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Welcome to The Connection Newsletter
At the heart of everything we do is connection. This monthly newsletter offers an insider's glimpse into the stories, people, and partnerships that power our mission. From volunteer spotlights and event updates to donor features and community impact, The Connection is where we celebrate the heart and soul of our work—together.
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A Note From Amy: Leading with Connection
A message from our Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the
CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter Counties Newsletter! We are thrilled to launch this initiative to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to our mission of advocating for the best interests of foster youth, at-risk youth, and families in our community.
Our mission is at the heart of everything we do, and this newsletter will serve as a way to share the meaningful work we’re doing every day to fulfill it. Each edition will provide you with impactful stories that highlight the lives we’ve touched, the progress we’re making, and the challenges we’re addressing.
You’ll also find updates on upcoming events, opportunities to volunteer, and ways to get involved in supporting the vulnerable children and families we serve.
Together, we can make a difference by building a brighter future for those who need our help the most. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to keeping you informed and inspired as we work together to transform lives.
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Amy Sugimoto
Executive Director
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Reimagining Our Mission & Vision
We are proud to share the recent updates to our mission and vision statements, thoughtfully crafted to better reflect our identity, values, and aspirations for the future.
At CASA, our dedication to serving foster youth, at-risk youth, and families remains at the heart of everything we do. These updates reaffirm our unwavering commitment to empowering and supporting the most vulnerable members of our community, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Every day, we strive to create meaningful change, inspire hope, and build a stronger, more compassionate future for those we serve. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact, guided by purpose, passion, and a clear vision for a brighter tomorrow.
Mission: We support and empower foster children, at-risk youth, and families in crisis by connecting them with compassionate advocates who bring hope, guidance, and a pathway to stability.
Vision: A future where every child is seen, every family has the chance to rebuild, and communities grow stronger through connection and compassion.
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CASA Expands to Sutter County
Sworn in and stepping forward
We’re excited to share that CASA services are now available in Sutter County! This expansion brings hope and opportunity to more foster youth, ensuring they have the steady, compassionate advocacy of a CASA by their side.
Our team is already collaborating with local courts and community leaders to provide children in Sutter County the stability, support, and guidance they deserve. Together, we’re creating stronger communities—one child at a time.
Want to make an impact? There are 146 foster youth in the Child Welfare System in Sutter who need CASAs. Whether you’re interested in becoming a CASA or supporting our growth in the community, email volunteer@casaconnects.org. Let’s make a difference!
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An Evening to Empower Youth and Strengthen Families
Highlights:
🍴 Tastings from 20+ top restaurants
🍷 Beer, wine & cocktails
🎶 Live music with Hip Service
💎 Auction & raffle prizes, including a 1-carat diamond
Featured Auction Packages
• Golf, Beers & Sunshine – A foursome at four premier courses: Winchester CC, The Ridge, Rancho Murieta GC, and Dark Horse, plus drinks on us.
• Afternoon Tea Party – Host an elegant tea for your guests, with everything (even the tea settings!)
💎 Glitter Giveaway Raffle
Win a one-carat diamond necklace and earring set! Raffle tickets are $100 each and available online now.
Every bid, every toast, every raffle ticket helps connect children with the consistent, compassionate advocacy they deserve.
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Finding Her Voice Through CASA
When siblings were removed from their home, the 7-year-old sister faced an unimaginable challenge—she had never been able to communicate with the world around her. Growing up in a home where disabilities were hidden, she had spent her life in silence.
Everything changed when the children were placed with resource parents who spoke American Sign Language (ASL). Recognizing the need for connection, CASA reached out to our volunteer pool for someone with ASL experience. A volunteer stepped up immediately—eager to learn, she began taking ASL classes to better advocate for the child.
With support from her CASA volunteer and foster family, the little girl started learning ASL herself. For the first time, she could share her thoughts, feelings, and dreams—and even speak up in court hearings, where she expresses her gratitude every time for finally having a voice.
Her journey was enriched through our K9s 4 Kids program, where she lit up meeting Kona in court—laughing, clapping, and eagerly running to greet her on each visit. She later bonded with Harley as well, sharing joy alongside her older brother.
Today, this young girl and her brother are reunited with their mother, who is also learning ASL to support her daughter’s journey. What began as silence has transformed into connection, empowerment, and healing—all because someone said “yes” to becoming a CASA volunteer.
Your support makes stories like this possible. Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, you’re helping children find their voices and their way home.
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Children Are Waiting. You Can Change That
Right now, 296 local children 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.
You can be that someone.
With just a few hours a month, you can make a life-changing impact. We provide all the training you need—what we need is your heart.
Take the first step to changing a child’s story. Click HERE to become a CASA or email volunteer@casaconnects.org to get started.
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2024 By the Numbers: The Impact You Made Possible
Every number tells a story—and behind each one is a child, a family, and a community strengthened through your support. From courtroom advocacy to mentorship and family services, the work we’ve done this year reflects the power of connection, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Because of you, more children had someone in their corner. More families found stability. And more lives were changed for the better.
Click HERE to read the full report and discover the impact we created together.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Opening the Doors to possibility, connection and growth
In June, we proudly celebrated the grand opening of our newly renovated Training Room with a heartwarming ribbon cutting ceremony!
This beautiful new space is more than just a physical update—it’s a hub for possibility, connection, and growth. It’s where CASA volunteers will be equipped with the tools they need, where families will find support, and where brighter futures begin to take shape.
We were thrilled to have our beloved K9s for Kids therapy dogs join us for the celebration, bringing joy, comfort, and tail wags to the occasion.
A special thank you to Senator Roger Niello and Assemblyman Joe Patterson for presenting us with a Certificate of Recognition—an incredible honor that speaks to the importance of our mission and the impact we’re making together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special milestone. We look forward to all the learning, healing, and transformation that will unfold in this space.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Deborah V
Going the Extra Mile to Make a Child Feel Heard.
When CASA Deborah accepted a new case, she knew it would come with challenges—and opportunities to make a lasting difference. The young girl on her case had never been able to communicate with those around her. Deborah had some basic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), but she didn’t stop there. She enrolled in ASL classes right away, determined to build a genuine connection and be the advocate this child needed.
Deborah's commitment opened a door—not just for the child, but for the entire family. As the little girl began to communicate and thrive, her world transformed. And when reunification became possible, Deborah was there every step of the way, supporting both children and their mother as they rebuilt their family on a new foundation of understanding and love.
Deborah exemplifies what it means to be a CASA: compassionate, committed, and willing to go above and beyond so a child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Thank you, Deborah, for being a steady voice and a source of hope.
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Upcoming Volunteer Training & Continuing Education
CASA Training
Click HERE for our 2025/2026 training schedule.
Continuing Education
Date: Monday, September 8th
Topic: Family Service & Kinship program
Location: Roseville Office
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Volunteer Resource: Free & Low-Cost Activities
Looking for budget-friendly ways to connect with your CASA youth or family in September?
Click HERE for some simple ideas.
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How You Can Help Fundraising
Become a Champion for Change
For just $20 a month—less than the cost of a cup of coffee—you can help transform lives. Your ongoing support fuels resources for foster children, at-risk youth, and families.
Sign Up to Give Today ▶
Make a Donation
Every dollar makes an impact. Your gift helps CASA of Placer, Yuba, and Sutter continue vital work for vulnerable children.
Donate Now ▶
Host a Fundraiser
From BBQs to birthday parties, your creativity can inspire generosity. Gather friends, family, or colleagues and make a lasting impact.
Send us an email ▶
Leave a Legacy
Include CASA in your will or trust to create a brighter future for children for generations to come.
Send us an email ▶
Attend Our Events
Join us at our Gala, Spring Tea, and other signature events—or support by donating auction items.
Big Day of Giving
Be part of one of the region’s most impactful fundraisers. Rally your network and give back where it matters most.
How to Get Involved ▶
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Other Ways to Give
Planned Giving: Leave a lasting legacy by including CASA in your estate plans.
Vehicle Donations: Donate a car, truck,
or RV—fast, easy, tax-deductible.
Matching Gifts: Many employers match donations—double your impact!
Interested? Email katja@casaconnects.org
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What We Do
Every program is built on one belief: connection changes lives.
CASA – Advocates for children in foster care, making sure their voices are heard in court and beyond. For more information, click HERE.
Be Bold – Mentors who inspire teens to build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures. For more information, click HERE.
Family Services – Support for families in crisis, helping them find stability and reunification. For more information, click HERE.
K9s 4 Kids – Therapy dogs bringing comfort, healing, and big smiles to the kids we serve. For more information, click HERE
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The People Behind the Mission
Our team is united by a shared commitment to advocacy, connection, and empowerment.
Amy Sugimoto – Executive Director
Taylor Baierlein – Youth Services Director
Katja Pollmann – Community Engagement Director
Kristi Varnum – Family Services Director
Erin Anthony – Marketing Manager
Julia Boal- Special Events 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
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Aaron Fernandez – Office Administrator
Rhonda Logar – CASA Case Manager
Dana Loschiavo – Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
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
Nicole Rubio – Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator
Julie Stark – Executive Assistant
Jessica Strawn – PEG Case Manager Assistant
Kara Wilson – Office Administrator
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Thank You to Our Community Champions
Celebrating the businesses that help power our mission.
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