The Connection Newsletter | May 2026 Edition

A Message From Our CEO, Amy Sugimoto

Greetings!

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and raising awareness for the hundreds of thousands of children and youth in the foster care system across the nation. Here in Placer, Yuba, and Sutter counties, this includes 674 young individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected. At CASA, our mission is to improve the outcomes for every youth placed in the care of a resource home or kinship care provider. We approach this critical work from multiple angles: from assigning a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to guide and support a child through their challenging journey within the justice system, to providing essential resources and support to families working diligently toward reunification with their children.

Over the past year and a half, my role as the CEO of CASA Placer, Yuba & Sutter has afforded me the profound privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary and transformative impact our dedicated staff and volunteers have on the lives of foster youth, at-risk youth, and families. While a significant portion of my daily responsibilities inevitably involves focusing on the intricate details of operations, fundraising, and strategic development to ensure our organization not only survives but thrives, my heart and passion have always been fundamentally and inextricably tethered to our core mission: to be a powerful force for lasting, positive change in the lives of these vulnerable children and families.

Watching the meaningful, often challenging, day-to-day work of our incredible team has been a constant and powerful source of personal and professional inspiration. This past April, I felt an undeniable and powerful calling to deepen that commitment, to move beyond my CEO role and connect with our mission on a much more personal, tangible level. It became clear to me that to truly lead, I needed to walk the walk. Therefore, I decided it was time to become a CASA myself and take on a case of my own. I specifically chose to serve in Sutter County, a region where the needs are particularly vast, and our program is still in its early stages of growth, requiring all hands on deck.

Ultimately, my motivation for taking this step mirrors the same powerful drive that fuels every single one of our incredible volunteers: the unwavering belief that we can change the entire trajectory of a child's life simply by being that one consistent, caring adult who shows up, listens, and advocates tirelessly on their behalf.

I am truly honored and deeply humbled to step into this new capacity, to serve a child whose future might look profoundly different simply because they have a dedicated CASA by their side. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and it fills me with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the critical importance of our work. It reinforces my resolve to ensure that every child who needs a CASA has access to one.

I look forward to sharing my CASA journey with you as I embark on this new role.

With my deepest gratitude for all you do to support the youth and families we serve.

Big Day of Giving - May 7th

Right now, 220 children across Placer, Yuba, and Sutter counties are waiting for a CASA — kids whose voices haven’t been heard yet, whose stories could go in so many directions depending on who shows up.

It costs $2,500 to recruit, train, and support a CASA for a full year, and our goal is to raise $75,000. Thanks to Nugget Markets, Larry & Terri Gury, and an anonymous donor, every dollar you give is matched, up to $25,000.

💙 Early giving is open, and every dollar is matched up to $25,000 thanks to Nugget Markets, Larry & Terri Gury, and an anonymous donor.

🎯 Help us hit our $75,000 goal and train more CASAs for the 220 children still waiting.

Give Now

Start Your Own Fundraising Team

Spring Volunteer Appreciation Party

Our Mission Blooms Because of You

📅 May 28, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

You're invited! It's our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night, a special evening dedicated to celebrating YOU and your incredible contributions to the mission of CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter. Your dedication makes a profound difference in the lives of the children we serve, and now it's our turn to honor you.

Join us for an evening of fun on Thursday, May 28th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Ranch House in Whitney Ranch. The night will be filled with a decadent dinner, refreshing drinks, and plenty of games. It's a great chance to connect with fellow volunteers and relax in a festive atmosphere.

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

📍851 Old Ranch Rd, Rocklin

RSVP HERE

Thank You For Taking the First Step

To everyone who visited The Lisa Project at our Roseville office on April 23 — thank you.

Hosting this exhibit during Child Abuse Prevention Month was meaningful to our entire team, and seeing our community show up the way you did made it even more so. The Lisa Project is not an easy experience. It asks something of you — your attention, your empathy, your willingness to sit with a difficult reality. You showed up anyway, and that matters.

Every person who experienced the exhibit left with a deeper understanding of what children in our community face. That awareness is not a small thing. It is the foundation of prevention.

If the experience moved you and you are looking for ways to stay involved, we would love to hear from you. Whether you are curious about volunteering as a CASA advocate, want to support our programs, or want to learn more, there is a place for you here.

Visit casaconnects.org to take your next step.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Volunteer Spotlight

Honoring CASA Brittany Sheahan

Brittany Sheahan's path to CASA started long before she filled out an application. Growing up, she had many friends in foster care and watched firsthand the challenges they faced as they aged out of the system.

For a long time, she assumed becoming a foster parent was the only way to help. Then she discovered the CASA program and knew she had found the right fit. She began advocating as a CASA in San Diego, and when she moved to Plumas Lake, she was thrilled to find the same program waiting for her in Yuba-Sutter.

What keeps her coming back is the trust she has built with the youth on her cases. As a CASA, your youth will often confide in you more than any other adult in their life, and Brittany has used that trust to spot real, practical needs. She has helped a child get their pet spayed and vaccinated, secured funding for clothing, and helped a caregiver complete a required CPR certification. The big advocacy moments matter, but so do the small ones. She rarely misses a school play, and the running joke with one of her kids is that Brittany always asks for an autograph afterward. Her youths love pulling up her Spotify to introduce her to new music. One youth rolled her eyes when Brittany showed up with cookie decorating kits, then spent the next 30 minutes in deep concentration and was so proud of the result that she posted it on her social media.

Outside of CASA, Brittany is a Biologist for the FDA. Weekends mean trail walks with her rescue Great Pyrenees, Luna, plus cooking and play-fighting with her rescue cat, Cookie-Dough. Bucket list: cage-diving with great whites and gorilla trekking in Uganda. Fun fact: she and her husband got married in Costa Rica and moved to Spain three months later.

Brittany's blend of scientific rigor, warmth, and willingness to show up, whether for a school play or a cookie decorating session, is exactly the kind of advocacy that changes a young person's story. We are grateful to have her on the team.

14th Annual Spring Tea

Orchard Creek Lodge welcomed guests for the 14th Annual Spring Tea, an afternoon of elegance and generosity in support of CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter. Together, we raised an extraordinary $151,000 to support the foster youth, at-risk teens, and families in crisis we serve.

From the sparkling champagne reception to the sumptuous luncheon, the live melodies of Low Star Rose, and the spectacular hat parade, every moment felt enchanted. Our hostesses transformed each table into a true work of art, and the silent auction, live auction, and raffle brought the room to life with energy and generosity.

To the Friends of CASA, thank you for your extraordinary partnership and tireless dedication in making this beloved event possible year after year. And to our sponsors, your generous support is the heartbeat of our mission. Because of you, we are able to stand alongside the foster youth, at-risk teens, and families in crisis who need us most.

The 14th Annual Spring Tea was a beautiful reminder of what friendship, fashion, and

philanthropy can accomplish together. Thank you for pouring into this day, and into the lives of the vulnerable children and families we serve.

View the Spring Tea Photo Gallery

Wear Your Why: The CASA Gear Ship is Open

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.

Our online shop features branded apparel and accessories designed for advocates, volunteers, supporters, and friends of CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter. Think comfortable tees, cozy layers, and everyday essentials that let you carry the mission with you.

Every item is a quiet conversation starter. When someone asks about your shirt, your tote, or your hat, you have an opening to share what CASA does and why it matters.

Shop the CASA Gear Shop

Continuing Education: April Classes

1️⃣ Mental Health, Self-Care & Burnout Prevention for Volunteers

This training focuses on the mental health and well-being of volunteers working with youth in emotionally demanding environments. We'll explore burnout, vicarious trauma, and how repeated exposure to others' difficult experiences can quietly affect our own health. We'll also cover how to recognize these signs in the youth we serve and respond with trauma-informed support. The core message is that caring for ourselves is the foundation of caring for others.

May 26th, 5:30 PM – 7 PM

Yuba City Office: 1634 Poole Blvd, Suite 200

2️⃣ What is a Foster Care Ombudsperson, and What Are The Rights of Foster Care Youth?

Join us to learn about the rights that youth have in the foster care system, how you can advocate for these rights, and whom you can reach out to when their rights are in question. The presenter will discuss reasonable and prudent parenting standards and how the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson advocates on behalf of foster children and youth regarding their care, placement, and services.

May 27th, 5 PM – 6:30 PM

Roseville Office: 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Suite 260

The Numbers Are Moving: A Closer Look at Childhood Adversity in America

A new analysis from Child Trends, Several adverse childhood experiences declined modestly from 2018 to 2023, brings a cautiously encouraging update on how children across the country are doing.

Between 2018 and 2023, the share of children experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) dropped from 39.8% to 37.5%. ACEs include things like family instability, exposure to violence, and household challenges, the kinds of experiences that can shape a child's development and well-being long into adulthood. The decline is modest, but it points to something important: when children and families have the right support, outcomes can shift.

Still, the numbers tell only part of the story. More than one in three children continues to face significant adversity. For those children, the work of advocacy is not abstract. It is the difference between being seen and being overlooked, between stability and uncertainty, between a future shaped by trauma and one shaped by the people who showed up.

This is the space where CASA volunteers do their work. They step in during the most uncertain chapters of a child's life and stay focused on what that child needs most: someone to listen, someone to advocate, and someone to help the system work the way it should.

The Child Trends data reminds us that progress is real. It also reminds us that progress depends on people. Volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners all play a role in ensuring the trend continues in the right direction.

You can read the article here: Several Adverse Childhood Experiences Declined Modestly From 2018 to 2023 via Child Trends.

Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support

📅 April 30, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Families for Depression Awareness is hosting a free webinar exploring the complex relationship between depression and autism in teens. Led by Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW, this session will help advocates, caregivers, and professionals recognize and respond to depression symptoms in autistic teens with strategies tailored to sensory needs and individual communication styles.

In this webinar, you'll learn how to:

Recognize signs of depression in autistic teens
Apply assessment and treatment approaches that respect sensory and communication differences
Support a teen's mental health through positive identity building
Develop personalized emotional recognition tools

Can't attend live? Register anyway to receive the on-demand recording.

Fentanyl Awareness: Practical Tools for CASA Volunteers

📅 May 6, 2026 | 12:00 PM

Hosted by California CASA, this 1-hour webinar is designed to equip CASA staff and volunteers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate one of today's most urgent youth safety issues. This session dives into the realities of fentanyl and other substances impacting young people, giving advocates the confidence to show up informed and prepared.

In this webinar, you'll:

Explore current trends and risks in youth substance use
Gain practical strategies for meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about safety
Learn how to access CASA-focused tools and resources to strengthen your advocacy
Discover effective ways to empower youth to make safe, informed choices

Whether you're advocating for a child or supporting a young person in your community, this training will leave you better equipped to protect, connect, and advocate.

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: Thursday, May 7, at noon

1634 Poole Blvd Ste 200, Yuba City

Click HERE to RSVP

Roseville Office: Tuesday, June 2, at 10 AM

1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Suite 260, Roseville

Click HERE to RSVP

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.

Save the Date: Bite Nite

Bite Nite is back, and this year, we're going glam. Inspired by the opulent world of Palm Royale, our annual Gala Bite Nite promises an unforgettable evening of handcrafted cocktails, bites from Roseville's top restaurants, live music, dancing, and an open bar, all in support of foster youth and families in our community.

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

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

🎟️ Purchase tickets

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.