Upcoming Events!

CASA Open House

Saturday 2/22/25, 12pm

Do you know someone who's interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer? Send them our way!



When: February 22 2025, 10am - 12pm

Where: Harmony House

3105 E Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO

Night of Hope Fundraising Gala

Wednesday 4/2/25

The Ranch Events Complex

You're invited to our second annual evening fundraising gala at The Ranch in Loveland! All proceeds benefit the children and families we serve. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available now, and CASAs get a discount on tickets!

CASA Case Spotlight

Charlie (10) and Elena (4) live in Loveland. Given their individual needs, they are not placed together. They would benefit from a CASA willing to take both kids out into the community for some fun. Placement may differ, but their relationship is protected by the Colorado Sibling Bill of Rights and CASA can play a key role in maintaining that relationship through advocacy and visits. 

If you are open to split siblings in the same town, reach out to Courtney@casalarimer.com

TBRI® Tip

TBRI® is an attachment-based and trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI^® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI^® is connection.

TBRI® Mindfulness Strategies: The mindfulness strategies are designed bring awareness to a caregiver's current state, past events/triggers, and their child's current state/history. When there is an increased awareness of these factors, a caregiver is able to be more attuned to their child. This increased attunement allows a caregiver to connect with their child and meet their needs more effectively. 

February's TBRI® Mindfulness Strategy: Self Regulation

Self Regulation is the ability to use effective strategies to stay regulated in stressful situations. In order to give consistent, responsive and empathetic care to children and youth, you must be regulated and be able to remain regulated in interactions.

Take time to determine what triggers you. (What often frustrates you or makes you flip your lid?) Try different techniques to see what helps you regulate yourself, like deep breathing, hydrating, releasing a pressure point or taking a walk. Be intentional in using these techniques when you feel yourself becoming dysregulated. 

Needing additional support?

Contact our TBRI® Lead, Valeria Silva-Woodruff, at tbri@casalarimer.com 

CASA Book Club

Please join us for CASA book club!



When: Wednesday March 5th, 2025, 5pm - 6:30pm

Where: Harmony House (3105 E. Harmony Rd. Fort Collins)

We will be discussing Evicted by Matthew Desmond.

In Evicted, Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they each struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twenty-first-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. Amazon

Please RSVP to Nina at nina@casalarimer.com if you're planning to attend.

You will receive 4 hours of continuing education credits for reading the book and joining our discussion. 

 CASA to CASA

CASA of Larimer County has been implementing TBRI for two-years now! During this session of CASA to CASA we want to remind ourselves of the primary principle of TBRI: Connection. Please come share how TBRI is impacting you and your youth, learn concrete strategies for challenging times, and leave with a homemade sensory fidget. 

When: Wednesday, February 12th 12:00pm-1:30pm

Where:  Harmony House (3105 E. Harmony Rd. Fort Collins)

Snacks and coffee are provided, lunches are welcomed.

Please email Holly at holly@casalarimer.com to RSVP, or with any questions.

You will receive 1.50 hours of continuing education credits for attending this discussion. 

HOPE: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (Virtual Training)

Monday February 3, 2025 12:00pm- 1:50pm

HOPE offers a paradigm shift in the way practitioners approach their work with families and children, from one that emphasizes deficits and problems, to one that actively seeks out strengths and assets. The course presents background information on the health effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the research showing how key positive childhood experiences (PCEs) prevent and mitigate the effects of ACEs and toxic stress resulting in improved health outcomes.

Don't forget to check the Continuing Education button below for more learning opportunities!

Need additional support right now? Self-care is critical for CASAs

Please join us for Coffee with Susan Info/Support Sessions. Susan Guio, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and longtime supporter of CASA, will be providing guidance to our Advocates and answering questions about best practices and trauma informed care for supporting our CASA children. CASAs will be able to speak generally about their cases/children, any challenges you may be encountering, and share ideas in a group setting. You are encouraged to bring questions for Susan. 

When: March TBD

Where: Harmony House (3105 E. Harmony Rd. Fort Collins)

Please RSVP by emailing DeAnn at deann@casalarimer.com if you plan to attend. Snacks will be provided.  

Susan Guio, LCSW also offers one-on-one support to CASAs experiencing difficult times. A 30-minute session is available every Thursday at 3:00 pm. Please email DeAnn at deann@casalarimer.com or your Case Supervisor to explore this support.

Chuck Summers

February Volunteer of the Month

Nominated by Joe Clifton

Please join us in congratulating our volunteer of the month, Chuck Summers!

Statement from Joe on why he nominated Chuck:

Chuck is an excellent advocate who has been volunteering at CLC for 6 years. Chuck is currently advocating for a teen boy preparing to transition into adulthood. Chuck’s ability to connect with not just youth, but the youth’s family has created a significant impact on the cases he has served.

Chuck is a strong communicator and a calming presence to all involved with his case. He wrote 7 court reports last year while on the case for the last 6 months of the year, often receiving recognition in court. We are very fortunate to have him supporting families in our community.

Q&A with Chuck

How, when and why did you choose CASA?

While working I traveled quite a bit and did not have a lot of free time for volunteering. I was so fortunate to grow up have loving parents & siblings, as well as a great wife and kids of my own in later life. I always promised myself that when I retired I would try to give back, because I was so fortunate to have so much. When I retired 6 years ago I knew it was time. Once I learned about CASA, it seemed like the perfect fit, and as it turned out, it definitely was!

Can you share a little bit about the case you're on and what your youth is like?

This particular case I am on now is the first case where I have had a child older than 12 years old. My current CASA child is 17. This case has, in many ways, been the most difficult, but also the most rewarding. The youth that I am working with has some very real problems - intellectually, scholastically, legally, and emotionally. And he has never had a male role model who has consistently kept their word and advocated for him. Slowly gaining his trust, and having him turn to me when his problems get the best of him, has been quite an experience.

What has your experience has been like as a volunteer?

The three things that stand out the most to me about being a volunteer for CASA is the realization that you really are making a difference in a child’s life, a positive difference. That kind of says it all. The second part of the experience that I’ve enjoyed so much is getting to know fellow CASAs and the CASA staff - to see that there is such a large group of people who simply care about the well-being and futures of children. It is very heartening to be a part of that. 

I would also like to mention the respect that is shown to CASAs in the courtroom setting. We are not just an add-on, we are an intricate part of the procedures... advocating for the child and the child’s best interests. Our role is respected and taken very seriously by all those in court. 

What are some activities you do with your youth on your case?

The CASA Fort Fun Teen Challenge was one of the best. He loved it... so much so that I took him back a second time. He loves basketball, so shooting around with him in the gym after school was great. And just taking him for a bite, hanging out with him at home for a bit, etc. His mom & grandma tell me “he just likes being around you”, which is really nice to hear. 

What is one moment that has stood out to you as a volunteer?

I have had some of my younger CASA kiddos tell me they love me. Incredibly humbling and amazing to hear that. One of them asked his aunt & uncle in front of me if I would be attending their Christmas dinner, “because Mr. Chuck is part of our family."

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to add, for anyone who is considering volunteering as a CASA... you are not on an island. The support that you will receive from your case, supervisors and the CASA staff, not to mention some of the partner organizations that we work with, is simply amazing. You are never alone in your quest to help these children. 

We are excited to offer the Harmony House (3501 E. Harmony Rd, Fort Collins) as an optional location for CASA visits anytime between 9am - 4pm, Monday through Saturday! The Harmony House has several plays rooms with toys, crafts and games, a full kitchen that can used for baking or cooking, and a backyard with playground equipment. Please reach out to your Case Supervisor for availability.

Passes and Free Activities Available for CASAs

CASAs can take their CASA kids to the following locations in Fort Collins/Greeley free of charge by showing their CASA ID to the front desk:

• Edora Pool Ice Center: 1801 Riverside Ave
• Mulberry Pool 424 W. Mulberry St.
• Fort Collins City Park Pool 1599 City Park Ave
• Northside Aztlan Community Center: 112 E Willow
• Foothills Activity Center: 241 E Foothills Pkwy
• The Farm at Lee Martinez Park, 600 N. Sherwood St
• Loveland Chilson Center, 700 E. 4th St, Loveland
• Family FunPlex: 1501 65th Ave, Greeley
• Greeley Recreation Center: 651 10th Ave, Greeley
• Centennial Pool: 2315 Reservoir Rd, Greeley



You can also pick up passes and tickets at the Justice Center for:

• Family passes to the Gardens at Spring Creek
• Pass cards to Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
• Cinemark movie tickets
• SCHEELS Ferris Wheel Rides



Free Passes to Colorado State Parks and Attractions

Check out free library passes to Colorado state parks, museums and attractions.

The Toy, Game and Puzzle Library

A library of high quality toys, games and puzzles available for community check-out.

Free Denver Zoo Tickets for CASA Volunteers and Kids!

The Denver Zoo has generously reached out to offer FREE Denver Zoo Daytime Admission Tickets for CASA staff and volunteers to be used for an excursion with CASA youth. The Zoo is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Entry closes at 4pm. Please only claim tickets if they will be redeemed. Email tisa@coloradocasa.org to claim your tickets.  

Volunteer Opportunities at Wildlands Restoration with your CASA Teen

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers is a Colorado nonprofit that organizes volunteers to complete conservation projects throughout Colorado. Events range in length from a few hours to multi-day campouts and are located in beautiful natural areas from the plains to the alpine.

2025 Colorado Free Days Calendar

Calendar of area attractions offering free admission.

Upcoming Community Events

Loveland Library Upcoming Events

Poudre Library Upcoming Events

FC Museum of Discovery Events

Noven Foundation Grant Opportunity

Do you have a CASA kiddo in foster care interested in pursuing an extracurricular activity such as dance, sports, music, etc., but can't afford the fees? Visit the Noven Foundation online to apply for a unique grant opportunity designed to fund these activities.