A Message From Our CEO, Amy Sugimoto

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This past Friday was a monumental day for our cause. Thanks to your unwavering and passionate support, the newly released FY27 state budget deal, shared by Governor Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Limón, and Assembly Speaker Rivas, has fully restored a critical funding stream we have fought so hard for.

A total of $20 million has been officially allocated to California CASA, which will distribute the funding to 44 CASA organizations across the great state. These are not just numbers on a page; these essential funds represent the very lifeblood of our mission. For CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter, this means we can confidently continue our vital work of recruiting, meticulously training, and providing steadfast support to our most dedicated and trusted allies—our incredible CASA volunteers.

You sent a clear message to the legislature and the Governor: when foster youth have a consistent, caring adult in their corner, their chances of success skyrocket. They are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and secure stable housing. They also experience better mental health and reduced trauma. This strategy not only helps children thrive today but also builds healthier communities for the future.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, to every single person who helped light the path to this crucial victory for foster youth. From our volunteers and staff on the front lines to our legislative champions and Governor Newsom, your combined efforts have made this victory possible. It is because of you that more foster youth will receive the profound, life-changing gift of having a consistent, caring adult in their corner, advocating for them and believing in them.

With deepest gratitude,

Amy

California CASA's New CEO Comes to the Placer Office

On June 24, we had the pleasure of welcoming Vince Hall, the newly appointed CEO of California CASA, to our office for a meet-and-greet.

Since stepping into the statewide leadership role in January, Hall has been traveling across California to visit local CASA programs, connect with staff, and learn firsthand about the work happening in communities throughout the state.

We were honored to be one of those stops. His visit gave our team the opportunity to share the impact of our work across Placer, Yuba, and Sutter counties while getting to know him early in his tenure. With a network of 44 local CASA programs statewide, his commitment to meeting teams in person reflects a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership.

Hall brings more than 25 years of experience spanning the nonprofit and government sectors, most recently serving as Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America.

We're excited for the future and look forward to working together to advance CASA's mission across California.

She Built: Showing Girls They Can Build Anything

Mark your calendars for She Built, an interactive event hosted by Meritage Homes that invites girls to see homebuilding up close and discover that every job on a construction site can be theirs.

The event is based on the children's book The House That She Built, inspired by a real home in Utah that was built intentionally to prove a point: women can do every single job that goes into building a home. From framing to finishing, the house was built entirely by women, and the book carries that message to a new generation of girls.

At She-Built, girls will move through a series of homebuilding stations, each one walking them through a different step in the construction process. Every station is led by a woman working in the building trades, so girls won't just learn how a home comes together. They'll see firsthand the women who make it happen. Click HERE to learn more about She Built Foundation.

August 5, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Farmhouse: 4303 Tribute Ln, Lincoln, CA 95648

Bite Nite: Step Into Palm Royale

Step back in time for our Second Annual Bite Nite on Friday, September 25! This year, we're transporting you to the sun-drenched, opulent world of the 1960s at the Palm Royale for a night of unforgettable food and retro glamour. Prepare for an evening where timeless elegance meets philanthropy, all in support of a vital cause.

Join us as we raise critical funds for foster youth, at-risk teens, and families in need across our community. Your all-inclusive ticket is a passport to an evening of pure indulgence and heartfelt giving. Savor exquisite bites from twenty of the region's finest restaurants, sample delightful vintages from renowned wineries, and enjoy a classic cocktail from our sophisticated Old-Fashioned Bar.

Mingle in a vibrant atmosphere buzzing with energy, bid on exclusive live and silent auction items, and try your luck in a raffle packed with incredible prizes. With a live DJ spinning classic hits from the era, you'll be dancing under the stars all night long in a setting straight out of a vintage dream.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a truly spectacular night. Get your early-bird tickets now before prices go up and join us for an unforgettable evening of glamour, giving, and gastronomy!

📅 September 25, 2026 | 5:00 – 10:00 PM

📍 Rocklin Event Center | 2650 Sunset Blvd, Rocklin, CA

🎟️ Click HERE to purchase at the early bird rate

We need volunteers! Grab your friends, family, and colleagues and support foster youth by volunteering! Sign up below.

Volunteer Spotlight

Honoring CASA Danelle Christian

Since May 2019, Danelle has served as the CASA for the same youth, providing a caring, consistent presence through years of uncertainty and change.

As placements shifted and circumstances evolved, she remained the trusted adult who continued to show up. For a young person who has experienced significant upheaval, that kind of steadfast relationship can make all the difference.

Long-term advocacy requires extraordinary commitment. It means staying engaged when progress is slow, when the path forward is uncertain, and when each new year brings unexpected challenges. Danelle has met every step of that journey with compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication. From the very beginning, she understood that consistency is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy.

The work has not always been easy, and Danelle has never shied away from that reality. What distinguishes her is that the challenges never diminished her commitment. She continued to advocate, to listen, and to be a reliable presence—year after year.

Danelle's service is a powerful reminder that lasting impact is often built through quiet perseverance rather than a single extraordinary moment. By simply continuing to show up, she has made a profound difference in the life of the youth she serves. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and for the example she sets for our entire CASA community.

Stability Starts With One Relationship

A look at Sharon Dunlevy's research case for relational continuity

What helps a child in foster care most isn't a program or a curriculum. It's a consistent adult who shows up, stays, and sees the child as a person rather than a case.

In a recent article, national foster care advocate Sharon Dunlevy highlights the research behind that idea. Decades of evidence on protective factors point overwhelmingly to the power of stable, supportive relationships. Early connections shape how children navigate future relationships, influencing everything from emotional regulation and school engagement to mental health and long-term stability in housing and employment. Without those relationships, Dunlevy argues, every other intervention has limits. With them, those limits expand.

Her message for child welfare systems is clear: relational continuity should be treated as a measurable outcome, not simply an aspirational goal. That means tracking the number of caseworker and school changes a child experiences, keeping siblings together whenever possible, and intentionally preserving relationships with trusted adults already in a child's life.

It's a compelling, research-based reminder that one of the most powerful interventions for a child in foster care is also one of the simplest: a steady, caring adult who remains present. That's exactly the role CASA volunteers are uniquely positioned to fill.

Read the full article →

Continuing Education

1️⃣ Navigating the System with Family SOUP: Tools for Families of Children with Special Needs

Family SOUP's mission is to empower families of children with special needs through support and education, helping them reach their full potential as members of the community. They help families navigate and make informed decisions about their child's IEP, 504, IPP, or SST, and provide tools to communicate more effectively with schools and agencies, ensuring every child gets the support they deserve.

July 7, 5:30 PM – 7 PM

Yuba City Office: 1634 Poole Blvd, Suite 200

2️⃣ LGBTQ+ Cultural Humility Training

LGBTQ+ Cultural Humility Training invites participants to explore how identity, lived experience, and cultural humility shape our interactions with others. Through reflection, discussion, and practical examples, volunteers will learn strategies for building more inclusive environments where youth feel seen, respected, and valued. The training focuses on moving beyond awareness toward meaningful action that supports belonging and positive engagement across diverse communities.

Brought to you by Olaywa Austin, Training Institute Manager at the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.

July 22, 5 PM – 6:30 PM

Roseville Office: 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Suite 260

Interested in what it takes to be a CASA volunteer? Join us for Coffee with a CASA — where current volunteers share the real moments, challenges, and joys of standing up for youth in foster care.

Yuba City Office: Friday, August 7, at 12:30 PM

1634 Poole Blvd Ste 200, Yuba City

Click HERE to RSVP

Roseville Office: Tuesday, August 25, at 10:00 AM

1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Ste 260, Roseville

Click HERE to RSVP

Wear Your Why: The CASA Gear Shop

Looking for a way to show your support for foster youth, at-risk teens, and families in crisis? The CASA Gear Shop has you covered.

Shop the CASA Gear Shop

Help Is Available: Community Assistance Programs

Families facing financial strain, food insecurity, or other challenges can find help through local assistance programs. This resource lists trusted community partners offering food, medical and dental care, utilities, housing, and family support services — with eligibility information and direct links to get you connected quickly.

Volunteer Resource: Free & Low-Cost Activities

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

Click HERE for some simple ideas.

State funding cuts have created a waitlist for CASA services, and we need your help to change that. Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to ensure foster youth and at-risk children get the support they need, when they need it.

What We Do

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

We offer programs to advocate for children in crisis, strengthen families, and create lasting change — including CASA advocacy, Be Bold mentorship, Family Services, K9s 4 Kids therapy dogs, the CASA Store, and Extracurricular Activity Grants.