Voice for CASA Children

Tag: VOICES News 2023

  • Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

    With the ever-evolving field of child welfare, it’s important that CASA volunteers remain informed and equipped to best support the youth they serve. That is why the education program is a vital component of what we do at VOICES. We offer online and in-person sessions, as well as resources for furthering education within the community.

    We have been fortunate to include speakers such as Dr. Bruce Perry, among many other experienced professionals in the field. We applaud the volunteers who have donated their time to continue learning and growing their education “toolbox”!

    Last month we wrapped up our “Back to School” online training series, including information about special education, mental health in schools, and advocating for the educational rights of youth in foster care. Participants of these trainings were engaged and brought their own experiences and relevant questions to the conversation. We believe that the volunteers who attended will be a helpful resource and support for youth as they face the many stressors of starting a new school year.

    Check out this podcast episode to learn more about youth returning to school!

  • Build Your Own Backpack Day, 2023

    Build Your Own Backpack Day, 2023

    The 10-year-old walked in and headed straight to the Mario Bros. backpack and exclaimed, “This is the one!” The teen girl hugged a princess pink backpack and smiled. We cheered her on saying, “You do YOU! Select any one you want.” During Build-Your-Own Backpack Day, CASA volunteers and their kiddos stuffed their favorite backpack with needed school supplies. A total of 107 filled backpacks were either picked up or shipped to CASAs for their youth.

    While building their backpack, youth were also encouraged to select a book and toy. The children were excited and thankful for the gifts and the experience of finding something just for them. A CASA advocating for a Preschool, Elementary and Junior High youth happily carried a unicorn purse, a Spiderman action figure and a drone along with three very full backpacks!

    A huge thank you to our community of toy drive and back-to-school donors. You are the foundation behind the smiles at these events!

  • My CASA Journey, First Moments: Hope Bags

    My CASA Journey, First Moments: Hope Bags

    A CASA’s journey begins with the first visit with the child. A “child” who might be a three-month-old baby girl or a 17-year-old male teen. To help create an icebreaker, CASA volunteers provide a “hope bag” consisting of a handmade quilt, an age-appropriate toy and a book selected by the CASA. These first moments set the stage for building the connection and trust between the CASA and child.

    As one CASA shared with VOICES: “My kiddo loved her bag! We colored in her coloring book, her foster mom has read her stories from her book, and the quilt is on her bed!!”

    Another CASA said their teen was touched by his hope bag: “Just wanted to let you know that we gave the hope bag to our kiddo this past Sunday and the “Western” quilt went over really well. Also, he loved the water bottle and thought it was pretty!”

    These amazing quilts and crocheted blankets are handmade by a wonderful local organization AZ Blankets 4 Kids and several local crocheting groups.

  • By Your Side – A CASA Event, Spring 2023

    By Your Side – A CASA Event, Spring 2023

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    This past spring, we hosted the annual “By Your Side” event, a collaboration and honoring brunch for the CASA of Maricopa County volunteers. This special occasion brought together the compassionate CASA community to honor those who tirelessly advocate for the well-being of children in need, making a lasting impact in their lives.

    We also provided a relevant education element through our guest speaker, David Ambroz, author of ‘No Place Like Home”. David experienced poverty and foster care and has become an advocate for positive change. His remarks were sobering and inspiring.

    The CASA of Maricopa County program used this opportunity to recognize several CASA volunteers and presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to two extraordinary individuals who have shown unparalleled commitment and dedication to child advocacy.

    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us at this momentous occasion. Click the link below to watch each honoree and hear more on their inspiring journeys and the impact they’ve made.

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    Betty Miller

    Lifetime Achievement Honoree

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    Eileen Mitchell

    Lifetime Achievement Honoree

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  • Family Reunification Day 2023

    Family Reunification Day 2023

    Celebrating Positive Outcomes – Family Reunification!

    June is recognized by The American Bar Association as National Family Reunification Month. In Maricopa County, we gathered together on June 24, 2023 with a purpose:

    To CELEBRATE the accomplishments of families who have overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely and successfully.

    To RECOGNIZE the vital role that community partners- including mental health and substance abuse providers, courts and judges, foster parents, social workers and others – play in helping to reunify, strengthen, and support families.

    To INSPIRE other parents – particularly those going through the recovery process – that it is possible to confront and resolve challenges that led to their family’s separation, and to reunify with their children.

    VOICES knows CASA volunteers are an important factor in this journey and therefore have been a key sponsor of FRD since 2014. Dignitaries and community leaders, including Governor Hobbs and The Honorable Lori Bustamante, Presiding Judge of the Maricopa County Juvenile Court, gathered to highlight the positive impact of reunified families on the community. DCS Director Lujan also delivered a video message of support and encouragement.

    A new ‘Family Reunification Network’ was also launched on Foster Cooperative where families can register and engage in peer and community support.

    Other sponsors include Casey Family Program, Family Involvement Center, and the Governor’s Office of Youth Faith and Family (to learn more and see information on past events)

    Each year, partners across Maricopa County come together to rally for families who have reunified with their loved ones. Thousands of Arizona children are reunified with their families every year and the outpouring of love and joy our families have for each other inspires the entire community.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a CASA.

After completing this form you will be directed to the CASA volunteer application which is located on the CASA of Maricopa County website. If you have any questions please contact us at info@voicesforcasachildren.org.

Thank you! You will now be directed to the CASA application. Feel free to call us during business hours - (480) 685-4888.

Voices for CASA Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Thank you for your interest in becoming a CASA.

After completing this form you will be directed to the CASA volunteer application which is located on the CASA of Maricopa County website. If you have any questions please contact us at info@voicesforcasachildren.org.

Thank you! You will now be directed to the CASA application. Feel free to call us during business hours - (480) 685-4888.

Voices for CASA Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.