Tag: Community Voice

As the season of giving and gratitude begins, we’re reminded that even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. From moments of joy to opportunities for connection, every act of kindness helps create brighter days for children living in foster care.

May this season remind us that every child deserves the warmth of belonging, the comfort of safety, and the joy found in life’s simplest treats.

My CASA Journey – It’s a Treat!

For many, fall means selecting that perfect pumpkin to carve, decorating freshly baked cookies, or simply enjoying the cooler weather. VOICES helps CASA volunteers keep these exciting seasonal traditions alive for youth living in foster care by supplying tickets to visit local pumpkin farms, gift cards to purchase pumpkins, as well as cookies, decorating materials, and more!

These are exciting experiences you can feel by the surprised squeal when petting a goat or dipping fingers into frosting. Even the skeptical teens smile as one CASA noted:

“…we did have fun shopping for a pumpkin and haunted house cookie decorating kit at Fry’s! And we got black nail polish too!”

It’s the treat of a shared experience that lasts longer than the season.

In The Spotlight – Give Joy this Holiday Season

The holiday season is almost here, and Voices for CASA Children is excited to kick off our Annual Holiday Gift Drive to bring joy to children who are not home for the holiday. For many of these kids, the holidays can stir-up feelings of longing and separation, but a simple gift can remind them that they are seen, cared for, and not alone. Each gift makes a real difference.

Join us in making the holidays brighter and more joyful for these children in your community! Shop our Amazon Wishlist from November 3 to December 12.

If you’d like to drop off gifts in person, please contact austin.truitt@voicesforcasachildren.org to coordinate.

Shop Our Toy Drive

Positive Outcomes – Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars, Inspiring the Future!

VOICES proudly applauds the mission and impact the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has made here in Maricopa County. Honoring the philanthropic heart of its founder, the Trust supports women, children and families in ways that enrich individuals and the community.

The Trust sought to make an even greater impact through support for individuals seeking higher education. In 2001, the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program was launched. The program is open to former foster youth, individuals living with disabilities, and adults with dependents, who are seeking their first degree through Arizona State University or Maricopa County Community College. If selected, individuals receive a full scholarship plus living expenses. Additionally, awardees are connected to a dedicated Nina Scholars team that provides mentorship and support for each individual student’s academic journey, turning barriers into a springboard for success!

Over 400 Nina Scholars have earned college degrees and 85% are working in their chosen field.

This life-changing opportunity opens December 1, 2025. Please help spread the word. Their future awaits!

Learn More.

In Focus – Give Back, Get Back.

We all believe that every child living in foster care deserves a strong advocate and a voice that’s heard. That’s why we need you by our side.

As an Arizona taxpayer, you have the power to help make a life-changing difference for a child at no additional cost to you. Through the Arizona Qualified Foster Care Tax Credit, every eligible dollar you give is returned to you on your state taxes.

Important note: You can contribute the full QFCO amount to Voices for CASA Children in addition to your QCO, school and other tax credit donations.

QFCO Thresholds:
$626 if single
$1,251 if married filing jointly

Don’t wait. Your gift today helps us ensure youth experience joy this season and have the support of a trained and dedicated CASA volunteer.

Learn more about Tax Credit.

Tax Credit Benefits

VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010, #BeTheirVoice

Donate Today

Education – Behind the Mask

Many children learn to wear invisible masks. When early experiences include fear, neglect, or instability, showing emotion can feel risky. To stay safe, kids may hide what they feel. They may act calm, quiet, or even defiant on the surface while managing big emotions underneath.

Research shows that chronic stress can alter how the brain processes and regulates emotion. When the brain’s fear center (the amygdala) is frequently activated, the areas responsible for managing emotion (the prefrontal cortex) can become less effective. This makes it difficult for children to recognize, understand, and share their feelings in healthy ways. Emotional suppression isn’t defiance, it’s protection.

CASA volunteers play a vital role in helping children feel seen and safe. By showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and speaking up for their needs. Advocates offer the kind of stable, trusting relationship that teaches the brain it’s safe to express emotion and still be cared for. Over time, that steady presence helps the mask come off – revealing not resistance, but resilience.

Learn about Helping kids cope.

(This was the Voices of Hope, October 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)

At VOICES, we believe ‘kinship’ extends beyond traditional families and encompasses the broader power of connection. Our community shows us this every day. Corporate partners invest in our mission so CASA volunteers can walk alongside these youth and stay connected. Each relationship reminds us that ‘kinship’ can be what we make it.

Let’s honor kinship in all forms throughout our community; neighbors, businesses and volunteers who create their own circle of belonging

In The Spotlight – Our Corporate Community

As summer comes to a close, the VOICES community came together in a powerful way to ensure that children started the school year with confidence, joy, and the tools they need to succeed! As a community, we ensured that these youth entered the school year with backpacks, supplies, and the confidence to thrive in the classroom.

VOICES is especially grateful to Deloitte, DEPCOM, and M.G. Properties for their incredible support, along with all of the donors and volunteers who made this possible. Because of you, CASA volunteers were able to deliver encouragement and hope to the children they serve through these backpacks!

Thanks to this community for showing up in a big way!

My CASA Journey – Sometimes Family Finds You

The average time for youth living in foster care can vary, but for some youth it may be years. During that time, the foster or group home where the child lives can change due to a variety of factors. Finding stability is challenging, but finding a connection and kinship with someone can happen with a CASA Volunteer.

Read this CASA volunteer’s story:

“I have been with the same youth since she was 11. Although the past 6 years have been rough as she struggled being a teenager in the system (19 placements and a few runaway times), she is now 17 and thinking about what she will do once she turns 18. She reflects that as her CASA, I have always been with her, even through all the difficulties. She knows that there is someone that will be waiting when she is ready. Someone who will drive distances to pick her up, visit her, and ensure she knows she is not alone. Even during the time she had run away, I was the person she would communicate with. She and I have had some very fun activities thanks to VOICES. We think back about our outing at the Phoenix Symphony in 1999 when we watched Nightmare before Christmas with the symphony. We had fun at MIM, especially during Hip Hop week. This past month, she went to her first spring training game. I am so glad I chose to be a CASA and I am grateful for the support given by VOICES. Thank you for all you do in engaging the community to support these youth!”

These experiences and support for a CASA exist because we have a community that cares – one CASA and one child (now a teen!) at a time.

Community Voice – Shop, Sip, and Support your Community

Our volunteers, donors, and corporate supporters are more than partners; they’re family. Together, we create a circle of care for youth, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

We’re excited to welcome a new member to that family: Kendra Scott. Known for their generosity and commitment to giving back, the Kendra Scott Foundation empowers women and youth through health, education, and entrepreneurship. Their values align beautifully with ours, and this partnership is a meaningful step toward brighter futures.

Join us on Saturday, September 20th, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Scottsdale Quarter or Chandler Fashion Center for an afternoon of sips, sweets, and shopping with purpose. 20% of every purchase will be directed to VOICES so we can continue to elevate the crucial role of Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Can’t make it in person? You can still give back! Shop online September 20–21 using code GIVEBACK-JNIKW, and your purchase will be included in this important mission for youth. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and celebrate what makes our community strong: connection, compassion, and the power to create change together.

In Focus – Arizona DCS Citizen Review Panels – FY 2025 Annual Report

The Arizona Citizen Review Panels serve as independent, community-based oversight bodies tasked with reviewing the policies and practices of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Their mission is to foster public accountability and ensure that children’s safety and well-being remain central to DCS operations.

Included within the annual report are recommendations from the Community Advisory Committee, Aspiring Change for Older Youth and Prevention panels. VOICES is appointed to the CAC. Themes within the recommendations include youth aging out of care, Kinship support, missing/runaway youth and community collaboration.

Read the full report.

Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Navigating Foster Care

Our newest episode of By Their Side is here!

This time, we sit down with Neil Underwood, General Manager at Autonation Toyota-Tempe, to talk about the many ways people can show up for kids living in foster care. Growing up in the system himself, Neil didn’t have a strong network of support and often had to navigate challenges on his own. Today, he gives back by being that person for others, showing that even small gestures of empathy and understanding can change the course of a young person’s life.

Here in Arizona, hundreds of young people age out of foster care every year without permanent family connections to lean on. That means far too many are left to face adulthood without the kind of stability and guidance most of us take for granted. Neil’s story is a powerful reminder that it doesn’t have to be this way- support can come from anyone willing to step in, whether you’re a volunteer, a mentor, or simply a caring neighbor. Take a moment to listen and reflect on how your role, whatever it may look like, can be part of the bigger picture of care. Together, every role truly does matter.

Listen to Neil’s Story.

Tax Credit Benefits

VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010, #BeTheirVoice

Donate Today

(This was the Voices of Hope, September 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)

Summer in Arizona can be long and hot, but it also means a break from school and a chance for indoor fun. In this issue, we highlight how CASA volunteers and community partners are helping youth living in foster care to find moments of connection, joy and healing, from museum visits to ice cream outings.

This season, even the smallest experiences can leave a lasting impact, all thanks to caring adults like you.

In The Spotlight – Waves of Change, VOICES welcomes new Executive Director

Change is happening at VOICES! As more communities embrace the importance of child advocacy, VOICES is ready for the waves of change to lift us into the future – with intentionality and purpose.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Bonnie Brown, a visionary leader, as the incoming Executive Director at Voices for CASA Children. Bonnie brings transformative thinking and strategic marketing experience to the organization. She will maintain continuity of the VOICES principles by leveraging her business-minded approach to achieve mission-driven outcomes; and spring us forward by keeping advocates and youth front and center.

I take great pride in knowing that under Bonnie’s proficient leadership, VOICES will continue to grow, evolve, and champion a more promising future for the children we are all committed to serving.

As I prepare to transition my role as Executive Director, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on the incredible journey that began in 2011, when Voices for CASA Children was founded. It has been nothing short of extraordinary—an adventure fueled by purpose, passion, and a steadfast belief that children living in foster care deserve more than momentary support; they deserve a lasting foundation to thrive and succeed.

I am deeply grateful to each Board member, donor, volunteer, staff member and champion we’ve had along the way. I know this is a strong community that will continue their support with urgency and hope.

What began as a bold step into the unknown became a life-shaping mission. My heart remains deeply connected to the VOICES mission and the CASA Community.

Always for the children,
Robin

My CASA Journey, Just Like These

It’s an Arizona summer and for youth living in foster care, these hot summer days can seem endless without school and outside activities to distract. CASA volunteers and community partners step up with resources for summer camps and opportunities to play indoors at local museums, movie theaters and sporting events. The time spent cooling off rises to a new level when the indoor experience truly connects with the child.

Recently a CASA and youth spent time at the Heard Museum. In the CASA’s words: “She made a beeline for the fantastic exhibit of Apache artifacts. She loved it, but it was even more of a thrill for me to hear her talk about having her Sunrise ceremony, her grandma taking pictures of her in a native cradle, grandpa having silver and turquoise rings on every finger ‘just like these.’ It was a special experience for both of us, and I really thank you for your efforts in making these very high quality experiences available.”

Around every corner is an opportunity to truly connect with a child and these “cool” experiences will live with a CASA volunteer forever.

Positive Outcomes, Supporting the Youngest Children

It is essential for CASA volunteers working with young children to understand the unique needs of early childhood development. With this knowledge, volunteers are better equipped to recognize signs of developmental delays, recommend timely interventions, and advocate for critical services.

Babies and young children are deeply affected by trauma, even when they can’t express it in words. Early trauma can lead to developmental delays, difficulty forming secure attachments, behavioral difficulties, and other long term impacts. These early disruptions can have lasting effects on a child’s future.

At VOICES, we are proud to work alongside mission-aligned nonprofits who share our commitment to improving the lives of children in our community. One such partner is Southwest Human Development (SWHD)—a nonprofit organization in Arizona dedicated to early childhood development and a positive future for every child. SWHD offers more than 40 programs that support families, children, and professionals, including a Birth to Five community hotline, special support services for families with newborns, Easterseals disability services, free community training, trauma-informed resources, and more!

Have a little in your family or extended circle? Check out the following quick-read SWHD resource, Supporting Young Children’s Mental Health: Tips for Positive Interaction which highlights simple ways you can help support children as they experience big emotions.

Community Voice, SCHEELS Wave of Love

SCHEELS has been in business for over 120 years and is in 16 states. While they are still fairly new to Arizona, VOICES has already felt the generosity they bring to the community through their employee-led Giving Campaign.

SCHEELS gives their team the chance to support local nonprofits, and VOICES was honored to be one of their choices.

As part of their support, SCHEELS has also treated CASA volunteers and the youth they serve to simple joys like complimentary ferris wheel rides, ice cream cones, and refreshing summer drinks. These moments have created meaningful experiences for youth living in foster care, giving them the chance to laugh, have fun, and just be kids.

For CASA volunteers, it has been a fun and relaxed way to build trust and deepen their connection with the children they advocate for. SCHEELS is more than a sporting goods store. They are a true community partner and VOICES is grateful and proud to stand alongside them

In Focus, DCS Extended Foster Care

Youth who turn 18 and have not been placed in a permanent home, either through family reunification, guardianship or adoption, face a big decision. They can exit into the world with potentially little support or they can choose to transition into the DCS Extended Foster Care program. CASA volunteers help guide these young adults to make the choice that is in their best interest. Even though the youth may be excited to be on their own, they may not have the transportation, financial means or life skills needed to stay safe, housed and in school.

While the CASA volunteer will no longer be appointed to that youth once the dependency is dismissed, their guidance at this crucial stage can be life altering. Youth can retain support, including for therapy and medical needs, until they reach 21 years of age.

In this past session the Arizona legislature approved permanent funding for the Extended Foster Care Program.

Learn more about this and other DCS programs targeted for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Tax Credit Benefits

VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive increased tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010

#BeTheirVoice

Donate Today

Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

August is National Family Fun Month—a time to celebrate joy, bonding, and the simple pleasures of being together. For many children, it’s a season filled with late-summer adventures, cherished family traditions, and the kind of unstructured, joy-filled play—splashing in a pool, running through a park, or building a blanket fort—that creates lasting memories and a deep sense of belonging.

Research shows that these positive experiences—even small, everyday ones—have a measurable impact on child development and long-term outcomes. According to the National Institute for Play, “playing literally wires the brain for the skills we use our whole lifetime—physical agility, social confidence, emotional regulation, creativity, and resilience.”

For children living in foster care, joyful everyday moments can be especially powerful. Amid the uncertainty they face, simple experiences—like a trip to the zoo, building a LEGO set, or sharing an ice cream with a caring, consistent adult—can spark healing and hope. These moments offer something even deeper: the reassurance that they are seen, valued, and BELONG.

Join us!
Every child deserves to experience the magic of being a kid. Please join us in bringing more moments of connection, laughter, and joy into the lives of children living in foster care. Here’s how you can help:

• Attend an Information Session to learn how you can be a steady, compassionate presence in a child’s life as a CASA volunteer.
• Spread the word—many CASA volunteers first heard about the opportunity through a friend, neighbor, or colleague. Your voice can inspire someone else to step up. (Check us out on social media – including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.)
• Invite us to speak to your workplace, school, or community group. We’d love to share how CASA volunteers make a meaningful and lasting difference.

(This was the Voices of Hope, August 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)