The Gist: Monthly Newsletter for CASA Volunteers

January 2024

Dear Keri,

Happy New Year, CASA volunteers! I hope you enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season.

CASA is halfway through our fiscal year and we are gearing up for an impactful 2024! We have several upcoming volunteer information hours, and we know that personal referral is the number one way we get new people in the door. So please share your love of volunteering with CASA with friends and family!

We have been steadily growing the number of people who list CASA as their nonprofit of choice in their King Soopers account. This makes a big difference for us and it doesn't take very long to sign up. If you haven't designated a nonprofit in the chain's Community Rewards program yet, you can login and do it here.

Thank you for all that you do and please reach out to me any time at angelar@casappr.org.

Warmly,

Angela

Upcoming Events

Jan. 23: Positive Youth Development

Jan. 31: Virtual Volunteer Info Session (Co-CASA opportunities!)

Jan. 31: JD Probation Officer Panel

Jan. 31: Virtual Foster Care Education Resources

Feb. 7: Volunteer Info Session

Feb. 15: CASA Day at the Capitol

Feb. 15: DEI Training

Feb. 17: Virtual Volunteer Info Session

Feb. 21: Virtual Volunteer Info Session

Feb. 28: Co-Regulation for CASAs

Celebrating the life of a visionary

Nationwide, the CASA network celebrates the life of Judge David W. Soukup, who in 1977 founded CASA and GAL programs in Seattle. Over 45 years later, this man's vision is changing lives across 949 local programs in 49 states. Judge Soukup passed away in December at the age of 90, and we are honored to carry forth his legacy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Why Brian Maecker volunteers with CASA

Brian Maecker first became a CASA advocate two years ago. The long-time baseball and karate coach has always enjoyed being a positive role model for teenagers, but during COVID he decided to change directions and work with teens through CASA instead of coaching. Brian is currently advocating for a teen boy who lives in a group home now that he has been removed from the home where his family struggles with substance abuse. "The hard part is seeing him struggle and wonder where his mom is, and where his dad is," says Brian. "But on the flip side of that, I get to be his advocate, his guy in the corner."

Shop CASA! The new CASA store is open!

CASA has opened an online store where you can order CASA-branded items! Wear the logo with pride to let everyone know how you change the lives of children and families in the Pikes Peak Region. Shop here.

MFCF & Hanger Programs Webpage

Milton Foster Children's Fund & The Hanger News

Feb 17th, 12:30-2:30 - Job Preparation and Career Fair for Teens. Come join us for tips on resume writing and interviewing while talking to local professionals from a variety of jobs.

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!

Let's celebrate January anniversaries!

Three advocates celebrate anniversaries with CASA this month. Congratulations to Sue Bruchy, Kristina Wrobleski, and Diann Darr! Thank you for your service!

Inclusion Corner: Celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Last Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and was a reminder of the legacy of social justice and equity left by the man who said "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." We are so thankful to all of you who are serving our community's children.