CASA Spotlight: Julie King

Name: Julie Kreutz King
Age: 38
Hometown: Centennial, CO
Occupation: Child Therapist, currently a Stay At Home Mom
An adjective that describes you: Giving
When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? February 2008
What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? Giving time to children that are in need of a stable and safe adult. I believe that children who have been removed from their homes, for whatever reason, need a person present in their lives to focus on just them.
What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? The court process is long and drawn out. Although the goal for permanancy is one year, there are a lot of legal glitches and continuances that make it seem a lot longer. My thought is that if I am feeling the confusion and frustration by the process, it is only a portion of what the children are feeling.
What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? Smiles are what it is all about! It can be as easy as taking your CASA kiddo out for ice cream. To you, it might be a simple act, but to them it is time and a treat, spent with a special friend.

Help us help you--TAKE OUR SURVEY

Please take our survey about Advocates for Children "Volunteer Appreciation and Support" at the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=C_2f_2fYY0zZbsmKPn1BHse2_2fg_3d_3d
This is multiple choice, with the opportunity to share more if you'd like to. Should take no more than 4-5 minutes.
The survey will only be open for a few weeks, so please do it right now!
Thank you so much for your help!

How did Colorado do?

How well does Colorado serve children with special needs (as designated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)? Not so good, read more here.

Another Swearing In: 11/18/08 in Castle Rock

Here are the Elbert County volunteers--new volunteers Michelle Oeser and Sally Strates--with Peg Rudden, Executive Director and PattyAnn Maher, Program Manager of Elbert County, with the Honorable Judge Jeffrey Holmes of Elbert County.

Sally and Michelle did a "Hybrid version" of CASA Training, and were able to attend sessions in Aurora at our main office, as well as have on-site training at our satellite office in Elizabeth, Colorado. If you know of someone in the community who is interested in training, give our office a call at 303-695-1882--our next training opportunities are coming up February 2009.

A book of interest for our kiddos!

New Book Helps Foster Children Manage the Questions and Comments of Others

BURTONSVILLE, Md., Nov 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- W.I.S.E. Up! Empowers Children with Positive Choices
The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) is pleased to announce the launch of its newest publication, the W.I.S.E. Up! Powerbook for Children in Foster Care. Based on the nationally acclaimed program for adopted children, the book offers a simple, easy-to-remember solution for managing their complex feelings (sadness, fear, frustration, anger, loss and grief) while responding to the questions, comments and curiosities of others. Read the entire article

CASA Spotlight: Art Castro

Age: 73 years old

Hometown: Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Havana, Cuba

An adjective that describes you: Caring for the welfare of children

When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? Trained in Spring 2004, started my first case that Summer.

What is/was your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? The joy of seeing a child's face light up when you are able to get him/her to spend time with siblings and family that they would not have access to otherwise. And knowing that you have made a difference in the outcome in a case whereby you have enabled a better future for the child.

What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? That there is a great payback and satisfaction when you know you made a difference, for the better, in the future life of a child in distress.

What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? You are not alone! Your CASA Case Coordinator is a great asset that helps makes your work easier. I have been blessed with very supporting Case Coordinators.

Swearing in 10/29/08

Here are photos from our most recent swearing in on 10/29/08. There was actually a smaller swearing in on 11/7/08, but since I forgot the battery in my camera, I'll just ask you to visualize a very nice ceremony.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Send them our way--next training begins February 2009.

Spooky Halloween Party! 10/24/08

In the tradition of CASA kids parties, we again hosted a wonderful Halloween party for CASAs and their CASA kids. Here are a few photos and captions. The party was held on 10/24/08 from 4 pm to 6 pm, and it's success can be largely attributed to our Staff organizer--Lakia Gavin--and many wonderful volunteers including Sherri Smith (our scientist corner), Janeth Gaines (cookie decorating), Laura Sigoloff (painting pumpkins), DeeNise Stoe (various!) and many staff members who helped. Special thanks to our friends at Wagging Tales who were able to bring Blaze and Ginko. I'm sure that we're forgetting someone, so please forgive me and know that we are so grateful! Thank you all who made it possible.

If you don't see your CASA kid, it's because we can't post photos of any of our CASA kids faces--which is why you only see staff members' kids and grandkids!
Here is Peg with little Quinn (Marty's own child). And Blaze the Bronco and Ginko the bumble bee.
Here's one of facepainting.
And another of the pumpkin painting desk.
Here is Peg with Jamari and Eric (Fe's son).
And last but not least...Here are some wonderfully spooky members of our program staff: Kristin and Kelly.

CASA Spotlight: Judy Coover

Age: 66 years

Hometown: My family moved around a lot in my childhood, but I guess I consider Lincoln, Nebraska, my hometown.

An adjective that describes you: Quiet

When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? I was assigned my first case in 2001. In 2004, at my request, Denver County and Arapahoe County CASA organizations agreed that I could take a Denver County case; I am still these children’s CASA.

What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? Sharing the happy moments with the children and helping them through the tough times.

What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? The ineffectiveness of our country’s child protection system, the number of children in the system, and how many children end up being raised in the system. Being raised in the system should not be an acceptable alternative. The children are the ones who suffer, and they did nothing wrong.

What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? When you, in your CASA role, need help, the Advocates’ staff is there for you.

Spotlight on: Macio Alston

Name: Macio Alston
Age: 34
Hometown: Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’ve been in Colorado close to 20 years now though. Right now I live in Aurora.
An adjective that describes you: Fantastically Awesome. Just kidding…I’ll just go with handsome. Never mind that one is too obvious. How about – Focused, personable, determined, charming and funny.
When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? November, 2007
What is/was your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? I enjoy each and every part of the “CASA adventure”. I enjoy the children, the parents, the courtroom setting, and the overall spirit of service. The children that I worked with (my case closed last month) are AMAZING. The opportunity to become part of a child’s life and make an impact is indescribable. I value the fact that the smallest gestures, as well as my time in general are very much appreciated. To pick a “favorite part” is tough, but I guess it would be the overall relationship that is created with the children and how much fun that leads to as it builds over time.
What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? This experience teaches me to appreciate the beauty of unexpectedness. No matter how much you prepare ahead of time you’ll never know how exciting the journey will be until you start driving down the road. I remember reading reports, memorizing names, and thinking of my “plan of action” before my first family visit. Only to have it go right out the window when the door opened and the kids starting jumping on my legs and showing off their toys. CASA gives me the opportunity to help others and learn a lot about myself as well.
What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? You’ll never know the immense impact that you can make until you start the journey. The time and effort that you put into CASA is returned to you tenfold when you see the successes of the families and the smiles of the children. If you’re sticking your toes in the water right now my best advice would be to just “Jump In”…you won’t regret it.
A quote that you live by: “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” Bill Cosby

CASA Spotlight: Matt Dickey

Name: Matt Dickey

Age: I am 34, will be 35 in December.

Hometown: I call Morrison, Colorado my home town, even though I was born on an Army base out of state. I spent most of my youth growing up in Morrison.

An adjective that describes you: Passionate!

When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? In February of 2008.

What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? Spending time with my CASA kid and knowing that I am truly making a difference in his life. This position doesn't get any more rewarding than that!

What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? I've learned a lot about the court system and how to be patient with it. There are so many factors out of our control that we have to focus on what's most important for our kids. Sometimes it can be frustrating or feel like things aren't moving fast enough, but ensuring that our CASA kids are safe and in a healthy environment will have a lasting impact on their futures.

What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? I want donors and future volunteers to know that this program truly makes a difference in many, many lives. The children that we work so hard for can and will ultimately benefit from the stability and support every CASA volunteer provides.

Congratulations, Mary Young!

CASA Mary Young was recognized for her outstanding achievement as a volunteer at the annual DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) "We Count On You" recognition luncheon.

Mary went above and beyond for her CASA kids, and did an amazing job investigating every possible family placement for these children.

Swearing In--August 27, 2008

Little late, to the post, but here are a few photos of our most recent training class at their swearing in ceremony.

Congratulations to everyone!

From our friends at Rainbow Alley, the youth drop-in center at the GLBTQ center in Denver

On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transwoman was murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. She suffered two severe fractures in her skull. Her family believes that she was murdered by her boyfriend or members of her boyfriend’s gang because of her gender identity.

The Greeley Tribune, a local newspaper reporting on this case, continues to use an incorrect name and pronouns for Angie. Her family has been very supportive of her and are both angry and upset at this lack of accuracy and sensitivity in reporting. Please let the Greeley Tribune know that this is not acceptable and their lack of appropriate reporting is contributing to an environment where violence against transgender people is continuing. Contact information for the newspaper, editor and reporter is below.

The perpetrator has stolen Angie’s sister’s car, a very dark forest green 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There is a hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missing on the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone with information about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through the communications center, 970-350-9600. In addition, Angie’s cell phone and wallet were also stolen.

All media contacts should be directed to Kelly Costello, Director of Victim Services at the Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) at either kelly@coavp.org or 303-839-5204. CAVP works to eliminate violence within and against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities in Colorado.

Kelly CostelloDirector of Victim Services Colorado Anti-Violence ProgramP.O. Box 181085Denver, CO 80218www.coavp.org (303)839-5204(888)557-4441 toll-free

Greeley Tribune
Write a letter to the editor: http://apps.greeleytribune.com/utils/forms/lettertoeditor/

Randy Bangert, EditorPhone Number: (970) 392-4435E-Mail: rbangert@greeleytribune.com

Mike Peters, ReporterPhone Number: (970) 392-4433E-Mail: mpeters@greeleytribune.com

Wanna go the extra mile for kids? How 'bout 5000 extra miles?

Although I can't use names, or give you too many details, I thought that this story might help lift you up today. Who can't use a bit of inspiration?
I have been working with two volunteers, a husband and wife team, for nearly three years. They were originally assigned to advocate for a sibling group of 5 kiddos. These kids had been abused, neglected, isolated and exposed to a home life where they witnessed chronic domestic violence. After multiple moves to different foster homes, these CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers followed these kids everywhere, to every foster home and eventually to their adoptive home. These volunteers coordinated sibling visits when the kids were placed in different homes. They consistently saw these children, and these children adore their "CASAs" because throughout this whole process, the CASAs have been there for them.
These CASAs went the "extra mile" for these kids by being a regular part of their lives. So even if their foster home changed, their school changed, their friends changed, the CASA volunteers did not change. Their presence was a given. But these volunteers also went the "extra mile" for these kids in the literal sense as well. These CASA volunteers have driven over 5000 miles since being assigned to this case back in August of 2005. I look at these volunteers and I can't help but smile when I think of all of the wonderful things they have done for these children.
You can do it too! Find out how at our website: www.adv4children.org Or call Advocates for Children at 303-695-1882.

Review Advocates for Children for us!

Go right now to Volunteer Match and write and amazing review of your experience volunteering with CASA so that everyone out there knows about the amazing work you can do as a CASA volunteer.
Thanks!

Teen pregnancy in Gloucester, MA

Though our blog is strictly amateur CASA-related activities, I thought we might try for a different approach today.

Anyone interested in weighing in on the current rise in teen pregnancy, and, specifically, comment about the "pact" that teens made in Gloucester, MA to become pregnant and raise their babies together (city officials deny it, and even one pregnant teen herself went on Good Morning America to deny any pact)?

Why is there an increase in teen pregnancy when there had previously been a decline since the 1990s?

Some people think teens should have a comprehensive sex education rather than abstinence-only education. (Counter argument here.)

Others claim that celebrity trends make teen-mommy-hood look more desirable.

What do you think?

Great training resource

Please check out the registration website for county social workers and foster parents. Non-county employees can register for many of these classes for $15-$25.

Registration Fee: $15.00
Adolescent Assessment and Case Planning
Adolescent Development
Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses
Ages and Stages Social Emotional Screening for Young Children
Screening of Young Children for Developmental Delays
Creating Placement Stability
Developmental Consequences of Child Maltreatment
Ethics and Liability
Innovations in Child Welfare Practice for Supervisors
Interdisciplinary Case Conflict Management
Intervention Strategies & Service Provisions for Adolescents
Legal Preparation for Caseworkers
Maternal Substance Abuse
Medically Fragile and Developmentally Delayed Foster Children
Guided By the Law: ICWA, ADA , MEPA, ASFA
Parents With Mild Cognitive Impairments
Sexual Health for Foster Care Children and Adolescents
Helping Children Cope: Reducing Trauma During Placement Moves
Teaching Parents with Cognitive Disabilities Home Safety and Child Health Awareness
Transitioning Foster Care Youth to Permanency
Treatment Planning for Abused Children
Lifebooks Connecting Children to their Past and Present
Using Psychological Assessment Information in Child Welfare Case Planning Registration Fee:

$25.00
Adolescent Substance Use and Associated Disorders
Back To Basics: A Refresher For Seasoned Supervisors
Building Partnerships with Families: Practical Interventions for the Paraprofessional
Domestic Violence and Child Protective Services Cross Training
Family Reunification
Healing Traumatized Children in Substitute Care
Initial Intervention with the Non-offending Parent
Intervention Skills for Case Aides
Medical Aspects of Child Maltreatment
Mental Health and Medications for Children in Placement
Recognizing and Managing Behavior in Children with ADHD
Strategies for Parenting Challenging Children
Working With Substance Abuse in the Child Welfare System
Treatment Partnerships
Working with Families with Children/Parents with Developmental Disabilities
Working with Sexually Abused Children in Foster Care

The Polo Match that supports CASA!

ROCKY MOUNTAIIN CIRCUIT SPORTSMANSHIP CUP
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 14-15, 2008 IN ELIZABETH
Play begins at 11:00 a.m. both days . Finals begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday
Benefiting CASA Advocates for Children
Watch Exciting Polo Action, Enjoy a Catered Lunch, and Help Make a Difference in the
Lives of Children . . .

Every year in Colorado more than 11,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect. CASA
volunteers are caring adults from the community who get to know these children and help ensure that judges have the information they need to serve the children’s best interests.

Free Admission both days
$25 for Sunday’s catered lunch prepared by That Personal Touch
All profits to be donated to Advcates for Children

W I L L O W C R E E K P O L O C L U B
2893 Running Brook Road, off CR 13 • Elizabeth, Colorado • willowcreekpolo@hotmail.com • 303.646.8938

New training class

The brand new class of volunteers was sworn in yesterday at the 18th District Courthouse in Arapahoe. Chief Judge Sylvester was kind enough to swear in the volunteers.
Thank you to you all, the training went smoothly (with the help of many wonderful speakers, and lots of assistance from the staff). I can't believe it... my babies are all grown up!
And here's a fun photo of Teresa and her kids up at Judge Sylvester's bench!

Next training: first two weeks of August. Round 'em up, folks! Send them my way.
-Jayme

Make yourself useful!

Advocates for Children Special Events

SUMMER 2008
THIRD Annual Advocates Invitational golf tournament
To participate or volunteer, contact: Val Lunka, 303.695.0803
How You Can Help:
· Volunteers for registration
· Golfers!
· Sponsors

August 9 – 10, 2008: "Home on the Range" Rodeo and Community Event
Saturday: Team roping competition and auction
Casey Jones Park, Elizabeth Colorado
Take Parker Road south. Turn left on HWY 86. About 10 miles down HWY 86, turn left into Casey Jones Park.
How You Can Help:
· Volunteers for auction set-up, check-out
· Donors for auction items
To participate or volunteer, contact:
Cathy Bowman, 303-470-8882

Sunday: Ninth annual home on the range
Casey Jones Park, Elizabeth Colorado
Take Parker Road south. Turn left on HWY 86. About 10 miles down HWY 86, turn left into Casey Jones Park.
A full day of Wild West fun for kids. Everything is free, so bring your CASA or foster kids for BBQ lunch, cotton candy, watermelon crawl, mutton busting, crafts, horse rides, special guest . . . and much more!
How You Can Help:
· Bring your CASA children, foster children and your own kids
· Help get the word out to the children of our community. This is a great opportunity for kids . . . we’d like to see attendance reach 1,000 kids this year!
· Lots of opportunities for volunteers with everything from the cotton candy and snow cone machines, to craft tables, face painting, etc. Home on the Range makes a great service project for community groups, such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
· Set-up and clean-up volunteers
To participate or volunteer, contact:
Cathy Bowman, 303-470-8882

October 11, 2008 12th annual Red Wagon Ball
This is our major fundraiser each year, where we hope to raise at least one-third of our annual operating funds. The event features our celebrity Emcees – Libby Weaver– a sit-down dinner, silent auction, live auction, and the presentation of our Friend of Children award.
How You Can Help:
· Volunteers for set-up, auction tables, auction “check-out,” etc.
· Sources for major live auction items and silent auction donations
· Table sponsors
· Major sponsors
To participate or volunteer, contact:
Val Lunka, 303.695.0803

Bipolar in kids

Here at Advocates for Children, we see a lot of children with some pretty heavy mental health diagnoses. I know that I’ve been skeptical of the diagnosis of bipolar at times. Well, this article really helped me, and I thought it might be of interest to some of you too!
http://www.newsweek.com/id/137517/page/1

Eat at Old Chicago Tamarac Square on Sunday May 18th!

The wonderful folks at Old Chicago at Tamarac Square are donating 10% of food sales to Advocates for Children to celebrate their five year anniversary . They set aside Sunday May 18th from 1-8pm for our organization. According to their sweet note to our case coordinator (and diligent solicitor for donations) Kristin, "Your organization is near and dear to our hearts here at Old Chicago Tamarac and what you do is very important. We hope to raise some money to help in your efforts for our community children."

So, CASAs, tell your friends, tell your families, tell co-workers and anyone else that will listen!

Eat at Old Chicago Tamarac Square on Sunday May 18th between 1 pm and 8 pm and Advocates for Children will receive 10% of the food sales! Help support us and patronize our friends at Old Chicago Tamarac Square--everyone wins!

Old Chicago Tamarac Square #56
7717 E. Hampden Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80231
P: 303-695-5511 F: 303-695-5530

National CASA resources

National CASA publishes a newsletter called "Connections" and it's worth a look. And every savvy CASA needs to know how to access more CASA info at www.nationalcasa.org, or www.casanet.org
Because you never can get enough.

Another link, not for the light of heart...

Read about this case of long-term abuse that came to light in Austria.

Interesting link!

If you have an extra minute, you may want to listen to the story of Shirley "Star" Diaz, a young woman who grew up in foster care in New York City.

By the way, our evening training starts in a week--on May 6th--please tell anyone interested to contact Jayme at 303-328-2357.

Child Maltreatment Report

So, CASA daytime training began today. I said that I'd make the recent report on Child Maltreatment Fatalities available on the blog.
Not exactly a fun way to introduce yourself to a group of people, but I digress.

Volunteer Breakfast and a P.S.

On April 12, from 9 am to 11 am, we had the pleasure of gathering as a CASA community to honor our volunteers and all of the amazing work that they do. We had a delicious breakfast at the Mariott Denver South, followed by the wonderful comedic stylings of Brad Montgomery, a local humorist. Photo of volunteers Bev Hachmeister, Jacki Hinton and Angela Baleztena.

Photo of volunteer Erin Hammer and guest Tina Hammer.

Photo of Young Philanthropy Project (YPP) Board Member Traci Tisserat, Lincoln County Program Manager Chris Tisserat and volunteer Mariellen Duffy.

Here is a photo of Brad Montgomery, who did such a fantastic job. He juggles, he jokes, he motivates. What's not to love?

And here is the P.S. Office Depot recently opened up a new store at the Southlands Shopping area in SouthEast Aurora. The Office Depot gave us a generous donation of $500 and 25 backpacks. We would like to thank James, store manager, (James is the one who picked us as the recipients!) and Mike Schulteiss, regional manager, for their generous support. So, now, with that plug, go out and buy your pens, paper and all of your office supplies at the Office Depot at the Southlands shopping center!

Give us your feedback!

Please complete the following survey to help us learn more about how our volunteers utilize the internet.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dUh4kYq350Tqxvt8WJJIGQ_3d_3d

A lot of CASAs ask me how they can accrue continuing education hours. A very easy way to do this is to read a book related to any of the many topics you encounter while advocating for a child.

I just went on the Lubbock, TX CASA website, and they have the most awesome list I've ever seen.
Check it out: http://www.lubbockcasa.org/zVolunteerResourcesBooks.htm

Plus, I'd love to turn everyone on to a young woman who will be featured prominently at the National CASA conference this coming June.
Check out: http://www.rhodes-courter.com/

Best to everyone--Jayme

Some resources

From time to time, it's my hope that I can make folks aware of different organizations or programs that may be of interest to our volunteers. Please take a look, and respond with a post if you have more to add!--Jayme

Colorado Bright Beginnings—offers free services to families with infants and toddlers
www.brightbeginningsco.org

The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People—provides legal representation and advocacy, they also have WONDERFUL referrals on the “resources” page of their website
www.thelegalcenter.org

Stride—an organization that assists with budgeting, their tagline is “Families Achieving Economic Self-Sufficiency”
www.stride-co.org

Servicios de La Raza—an organization that provides services and advocacy to the Spanish speaking population
www.serviciosdelaraza.org (site is currently under construction)

CHARG Resource Center—an organization that provides a variety of services to the mentally ill population
www.charg.org

The Adoption Exchange—in general, wonderful resources for learning about the adoption process, but one thing that might be of particular interest in their link to Post-Adoption services in Colorado
http://www.adoptex.org/site/PageServer?pagename=CO_PostAdoptionServices_MainPage

Welcome to our Blog!

I hope to use this blog as a way to connect with new volunteers, in-training volunteers and prospective volunteers. 2008 has been a good year-- we just began our daytime training option, and I'm proud to say that 25 new volunteers were sworn in, 16 from the evening class, and another 9 from the daytime class. All were sworn in on February 13, 2008. (Photo included.)

Our next training options begin soon! Our daytime sessions begin Tuesday, April 22nd, and our evening sessions begin Tuesday, May 6th. Please contact the CASA office if you or someone you know is interested in going through our training.

-Jayme