Child Advocates of Placer County

Yesterday we reminded you of the impact that CASA volunteers have on the outcomes of their CASA kiddos. Here is another example: It’s amazing how many times I’ve witnessed decisions being made over financial or organizational interests on behalf of my CASA youths. I understand why it happens, but I am in the position to stand up as an unpaid volunteer and say, ‘I know this child well, this is not in his best interest, and here are all the reasons why.’ During times like this I realize that I have a lot of power to make a true difference for a child who would otherwise be misrepresented or misplaced because the dependency system is just so impacted. #MakeADifference #BeTheOne #BeTheChange

CASA volunteers are instrumental in guiding the outcomes of their youth. Here is a simple example of how seriously their work is taken: The judge always asks for the CASA volunteer’s input and I know it’s taken seriously. #MakeADifference #MakeAnEffort #MakeAChange #CASAsChangeLives

Here is a quote from one of our superhero volunteers: But here’s the upside. You are the only person who is guaranteed to be with your foster child from the time you start until the case is closed. My current CASA child has several social workers, sometimes changing monthly. Somebody who is consistent has so much to offer. It is so important, and there is nothing quite like knowing that you helped a child through one of the most confusing and lonely times in their life. #thereisalwaysanupside #theupside #fosterchild

It’s Halloween week and we know a lot of superheroes who don’t wear capes. CASA volunteers look like ordinary people, but the work they do is extraordinary. Here is an example from a former foster youth: He would do things with me like take me out to eat or take me to the movies. I know this seems like normal stuff but it was completely missing from my life once I entered foster care. #Halloween #happyhalloween #dressup #superhero

Both girls go to an after school program and they love when I pick them up early to take them home. We make stops so it often takes a couple of hours. One day we went to Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, and the park. We never stopped smiling. #afterschool #afterschoolprogram #specialtreats

My current CASA child is in a great home where she is going to be adopted. I know she is doing well because recently she was riding with me in the car and she saw an airplane. She pointed it out to me, smiled and watched it. That was the first time I’d ever seen her relaxed and enjoying things like a child should. I know it seems simple but that is why it is so impactfulfoster children have had so much hardship and uncertainty in their lives, they truly forget how to just be a kid. #CASAchild #CASAkids #CASAvolunteer #adoption

We constantly recruit for CASA volunteers of diverse backgrounds. The value of that is perfectly illustrated below: I felt called to serve someone very similar to me. I chose a female teenager who also had a Latino background. We found that we had a lot in common right away. Not only did we come from similar backgrounds, we both liked being out and about, we liked similar music and dancing, and spending some of our free time watching shows on Netflix. #netflix #latinobackground #latino #commongrounds

We have fallen into a bit of a rut of getting something to eat and then playing some pool . It’s been a good rut, actually. We discovered we are both very bad at pool. I think this is for the best we can tease each other about all the missed shots. Most of our games end with one of us scratching rather than either of us clearing the table, but I do like to think we’re getting better. #qualitytime #timewellspent #makeaneffort

When she was placed locally, we went to story time every week at the library . She was shy at first and then one week she burst out into song and dance. It was so great to see her open up that way and come out of her shell. She loves puzzles and books and is just fascinated with the library. I want to give her as many early preschool experiences as I can because she starts kindergarten next year. #storytime #library #librarybooks

THANK YOU SO MUCH! We felt the love on Friday night and wanted to share a quick update with you. https://vimeo.com/470021808 We had a goal of $25,000 and we are so close, as you can see in the video....$23,000. If you can help make a difference in a child's life please donate here! https://casaplacer.org Sending thanks and love to all of our supporters! ... #CAPC See more

We can’t wait until we hear about these types of experiences again. Going to sporting events together is a common way our CASAs and their CASA kiddos used to connect with one another. He had no idea how baseball worked so I was trying to explain all the rules to him first. Then we went and got cotton candy and popcorn. I’ll never forget him sitting in his seat, eating cotton candy, and with a big smile exclaiming, ‘I feel like a king.’ It was a bittersweet experience to see him so happy to experience a baseball game and cotton candy because for most kids, stuff like that is commonplace. #baseball #qualitytime #timewellspent

Thank you to all who came out and supported us virtually on Friday night! We had a lot of fun and raised $23K towards our goal of $35K through Fund A Need! There is still time to donate if you missed the show. Visit casaplacer.org and hit the big red donate button on the upper right side. Mention GALA 2020 in the "gifts note" We learned there is a lot that goes into producing a live show. Here are some photos of "where the magic" happened. A big shout out to Melanie Hunter as a fabulous emcee and to Keith McLane for helping us raise the money. Watch for more pictures and video over the coming days. Thank you! #CAPC