Sympathy sees and says, "I'm sorry."
Compassion sees and says, "I'll help."
-Unknown
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Techniques of Interpersonal Interaction
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This highly interactive workshop will focus on fundamental skill building of CASA volunteers in managing relationships.
Using techniques rooted in contemporary psychological theories and models, participants will understand effective verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening and intentional interviewing, and improve problem-solving strategies that facilitate purposeful communication with others.
When:
Tuesday, June 25, 5:30pm - 7pm
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Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Best Practices and Familiar Impact
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It is no secret that there is an opioid crisis among us. According to recent data from the CDC, over 70,000 individuals died from drug overdoses in 2017. That is 9/11 happening almost every 2½ weeks.
Furthermore, there are over 400,000 Hoosiers that meet the criteria for substance use disorders and/or alcohol use disorder.
In this training, participants will learn more about addiction as a disease; the impact of addiction on pregnant women, parents, and children; and evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches.
When:
Wednesday,
July 10th at 5:30pm
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Brown Bag Forums by Mental Health America
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Orthorexia: When "Healthy" Eating Becomes a Disorder
12:00 to 12:50 on Wednesday, June 12
by Taylor Locker, Ph.D., HSPP, Locker Psychological Services
Benefits of Expressive Arts for all Ages and Stages
12:00 to 12:50 on Wednesday, July 10
by Dawn Dilly, Ph.D., HSPP, Expressive Art Therapist, Clinical Health Psychologist, Round Table Wellness
These sessions are free and open to the public. Learn more
here
.
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STORIES FROM THE CASA FAMILY
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We honored two of our CASAs.
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Charles and Jane Stewart received the Margaret J. Hand Child Advocacy Award for their commitment to children with the CASA program. Together they have served children in our community for over 30 years.
Judge Hand was the first juvenile judge in Tippecanoe County, and she was responsible for bringing the CASA program to our county.
Thank you, Charles and Jane, for your dedication to the children of Tippecanoe County!
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We welcomed 9 new volunteers.
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Congratulations to our new volunteers! Magistrate Tricia Thompson swore them in as officers of the court on May 13.
Please welcome Sandi Viney, Allison Langley, Kim Lumkes, Sarah Cornwell, LeAnne Johnson, Pat Corey, Karen George-Friedman, and Brittany Cardona to the team!
If you know somebody who would make a good CASA, please refer them to
our website
, where they can fill out an application. Our next training begins in August.
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We moved (and celebrated with ice cream!).
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We moved into our new location on April 1. We are thankful for the beautiful space, but we're also excited to return to our home in the courthouse. We expect to move back at the end of the summer.
Thank you for your flexibility during this transition.
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Stephen Hill, 58, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 3. He had two children, Katie E. Hill and Michael S. Hill. He was engaged to Michele L. Newman.
Stephen faithfully advocated for children in Tippecanoe County. He served as a CASA from April 2017 until his passing.
Stephen will be greatly missed and everyone here is saddened by his death. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
You can read his obituary
here
.
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Optima GO: Optima on Your Phone
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Optima Go, the mobile version of Optima, has been updated.
Now you can:
- View each active child's detailed information, including assigned associated party, family member, and placement information.
- View approved contact logs and notes.
- View upcoming and complete hearings and notes.
- Tap the phone number or email of an associated party to initiate phone calls or emails.
To access Optima Go, simply type in the Optima URL into your mobile browser. Your mobile browser will automatically direct you to the Optima Go site.
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Staff Advocate Outreach Coordinator
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Bill Gallagher transitioned into a new role as our Staff Advocate Outreach Coordinator in May 2019. In this position, he will continue to serve as a staff advocate but will also:
- Develop and implement annual outreach plans to recruit and train new volunteers.
- Evaluate outreach and recruitment strategies.
- Coordinate pre-service training of new volunteers.
- Support current volunteers by planning in-service training programs.
- Assist with the completion of volunteer and case statistics.
- Represent the CASA program with program public relations, outreach presentations, and retention efforts.
We are always looking for ways to make a bigger impact in Tippecanoe County, and we believe that Bill will help accomplish this.
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The VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) Grant provides the funds for the salary of two staff advocates, one volunteer supervisor, a staff attorney and professional development for staff.
The grant totals to $403,674.00 and ensures that 250 families with children will receive advocacy with the goal of over 90% of children will end up in a permanent home.
Tippecanoe CASA first received a VOCA grant in 2010 for $32,000. Thanks for our success, we now receive over a quarter of a million dollars to support child victims.
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Training Curriculum Updates
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At the end of 2018, the National CASA Association updated its training curriculum. Our team customized their curriculum to suit the Tippecanoe region.
The updated curriculum includes the same topics as it did in the past. However, it now provides an in-depth look into issues that are relevant for our community, including drug use, diversity, and cultural competency.
The updated curriculum also allowed volunteers to meet with their supervisor before the swearing-in ceremony and to practice using Optima.
Steven Flowers and Bill Gallagher led the curriculum updates and facilitated most of the Spring 2019 training sessions. They relied upon the feedback from volunteers and other staff members to make these changes.
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Our summer intern, Nicole Martin
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Nicole started in June 2019.
Here's a bit about Nicole in her own words,
"I will be graduating from Purdue University in December with a degree in Developmental and Family Science. I was born and raised in Tippecanoe County and my parents and younger three siblings all live here.
In my spare time, I spend time with my service dog in training, Koda. He is a one-year-old German Shepherd mix that I rescued at 7 weeks old.
During the school year, I participate in Purdue University Dance Marathon, a club that fund raises for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. I love hanging out with my Riley buddy, Addy, and her family, as well as raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer research at Riley, which is something I am very passionate about.
I cannot wait for my time at CASA and I look forward to meeting so many great new people!"
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Best wishes to all CASAs with birthdays in April through June.
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Karen George-Friedman
Sue Wetzel
Leta Kelley
Ellen Phelps
Marcy Miller
Michelle Withers
Susan Daluga
Kathy Schroth
Kevin Koors
Kimberly Lumkes
Willis Smith III
Lindy Schubring
Mandy Bridges
Thomas Covington
Peter Baker
Cheryl Blickenstaff
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Barbara Mobley
Elizabeth Jones
Dawn Anson Spitznagle
Howard Edwards
Jennifer Frey
Megan Cotterman
Kimberly Tricoche
Margaret Yarnall
Judith Hahn
Verdell Releford
Sherry Hunter
Heidi Allwes
Sarah Wyatt
Stanley Kappes
Kevin Letcher
John Obermeyer
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Thanks for reading! We appreciate your support, your volunteer efforts, and your dedication to children.
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