CASA of Kern County

"The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others." - DeAnn Hollis You have the ability to make a difference in the lives of children and youth in the foster care system. These children need a voice to give them hope after experiencing abuse and neglect. If you would like to learn more visit www.kerncasa.org/volunter to sign up for a Virtual Orientation please email Gladis at [email protected] or call 661-631-2272.

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a CASA volunteer? Court Appointed Special Advocates dedicate about 10 hours a month to helping children who have experienced abuse or neglect. We are especially in need of Men and Bilingual Advocates. Contact Gladis at 661-631-2272 or at [email protected] or visit our website at www.kerncasa.org to learn more!

Join us for our Clubhouse Open House on March 4th! The CASA Clubhouse is a dedicated Advocate and child visiting center. It is designed to support the lifelines of our organization, our Advocates, and the reason why we exist, the children. The Clubhouse will be a tribute to the thousands of children who have had a CASA Volunteer walk by their side, and the thousands more that will see a community-wide effort to assist in their darkest of times. Support our mission by purchasing your tickets today at kerncasa.org/events/openhouse.

He needs someone to show him the beauty in the world. All children deserve to play outside, discover nature, and have a caring adult by their side as they grow and learn. A CASA volunteer helps improve well-being for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Would you consider becoming a CASA Volunteer? Visit www.kerncasa.org/volunteer to learn more or contact Gladis Gonzalez at 661-631-2272 or [email protected] for more infomation.

California teens in foster care often need extra support planning for an independent future when they age out of the system. CASA volunteers provide specific guidance for achieving high-school graduation and obtaining the resources needed for self-reliance while remaining a part of a much needed mentoring team of caring adults. Learn more about CASA at www.kerncasa.org.

Unfortunately for a young person in foster care, the holiday season can remind them of a family or community that they’ve lost. The consistency of a caring adult plays an important role in making the holidays memorable for a youth. A CASA volunteer can provide the stability and support that youth in foster care may not be able to find elsewhere. Take the challenge and become a CASA. The first step to becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is to attend one of our upcoming virtual CASA Orientations. Please contact Gladis Gonzalez at [email protected] for the link. You can also visit our website at kerncasa.org or call 661-631-2272 for more information.

She needs someone to encourage her love of art. CASA volunteers advocate for youth in foster care, but they also provide friendship and support to kids who need it most. Learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer at www.kerncasa.org/volunteer

Today and everyday we are thankful to all those who keep home a safe place.

In honor of those who have served. CASA of Kern County thanks you. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." - Joseph Campbell

November is National Adoption Month and thousands of teenagers across the country are at risk of aging out of the foster care system without permanent families or a sense of belonging. Often youth themselves are reluctant to consider adoption or other permanency because of trauma they’ve experienced, conflicting loyalties to family and caregivers, or fear of lost identity. Yet studies show lifelong connection to a caring adult is critical at every age. That is why this year d...uring National Adoption Month, the U.S. Children’s Bureau urges us to consider how we can engage youth by listening to their perspectives, understanding their needs, and learning from them to support their path to permanency. When we open a channel of communication with youth, we can begin to address the barriers to achieving permanency, and we create opportunities for their well-being along the way. National Adoption Month is an annual campaign sponsored by the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with Child Welfare Information Gateway and AdoptUSKids. #NationalAdoptionMonth #YouthVoice https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/nam/ You can make a difference in the life of foster youth through advocacy at CASA. Visit www.kerncasa.org/volunteer See more

Thank you MatchBack.org for your generous donation of tees, hoodies, and hats for our foster youth! The kids are going to love their new clothes. Check out www.matchback.org, every purchase you make, a donation goes to a non-profit for a child, youth, or person in need.

CASA of Kern County's Family Connections program seeks to reconnect foster children and youth to restore the opportunity to be unconditionally loved, to be accepted, and to be safe in a community and a family. Learn more about Family Connections on our website at www.kerncasa.org/volunteer.

What a spooktacular weekend it was with supporters participating in the CASA Superhero Run! Thank you to the ladies at Girl Trek for supporting and bringing attention to our mission! #CASASuperhero

Happy Monday CASA Supporters! We've drawn the names of the Superhero Run raffle winners!! Congratulations to the following winners and thank you to all who purchased tickets to help support our cause! #1 55" Smart TV, Nintendo Switch, Mario Cart Game - WINNER, DIANA WOLF! #2 Traeger Grill - WINNER, ISAIAH ANCHETA! #3 Hotel & Gift Card Bundle - WINNER, STEPHANIE MORGAN!

Happy Halloween from CASA of Kern County. We hope you have a spooktacular day!