The Gist: Monthly Newsletter for CASA Volunteers

September 2023

Dear Keri,

Fall is in the air and I hope you all are enjoying the cooler temperatures! Here at CASA, we are focusing this time of year on recruiting volunteers and planning our next fundraising events.

We recently added twelve volunteer information sessions to the events calendar, so if you have anyone in mind who would make a great CASA volunteer, please send them this link.

In terms of fundraising events, we are excited to be planning a Mardi Gras theme for our second Night of Hope fundraising event this February. We are still looking for help on the planning committee. If you are interested, please email events@casappr.org.

Thank you for all that you do each day to serve the children in this community, and please reach out to me any time at angelar@casappr.org with questions, comments, or concerns!

Warmly,

Angela

Upcoming Events

Sept. 20: Volunteer Information Session (in-person)

Oct. 4: Light of Hope Teller

Oct. 5: Virtual Volunteer Information Session

Oct. 9-10: A Community Gathering of Song & Healing presented by the Voices of Grief Support and Education Center

Oct. 11: Volunteer Information Session

Oct. 13: 4th Judicial District Juvenile Summit

Oct. 17: Light of Hope North

Oct. 25-26: Pikes Peak Domestic Violence Summit

Oct. 26: Teen Social Media Safety

Nov. 8: Virtual Volunteer Information Session

Nov. 16: Volunteer Information Session

Dec. 5: Court Report Writing

Dec. 6: Volunteer Information Session

Dec. 12: Virtual Volunteer Information Session

What's for dinner on the 26th of the month?

On the 26th of each month, all three Parry's Pizzeria and Taphouse locations in Colorado Springs will give back a portion of their sales to CASA! All you have to do is say you are there for CASA when you order in or take out! Find a location here! If you're interested in representing CASA at a Parry's location, we need a volunteer for each location on the 26th of each month. Reach out to Elizabeth if you are interested!

Kid's Closet ready for Halloween AND winter next week!

Make sure your little CASA ones are geared up not just for cooler weather, but with Halloween costumes! Stop by the CASA office Sept. 18-22 for a winter coat and other winter items. Make sure you come prepared with sizing info!

MFCF & Hanger Programs Webpage

Milton Foster Children's Fund & The Hanger News

Fall and winter clothing will be available at The Hanger beginning on Oct. 7. Teen workers are also needed at The Hanger. Please ask for an application when you shop. Interviews take place on Saturday during Hanger hours and teen workers will receive a $15 Walmart gift card per shift.

Mark your calendar and come to The Hanger on Saturday, Nov. 4th from 12:30-2:30 for the 2nd Annual Event for Juniors, Seniors, GED Recipients, and Emancipating Teens. We'll have multiple speakers from agencies around Colorado Springs to discuss their programs and services and help teens with housing, career programs, college, and more. Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 3rd to mfcf@casappr.org.

The Teen Halloween Party is during Hanger shopping hours on Saturday, Oct. 21st from 12-3 and the Teen Holiday Party is during Hanger shopping hours on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 12-3.

Zoo Tickets – CASA has free Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tickets. We can give you ONE adult ticket and however many youth tickets needed per group. Free admission tickets cover youth up to age 18. Depending on who is attending, you may need to register in advance, so please email mfcf@casappr.org for more information.

Need-based scholarships available for Swim Lessons at Pikes Peak Athletics. Info here.

Do you AND your CASA kid(s) love the guitar? We offer lessons which the CASA volunteer can take with their CASA kid. Please email mfcf@casappr.org for more details.

September Anniversaries

Twenty one advocates and one SEPT facilitator celebrate anniversaries in September. Thank you to everyone who continues to show up and speak up for our vulnerable children!

Welcome new CASA staff members!

We are excited to introduce you all to four new staff members! Beth Santiago (pictured) is our new Volunteer Recruitment Manager who looks forward to supporting you all in your work as CASA volunteers. Megan Sandefur has joined the team as a D&N Case Supervisor. Brianna Lindsey is the new D&N Program Assistant, and Kelsey Danekus is the new Grants Specialist. Make sure you stop in and say hello next time you're in the CASA office!

Inclusion Corner: September is Suicide Prevention Month

National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to generate awareness as mental health practitioners work to reduce the prevalence of the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. It is important to know the warning signs of suicide and to use the correct terminology. Avoid terms like "failed suicide" or "successful suicide" as these perpetuate negative stigmas. Another helpful language tip is to say "died by suicide" instead of "committed suicide" as suicide is not a crime one commits, but rather an outcome of illness and risk factors.