment demonstrates the true power of one person taking action.


Thank you, Cody, for using your voice, your workplace, and your heart to support kids who need it most. Your compassion inspires us—and strengthens our entire community.

Save the Date: Spring Tea & Bite Nite


Mark your calendar for two signature events supporting local foster youth.


Spring Tea:

April 25, 2026 - click HERE to learn more


Bite Nite:

October 17, 2026 - click HERE to learn more

Change a Child's Story


Right now, local children and youth are waiting for a CASA advocate to stand by their side.


These children deserve someone to speak up for them—someone who will ensure they feel safe, seen, and supported.


Email volunteer@casaconnects.org or click HERE to get started.

Upcoming Volunteer Training


Ready to become a CASA in the new year?Our Fast-Track Saturday Training offers a convenient, accelerated path to becoming a CASA.


Training Dates:

• Saturday, January 24 | 9 AM – 3:30 PM

• Saturday, January 31 | 9 AM – 3:30 PM

• Graduation: February 4 | 8 AM – 1 PM


Through a combination of interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and expert-led discussions, you’ll learn how to advocate for the best interests of children and youth in foster care.


If you’ve ever thought about becoming a CASA, there’s no better time to take the first step.


Click HERE to start the process and HERE for our 2026 training schedule.

Volunteer Resource: Free & Low-Cost Activities

Looking for budget-friendly ways in Placer County to connect with your CASA youth or family in December?


Click HERE for some simple ideas.

January Continuing Education


Inside the Fight: A Detective’s View on Human Trafficking

  

We invite you to an insightful in-service event focused on learning firsthand from a detective from the Crime Suppression Unit with the Roseville Police Department. Detective Mohring will be covering basic human trafficking investigations. This will include terminology, slang, culture, victimology, and a case debrief (if there is time). You’ll gain an extremely valuable perspective and have the opportunity to learn from an officer with lived experience, who is in the field working to combat CSEC. 


Please be aware that this session addresses content related to trafficking that some participants may find triggering. The information is presented to provide a meaningful and necessary perspective on the realities of trafficking.


This event is hosted by the CASA Placer BE BOLD Program, which is committed to mentoring youth in our community who are impacted by CSEC and/or are involved in the juvenile justice system. Our mission is to help young people make healthier and safer choices. 


January 6th - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Roseville Office: 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Roseville

Register HERE


Understanding the Dependency System: A Closer Look at Foster Care and the Court Process


We invite you to an important in-service event designed to deepen your understanding of the child welfare system and strengthen your advocacy as a CASA volunteer. Jessica Chapman and Skylar Lundgren from the Yuba County CAPS (Child and Adult Protective Services) Office will join us to provide a comprehensive overview of the dependency and foster care process.


This training will walk participants through the critical steps a child and family experience when concerns of safety arise. Topics will include:


  • Removal from the home — when it happens, why it happens, and how immediate safety decisions are made
  • Placement in foster care — the process of determining placement, kinship considerations, and available services
  • The court process — hearings, timelines, reunification efforts, and the roles of various professionals involved


You’ll gain a clearer picture of how decisions are made, what youth experience at each stage, and how CASAs can best support and advocate for stability, connection, and healing.

Please be aware that discussions may touch on sensitive situations involving trauma, family crises, and system-involved youth.


This event is hosted by CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter, in support of our mission to train, equip, and empower CASA volunteers with the knowledge needed to advocate effectively for children and families navigating the dependency system.


January 20th – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Location: TBD

Register HERE

What We Do

Every program is built on one belief: connection changes lives.


CASA - Become a Voice for a Child in Crisis


At CASA of Placer, Yuba, and Sutter, our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) stand up for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or are at risk of entering the foster care system. These youth often face instability and uncertainty, and without a dedicated advocate, they can become lost in the Juvenile Dependency or Delinquency Court systems.


For more information, click HERE


Be Bold - A Pathway to Courage, Connection, and Growth


Be Bold empowers youth to make safer, healthier decisions through consistent mentorship, connection, and support. We pair each young person with a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)—a caring, trusted adult who becomes a mentor, advocate, and steady presence in their life.


Together, they meet weekly to develop life skills, boost confidence, and promote growth. Every other month, youth and their mentors also come together for group sessions focusing on community, resilience, and positive peer connection.


For more information, click HERE


Family Services - Strengthening Families, Restoring Futures


We believe in the power of prevention—and that with the proper support, families can stay together, grow stronger, and build lasting stability for their children. Our Family Services program supports parents in crisis, as well as kinship caregivers who step in to care for children and prevent the need for foster care placement.


Through compassionate mentorship, practical guidance, and access to community-based resources, we help families build resilience, strengthen protective factors, and work toward long-term success and reunification whenever possible.


For more information, click HERE


K9s 4 Kids - Comfort, Connection, and Canine Companionship


Our K9s 4 Kids therapy dogs bring comfort, calm, and smiles to children and teens who have experienced trauma. Whether it’s a wagging tail at court or a quiet cuddle during a visit, these dogs remind kids that they’re safe, seen, and loved.


For more information, click HERE


CASA Store - Supporting Foster Youth and Families in Need


The CASA Store offers a wide range of items, including backpacks, school supplies, clothing, hygiene products, and toys. These items are more than just material goods—they represent hope, stability, and care. By providing these necessities, the store helps children feel prepared for school, confident in their daily lives, and supported during difficult times.


CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are encouraged to visit the CASA Store to select the items most needed by the children they advocate for. Whether it’s equipping a child with everything they need for a new school year, replacing worn-out clothing, or adding a spark of joy with a special toy, the CASA Store is here to make a meaningful difference.


The impact of the CASA Store extends far beyond the items on its shelves. It provides reassurance to foster youth and families that they are not alone and that their community cares deeply about their well-being. This simple but powerful support helps restore confidence and stability for children navigating uncertain circumstances.


For more information, click HERE

The People Behind the Mission

Our team is united by a shared commitment to advocacy, connection, and empowerment.


Amy Sugimoto – Chief Executive Officer

Taylor Baierlein – Youth Services Director

Katja Pollmann – Community Engagement Director

Kristi Varnum – Family Services Director

Erin Anthony – Marketing Manager

Julia Boal- Special Events Manager

Dana Loschiavo – Volunteer Engagement Manager

Ariel Neff – CASA Program Manager

Stacy Sewell – Training Manager

April Williams – CASA Operations Manager

Flor Castellanos – CASA Case Manager

Hannah Clyde – Kinship Allies Case Manager

Preston Doyle – Be Bold Case Manager

Aaron Fernandez – Office Administrator

Rhonda Logar – CASA Case Manager

Faith Lyles – CASA Program Supervisor

Heather Manley – CASA Case Manager

Tanya Mark – Family Services Case Manager

De Anna Martin – PEG Case Manager / Support Group Supervisor

Cynthia Matthews – Be Bold Case Manager

Lauren Muhoberac – Be Bold Case Manager

Selena Owen – Family Mentor Program Supervisor

Katie Rineer – CASA Case Manager

Julie Stark – Executive Assistant

Jessica Strawn – PEG Case Manager Assistant

Kara Wilson – Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Thank You to Our Community Champions

Celebrating the businesses that help power our mission.

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