The CASA Program of St. Joseph County
The Advocate
3rd Quarter 2023
CASA Demographics to date for 2023:
- Number of Children Served to Date: 626
- Number of Children on the Waiting List: 35
- Number of CASA Staff Full-Time: 16
- Number of CASA Staff Part-Time: 3
- Number of Active Volunteers to Date: 101
CASA Makes a Difference
Congratulations CASA Summer Training Graduates!
Congratulations CASA Summer Training Graduates!
Come join us this fall! Sign up for Pre-Service Training and learn what it takes to become an advocate for children in the child welfare system. Make a difference in your community and change the lives of children who need a voice.
To fill out a volunteer application visit:
https://in-stjoseph.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication
Bianca
Bianca graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She worked in Florida at an emergency shelter for children in foster care for almost 7 years.
She moved to Indiana in 2021 and worked for Youth Service Bureau (YSB) where she taught various types of skills to elementary students. Bianca’s passion is advocating for children and being the voice that they need.
When Bianca is not advocating for children in the community, she is cheering on her own kids in their various sporting events. She also enjoys traveling and being outdoors with her family.
Bianca looks forward to making a difference in the lives of the children that the CASA program serves.
Please help us welcome our newest Staff Advocate, Bianca!
New Staff Advocate!
I had known about CASA for years while working at the JJC with a juvenile program and had engaged with CASA volunteers while working at a foster care agency. I always found the CASA staff and volunteers to be kind, dedicated people, and had the utmost respect for them. It was an easy choice to come work for the CASA program!
Meeting volunteers, hearing their individual stories, and watching them use their unique strengths and capabilities for the good of our local children. It is always good to see that you had a part in a child obtaining safe and healthy permanency, whether it is reunification with their family or alternatives like a guardianship or adoption.
Never feel as though your contribution is too small. Sometimes it is not seen immediately, but it can be felt for years to come. To those still debating on volunteering, if you don't do it, who will?
Staff Supervisor Kim M.
Staff Supervisor Kim M.
Staff Spotlight:
Staff Spotlight:
Sally S.
Sally S.
recently took on a difficult case and has been a great advocate for the child while she is learning the new case and everything that goes with it. Great work, Sally!
9 YEARS
of Service
Joy W.
Joy W.
just closed her 10th case and is already waiting to be appointed to a new case! Joy has been a CASA volunteer for 9 years and has helped many children! We're grateful for you, Joy!
Kudos to who will drive to the end of the earth to meet with is CASA kiddo. Thank you for tirelessly advocating for the children in our community!
Dale S.
Dale S.
Suzanne W.
Suzanne W.
received her first case in May. She jumped right in and has been diligently adding detailed contact logs into Optima! Great job, Suzanne!
superstar
Jenny M.
Jenny M.
was sworn in with the winter class and jumped right into her case! She has done such a great job seeing her children monthly and advocating for their best interests. Thanks for all you do, Jenny!
Barb R.
Barb R.
had a tough permanency hearing this past month. She worked so hard perfecting her court report and did an amazing job advocating for her kids in the hearing! Amazing job, Barb!
Kudos to
who is fresh out of training and hit the ground running! She helped preserve a placement and truly has the children's best interest at heart! We are so grateful for you!
Valerie V.
Valerie V.
News
News
South Bend Community Schools Require Clear Backpacks and Lunchboxes for 2023-2024 School Year
these
back
to
school
events
are
GIVING
AWAY
CLEAR
BACKPACKS!
more resources for back to school supplies!
The Christ Child Society Clothing Center in Town and Country Shopping Center will open on August 9 at 8:30 AM. New clothing is available for children from birth to 14 years who are eligible for free school lunch. Each child receives a winter coat, jeans, leggings or joggers, shirts, underwear, socks and athletic shoes, as well as gently used clothing, dental supplies and a book.
The Clothing Center will be open every Wednesday through mid-December, plus six Sunday afternoons and ten Thursday evenings. If you know of a child who could benefit from these services, a referral from a local agency or child’s school is required. For a schedule and a list of referral agencies, go to www.christchildsb.org.
join
us
for
these
free
fun
community
events!
You may have noticed our Facebook page has been inactive. Our program is diligently working with Facebook in efforts to get our page up and running again.
In the meantime, keep up with program news by following our Twitter account!
@CASAofSJC
CASA Volunteer Focus Group
We are looking for CASA volunteers who are willing to attend a focus group to discuss their ideas for improving the program.
- What works?
- What strategies need tweaking?
- Where are the best places to recruit?
If you are interested in attending a focus group, please fill out the survey and let us know your availability.
Continuing Education Hours
CASA Volunteers and Staff are required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year.
**This includes volunteers who have taken a break and are not actively working a case!**
CASA Volunteers and Staff are required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year.
**This includes volunteers who have taken a break and are not actively working a case!**
You may accumulate and log over 12 hours per year.
You may accumulate and log over 12 hours per year.
In-service trainings held by the CASA office in person, or offered via video
Indiana State CASA Webinars.
The CASA Office has a catalog!
Up to 3 hours per book read
Plus 1 hour for attending CASA Book Club Meetings!
Please use at least 3 different methods to complete your 12 hours
Attending the State or National CASA Conferences
Up to 6 hours per year
watching movies/
documentaries or TV series approved by your supervisor
Some College Courses
Any training/webinar that pertains to your work as a CASA volunteer approved by your supervisor or sent out by the CASA office
What to watch:
The Crime of the Century - Max (HBO)
have you ever wondered how millions of americans became addicted to opioids?
or how our country fell into this opioid epidemic so quickly?
You may be surprised at the answers.
have you ever wondered how millions of americans became addicted to opioids?
or how our country fell into this opioid epidemic so quickly?
You may be surprised at the answers.
Dave Pelzer Series:
A Child Called "It":
As a child, Dave was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous games--games that left him, Dave, nearly dead. With only his willpower to survive, Dave learned how to play his Mother's sinister games in order to survive because she no longer considered Dave a son but a slave, and no longer a boy but an "It."
The Lost Boy:
Having been subjected to years of extreme physical and psychological suffering, Dave fights for a stable setting, but finds himself moving in and out of five different homes, while continuing the fight to cope with his past. Throughout Dave's journey, social service personnel, educators, counselors, and foster parents give their all to ensure Dave's well-being and protection from his vindictive mother, who, at one point, wishes to have Dave committed to a mental institution.
A Man Named Dave:
With stunning generosity of spirit, Dave invites his readers on his journey to discover how he turned shame into pride and rejection into
acceptance--how a lost, nameless boy finally found himself in the heart and soul of a man who is free at last.
The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story:
With his usual sensitivity and insight, he recounts the relentless taunting he endured from bullies; but he also describes the joys of learning and the thrill of making his first real friends - some of whom he still shares close relationships with today.
He writes about the simple pleasures of exploring a neighborhood he was just beginning to get to know . . .The Privilege of Youth, A Story of Longing for Acceptance and Friendship.
What To Read
Next Meeting:
When: October 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Where: South Bend Chocolate Café Downtown South Bend
Have you ever wondered "Why did I do that?" or "Why can't I just control my behavior?" Others may judge our reactions and think, "What's wrong with that person?" When questioning our emotions, it's easy to place the blame on ourselves; holding ourselves and those around us to an impossible standard. It's time we started asking a different question.
Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
Here, Winfrey shares stories from her own past, understanding through experience the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity at a young age. In conversation throughout the book, she and Dr. Perry focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma, and it’s one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future—opening the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way.
Please join us and bring a friend! This event is open to both CASA Volunteers and those interested in learning more about the program!
7/16
Shelby P.
7/17
Denise R.
7/20
Mike P.
7/24
Tony C.
7/27
Alexis S.
7/28
Mark M.
7/1
Greg D.
7/3
Brenda C.
7/6
Ruth N.
7/8
Lety S-V.
7/10
Cindi F.
7/10
Chris G.
July
volunteer
8/5
Kelly R.
8/5
Gail W.
8/5
Lou Ann W.
8/10
Pam W.
8/13
Debbie B.
8/16
Bob M.
Birthdays
August
8/17
Jessica C.
8/23
Chris G.
8/29
Stacy W.
8/30
Colleen V.
8/31
Ashley O.
9/1
Suzanne W.
9/3
Heather C.
9/5
Marilou V.
9/16
Kelly T-F.
9/18
Donna R.
September
9/20
Cathi G.
9/24
Josh W.
9/26
Tara V.
9/29
Preston C.
Volunteer Anniversaries
Volunteer Anniversaries
August
August
1 year
- Tony C.
- Gina D.
- Ashley O.
- Alexis S.
- Tara V.
2 years
- Cathi G.
1 year
- Tony C.
- Gina D.
- Ashley O.
- Alexis S.
- Tara V.
2 years
- Cathi G.
3 years
- Hope E.
4 years
- Julie A.
9 years
- Jon P.
- Sue S.
- Sally S.
3 years
- Hope E.
4 years
- Julie A.
9 years
- Jon P.
- Sue S.
- Sally S.
Staff Birthdays
July
Brenda M. - 7/13
Bianca P. - 7/25
August
Kay H. - 8/31
September
Julie S. - 9/30
Staff anniversaries
August
September
1 year
cyrena w. - 8/15
2 years
katie b. - 8/16
2 years
Ann Y. - 8/13
Tameria M. - 8/13
Amanda b. - 8/27
2023 Holiday Schedule
The CASA Office will be closed on the following date(s):
- September 4, 2023, for Labor Day
"September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Throughout the month of September, NAMI will highlight the “Together for Mental Health,” campaign which encourages people to bring their voices together to advocate for better mental health care, including an effective crisis response system. After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 is now available nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises — a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, no matter where they live."
To learn more visit : https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)
Thank you for your continued support of the CASA Program of St. Joseph County!
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Contact us
By Phone:
574-233-CASA (2272)
By Email: casa@jjconline.org
