February, 2010
You're Invited!
CASA's Promise of Hope Luncheon
Thursday, April 8, 2010
12:00 Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Ritz Charles in Overland Park
No Cost to Attend
CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties is planning our 7th Annual Promise of Hope Luncheon and we hope you'll join us for this important event!
The Promise of Hope is held in recognition of April's designation as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The inspirational program encourages community involvement and brings attention to the needs of abused children and those in foster care.
Featured speaker for the event is Troy Mire, a counseling professional and expert on child abuse. With 20 years experience, Troy will share stories focused on the hope and safety CASA volunteers provide for children in the court system. A resident of Louisiana during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Troy's message entitled, "Safety from the Hurricanes of the Soul" will parallel the feelings, challenges and unique needs the victims of natural and personal disasters face and how the hope extended to victims by volunteers can alter the outcome.
Guests will also enjoy a visual presentation and take part in a candle lighting honoring local children. Emcee for the event is Christa Dubill, morning anchor of NBC Action News. The Promise of Hope is free for all attendees; however, guests will have the opportunity to contribute financially in support of CASA children. To RSVP, contact alyssa.perbeck@jocogov.org.
We need Table Captains for this event! If you would like to host a table of 8, please contact Alyssa Perbeck at 913.715.4035, or alyssa.perbeck@jocogov.org for more information. Visit the agency website at www.casajwc.org.
CASA Friends...
February 10th is just around the corner!
There is still time to RSVP for the Friends of CASA Celebration Event! Join CASA as we launch the Friends of CASA auxiliary in celebration of 25 years of service to children. The event is free and there is no requirement to join.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; program at 6:00 p.m.
The Jewish Community Center
Galleria Area/Mac Room (Theatre Entrance)
5801 W. 115th Street (115th & Nall)
Overland Park, KS 66211
Come and invite your friends! To RSVP or with questions contact Alyssa Perbeck at 913.715.4035 or visit our website.
The CASA community is saddened by the death of Dr. Jeffrey Montolio on January 19, 2010. Dr. Montolio was the educational consultant for CASA's Family Ties program for 19 years. Under his guidance and expertise, 804 children were able to have safe and supportive visits with their parents, and hundreds of parents were given new insights and tools that contributed to safer, more positive lives for their children.
Both professionally and personally, Dr. Montolio touched others with his kindness and compassion. We are thankful to have been his friends and colleagues. At his family's request, CASA has established the Montolio Family Fund. Donations to the fund may be made at www.casajwc.org.
Conversation With CASA
A Lunch & Learn Opportunity
You're invited to attend a Conversation with CASA, a lunch & learn opportunity.
CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties offers a monthly informational session to educate the community on CASA programs for children. An orientation, the event provides potential volunteers, friends, donors and others with a deeper understanding of CASA and our mission of advocating for abused and neglected children. Each session provides an opportunity for guests to meet with CASA staff, volunteers and others who are committed to making a difference in a child's life.
The one-hour program includes:
- CASA's mission and history
- Local child abuse statistics
- CASA program information and the role of volunteers
- Agency outcomes and vision
- A story from an active CASA advocate
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Schedule: February 11th and May 13th
Noon to 1:00 p.m. Schedule: March 11th, April 8th and June 10th
These events are free and a light meal is provided. Feel free to invite a friend.
Please RSVP to Eileen Hainline. All sessions are held on Thursdays at CASA:
6901 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 112
Overland Park, KS 66202
Volunteer Spotlight: Marlene Calaway
Marlene Calaway completed her pre-service training in October 2008 and was assigned to her first case in January 2009. Like many volunteers, Marlene was encouraged to volunteer for CASA by a close friend who is involved with CASA in another state. She chose CASA because she wanted to dedicate her time to make a real difference in the lives of children.
Marlene is currently advocating for a young child and she enjoys it when he greets her with a smile. Marlene stated, "Children are entitled to love, nurturing, security, safety, structure, education, and health care, and, as a CASA volunteer, I hope to ensure that happens one child at a time."
Thank you, Marlene, for standing up for children.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer please contact Nina Kimbrough-Smith at 913.715.4042 or visit our website www.casajwc.org for more information.
Birthday-In-Box for CASA Children
CASA has come up with a wonderful idea! We have decided to make "Birthday Boxes" for CASA children who are in foster care living outside their homes. Frequently these children get left out on important days like birthdays. The birthday boxes will be filled with such things as streamers, napkins, paper plates, party hats, balloons, a birthday card, gift cards for pizza and cake, and a birthday gift. Every child should know how much fun it is to have a birthday party and CASA is very excited about the idea of creating a "birthday party in a box" for children to have something to celebrate!
Birthday girl Reagan Sterner, age 7, (pictured below with mom and sister) had children bring teddy bears for CASA children to her birthday party. These will make a great addition to our birthday boxes. Thank you Reagan!
WISH LIST ITEMS FOR BIRTHDAY BOXES: Paper Plates, Cups, Streamers, Party Favors, and Gift Cards for Pizza and Cake.
* If you would like to make a donation and help us fill our birthday boxes, please contact Nina Kimbrough-Smith at 913.715.4042.
FosterClub All-Stars Applications Due Soon
In April, 12 former or transitioning foster youth will be selected to serve as FosterClub All-Stars. This is a one-year internship from June 2010 until June 2011. They will attend an intensive leadership and public speaking training session this summer at the FosterClub headquarters in Seaside, Oregon before traveling to youth conferences to inspire younger peers still in the foster care system. In addition, the All-Stars will raise awareness about the half million young people currently in foster care and the 26,000 who age out every year.
For more information, go to FosterClub or contact Lupe Tovar. Applications are due by February 15, 2010.
|
2010 |
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| Event | Date & Time | Location | Description |
| Conversation With CASA |
Feb. 11th |
CASA Office | An informational session to provide community with better understanding of CASA's mission. Click here to RSVP. |
| Monthly Discussion Groups for CASA Volunteers | |||
| EVENING Coffee Shop Discussion |
Feb. 8th 5:30 - 7:00 pm |
CASA Office | Discuss individual CASA cases; assess successful techniques and learn from mistakes. Click here to RSVP. |
| DAY TIME Coffee Shop Discussion |
Feb. 24th 9:30 - 11:00 am |
CASA Office | Discuss individual CASA cases; assess successful techniques and learn from mistakes. Click here to RSVP. |
| Volunteer Training |
Mar. 29th DayTime
Mar. 30th Evening |
CASA Office | All Current Volunteers can attend to earn Continuing Education Hours. Schedule will be sent at a later date. |
CASA offers this free monthly e-newsletter to keep friends up-to-date with success stories, events, volunteer opportunities and progress. Feel free to forward this information to other interested people.
In This Issue
News for CASA Volunteers
Make a Life Long
Difference for a Child.
Visit our Website:
www.casajwc.org
Thank You!
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