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
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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!
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?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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
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
Monday, June 9, 2008
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
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
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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
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