Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Connection - A National CASA Publication

Contributed by: Ferlie Yruma

The Connection is a quarterly magazine designed to keep CASA programs, volunteers, and the public abreast of the latest news and developments affecting CASA advocacy for abused and neglected children.

The Winter 2008 edition is now available, featuring an article called "Count the Ways to Encourage Child Resilience," a Top Tips for Volunteers article focusing on skills for building family connections, and the 30th anniversary reflections by the CASA program founder, Judge David W. Soukup.

Please tell us what you think of The Connection. Leave a comment on this blog post!

If you enjoy this publication, current volunteers can subscribe for free (click here for a free subscription).

Sunday, February 17, 2008

CASA Community Member of the Week



Name: Lisa P.

Role: CASA Volunteer


What interested you about the CASA Program?

It provides an opportunity to actually make a difference in a child's life. You can see and feel the results.

Tell us a little bit about your work and/or volunteer experience and/or education.

I'm a University of Michigan graduate. I've worked in software development for almost 25 years and currently work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:

I design kiln-formed glass pieces that are sold at various art galleries in the Midwest, including the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum Shop and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

What is your favorite quote of all time?

"...try to see life as a child would, but with the knowledge of an adult - that's true wisdom." - Truman Capote

How did you hear about the CASA Program?

I read about the National CASA Program about 15 years ago in a magazine.

Monday, February 11, 2008

First End-of-Year Appeal: A Success!

Contributing Writer: Nicole H.

CASA of Washtenaw County's 2007 End-of-Year Appeal was a huge success; within a month, we raised over $4500!!

We had supporters throughout Washtenaw County, Michigan, and even received donations from individuals living in California and Washington!

The appeal letters were sent out to over 700 individuals in early December, 2007, with a newsletter about Friends of CASA's progress and 2007 milestones.

We hope to send news updates throughout the year, so look out for those newsletters because we are doing such great work!

Send us your mailing address or e-mail address at admin@casawashtenaw.org if you would like to be on our mailing list.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Swearing-In Ceremony, January 30, 2008

Contributing Writer: Ava Adler

Pictured (left to right):
Diana C., Sara B., Shelley S., Janice G., & Sondra S.

On January 30th, 2008, five (5) new CASA volunteers were sworn in at the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court by Referee Gail A.

Sara B., Diana C., Janice G., Sondra S., and Shelley S. took their oaths to carry out the duties of a CASA volunteer to the best of their ability, and received their training certificates and CASA pins.

Several experienced volunteers joined the celebration, along with a couple of family members, Nikki H. (Friends of CASA Development Director), Ava A. (CASA Coordinator), and Deborah S. (Supervisor of the CASA Program at the Court).

The new volunteers shared their reasons for becoming child advocates, and cake and coffee were enjoyed by all.
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For more pictures of the event, please check out the Swearing-In Ceremony (Jan. 30, 2008) Photo Album (located at the right column of this blog).