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News Stories for CASA of Santa Cruz County |
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| Date | Source/Link | Story |
| April 2012 | Santa Cruz Sentinel | Aptos Academy sixth-graders help their fellow students Posted: 04/08/2012 01:30:30 AM PDT The Aptos Academy sixth-grade class found a sweet way to give back by selling homemade fudge to support children of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County. Nathan Amaris, Benjamin Giessow, Elana Marquez, Raquel Bengard, Grace Rothman, Benjamin Eissmann, Alexandra Browning, William Bortin and Daniel Fitch raised $409 for CASA kids and awarded CASA executive director Cynthia Druley with a check on March 21. Aptos Academy in 2010 began working with some children in foster care, offering them school spots for a year. The kids benefitted from the school's services and are still attending. The school is seeking donations that will help them continue to give full scholarships to disadvantaged children and children in foster care. Visit www.aptosacademy.org. |
| February 2012 | Santa Cruz Sentinel | Court Appointed Special Advocates change the lives of children in foster care By DONNA JONES -- Santa Cruz Sentinel Posted: 02/09/2012 05:43:22 PM PST APTOS - Michelle Pacheco-Espinoza was understandably skeptical when Lynne Alper pulled up in her red pickup truck. The then 12-year-old had been removed from her mother's custody for the second time in as many years, and this time, there was no going back. Alper was a new volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates - better known as CASA of Santa Cruz County. The nonprofit provides children taken from abusive or neglectful families with a steady adult presence while they navigate the foster care system. Alper had made a commitment to serve as Pacheco-Espinoza's advocate. But Pacheco-Espinoza's experience with adults led her to believe they were anything but reliable. As she said goodbye to Alper after that first walk at Natural Bridges State Park, she didn't know if she'd ever see her again. "But she kept coming back, every week," said Pacheco-Espinoza, now 25 and just a few months from a graduation ceremony at Cal State Monterey Bay. Alper's still coming back, 13 years later. Espinoza-Pacheco said she doesn't know where she'd be if it hadn't been for Alper, maybe homeless, maybe with a child born out of wedlock. "I don't think I'd be at this place," said Espinoza-Pacheco, who plans to apply for graduate school to earn a master's degree in social work. Alper said she couldn't have guessed where the relationship would lead at that first meeting. But Alper's been there for Pacheco-Espinoza in good times and bad, from the disappointment of a potential adoption that fell through to the news that she had won a $10,000 national Horatio Alger scholarship. Alper pushed her to get an education, and continues to encourage her with frequent text messages filled, Espinoza-Pacheco said, with reminders to "eat well" and "lots of love." "It really can become something for life," Alper said. "I don't think we had a clue." During the past 20 years, CASA has served some 1,500 children. Development Director Linda Bixby said the organization matches 200 children with advocates annually. Advocates are asked to make a commitment to stay with a child for the length of their foster care placement, which is generally about two years, she said. Currently, there's a shortage of trained advocates, and 33 children are on a waiting list. Advocates and staff said the openings provide the opportunity to make a difference in a young person's life. Charmaine Jacques spent her childhood in foster care from the time she was 3. Now she's an advocate. "I wish I had one of me back then," she said, "Someone to be the one person throughout all the craziness." How to help CASA of Santa Cruz County WHAT: Support children in foster care HOW: Spend 3-5 hours a week offering a child friendship, experience, advocacy WHEN: Orientations held monthly at North and South County locations DETAILS: 761-2956 or www.casaofsantacruz.org |
| December 2011 | Times Publishing Group | HOLIDAY CHEER FOR CASA CHILDREN FROM CAL GIANT EMPLOYEES A festive party will bring holiday joy to the children served by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) thanks to the employees of California Giant Berry Farms. Each December CASA hosts a holiday party for the children and their adult CASA Advocates. For the second year in a row California Giant Berry Farms employees are sponsoring the party, providing funding for the supplies, decorations, crafts, food and beverages for a wonderful and carefree day of play. “Our company holds fundraisers throughout the year to support important causes in our community,” says Cal Giant’s Cindy Jewell. “This is just one of the ways our employees can give back, and we are especially happy to help support the children and volunteers of CASA.” The children will decorate home-baked cookies with heaps of frosting and sprinkles, and enjoy a variety of other fun activities and crafts. To help them understand the joy of giving, the children will decorate picture frames to hold photographs taken of them by CASA staff to give as gifts to the important people in their lives. “The employees of California Giant Berry Farms have been incredibly generous to CASA and our children,” says Lonnie Truax, President of the CASA Board of Directors. “We could not do what we do without the vital financial support of our caring community here in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley.” The children served by CASA are in the foster care system because they have experienced abuse or neglect in their family homes. A judge appoints a trained CASA volunteer to speak up for the child’s best interests in court, at school and in the community, and to serve as a caring, steady presence in the child’s life until a safe and permanent home can be found. Next year will mark CASA’s 20th anniversary in Santa Cruz County. Since 1992, CASA volunteers have brought support and mentorship to more than 1,500 children in the foster care system. |
| 11/05/2011
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Register-Pajaronian click here to see the full article (as a pdf) |
"Chamber names award recipients" Posted: Saturday, Nov 5th, 2011 BY: TODD GUILD "The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture on Friday announced its 2011 man, woman, event, organization and business of the year. For the annual award, the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce chooses individuals, organizations and events that “enhance the community’s quality of life, economic vitality and image,” according to the chamber. “Basically, these people have been in the community for a very long time,” said operations manager Diane Rossi. Diane Severin was named Woman of the Year, Gary Smith was Man of the Year, Taylor's Office City was Business of the Year, Watsonville Relay for Life was Event of the Year, Court Appointed Special Advocates was Organization of the Year and Rhea DeHart was announced as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award." See the web site of the PAJARO VALLEY CHAMBER of Commerce and Agriculture or click here to see the full article (as a pdf). |
| 10/09/2011
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Santa Cruz Sentinel | Santa Cruz nonprofit provides furniture for those in need By JOHN SAMMON Posted: 10/09/2011 01:30:21 AM PDT SANTA CRUZ -- You can often see the joy in the eyes of people after they receive a gift of needed furniture for their family. "They're so thankful, there are tears in their eyes because they didn't realize we existed," said Larry Markey, director of Furniture for Families. "There's no better feeling than helping someone." Furniture for Families is a part of CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates. The nonprofit that supplies court-appointed volunteer advocates who help abused and neglected children. Volunteers act as mentors and friends to children placed in foster care, taking them on outings, representing them in their schools and through the court system. Markey, 67, a resident of Corralitos and a retired home inspector, originally volunteered as a CASA advocate. Three years ago when Furniture for Families Director Melanie Larson departed, Markey took the helm. "We provide furniture for those in need," he said. "Donations of furniture come from local residents, businesses, UC Santa Cruz and stores in the area." Markey said donated items need to be in good condition and those being sought include beds, chests of drawers, kitchen items, sofas, dressers, strollers, bicycles, pots and pans, children's books, anything useful for the house. "We don't take fancy armoires or king-sized beds because they're too hard for people to handle and transport," Markey said. Markey said families in need are often single moms with children, but also include the elderly, former homeless getting back into new lodgings and veterans. "In a typical week we provide furniture for maybe 25 families," he explained. "We especially help people in need where children are involved and the parents want a good home for the kids." A box of toys at the warehouse is provided for children, whose parents often bring them along as they look for needed items. Markey said the organization deals with many social service agencies and homeless organizations in the community, including the County Adult Mental Health Department, Salvation Army, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, veterans' organizations and others. With the arrival of hard economic times, the agency is seeing more furniture going out than coming in because people are not discarding as much old furniture. "People are struggling, they're not remodeling and getting rid of stuff," Markey said. He said the organization needs people to bring furniture they want to discard to the Furniture for Families facility in the Western Storage Warehouse at 2809 Mission St. in Santa Cruz. "We're trying to get people to bring things to us," he said. "What we really need is a volunteer with a truck who can pick up donated furniture." The nonprofit has five volunteers including Doug Newsom of Corralitos, who puts in a lot of time, Markey said. "We'd love to have new volunteers, anybody with a strong back," he said. "But people who can't lift can help too, for example, sorting through clothing. Anyone who donates gets a tax donation receipt." Visit CASA's Furniture for Families page for more information. |
| August 2011 | Times Publishing Group | CASA KIDS IN THE SWIM Anonymous donor funds swim lessons at YMCA Children in foster care often miss out on simple things other kids take for granted. Carefree summer days, learning to swim; these can be rare for children in abusive or neglectful homes. When a child enters the court’s dependency system, the first priority is to see to his or her immediate physical and emotional needs. The volunteer Advocates of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) assist the county’s child welfare professionals in ensuring these needs are met. But CASA Advocates also help children discover some of the simple joys of childhood. Thanks to an anonymous donor, CASA has partnered with the Watsonville YMCA to provide CASA children with swimming lessons at reduced prices this summer. So far twelve young swimmers ages 4-13 have been signed up by their CASA volunteers to take advantage of the lessons. “A partnership between CASA and the YMCA is the right thing to do,“ says YMCA Branch Director Robert Wollenzien. “Anything we can do to help get children in the program and help them learn to swim is a good thing for our community.” The YMCA swimming lessons are held twice a week for four weeks, and accommodate children from beginner to intermediate levels. CASA Program Manager Charles Lerner acknowledged the many benefits when a child learns to swim. “It’s not only fun but it is a confidence-building skill that will enrich and hopefully empower these children for life.” Lerner said that although CASA’s children are from Santa Cruz County, some have never been to the beach. “It’s hard to believe, but some of the children we serve have never eaten a meal in a restaurant or been inside a movie theater until meeting their CASA Advocate,“ Lerner says. He said one 8 year-old had to be taught how to make a wish and blow out the candles on his birthday cake, the first cake — and the first birthday party — he’d ever had. “Imagine how life-changing it can be for a child to learn to swim,” Lerner said. “We are very grateful both to the YMCA and to our generous donor for making this possible for our children.” |
| 08/03/2011 | Internal CASA Press Release | “Bay Federal Credit Union Employees Round Up Cuddly Friends for CASA Children” Comfort comes in all shapes and sizes. Thanks to the folks at Bay Federal, children served by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) can pick out a cuddly stuffed animal from more than 100 new plush toys collected during a recent employee drive. CASA volunteers serve children who have been removed from their family homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. As dependents of the courts, many of CASA’s children must attend courtroom hearings, a scary experience for anyone but especially for a child. To make it a bit easier, CASA teamed up with the generous staff at Bay Federal Credit Union to collect new stuffed animals during the month of June to comfort the children when they attend court. "When a child has a toy to hold, even the scariest moments are less frightening," said Mariela Escarcega, Service Manager at Bay Federal Credit Union's Freedom Branch. "It feels good to know that we're making the lives of CASA kids just a little bit better." CASA trains ordinary men and women to serve as mentors and Advocates for children in the county’s foster care system. CASA volunteers become sworn officers of the court, working with judges, social workers, attorneys, teachers, health professionals and others to ensure each child receives the resources he or she needs while in the foster care system and beyond. For information about CASA call Danielle Moreno, 761-2956 ext 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org. |
| 04/10/2011
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Santa Cruz Sentinel | Ken Goldstein: Working toward a safe world for children Posted: 04/10/2011 01:30:09 AM PDT Ken Goldstein April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. People and organizations dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse will be working hard to raise awareness of this heartbreaking and complicated issue. Child abuse occurs everywhere; it does not discriminate by race, religion, or economic status. No community is immune, but by increasing our awareness of the factors that contribute to the abuse and neglect of children, each of us can play a part in helping to end it. Abuse takes many forms, from physical or sexual abuse to emotional abuse, severe neglect, and abandonment. Research into the causes of child abuse reveals a tragic cycle. Not surprisingly, most abusers have been victims of abuse themselves. The stresses of poverty, untreated mental illness, and drug and alcohol addiction are common factors leading to the disintegration of safe and functional families. But the cycle can be broken. Through intervention and services, families can be safely reunited. With caring guidance and support, children who have experienced abuse can learn to trust, to love, to regain self-esteem and grow into healthy adults who can bring the familial cycle to an end. CASA -- Court Appointed Special Advocates -- has been providing this kind of support to children in our community for nearly 20 years, offering them the caring friendship and powerful advocacy of trained, professionally-supervised volunteers. For children who have been moved through the foster care system -- often through multiple homes and schools -- the CASA volunteer is often the person with whom they share the longest and strongest relationship during their time in the dependency system and beyond. A CASA volunteer lifts up the voice of the child in court, at school, and in the community to ensure that the right support and services are provided. Children with a CASA advocate are less likely to return to the dependency system, are able to access more of the services they need to heal, and are proven to more quickly find permanency with adult guardians or parents who are able to support and guide them as they move into adulthood. Our community shares a responsibility to help prevent the tragedy of child abuse and its heartrending and costly consequences. What can you do? Check with local schools and child-serving organizations like CASA for volunteer opportunities to work with children and serve as a positive role model. Let your elected representatives know that funding for services that help keep children safe are even more of a priority now, during times of economic stress, when overburdened families are at the breaking point. We need to ensure that families have access to quality child care, affordable health services, parenting education and support, substance abuse treatment, and mental health programs. Together, we can make progress toward being a community whose values are visible in the safety, happiness, and health of our children, not just in April, but every day of the year. Ken Goldstein is the executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County CASA. CASA, founded in 1992, is a child's voice in dependency court, providing advocacy, stability, and hope to children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Visit casaofsantacruz.org for more information. |
| 04/03/2011
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Santa Cruz Sentinel | Awards honor efforts in support of foster children Sentinel staff report Posted: 04/03/2011 01:30:26 AM PDT WATSONVILLE -- CASA of Santa Cruz County will present its 2011 Community Awards at a reception April 13. The awards recognize people and organizations that have taken special steps to support children in foster care. This year's honorees:
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| 03/20/2011
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Santa Cruz Sentinel | New CASA advocates sworn in, ready to serve Sentinel staff report Posted: 03/20/2011 01:30:10 AM PDT Judge Denine Guy swore in 24 community members last week as Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteers who can now be assigned to children in the county's foster-care system currently on a waiting list for an advocate. The nonprofit CASA serves close to 200 abused and neglected county children, matching them with advocates to help ensure the children's emotional, physical and educational needs are met during their time in the dependency system. To learn more, visit www.casaofsantacruz.org. |
| 03/15/2011
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Aptos Times | New CASA Advocates sworn in and ready to serve (The following article and image are from the Aptos Times, March 15 2011, Vol. 20 No 6) Judge Denine Guy swore in twenty-four community members who recently completed five weeks of rigorous CASA training as Court Appointed Special Advocates on March 8. Each can now be assigned to one of the children in the foster care system currently on CASA's waiting list for an advocate. CASA's trained volunteers help support and speak up for children to ensure their emotional, physical and educational needs are met during their time in the dependency system.  BACK ROW (from left): Darcee Taylor, Lorraine Jacobs, Maggie Poffenbarger, Kimberly Gire, Ken Goldstein, Hon. Denine Guy, Betty Wilkinson, Georgia Leung, Melissa Edwards, Gail Wingert, Colleen Nicholson, Brenda Large, Elise d'Hauthuille, Neal Bedard and Rick Polse. FRONT ROW (from left): Darcee Taylor, Beth Vogl, Valri Peyser, Patrick Dwire, Chris Cohen, Madison Powers, Esther Witmer Sims, Noelle Wirth, Garrett Watson, Lynn Barry, Ken Mower (Missing from photo: Heather Mietz Egli). As many as 250 local children each year live in the Santa Cruz County foster care system because of parental abuse or neglect. Each day they face uncertainty and trauma, their lives a sea of ever-changing professionals who –although wellmeaning- are nonetheless strangers; police, social workers, foster parents, therapists, judges, lawyers and many others. This is where CASA steps in. For more than 180 of these children each year, there is one person consistently there for them, one person whose reassuring presence and focus does not change; their volunteer CASA Advocate. To learn more visit www.casaofsantacruz.org |
| 02/17/2011
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Internal CASA Memo |
For Immediate Release
"CASA names Hilary Bryant Honorary Chair of Team CASA in the Big Sur Marathon" Bryant joins recruitment push for annual CASA fundraising walk. Each year Court Appointed Special Advocates asks a member of the community to serve as the inspirational leader for the more than 100 community members who run or walk in events at the Big Sur International Marathon under the Team CASA banner. CASA's choice for Honorary Chair of Team CASA 2011 is Hilary Bryant, a member of the Santa Cruz City Council and a dedicated surfer, triathlete and active member of the community. Bryant regularly runs in the BSIM as part of a five-member relay team. "I appreciate the honor and look forward to joining Team CASA for this wonderful annual event," Bryant said. I urge everyone who loves to walk or run to join me in supporting CASA and its work for the children of our community," she said. Team CASA raises much-needed funds to help CASA train volunteers who provide friendship and support to local children in the foster care system. The children CASA serves have been removed from their family homes because of abuse or neglect, and their CASA volunteers are often the only consistent guiding presence in their lives during their difficult time in the foster care system. Team CASA needs walkers who would like to participate in either a 9-mile or 10.6-mile walk , and there are a few spots left on several relay teams. The Big Sur International Marathon is one of the top ten marathons in the world. This year's event takes place on May 1, 2011. Visit www.casaofsantacruz.org, call CASA at 761-2956 or e-mail Danielle@casaofsantacruz.org for information on how to join Team CASA 2011. |
| 01/13/2011
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Santa Cruz Sentinel |
UCSC grad and nonprofit veteran replaces retiring CASA leader - Sentinel staff report Posted: 01/13/2011 01:30:30 AM PST WATSONVILLE -- Ken Goldstein will bring a wealth of experience as a leader in the nonprofit community and a volunteer working with youth to his new job as executive director of CASA of Santa Cruz County. Goldstein replaces Nancy Sherrod, who has led the nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children placed in foster care for the past six years. Goldstein, who earned his bachelor's degree in politics at UC Santa Cruz, has served in senior management positions or as a consultant to nonprofits working on issues ranging from preventing domestic violence to supporting low-income families. He is a former board member for Future Families, a San Jose adoption agency, and has volunteered as a tutor to at-risk youth in public housing. He has taught nonprofit fund development and management workshops through the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. Goldstein holds a master's degree in public policy and administration from Sacramento State University. Sherrod, who is retiring, is credited with leading CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, during a period of major growth, including a successful capital campaign that led to a permanent home for the nonprofit in the new Mary and Richard Solari House on Freedom Boulevard. |
| 12/25/2010
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CASA Gets New Casa and Grant-Funded Case Supervisor Court Appointed Special Advocates program mobilizes volunteers to help kids in foster care. By Barbara S F Davis It's been a banner year for CASA of Santa Cruz County. The Court Appointed Special Advocates program, a nonprofit that pairs adult volunteers with children who are involved in the court system because of their parents or caregivers, won a prestigious grant and also moved into its "dream house" in 2010. "This is huge for us," said Danielle Moreno, outreach coordinator for CASA of Santa Cruz County. "We will now be able to serve more children who are in foster care through no fault of their own." Thanks to a prestigious grant, CASA has been able to hire a fifth case supervisor and reduce the list of children waiting for a CASA advocate. The nonprofit won one of 40 "expansion grants" awarded by the National CASA Association of 900 independent CASA organizations this year. As a result, Lois Keiser, a former social worker in Vermont with 20 years experience, joined the CASA team as the older youth specialist. Keiser and four other case supervisors train and support more than 160 volunteers annually. Keiser's addition to the staff will allow the nonprofit to serve more than 200 children next year, according to CASA Executive Director Nancy Sherrod. In 2010, 174 children have received services from the organization." Read more... |
| 12/01/2010
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Aptos Times | "CASA officially opens its new home Posted: Wednesday, 01 December 2010 00:00 Mary Solari, philanthropist and benefactor of many local nonprofit organizations, cut the ribbon last night at the official opening ceremonies for The Mary and Richard Solari House, the new home of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County. Solari, Bill Locke-Paddon of the Borina Foundation, George Ow and Gail Michaelis-Ow and other major CASA donors and supporters gathered at the home at 813 Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville last night to sip champagne, tour the new facility and celebrate the near-completion of CASA's $1.5 million campaign to create a safe, welcoming place for its volunteers to come with the children they serve. The "casa for CASA" campaign was quietly launched in the fall of 2008, with the goal of buying a house in Watsonville to accommodate CASA's administration and growing services to children in the county's foster care system. The home was purchased at auction in April of 2009. Local individuals and businesses to repair and remodel the home donated more than $300,000 worth of in-kind labor and services, and CASA moved in at the beginning of October. The CASA volunteers and children began visiting immediately, and there has been a steady stream of happy children and their Advocates ever since, says CASA Board vice president Lonnie Truax. "It has been tremendously exciting to see how quickly it is fulfilling its goal; providing a place where the children can experience a clean, orderly and welcoming home when they visit with their Advocates," Truax says. So far the kitchen has proven to be the most popular place, she said, with cookies baking and snacks being prepared all afternoon by the visiting Advocates and children. The art room and learning center, which offers computers and a place for children to receive tutoring and other educational support, are also popular hubs in CASA's new home. Last year, more than 170 children and youth benefited from the caring consistency of a volunteer CASA Advocate. CASA recruits, trains and supervises these every day heroes, who spend time each week with a child living in foster care because of abuse or neglect in their family home. Children who have a CASA Advocate are less likely to return to the foster care system and receive more of the medical, emotional and educational resources they need to grow into healthy adults in our community. By law, the Advocate cannot take the child to its own home during weekly visits and must maintain strict confidentiality. Each week, the Advocate must find places to spend time and come up with things to do in the community. CASA's new home gives the volunteer Advocates and their children a comfortable, home-like environment to call their own. "They can do the kinds of things we do with our own children such as curl up to read books, create crafts, work on school projects, or make a meal," said Leola Lapides, President of the CASA Board. "Last week we had a youth making cupcakes for his baseball team with his Advocate. Today there is an Advocate and youth sewing comfy flannel pajamas. Some of our children will have their first birthday party here," Lapides added, "We are deeply grateful to the many generous donors who have made this dream a reality." CASA of Santa Cruz County — 813 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076 831-761-2956 — www.casaofsantacruz.org." For the complete article see the Aptos Times webpage |
| 11/28/2010
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Santa Cruz Sentinel | "Volunteer advocates seek to make a difference in children's lives: CASA's new home provides place to forge connections By DONNA JONES - Santa Cruz Sentinel Posted: 11/28/2010 01:12:29 PM PST WATSONVILLE — The first thing the 17-year-old noticed when he walked through the front door of CASA's new home on Freedom Boulevard was the table with the checkerboard printed on top. CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — is a nonprofit that serves neglected or abused children, primarily those in the foster care. The 17-year-old accompanied Dan Pellegrino, a volunteer advocate who works with two teen-age boys, spending time with them each week and helping ensure their needs get met. "'Let's play checkers," he said," Pellegrino recalled. And so they did. Playing board games is relaxing, a great way to connect, Pellegrino said. It's just the type of interaction CASA leaders hoped to nurture when they moved the nonprofit's headquarters from an office building on Green Valley Road to the more home-like environment of The Mary and Richard Solari House. The vintage two-story home has been completely renovated with the help of $300,000 in donations of labor and materials. On the first floor, bright rooms provide comfortable settings for children and their advocates to engage in art, games, tutoring, cooking and conversation. CASA's offices are upstairs. Outside, the house has been transformed into a neighborhood standout with green paint, red awnings, landscaping and a picket fence. As CASA settles into its new home across the street from Callaghan Park, the nonprofit is recruiting volunteers. The organization served more than 170 children last year, but typically has a waiting list of 30 or more. "It just takes the will to make a difference in some kid's life who's had it tough through nothing they've done," said Pellegrino, who started volunteering with CASA three years ago. "Just showing up every week, that's 90 percent of it." " For the complete article from the 11-28-2010 issue. |
| 11/24/2010
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Internal CASA memo | "National CASA Association awards grant to local Court Appointed Special Advocates
A grant to expand staff and reach out to more children in foster care has been awarded to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County by the National CASA Association. The one-year grant will fund a 32-hour/week Case Supervisor position to focus on the special needs of teens and older youth transitioning from the foster care system into adulthood. "We are thrilled to receive this resource and the vote of confidence from our national organization for our work here in Santa Cruz County, says CASA Executive Director Nancy Sherrod. The "expansion grant‟ was one of 40 awarded among the nationwide network of over 900 independent Court Appointed Special Advocate organizations. The local CASA receives some support from local government and the judicial council, but more than 70% of its operating budget still comes from individual donations and community fundraising, Sherrod says. The new position of Older Youth Specialist has been filled by Lois Keiser, a former social worker experienced with older children in the dependency system. Keiser joins four other CASA Case Supervisors who train and support more than 125 volunteers working with children who have been abused or neglected and placed in the foster care system for their protection. CASA‟s Advocates are appointed by the court to help support the children and to speak up for their needs until they are no longer dependents of the court. There are currently more than 30 children on the waiting list for a CASA volunteer, Sherrod says. With the help of this grant, CASA hopes to serve more than 200 children next year through targeted recruitment of new volunteers. "There is a real urgency in our community for more children to be served immediately" Sherrod says. "Now that we have more staff resources, we need for more adults to step up for these children." Becoming a sworn CASA Advocate requires 35 hours of training and the ability to spend several hours with a child once a week. The Advocate will communicate with foster parents and social service professionals, write periodic court reports to the judge and attend court hearings to speak up for the child. Visit casaofsantacruz.org to learn more." (see pdf of this document.) |
| 06/03/2010
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Register-Pajaronian | "CASA honors children’s advocates Posted: Thursday, Jun 3rd, 2010 BY: JON CHOWN Ruth Leon, registration specialist at the Healthy Start Program, speaks after receiving a special award from CASA on Wednesday. (Photos by Jon Chown) Santa Cruz County Rotary Clubs and a handful of hard-working Pajaro Valley Unified School District employees were recognized by Court Appointed Special Advocates Wednesday night for their contributions to the charity and the community. CASA works with children who are involved in the court system, usually due to parental abuse or neglect. “We are here today to support those who continually go above and beyond to support foster children in the Pajaro Valley,” said Rogelio Ponce, a strawberry grower and former CASA board member who performed as master of ceremonies for the event. “Each of you is a farmer, whether you realize it or not, because you tend to our kids every day. Numerous kids are planted in our society, and some need a little more tending. CASA advocates are the farmers for that child.” For the complete article see the 06-03-2010 issue." |
| 04/22/2010
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Santa Cruz Sentinel | "Watsonville Mark Stone named chair of Team CASA for Big Sur Marathon Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County has made county Supervisor Mark Stone the honorary chair of its Big Sur International Marathon team. The team serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit CASA, which advocates for children in the county's foster care system because of abuse or neglect. CASA officials say they selected Stone for the team because of his political support for children's issues and his athletic background. Last year, Stone swam the English Channel and he has run long distances before. Stone and more than 100 members of Team CASA will participate in the 10.6-mile Big Sur run Sunday." |
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03/19/2010 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Groundbreaking celebrated at new home for CASA's foster children "WATSONVILLE -- A groundbreaking ceremony Thursday brought Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, a step closer to having a home for the foster children they advocate for. <br /> In April 2009, CASA bought a home for $395,010, half the cost of the original $829,000, to house CASA's administration and its advocates, who work one-on-one with children who have been abused or neglected and moved to foster homes. More than double the size of their current office in a former hospital, the building is a 3,500-square-foot two-story home on Freedom Boulevard, across the street from Callaghan Park. The staff hopes to repair, remodel and open the doors by fall. "Even in this horrible recession, the community chooses to be supportive of some of the most vulnerable children in the community who have been moved from their home at no fault of their own," said CASA Board President Leola Lapides. "I'm confident that we will meet our goal, which means this will be 100 percent paid for and we will have a facility for us that will serve as a permanent environment the children can relax in. We couldn't ask for more." " There is one more step, however." "CASA board members, along with the help of donors, raised $1.3 million but still have about $200,000 left to raise. Board members, staff and supporters pledged to give $1 million over the next five years. Repairs, remodeling and ADA compliance, furnishings and landscaping costs alone are anticipated to be more than $300,000, ..." . |
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02/23/2010 to home page. to top of this page. |
Register-Pajaronian |
Council to consider rezoning downtown site for CASA’s move Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County is hoping the City Council tonight approves the rezoning of its planned future site near downtown. Currently located at The Towers on Green Valley Road, CASA purchased a home in 2009 at 813 Freedom Blvd., near the intersection of Freedom and Main Street, with the intent of moving its offices there. The two-story, single-family home of more than 3,000 square feet is to be converted into a comfortable, homey environment for CASA advocates and children, with staff offices. CASA helps children who have been victims of abuse or neglect and have been placed in protective custody. CASA volunteers contact caseworkers, interview parents, ensure necessary medical care, look out for educational interests and make recommendations in court regarding the permanent placement of the child. |
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02/09/2010 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Luncheon to benefit CASA "For the Love of the Children," a luncheon to benefit CASA, will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Severino's. CASA trains court appointed special advocates to stand up for the interests of foster kids. Luncheon proceeds will benefit 150 foster children, providing new shoes, glasses and in some cases prom tickets. Youth scholarships will be awarded in memory of Kathleen Akao, a Superior Court judge for 11 years who was committed to foster children. Three foster youths will receive $500 per year for their education. The luncheon costs $100 per person. For tickets, go to casaofsantacruz.org, or call Linda at 761-2956, ext. 106. |
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01/11/2010 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Volunteers sought for neglected kids CASA of Santa Cruz County needs volunteers to provide support, guidance and a voice in court to children who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse or neglect. Male and bilingual volunteers are especially needed. An informational orientation will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, 2425 Porter St., Suite 16. To RSVP, call 761-2956, ext. 102, or write danielle@casaofsantacruz.org. |
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01/04/2010 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Community came through for CASA The holidays remind us how deeply this community cares about its children. Court Appointed Special Advocates CASA is grateful for the steadfast support of our donors all year long, but at this time we would like to express special appreciation to the congregations of St. Andrew Presbyterian, Resurrection Church and St. Joseph's of Capitola, who provided personalized Christmas gifts for CASA's children. Warmest thanks also to Anita Marty and friends for purchasing shoes, especially for each child according to his or her request. Ari Symons and friends provided dozens and dozens of cuddly pajamas, and Claudia Martin and SIR of Santa Cruz County created personalized Christmas stockings for each child. Shampoochez' customers once again offered additional games and toys for our children. The children served by CASA are in the foster-care system through no fault of their own. They are living under the protection of the court because their parents are unable to provide them with a safe and healthy home. Please know that the children understand and appreciate these kind and caring gestures from the members of our community. Nancy Sherrod, CASA Executive Director |
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01/03/2010 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Cypress High donates $550 Members of the Cypress High School Tie Club donated $550 worth of gift cards to CASA of Santa Cruz County in a recent ceremony. The cards were distributed to youth in foster care and represent proceeds from fundraisers the group has held since September. The gift cards are for Capitola Book Cafe and Kaleidoscope. The CCHS Tie Club, whose 12 students celebrate neckwear by regularly wearing ties to school, raise funds to contribute to local organizations that benefit youth. |
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10/18/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
$85,000 FOR CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates hosted its annual Imagine! with CASA dinner and auction last month at Chaminade, where the group raised more than $85,000. In attendance were more than 200 CASA supporters as well as auctioneers KSBW news anchor Dan Green, Watsonville police chief Terry Medina, Santa Cruz County Bank's chief operating officer Sandi Eason. Nancy Sherrod, executive director at CASA, was overwhelmed by the event's success, “Amidst a $1.5 million capital campaign, our community never fails to show their support, and we are extremely grateful.” |
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10/05/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
SANTA CRUZ Wanted: New pajamas for kids Santa Cruz County Bank is collecting donations Advertisement for Project Pajamas through Oct. 20. Last year the program collected 600 pairs of new pajamas for children entering a homeless shelter, transitional housing or any other "out of the home" setting. Shelters that benefit are the Rebele Family Homeless Shelter, CASA kids, Jacob's Heart, Children's Hospice and Palliative Care, Pajaro Valley Shelter and Women's Crisis Shelter. Organizers ask that the pajamas be in the original packaging with tags on. Sizes from infant to age 18 for boys and girls are needed. Bank offices are at 7775 Soquel Drive, Aptos; 819 Bay Ave. and 1500 41st Ave., Capitola; 720 Front St., Santa Cruz; 4604 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley; and 595 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville. For information, call Mary Anne Carson, 457.5003, ext. 2118. |
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09/26/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Foster careneeds support In response to Supervisor Mark Stone's article, CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County urges our caring community to step up for the most vulnerable children in our community, children in foster care. The governor's recent veto axed an additional $1.24 million from Child Welfare Services in the state. It would be such a different world if children came first. Through no fault of their own, more than 220 children are living in foster care right now in our county for their own safety as a result of parental neglect or abuse. CASA's trained, compassionate volunteers work hard every day to ensure these children receive the court advocacy, and physical, emotional and education support needed to heal and return home or find a stable, loving home as quickly as possible. Our local child welfare department and many local partners join us in this work and share the same vision: that every child we connect with grows into a healthy, contributing member with a future full of opportunities. Nancy Sherrod, Santa Cruz |
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08/22/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Alladin anniversary events next month Alladin Nursery in Watsonville is celebrating 90 years in business with a three-day celebration from Friday Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27. Ten percent of the proceeds from each day's sales will go to one of three different organizations -- Dragon Slayers, CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates, and SPIN Special Parents Information Network. On Friday Sept. 27 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., it's kid's day, with a mini petting zoo, face painting, pedal car races and more. For the remainder of the weekend, beginning at 10 a.m., live music, coffee, sausage and wine tasting, art displays, and hor d'oeurves from local restaurants will be featured. Bring a bag of non-perishable or canned groceries during the festivities to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank and receive a coupon for a discount at Alladin Nursery. For more information, contact the nursery at 724-7517. |
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07/27/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
Watsonville CASA seeks volunteers to help Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children, CASA, is looking for volunteers to help provide support, guidance and a voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes because they were victims of severe abuse or neglect. All are invited but men and bilingual community members are especially encouraged. Informational orientations are 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at 2425 Porter St. Suite 16 in Soquel and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the CASA office, 294 Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Volunteers are asked to dedicate three to five hours a week. To RSVP call 761-2956, ext. 102, or e-mail joanne@casaofsantacruz.org. |
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05/12/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Register-Pajaronian |
"CASA gets new casa" By JON CHOWN "Court Appointed Special Advocates has purchased a home in Watsonville. The pink, 3,500-square-foot, two-story colonial at 813 Freedom Blvd. will provide offices for CASA’s eight-member staff, space for visits from children and their advocates, and room for special events. CASA, a nonprofit, serves children throughout Santa Cruz County. The group bought the home at auction on April 13 for $395,010. Executive Director Nancy Sherrod said the group had been eyeing the property for about a year. It was offered as a short sale, but went back off the market when nobody bid on its more than $800,000 asking price. The 17-year-old agency currently has offices at the former site of Watsonville Community Hospital on Green Valley Road, but the space is cramped and CASA can’t really accommodate its diverse needs. Sherrod said that, in addition to housing staff, the new site will have a home-like atmosphere where advocates will be able to bring children and relax. They will have room to read books, work on homework or just fix a snack between planned activities." |
| 05/11/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel
See also: Free Cakes for Kids on facebook: 
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"Santa Cruz County Stories, Elicia Hammond: She gives sweet support to children whose lives are not always a piece of cake" By Ann Parker Elicia Hammond wanted a really special party for her 40th birthday last year -- but not for herself. "I wanted to find some way to give," she says. "And I had an idea about having birthday parties for needy kids." Hammond sent e-mails to friends and raised $1,300 in donations. But when the first party she hosted wasn't as successful as she had hoped, Hammond looked for another way to make a difference using the rest of the money. "Then I read a article in People magazine about a woman who had started a group called Free Cakes for Kids," recalls Hammond. "I thought, This is perfect' and e-mailed her. That article changed everything for me." The People story described a Georgia woman, Toni Poulos, who took a foster child into her family shortly before the little girl's 8th birthday. Poulos made an elaborate cake for the occasion -- and the child burst into tears. She had never had a birthday cake before and said she didn't think she deserved something so pretty. A one-woman campaign was born, based on Poulos' simple premise that "every child deserves a special birthday cake," including children in challenging life circumstances, financial need or foster care. "When she started, she was all on her own," says Hammond. But after the article came out, the organization spread across America and to Canada and England. "Now if you go to freecakesforkids.com, you'll find people from all over. I'm the Santa Cruz County chapter contact." Hammond has made cakes or cupcakes for a half-dozen children so far, mostly referrals from CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates, although she's also connecting with churches and groups such as the Gandhi House in Watsonville. She tries to find out what type of cake each child would particularly enjoy. "Princess cakes are the most popular, but my favorite is the butterfly," says Hammond. "Right now, I'm working on a Star Wars' cake and a Twilight' cake." She laughs, "It's exciting because I'm a total Twilight' fanatic." Hammond's other charitable projects include sending a care package to Iraq and volunteering with the Flying Doctors by traveling to Coachella and using her professional skills as a dental hygienist to clean teeth and do free dental checkups. "We have a good life, and I want to do something to share, to give back." Hammond's smile lights her whole face. "I'm happier now than I've ever been in my life." |
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05/09/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"Foreclosure provides a new home for CASA's foster children" By JONDI GUMZ WATSONVILLE -- When housing prices started to slide, advocates for foster children saw an opportunity to buy a home, replacing their cramped office space on the third floor of the former Watsonville hospital with a kid-friendly place. This week, they saw their dream come true. The nonprofit CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, became the owner of 813 Freedom Blvd., a 3,500-square-foot home on a large parcel across from Callahan Park. "It gives kids a vision of what could be in their future -- a warm home," said Nancy Sherrod, CASA's executive director who oversees volunteers supporting and nurturing 180 children a year. This was Sherrod's vision when she joined CASA in 2004." For the rest of the article, please see the Santa Cruz Sentinel. |
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04/19/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"CASA seeks children's champions Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County is accepting nominations for the fourth annual Pajaro Valley Community Awards. The awards recognize an educator, individual, business or organization that has demonstrated a special commitment to the well-being of foster children in the Pajaro Valley. Nominations can be submitted online at www.casaofsantacruz.org. The deadline for submissions is April 22. The awards will be presented at May 19." |
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04/06/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"Woman of the Year deserving of recognition Thank you so much for highlighting the 27th Congressional District's choice of Melanie Larson as Woman of the Year for 2009. Melanie exemplifies the remarkable work Advertisement Click here to find out more! of the more than 170 volunteer advocates that CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates works with each year. These are everyday heroes who contribute their steady, trusted commitment and advocacy to more than 190 children in the foster-care system annually. I want to take this opportunity to thank and honor all of the many devoted advocates, staff, board of directors, other volunteers, as well as our generous donors. Together we are building the future of the most vulnerable children of our community. Marilyn Koll, Aptos" |
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03/15/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"Aptos woman wins statewide recognition as CASA volunteer" By John Sammon Aptos -- Melanie Larson touched the lives of children and teens in such personal ways that her ever-expanding volunteer efforts earned her the title of the 27th Assembly District's Woman of the Year for 2009. Larson represents children as a volunteer for CASA -- Court Appointed Special Advocate -- of Santa Cruz County. But that is only one facet of Larson's community involvement. Larson, 55, is also a reading improvement specialist with a master's degree in reading improvement for children, and her ability to cure reading deficiencies has made her a highly sought-after tutor. Currently, she teaches reading as a volunteer at Mintie White Elementary School in Watsonville. She said the recent announcement of the award came as a surprise. Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Monterey, will present the award on Monday at the Capitol in Sacramento. "Ms. Larson's accomplishments on behalf of children who are within the court system through no fault of their own, represents the positive impact one person can have on the lives of others," Monning said. "She has proven herself a tireless advocate for some of the youngest and most vulnerable of our citizens....." For the rest of the article, please see the Santa Cruz Sentinel. |
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03/07/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"Dine at Shadowbrook and help CASA Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola will donate a third of its dinner and beverage sales on Tuesday evening to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County. CASA recruits, trains and supports volunteers who provide support and a voice in court for abused and neglected children. To ensure CASA receives a portion of the proceeds, Shadowbrook guests should identify themselves as CASA supporters when making reservations. Call 475-1511 to reserve a table." |
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03/05/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"SANTA CRUZ CASA announces new board members The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County has three new board members. They are Rob Allen, a Watsonville attorney, Deutron Kebebew, program director for PAPAS, and Celestial Cassman, an attorney in Santa Cruz. Each year, the advocate group, also known as CASA, provides guidance and a voice to more than 190 local children who've been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect." |
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02/09/2009 to home page. to top of this page. |
Santa Cruz Sentinel |
"Local nonprofit thankful for fundraising efforts Now, more than ever we, are reminded of our good fortune to live in a community that believes in the work of its local nonprofits. CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates was recently the beneficiary of two very generous fundraising efforts, one from the wonderful Santa Cruz Next and the other from the Women in Business group in the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce. The funds are being used to train and support volunteers working with vulnerable children in the foster-care system as a result of parental abuse or neglect. By helping provide these children with stability, friendship and hope, CASA's donors are making an important difference in many young lives. We are deeply grateful to these two organizations for their spirit of service and their positive impact on our community. Nancy Sherrod, CASA, Watsonville." |
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CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County 813 Freedom Boulevard Watsonville, CA 95076 Map to CASA Telephone : 831. 761.2956 Fax Number : 831. 761.2913 © 2012 all rights reserved CASA CASA of Santa Cruz County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Site content managed by Danielle Moreno of CASA, with website design and upkeep donated by Cathy Mayer.  |
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