A Message From Our CEO, Amy Sugimoto


Dear Friends,


As the holidays draw near, you have a beautiful opportunity to brighten the season for youth in foster care. At CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter, we work every day to bring joy to children and families who might otherwise miss out on the magic of this time of year. For many, the holidays can feel difficult, uncertain, and lonely. Our hope is that every child will know the simple joys so many of us take for granted: a gift beneath the tree, a warm meal, and the comfort of celebrating with people who care about them.


Your generosity can make that hope a reality. Every act of kindness, big or small, tells a young person who has faced more than their share of challenges that they are seen, valued, and loved. For a child who has experienced loss or upheaval, that message can be life-changing.


Last year, we opened a holiday toy shop for the children we serve, and it quickly became one of our most heartwarming events. It gave youth in foster care the joy and empowerment of choosing the gifts they truly wanted, so they could fully take part in the spirit of the season. The day was filled with hands-on crafts, cookie decorating, a build-your-own hot chocolate bar, and a delicious meal from Chick-fil-A. Santa Claus even stopped by to say hello, leaving plenty of smiles behind.


More than 100 youth joined us, and their smiles were priceless. Their excitement and laughter reminded us why this work matters so deeply, and why we are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up for its children.


The holiday toy shop is one of our most treasured community collaborations. Every gift we gave away last year, 100% of them, was donated by generous community members and businesses like you. Each one was given with the heartfelt hope of bringing love and light to foster youth and their families. This year, we hope to welcome even more children and make the day even more special.


If you would like to help by providing a gift for a youth in foster care, we would be so grateful to receive your donation by mail or in person at:


CASA of Placer, Yuba, Sutter

1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Suite 260

Roseville, CA 95747


If you prefer to make a donation in support of the Holiday Toy Shop, click HERE. 


Thank you for being part of the foster youth journey. With your kindness and support, we can make this holiday season even brighter for the children who need it most. Together, we can show them that they are not alone, and that their community is cheering them on.


With heartfelt gratitude,

 
 
 

Save the Date: Saddle Up & Celebrate


You're invited! Join us for our semiannual 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.


Date: Thursday, November 12

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Location: Roseville Office

RSVP


Date: Monday, November 16

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Location: Paloma's Cantina Lounge

RSVP


The night will include a BBQ 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!

 

Our K9 Team Shows Up Where It Counts


Our K9 volunteer teams pair trained therapy dogs with dedicated advocates, and their August and September contact logs show how much those visits matter.


In the courtroom: More youth are asking K9 teams to join them in court. Indie sat with a 13-year-old boy through a difficult hearing, and Kona stayed beside a 16-year-old girl through an hours-long trial where she spoke about the abuse she experienced.


At juvenile hall: One mom shared that her son loves when the dog visits the detention center. Another youth told a volunteer he loved seeing Kodiak, because otherwise “juvie is so boring.”


In our office: Malibu has become an honorary staff member. After reading difficult reports, our team says she’s “the best part of our day.”


Welcome, new K9 advocates! Congratulations to Shani and Deanna, who graduated from our fast-track CASA volunteer training in October.


Interested in joining our K9 team or becoming a CASA volunteer? Learn more at casaconnects.org.

 

Eight Bills, Now Law: Stronger Rights for Children and Youth in Foster Care


This September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed eight bills backed by California CASA that strengthen protections for children and youth in foster care. Most take effect January 1, 2027.



  • Dignity: Belongings must move in suitcases or bags, never trash bags (SB 1345).
  • Housing for young adults: Counties can no longer set stricter school or work rules for extended foster care (AB 2764), and college students get priority campus housing and deferred fees (AB 2766).
  • Connection: Video check-ins for young adults placed out of state (AB 2684), a kinship approval process for relatives (AB 2478), and Indian Child Welfare Act protections in probate court (AB 1824).
  • School: A transition liaison for students returning from juvenile court schools (AB 1659).
  • Poverty: A statewide council to cut child poverty in half within 10 years (AB 1996).


A law only works when someone makes sure it is followed. For a child in foster care in Placer, Yuba or Sutter County, that someone is often their CASA volunteer.


Learn more about the other bills we are proud to support HERE

 

Volunteer Spotlight

Honoring CASA James Engstrand


In almost a year as a CASA volunteer, James has built a strong, steady relationship with the 15-year-old he serves. It started over card games. Over time, the teen began teaching James skateboard tricks, a sign of the trust the two have built.


During their visits, James noticed bruises and scrapes. When he asked about them, the teen explained that his skateboard kept breaking. James advocated for him and used the CASA Hero’s Fund to purchase new skateboard parts. The teen was thrilled when they arrived and couldn’t wait to build his new board.


The past year has brought real challenges for this young man, and James has been a consistent, caring adult he can count on as he navigates his teenage years.


“James is patient and kind, and having him on my team has been an honor,” says Faith Lyles, CASA Program Supervisor.


 

Right now, children in our community's foster care system are waiting for one person to show up for them.



Not a therapist. Not a caseworker. Just one steady adult who remembers their favorite color, shows up to their soccer game, and tells the judge what actually matters to this kid.



Kids with a CASA volunteer are half as likely to re-enter foster care. One consistent, caring adult changes the whole story.



You don't need special credentials. You just need to care about showing up.


Email Dana at dana@casaconnects.org to learn more.


Roseville


1️⃣January 2027

Dates: Saturdays, January 9 & 23

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Graduation: January 27, 8 AM – 1 PM


2️⃣March 2027

Dates: Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Graduation: March 31, 8 AM – 1 PM

Yuba City


1️⃣ January 2027

Dates: Saturdays, January 16 & 30

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Graduation: February 4, 8 AM – 1 PM


2️⃣May 2027

Dates: Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Graduation: June 3, 8 AM – 1 PM

 
 

Volunteer Resource: Free & Low-Cost Activities


Looking for budget-friendly ways in Placer County to connect with your CASA youth or family in November?


Click HERE for some simple ideas.

 

Have you completed your 12 hours of continuing education?


In-person continuing education classes take a break in November and December, but there are still several ways to earn your hours:


  • Team support meetings and in-services: held monthly, 1.5 hours each
  • Online trainings at California CASA Academy
  • Books, documentaries, and work trainings: with case manager approval, related books and documentaries count for up to 2 hours each (4 hours max), and relevant trainings through your job count too


Not sure how many hours you have? Your case manager can help you check.

 
 
 
 

Interested in what it takes to be a CASA volunteer? 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.


Roseville Office: Friday, November 13, at 12:00 PM

1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Ste 260, Roseville

Click HERE to RSVP

 

Wear Your Why: The CASA Gear Shop


Looking for a way to show your support? The CASA Gear Shop has you covered.


Shop the CASA Gear Shop

 
 

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.

 
 

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.


Read More →

 
 
 
 

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.


Read More →

 

The People Behind the Mission

Our team is united by a shared commitment to advocacy, connection, and empowerment.


Amy Sugimoto – Chief Executive Officer

Tina Rivera – Senior Operations Director

Erin Anthony – Director of Marketing & Recruitment

Taylor Baierlein – Youth Services Director

Katja Pollmann – Community Engagement Director

Julia Boal – Community Engagement Manager

Dana LoSchiavo – Volunteer Engagement Manager

Ariel Neff – Senior Program Manager

Selena Owen – Family Services Program Manager

Stacy Sewell – Senior Program & Training Manager

April Williams – CASA Operations Manager

Flor Castellanos – CASA Case Manager

Hannah Clyde – Family Services Program Supervisor

Preston Doyle – Be Bold Case Manager

Aaron Fernandez – Office Administrator

Rhonda Logar – CASA Case Manager

Faith Lyles – CASA Program Supervisor

Heather Manley – CASA Case Manager

Tanya Mark – Family Services Case Manager

De Anna Martin – Family Services Case Manager

Cynthia Matthews – Be Bold Case Manager

Faye Mayer – Peer Services Administrative Assistant

Ashleigh Montanino – CASA Case Manager

Vickie Nichols – Be Bold Case Manager

Lauren Muhoberac – Be Bold Case Manager

Katie Rineer – CASA Case Manager

Kara Wilson – Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

 
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