tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9357331630776805142024-02-18T22:51:57.525-05:00All Things CASA - Washtenaw County, MIA blog devoted to the Washtenaw County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Community.
This blog is administered by Washtenaw County Friends of CASA.
Please visit our website at <A HREF="http://www.casawashtenaw.org/"> www.casawashtenaw.org!</A>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-25676690549842988252012-08-22T19:17:00.000-04:002012-08-22T20:08:25.818-04:00I am for the child<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am for the child.</span></h2>
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Last year, National CASA rolled out an exciting new awareness campaign, <i>I am for the child</i>. Born out of the passion, concerns and commitment of many CASA stakeholders, the goal of the campaign is to create a movement of people who will take action and set things right.</div>
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At National CASA and throughout CASA's local programs, we believe the plight of children in foster care and the family court system is one of the biggest human rights questions in our country.</div>
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A child with a CASA volunteer is half as likely to languish in foster care, and that much more likely to find a safe, permanent home. Today 240,000 kids have a CASA volunteer. But 400,000 more are waiting.</div>
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"Now is the time to shout our message from the rooftops," says Michael Piraino, CEO of National CASA. "Time to create a nationwide network. To fight for the rights of foster children and youth, building a critical mass of support until every one of the waiting foster kids has a CASA volunteer standing with them.</div>
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Join us and speak out on behalf of these children's rights. <i>I am for the child</i>. We believe you are, too.</div>
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CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-63282363135568471472012-08-22T15:58:00.000-04:002012-08-22T16:03:27.757-04:00CASA Volunteer Spotlight: When Life's Paths Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">CASA Volunteer Spotlight: </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">When Life's Paths Cross</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"My husband Tony and I had a difficult time conceiving children," began CASA
volunteer Joyce Tesoriero. "As we did the soul searching that inevitable
accompanies infertility, we realized that what was important to us was having a
family and having children in our lives. We trained to become foster parents
because we realized how many children there are who are not babies anymore
but still in dire need of parents and a loving home. Shortly after we completed
our training to become foster parents, we were surprised to find out that we
were expecting a child."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Living in Maryland at the time, the Tesorieros welcomed foster children into their home for the first time when Jessie was 4 years old. It was an emergency placement of a sibling group that was supposed to include two children. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"But when they appeared at our door, there were three," recalls Tesoriero. "The children's mother had left them alone for several days, putting the eleven year old in charge of his 5-year-old sister and 3-year-old brother."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These children eventually transitioned to a home closer to their biological family since the goal was to reunite them with their biological mother. The Tesoriero's next placement was a 15-year-old boy. "He remained with us throughout high school, is now in his mid-30s and is an important member of our family," she said. "We are very proud of him. He suffered from a very difficult family environment in his early years and had lived in many different homes with many different relatives, but he was still able to turn his life around."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over the years the Tesorieros have had several other teens living in their home, and they adopted a teen-age girl who had suffered severe abuse. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Then, 17 years ago we had twin baby boys placed with us. David and Daniel were supposed to be reunified with their birth parents, but when this couldn't happen, we were able to adopt them," Tesoriero says. Today those babies will be high school seniors next fall, and the Tesorieros cannot imagine their lives or their family without them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As someone who has experienced being a biological parent, a foster parent, and an adoptive parent herself, Tesoriero calls upon her unique set of experiences as she approaches each new case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"As a child moves from one foster home to another or from a foster home to a residential facility and the workers change, the CASA stays with the child and can be one of the few consistent people in the child's life," says Tesoriero. "A CASA can really focus on the needs of the child and spend time with a child when an overworked case worker would not be able to devote that much time to one case." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As she enjoys her third year as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and looks back on her rewarding experiences as a foster mom, Tesoriero is in the perfect position to give advice to anyone considering getting involved in the foster care program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Every child deserves to be loved and supported," she said. "Children born or raised with abuse and neglect often lack these basic entitlements. Caring foster parents and CASA volunteers can help reshape the world for a child. There is no greater gift we can give than changing the course of a child's life for the better."</span></div>
CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-18110587523498247322012-04-26T14:20:00.001-04:002012-04-27T18:58:07.917-04:00Funding for Vital Services to Abused and Neglected Children at Risk<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The Administration's budget for the fiscal year beginning this October recommends elimination of funding for the four programs in the Victims of Child Abuse Act, including CASA for children.</span></h2>
It is critical that congressional offices keep hearing from CASA supporters. Please take a moment to contact your congressional representatives and urge them to help restore CASA funding. You can reach your senators and representatives from <a href="http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/">www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/</a>.CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-3853814962823180912012-04-26T14:20:00.000-04:002012-04-28T10:27:35.280-04:00Report Abuse: New HotlineThe Michigan Department of Human Services recently launched a new statewide program for reporting abuse and neglect complaints involving both children and adults. <br />
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One toll-free number, 1-855-444-3911, is available to everyone, including mandatory reporters and the general public. The number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays) by trained staff. </div>
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Complaints involving child abuse or neglect receive an immediate decision on investigation, no matter the time of day or night, before being directly referred to county Child Protective Services staff.</div>
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</div>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-4153962113546561912012-04-26T14:19:00.001-04:002012-04-28T10:26:54.565-04:00CASA Volunteer Spotlight: From Babies To College Students<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">During her initial CASA training, Lea W.’s class was discussing a current case that by all accounts was heart-wrenching and one of the more complicated cases in the program. Little did Lea know it at the time, but that case would </span>soon become her introduction to the complex, but rewarding work of a CASA. <br />
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“The mom was severely cognitively impaired and couldn’t understand what was going on,” Lea explained. “I had to figure out a way to earn her trust and to explain to her in a way she would understand how she could keep her family together, that we were all just trying to help."<br />
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Abuse and neglect are the dark side of life CASAS deal with and four children ages 4 to 14 were experiencing this first-hand. After working with the family for weeks, the case was about to close. Lea was with some of the children on what was expected to be their last interaction when one of the children offered some new information that sent off warning bells in Lea. Coupled with the behavioral changes she noticed in one of the children, Lea was concerned something new was going on. Her knowledge of the children and her ability to get them to open up to her changed the course of their lives. It also changed what happened in court. Lea presented the new information in court, a positive solution was brokered and, eventually, the case was closed. <br />
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"It was then that I said, 'This is why I'm doing this.' Without a CASA, the abuse would have continued to happen and nobody would have understood how or why," Lea continued.<br />
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During this case, Lea learned she was pregnant and, due to complications, was put on bed-rest as the case was ending. Now the mom of a happy, healthy baby boy, she is still committed to giving what spare time she can make available to the CASA program. Recently, she was asked to take on the case of a youth who was a freshman in college and in need of a mentor. Lea’s personality, schedule and proficiency in researching doctors, groups and other resources made her a perfect choice for the assignment. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr_LzXVY7iYpVKLvGtZWxSsAJZd_mIOYqIc2LWcBlpfaYtPzRuU0STEAAutuLBPQAc6puieOfm_7pv0a7qm98sTQ1S78pl0E2kWHIzQmeTz-N5FFzbIOuIj57VPwIQwxttMI4XBmwpwk/s1600/casa+advocates-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr_LzXVY7iYpVKLvGtZWxSsAJZd_mIOYqIc2LWcBlpfaYtPzRuU0STEAAutuLBPQAc6puieOfm_7pv0a7qm98sTQ1S78pl0E2kWHIzQmeTz-N5FFzbIOuIj57VPwIQwxttMI4XBmwpwk/s320/casa+advocates-5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">"It was such a change to go from</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">a situation where</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><em>you're </em><em>scared to death of what will happen to a </em></span><span style="color: #666666;"><em>child</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><em>to a situation where you can </em><em>say, </em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">'It's ok. They just need a little</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #666666;">follow-through.'"</span></em></div>
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“Sometimes I’m like a sister, sometimes I’m like a mom,” she explained. “This is awesome." <br />
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Though she’s in college and has other adults in her life, Lea says her youth welcomes her guidance. “She just says to me, ‘You’re one more mentor to help me get to where I need to be. That can never hurt.”’CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-18145416156664456652012-04-26T14:19:00.000-04:002012-04-28T10:28:29.620-04:00Rockin’ The CASA - Part Perspiration, Part Inspiration and a Whole Lotta Fun!<h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHuMF69_2niGEBIJlU24rxcjSfU7E-E_Aw_9MBKpct1kb2abdQPdScsHtDi7jcxm4UQDNn7UEHI5wZ1ieYeQR9RAyyoookobRtuYg9-fyFHMMHFr67UbxG9VptELUqT_WJcpOFcjjnl0/s1600/2012+rockin+the+casa-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHuMF69_2niGEBIJlU24rxcjSfU7E-E_Aw_9MBKpct1kb2abdQPdScsHtDi7jcxm4UQDNn7UEHI5wZ1ieYeQR9RAyyoookobRtuYg9-fyFHMMHFr67UbxG9VptELUqT_WJcpOFcjjnl0/s320/2012+rockin+the+casa-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It still seems like yesterday when over 200 CASA supporters came together for a night of education, perspiration & inspiration, raising just over $40,000 for the CASA program. The unseasonably warm weather, the DJ’s disco grooves and the rush to bid on that Great Harvest Bread Basket I wanted in the silent auction contributed to a little perspiration, but neither I nor the guests let that dampen our spirits! <br />
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Although Lady Luck eluded me at the casino, I felt extremely lucky to be part of such an amazing group of people. Our event committee (Wendy, Julie, Linda, Julie, Jade, Stacie, Gina, Michele, Abby, Holly, Nancy & Janet) put together a fun and well-organized party and - once again - our community joined us in celebration and support of our kids and CASA volunteers.<br />
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I think my favorite moment of the evening was when CASA Coordinator, Gini Harmon, simply and eloquently spoke about how the Cinderella Fund helps provide foster kids with the most basic, simple things most of us take for granted. Like a bed. Or a pair of boots. Your generosity during Raise The Paddle will help us meet those needs for many of our children. <br />
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Thank you for helping us continue to put a qualified, compassionate adult into the life of an abused or neglected foster child to fight for and protect the child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in a loving family.<br />
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Cheri Dunn<br />
Executive Director<br />
Friends of CASA<br />
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P.S. More photos on Facebook or our website, <a href="http://www.casawashtenaw.org/">http://www.casawashtenaw.org/</a>.CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-48956636415428805742011-10-27T12:38:00.007-04:002011-10-27T13:10:55.968-04:00<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3k1eG6OuVcHbckjyuV1iKA-dCSeVk2Syvgo33ZZLSJ4wVqcDpC9UEpGKJCe-TBhhszC1gwWEeESd_V9SPMyMbrbAo0oNlt5JJLUcBVyRWtdTc3BLiDKLRjk-DaAbGDyE2igsLx21OO0/s1600/Marianne+webpage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3k1eG6OuVcHbckjyuV1iKA-dCSeVk2Syvgo33ZZLSJ4wVqcDpC9UEpGKJCe-TBhhszC1gwWEeESd_V9SPMyMbrbAo0oNlt5JJLUcBVyRWtdTc3BLiDKLRjk-DaAbGDyE2igsLx21OO0/s320/Marianne+webpage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668212606850336338" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We're sad to announce that Marianne Clauw has resigned as Executive Director of Friends of CASA of Washtenaw County, effective November 4th. We thank her for her years of dedicated service and leadership and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!<br /><br />Cheri Dunn and Julie Dunbar will be co-directors on an interim basis, until a new permanent director is appointed.<br /><br />Thank you for all your hard work, Marianne! You will be missed.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-37918218571850998642011-10-07T01:20:00.005-04:002011-10-07T01:28:01.056-04:00November is National Adoption Month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9yLtHjy_QkHVg9Bw9vxWBiDYlYups4_n79VscQeOGkP2eUFiG-iQtwsJbXU1J6cOsirvnIravrybNIlHEvbT0sWLkQpqPo4pgqu0GQXM4IDReKQvXl9W9x1i7UJbyAE0EYrjr7s9DhY/s1600/nationalAdoptionMonth210.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9yLtHjy_QkHVg9Bw9vxWBiDYlYups4_n79VscQeOGkP2eUFiG-iQtwsJbXU1J6cOsirvnIravrybNIlHEvbT0sWLkQpqPo4pgqu0GQXM4IDReKQvXl9W9x1i7UJbyAE0EYrjr7s9DhY/s400/nationalAdoptionMonth210.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660616919221853682" /></a><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">November is National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. This year's initiative focuses on building capacity of adoption professionals to recruit and retain parents for the 107,000 children and youth waiting for permanent families in the U.S. foster care system.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Every November, a Presidential Proclamation launches activities and celebrations to help build awareness of adoption throughout the nation. Thousands of community organizations arrange and host programs, events, and activities to share positive adoption stories, challenge the myths, and draw attention to the thousands of children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">To find out more about National Adoption Month please visit:<span style="text-decoration: underline; color:#ff0000;">http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color:#ff0000;"><br /></span></span></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR4_f4heJgFV9v2SWk0FOBZVtVLrtXa5jAvBSc1w9Lpngkmx0bE0UwHjBQ39DyOf7I1m1hyphenhyphen0eOBLXjdVE4b-zPdq4ngxDXGBc9Fax5NrTAHS89l5lOb9joPR_JgpQt8r8zRl9rI1d3Ao/s1600/adopting.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR4_f4heJgFV9v2SWk0FOBZVtVLrtXa5jAvBSc1w9Lpngkmx0bE0UwHjBQ39DyOf7I1m1hyphenhyphen0eOBLXjdVE4b-zPdq4ngxDXGBc9Fax5NrTAHS89l5lOb9joPR_JgpQt8r8zRl9rI1d3Ao/s400/adopting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660616591756441106" /></a>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-18681712789854511422011-10-07T00:59:00.006-04:002011-10-07T01:15:02.877-04:00Save the Date: Rockin’ the CASA is March 24, 2012<div style="text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F107116303119255470908%2Falbumid%2F5657576629127453745%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We’ve rocked to country music, jived with Motown, and partied Caribbean style, and one thing remains the same. This party puts the fun back into fun-draiser.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">So get ready for big hair, <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">shoulder pads, and silky shirts </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">at the <b>Rockin’ the CASA DISCO – dinner, auction, dance, and casino.</b></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i></i><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We are recruiting volunteers to join the following event committees:</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">- Auction,</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Decorations, </span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">- Marketing/Graphics</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">,</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">- </span>Entertainment, </span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">- Food & Beverages,</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">- </span>Sponsorships, and</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">- Party Hosts (bring friends)</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 9px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; min-height: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b></b><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">If you are interested in being part of one of our committees please contact Marianne at mclauw@casawashtenaw.org</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color:#00000a;"><br /></span></div>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-85298247190250173062011-10-07T00:35:00.004-04:002011-10-07T00:53:49.897-04:00Five Steps Toward Improving the Foster Care System<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWzW-x93uNxeP7D8rD-LT41o13iigzgJyocHecK9P3zoOiZDOpK1xhDrd58q0D89AtNfstrjWj0MvKtuWG18MW8VjsGOGUpn9gByo5jzjR3xaqwAl0TQfzzVWo1bKOB5WSvN9PHWQxG0/s1600/fostercare+house+logo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobNUX2IS2gK0xVrkIZoku3rRV6lC9_2TO5F2q0fHlmUuWA0QvaSI9VoDtRVjwM965n9IqOc6jU1uxcffdK5EVeVfzVwN-L4wK6oWKCOQze61xUIUKWe7xmCgvUbwwPjHsfDlQbdYNbCs/s1600/foster_care_houses.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobNUX2IS2gK0xVrkIZoku3rRV6lC9_2TO5F2q0fHlmUuWA0QvaSI9VoDtRVjwM965n9IqOc6jU1uxcffdK5EVeVfzVwN-L4wK6oWKCOQze61xUIUKWe7xmCgvUbwwPjHsfDlQbdYNbCs/s400/foster_care_houses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660606251857983106" /></a><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; font: normal normal normal 8px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; line-height: 17.0px; font: 8.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:85%;">(Adapted from <i>The Connection Summer 2011</i>, National CASA Association, authored by Charles Lerner)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 17.0px; font: 8.0px Trebuchet MS; min-height: 10.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 18.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>1. Keep children with their families whenever possible.</b> Easier said than done, but hundreds of thousands of young people are away from their families for causes that are not being adequately addressed in our society. They include poverty, marginalization and resulting factors such as substance abuse and mental illness. Until we more successfully address social conditions that are hurtful to all of us, children will be living out the consequences.</span></p> <p style="margin: 5.0px 0.0px 5.0px 18.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>2. Be compassionate with parents. What does it take for <i>you</i> to accept help from others?</b> Most of us would agree that we must trust someone before we are able to accept their help. Change takes time, and delays are not always due to a lack of desire. Our biases can inhibit our empathy for parents and the challenges they face, but it helps to think of the difficulties we ourselves face when trying to make changes in our own lives. </span></p> <p style="margin: 5.0px 0.0px 5.0px 18.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>3. Research existing relationships to get children out of foster care as quickly as possible.</b> We want children to return to their families as soon as possible. If they cannot return home, we want to move them out of limbo and into relational, physical and legal permanency. In other words, we want them to have someone they can count on, a place to call home and people they can claim—and who claim them—as family. Experience shows us that people who are known to our children are often the people who will provide them with permanency.</span></p> <p style="margin: 5.0px 0.0px 5.0px 18.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>4. Meet children where they are. Some young people are angry with their parents and the world in general.</b> They have not been protected and cared for the way children are entitled to be. That is why taking a “no-fault” approach is essential. Most youth experience sadness, despair and anger. Youth express these emotions through tantrums, school difficulties, running away, getting involved with gangs or using drugs. These are fairly normative responses to what they have gone through. Their behaviors may leave us feeling frustrated and hopeless about their futures. But we must maintain hope—because many of our children have lost it.</span></p> <p style="margin: 5.0px 0.0px 5.0px 18.0px; line-height: 12.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>5. Make decisions and implement them as though the child were a member of your own family.</b><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span>Time does not move quickly for children when they are away from their families and living in a state of uncertainty. High caseloads and the bureaucracy of the system make it difficult to make things happen as quickly as we would hope. We will not always be able to address the needs of the children we serve as quickly as we want. That is why CASA programs are critical and influential assets in the child welfare system. Magical things happen for children when someone gives them a voice.</span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52VNywj-4kHXmKqw42JmK1KkjBLJH-B2d0f-az0mHXrNI4SCsaLi13cEOx7U4XM8m2nNJ3h_p4rBieyPJY0rIgYPoP6ZRUFhMldwVyz4Y4FruZ26H72tBrdJ4vXPfGeQ-D-_fr5EhpL0/s1600/fostercare+house+logo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52VNywj-4kHXmKqw42JmK1KkjBLJH-B2d0f-az0mHXrNI4SCsaLi13cEOx7U4XM8m2nNJ3h_p4rBieyPJY0rIgYPoP6ZRUFhMldwVyz4Y4FruZ26H72tBrdJ4vXPfGeQ-D-_fr5EhpL0/s320/fostercare+house+logo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660608158071784802" /></a>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-82165291584373236062011-10-06T22:36:00.007-04:002011-10-07T00:33:33.731-04:00Anything But Ordinary...A CASA Kid Gets to Play<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ETwH8uUZFukOqwC-9II4NLMWEwqGkQuVTlZvBs4ZyDI6aoptlAM93WGr-SiNML-SpDD7i9JOkw1rvp-u0Euhzus83fkIIJM1gOk3EzOBaPMHaLwCgC9YgnmaflhgyU-EjlIwIJ3TCxk/s1600/soccer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ETwH8uUZFukOqwC-9II4NLMWEwqGkQuVTlZvBs4ZyDI6aoptlAM93WGr-SiNML-SpDD7i9JOkw1rvp-u0Euhzus83fkIIJM1gOk3EzOBaPMHaLwCgC9YgnmaflhgyU-EjlIwIJ3TCxk/s400/soccer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660602328957747122" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">How many times have you passed a soccer field on an autumn Saturday and seen the kids running back and forth, the parents chatting with each other while they watch the game, the coaches calling out directions? Just an ordinary part of suburban life.</span><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;">For one of our CASA kids, that experience is anything but ordinary. Katie* is fourteen, and is living in her third residential (institutional) placement in the past three years. In 2008, her adoptive family returned her to the custody of the state. They could not deal with her emotional issues, the debris caused by a childhood of neglect and abuse. In social services parlance, it was a “broken adoption”. In 2010, the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court referee asked for a CASA to be assigned to Katie.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It took a year to find a CASA who was able to make the 166-mile round trip to visit Katie every week or two. (Over 20% of our CASA kids live outside Washtenaw County because of the lack of foster homes and residential facilities.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;">In early 2011, a CASA stepped forward. </span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;">She has been a vital advocate for Katie, and is making sure that she experiences some of the activities of an ordinary childhood. This fall, Katie is playing on a travel soccer team in her community, due to the efforts and persistence of her CASA. The CASA Cinderella Fund** has paid for Katie’s registration, her uniform, and a new soccer ball. We thank this CASA, and all the other CASAs who work so hard for their CASA kids. They are anything but ordinary. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>*Name changed for privacy</b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 10.0px Trebuchet MS"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Trebuchet MS'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:130%;"><b>**Friends of CASA gratefully acknowledges the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Ann Arbor for a Cinderella Fund grant, and those who donated to the Cinderella Fund at Rockin' the CASA 2011.</b></span></p>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-18845234133671703232011-09-30T15:19:00.010-04:002011-09-30T15:55:23.865-04:00Congratulations to our 2011 Fall Class of Advocates!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwWxKdiKtxtDNh8UjBMqEE8-Ff7kwabjqjGAFejCKL6vAMm2pwWNtK0tLJq1CGKmp3OBAy86-tptmdsMD-cGj-4iBwhiPGDkI6FTgk5wUv11YZST0n-orzfPbcGJ_Yw4CtxCPByfJxfA/s1600/CASA+0.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwWxKdiKtxtDNh8UjBMqEE8-Ff7kwabjqjGAFejCKL6vAMm2pwWNtK0tLJq1CGKmp3OBAy86-tptmdsMD-cGj-4iBwhiPGDkI6FTgk5wUv11YZST0n-orzfPbcGJ_Yw4CtxCPByfJxfA/s400/CASA+0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658240940031404754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:85%;"><b>2011 FALL CLASS OF CASA ADVOCATES</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:85%;"><b>Left to right: Yuko L., Amy W., Gini Harmon (CASA Supervisor), Deb E., Amy K., Ava Adler (CASA Coordinator), Diane W., Tracy K., Molly Schikora (Judge Referee)</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">Please welcome our 2011 Fall class of CASA Advocates!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Six community members completed 40 hours of classroom training and courtroom observation facilitated by CASA coordinator Ava Adler and CASA supervisor, Virginia Harmon. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">After completing training, CASA volunteers become sworn officers of the court, and conduct their advocacy duties within the boundaries of a court order.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Our CASA volunteers are appointed by referee Molly Schikora to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children in Washtenaw County, to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Advocates stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many of our youth, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;">Please check out more pictures of the swearing-in pictures below:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:85%;"><table class="body" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" style="text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><tbody><tr><td valign="top" rowspan="1" colspan="1" align="center"><table class="TemplateWidth" border="0" width="600" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="text-align: left; width: 600px; "><tbody><tr><td width="100%" rowspan="1" colspan="1"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="text-align: left; "><tbody><tr><td class="MainWidth MainBG" valign="top" width="530" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 530px; "><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="text-align: left; "><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" valign="top" width="100%" id="panel_LETTER.PANEL2" class="ve-panel-normal ui-droppable" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; "><table width="100%" cellpadding="0" class="ve-edit-wrap ui-droppable ui-draggable" border="0" cellspacing="0" id="block_LETTER.BLOCK3" style="text-align: left; "><tbody></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></div><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F107116303119255470908%2Falbumid%2F5658224618263852657%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>CASA Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15850530649687611248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-22527530565313279922011-06-17T14:40:00.000-04:002011-06-17T14:40:46.887-04:00CASA of Washtenaw County Volunteer Silvia Raithel interns at the White House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0wtu0Munyo/TfueK8mEeFI/AAAAAAAADSU/si5X5BSjRxk/s1600/Silvia-Raithel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0wtu0Munyo/TfueK8mEeFI/AAAAAAAADSU/si5X5BSjRxk/s320/Silvia-Raithel.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Silvia Raithel</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is photographed in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">House</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, April 1, 2011.</span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #222222; font: 13.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photo Credit: </span></b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">House</span></b></span></div></span><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Greetings CASA family! </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My name is Silvia Raithel, and this semester I have been interning at the White House. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I would like to share with you a little bit about the White House Internship Program and about my experiences as an intern. The White House Internship Program is a public service leadership program. I have been placed in the Office of Presidential Personnel (PPO); this office administers the selection process for Presidential appointees.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The work that I have been doing in this capacity has been extremely interesting and has taught me a lot, but it has only been a small part of the Internship experience. Walking down the halls each day – and working in the different offices – are some of the world’s most successful people. What can be learned simply by observing the way that they react to situations, or simply by having a conversation with them, is invaluable, and can be life-changing. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also an important part of the Internship experience, is public service. Each White House Intern gets assigned a public service project, and some of us do additional volunteering on top of that. During my time here, I have sorted food at a food bank, volunteered at a soup kitchen, tutored high school students, and spent my Saturday working with children on developing iphone apps. These experiences have made me a more empathetic, caring, and creative person, and have thus contributed greatly to my development as a person.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Having been here in Washington D.C. for several months now, I can say that it has been an honor to play a small role in the Obama Administration alongside so many motivated and exceptional people. A year ago today, I would not have wagered to ever find myself here, yet alone so soon. Applying for the White House Internship Program was more of a whim than a part of a plan for me, as I knew that the application process was one of the most selective for internships anywhere. Evidently, even long shots can pan out, however, and I would like to encourage others to take this one as well. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The interns themselves come from all walks of life. Some here, like me, are still working on their undergraduate degrees. Others have completed their graduate work. Many have focused their education on political science or policy. But others have a background in various sciences, medicine, mathematics, or other fields in the liberal arts. We represent most geographic areas in the United States, and a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are passionate about anything, then I would say to you that you have nothing to lose by applying to be a White House Intern. If, as a CASA, you have advocated for a child who has an ambition to make a change in the world, and he or she has now graduated from high school, then I would ask you to say the same thing to them. This Administration – and this internship – is a great place to begin changing the world by learning how it can be done. The application for the White House Internship Program can be found online at Whithouse.gov/internship</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></div>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-8949681369047350522011-05-10T17:50:00.005-04:002011-05-10T17:55:09.591-04:00CASA Community Member of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JaK5SpFV8U/TcmyKZfMZkI/AAAAAAAADP4/Cpx-HzEK8ig/s1600/Ira.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JaK5SpFV8U/TcmyKZfMZkI/AAAAAAAADP4/Cpx-HzEK8ig/s320/Ira.png" width="216" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Name: </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ira Shaughnessy</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Role:</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Board Fellow from the University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What interested you about the</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CASA</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">program?</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When applying for Board Fellow programs, I was drawn to Friends of</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CASA</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">because of the benefit CASAs provide to Washtenaw youth. Working with the Board has been a great experience and reaffirms my interest to work in the nonprofit field in the future.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or your Education:</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Prior to starting at Ross, I spent over two years in Ghana as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Following my Peace Corps experience, I traveled around the world for 6 months. During my three years abroad, I was exposed to a number of nonprofit organizations and noticed that many do as much harm as they do good. I am now pursuing a dual degree, with an MS in Natural Resources and Environment as well as an MBA with concentrations in Social Enterprise and Strategy.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hobbies/Fun Facts about Yourself:</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've played soccer all of my life and loved being able to play in countries around the world when I was unable to communicate in any other way.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is your favorite quote of all time?</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"The time has come," the Walrus said,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"To talk of many things:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of cabbages--and kings--</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And why the sea is boiling hot--</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And whether pigs have wings."</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Lewis Carroll</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How did you hear about about the</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CASA</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">program?</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My sister previously worked as a</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">CASA</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and I found out more when applying to Board Fellows.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-19894699140375995062011-05-10T17:38:00.002-04:002011-07-01T13:55:30.064-04:00CASA Community Member of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SK-198GfkDs/Tg4J5qi0QJI/AAAAAAAADSs/UQJUX8Rac_U/s1600/Campbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SK-198GfkDs/Tg4J5qi0QJI/AAAAAAAADSs/UQJUX8Rac_U/s200/Campbell.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Name: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Katie Campbell</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Role:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Board Fellow from the University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What interested you about the CASA Program?</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was excited to learn more about Non-profit Board governance by serving on a board as successful and well-developed as Friends of CASA. They do incredible work to provide support for the CASA program in Washtenaw County and truly strengthen the collaboration between the government and non-profit sectors. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or Education:</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before attending Ross, I worked in marketing research in Chicago and was a member of the Junior Board for the non-profit organization Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois. I am now pursuing my MBA to develop my career in Marketing.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am a dual citizen - both Canadian and American!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is your favorite quote of all time?</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right."</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Henry Ford</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How did you hear about the CASA Program?</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The University of Michigan Non-Profit Management Center has worked with Friends of CASA </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">for several years and coordinated this project.</span></div>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-32064890665934719282011-02-03T19:42:00.006-05:002011-02-03T19:47:19.563-05:00Please welcome our newest CASA Community Member<b>Contributed by: Karen H. and Ava Adler</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtKiulAovI/AAAAAAAACuo/b7zMmmDeauE/s1600/Baby+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtKiulAovI/AAAAAAAACuo/b7zMmmDeauE/s320/Baby+1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Grant Michael W.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Parents: Lea (CASA Volunteer) & Michael W.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Born: January 12, 2011, 10:32 PM</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz.</span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtKoSQHjWI/AAAAAAAACus/Th-Jpx-Le4M/s1600/Baby+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtKoSQHjWI/AAAAAAAACus/Th-Jpx-Le4M/s320/Baby+2.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtKvWeV_oI/AAAAAAAACuw/a_o6gQcikt8/s1600/Baby+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtKvWeV_oI/AAAAAAAACuw/a_o6gQcikt8/s320/Baby+3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtK0DY-kQI/AAAAAAAACu0/Xg8Lq-BBGZg/s1600/Baby+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUtK0DY-kQI/AAAAAAAACu0/Xg8Lq-BBGZg/s1600/Baby+4.jpeg" /></a></div>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-76481487769316317852011-02-03T19:04:00.002-05:002011-02-03T19:06:15.341-05:00CASA Community Members of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUs9ll0Gp-I/AAAAAAAACuk/B5W0Fp0jGsM/s1600/Brushers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUs9ll0Gp-I/AAAAAAAACuk/B5W0Fp0jGsM/s400/Brushers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Left to right: Alex B., Ava Adler, and Elyse B.</b></div><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Name: Elyse B.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Role: CASA Supporter</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>What interested you about the CASA program?</b><br />
<br />
The CASA program provides for children in a way that most people would not ordinarily think of. I found its unique aid fascinating and I wanted to help the cause.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or your Education:</b><br />
<br />
I'm a student at Novi High School. I've volunteered at a few different places (Angela Hospice, Gleaner's Food Bank).<br />
<br />
<b>Hobbies/Fun Facts about Yourself:</b><br />
<br />
When I'm not at school, I love to read, dance, and find some way to exercise. I also love to spend time with my family, including my dog, Buddy.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favorite quote of all time?</b><br />
<br />
When I was in third grade, I did a report on Sarah Grimke. It began with this quote. I've always remembered it since.<br />
<br />
"All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet from off our necks."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">- Sarah Grimke, abolitionist and women's rights activist </div><br />
<b>How did you hear about about the CASA program?</b><br />
<br />
My mother had worked with CASA before and when the opportunity arose to help out, we took it.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Name: Alex B.</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Role: CASA Supporter</span></b></div><br />
<br />
<b>What interested you about the CASA program?</b><br />
<br />
The CASA program gives children such basic support. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to go through childhood without such basic opportunities.<br />
<br />
<b>Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or your Education:</b><br />
<br />
I have volunteered at food banks and as a teacher assistant.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Hobbies/Fun Facts about Yourself:</b><br />
<br />
I play soccer and the drum set. I am in my high school's band and enjoy computers.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favorite quote of all time?</b><br />
<br />
"Try not. Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda<br />
<br />
<b>How did you hear about about the CASA program?</b><br />
<br />
Word of mouth.CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-6143158754200539152011-02-03T18:26:00.004-05:002011-02-07T15:45:00.011-05:00Michigan CASA Story<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Contributed by: Stephanie Gunther</span></span></b></div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/THswZ0AJSjI/AAAAAAAACpo/f_qZw3Di3-8/s1600/ChildrenOnPorch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511051789032049202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/THswZ0AJSjI/AAAAAAAACpo/f_qZw3Di3-8/s400/ChildrenOnPorch.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 246px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: small;">On August 22, 2006, our lives changed! I did something I never do - I changed my office message noting that I would be at another building for the day rather than just picking up voicemail messages at the end of the day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That afternoon, I received a call from our licensing worker asking if I would consider taking three children and doing an emergency license increase. They had a sibling group who was going to have to be split up. My son, then 15, agreed to share his room with K who was 4.5 years old, B age 3.5, and M, who was 6.5, joined our family the next day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was the oddest thing feeling. A van pulled into our driveway. Our caseworker opened the side door of the van and their sat three tiny little people. B had fallen asleep on the twenty minute trip to our home and the tears hadn’t yet dried. I was terrified, they were terrified, and as a first time foster mom, I had no idea what a journey we were going to embark upon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The kids were going to be with us just a short time. Mom and Dad were separated, with Mom living with an abusive boyfriend. Dad was in jail. It was felt that once he was free that he would quickly regain custody. I was naïve and wasn’t sure I should buy Christmas presents!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Within a few days of the kids arriving, we had our first visit from our CASA who had been working on the case prior to them coming into formal care.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As the days became weeks, it became apparent that these kids who were nearly 40 years younger than I am had more life experience then I do. Kids, who the first time you asked them to drag over the toy box to do a toy sort asked if it was time to sell their toys. Kids who seemed to always announce things such as "I really like it that you cook the hotdogs" while in a crowded grocery store; or yell when Daddy gets out of jail in Target! They began to grow and thrive. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Visits with our CASA continued, typically each Sunday afternoon. As the kids began to relax, it became apparent that secrets were being kept. Behaviors began to escalate, and, as October came to a close, the Judge ordered visitation suspended. By December, we were down at CAN council trying to determine if the kids could provide credible testimony to see their biological parents arrested abuse. In early winter, our family court Judge was giving notice that TPR proceedings would be started soon. In May, TPR occurred, and in January of 2008, it was upheld.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">During this time, it took an entire team of people to support these three little people. M started kindergarten nearly two years late. B and K started pre-school.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On February 4, 2008, we became a legal family. Many days continue to be a struggle. When necessary, I can list the alphabet soup that is linked to each of them in some combination: PTSD, survivor of SA, ODD, RAD, FAS. Thankfully, we have days when they are simply growing children who laugh, play and bicker like brothers and sisters do. On the rough days, when they are being sent home from school, I try to take a deep breath and remember that a village let these children down when they were infants. The safety net didn’t help their biological mother who was pregnant at 15 and married to her 24 year old “husband” to keep him out of jail.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I regularly remind school officials, our therapist and our psychiatrist, as well as our friends and family that they are part of our village. All of us need to work together to do the best job we can to see that these three are productive members of our collective society. I am pleased that after the initial shock, most adults have indeed stepped up to help rather than judge.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To each of you who read this and are part of the safety net of a child or group of children I thank you. No role is more important than helping to raise productive children, who feel safe.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-80402208420276773432011-02-03T18:16:00.013-05:002011-02-03T19:31:23.955-05:002010 CASA of Washtenaw Moment<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank You Note from a CASA Child</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Contributed by: Ava Adler</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUsx3a_FElI/AAAAAAAACug/3566ho4C8yY/s1600/2010_1204+The+Palace+Monster+Truck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUsx3a_FElI/AAAAAAAACug/3566ho4C8yY/s400/2010_1204+The+Palace+Monster+Truck.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Picture from: themonsterblog.us, Photographer: Michael Harry</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In December, 2010, Ian S., a CASA of Washtenaw County volunteer, took his CASA kid, Josh, to the Extreme Monster Truck Nationals Event at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Palace made available tickets to events that were taking place around Thanksgiving. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the event, Josh wrote the following note to Ian & Friends of CASA:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Dear Friends of CASA,</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Thank you for the tickets to the monster truck jam. My favorite was the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">doughnut contest and the freestyle contest. It was loud and smoky and we had </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">good seats and had a lot of fun.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Josh W.</span></b></span>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-42942676157009652342011-02-03T17:30:00.018-05:002011-02-03T18:28:53.224-05:002010 CASA of Washtenaw Moment<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2010 Michigan CASA Conference</span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">November 12 - 13, 2010</span></b><br />
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</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUssH6b_n3I/AAAAAAAACuY/gA25nzbFPA8/s1600/CASA+State+Conf+2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TUssH6b_n3I/AAAAAAAACuY/gA25nzbFPA8/s400/CASA+State+Conf+2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Jan N., Kathy P., Gini Harmon, Susan S., Ava Adler &amp & Ian S.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Contributed by: Ava Adler</span></b></span> </div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The conference was great. It was called a “Legacy of One” and honored Pat Wagner, the previous executive director of Michigan CASA who passed away in April, 2010. The intention was to emphasize her years of incredible work and dedication not only to Michigan CASA but to the child welfare community as a whole. Pat was responsible for serving as “the wind beneath the wings” of at least 20 county programs in the State which were started and nurtured under her tenure. The advocate of the year award was re-named the “Patricia Wagner Volunteer of the Year”. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The conference was held in Grand Rapids @ The Crown Plaza Hotel and about 160 people were in attendance. Workshop topics included Native American Children and Families in State Court, Conflict Resolution Skills for CASA Volunteers, Fundraising - Art or Science, a panel of older foster care children “aging out of the system”, trauma informed assessments of children in the child welfare system and more.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The CASA of Washtenaw County volunteers who attended left inspired and invigorated, ready to re-face the challenges of their cases. And, both Gini Harmon and Jan Nyman won raffle baskets in the annual raffle of county created baskets which rasied over $2,000 to offset conference costs. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are looking forward to sending a contingent to the National CASA Conference, March 19-22, 2011. It will take place in Chicago and is called “Building Hope for Youth”.</span></span></span></span>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-29777897042926807782010-11-30T19:09:00.016-05:002011-02-04T11:01:17.072-05:00Congratulations to our new CASAs!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Please welcome our newly sworn-in advocates:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Suzanne A., Pam B-B., Jessica G., Sanya G., Vanessa H., Silvia R., Alicia R., Dave R.,</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cheryl W.</span></b></span></span><br />
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</span></div><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FCASAWashtenaw%2Falbumid%2F5545495433088150945%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-45605946934768340822010-09-28T13:47:00.006-04:002011-02-04T11:44:40.455-05:00CASA Community Member of the Week<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TKIq6re0j_I/AAAAAAAACqA/z8VUu3u9AHA/s1600/four+of+us+Christmas.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522023280702427122" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TKIq6re0j_I/AAAAAAAACqA/z8VUu3u9AHA/s400/four+of+us+Christmas.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 268px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Name:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Wendy S.</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Role:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Co-Chair for Rockin’ the CASA</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Picture: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(left to right) Kyle, Jason, Wendy, and Samantha</span></span></b><br />
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</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What interested you about the CASA program? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love that there is an organization that gives a voice to children who cannot advocate for themselves. Children are so innocent and it is our duty to protect them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or Education: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. I worked for UofM as a non-profit recruitment coordinator until the birth of my daughter. After my first child was born, I became a full-time stay-at home mom. Now, I spend my time volunteering for various organizations that benefit foster children, I’m the Treasurer/Secretary of the PTO at my children’s school, and I volunteer in their classrooms.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My husband Jason and I have a 7 year old daughter named Samantha and a 5 year old son named Kyle. I love yoga, reading, and history.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is your favorite quote of all time? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help." Abraham Lincoln</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How did you hear about the CASA Program?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I actually first heard of the program on the Dr. Phil show!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-73851937427770610322010-08-29T23:45:00.006-04:002010-08-29T23:51:18.859-04:00Local CASA Success Story<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/THsprnoD4OI/AAAAAAAACpQ/NAhmpeCkCPE/s1600/3+kids+banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 163px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/THsprnoD4OI/AAAAAAAACpQ/NAhmpeCkCPE/s400/3+kids+banner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511044398366056674" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am a recently licensed foster mother in Washtenaw County and have had the great pleasure of working with Kathy P. who is the CASA for my new foster son. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I wanted to reach out to all of you because I think it’s important for leaders to know about successes as much as they are notified when problems arise. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As I learned more about the CASA program and worked with Kathy, it became clear to me that she was modeling the CASA core values each and every moment. She has been and remains a vital team member in my child’s case. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I will not digress into the details of this particular case, but I can assure you that I am convinced that without Kathy, things would not have worked out and gone as smoothly as they have. She is truly only interested in the child’s highest good and has kept fiercely to that path and been a voice for him in times of great turmoil. She has developed key relationships and I’ve seen various other team members stop and take note of her voice, which then resulted in a key change in direction or a return to the path. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The CASA program is a fine example of a public/private partnership and Kathy P. is one of your shining stars.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Julie Palmer</span></span></b></span></p></span>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-17473987078344143352010-07-13T19:30:00.011-04:002011-02-04T10:55:44.433-05:00Congratulations, Maria!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Contributed by: Ava Adler<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TDz3uw6T9cI/AAAAAAAACkk/PsS9NO-zBPc/s1600/wed2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493538028260685250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TDz3uw6T9cI/AAAAAAAACkk/PsS9NO-zBPc/s400/wed2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Maria, with her husband Eric L. and daughter Olivia Grace L.</span></div><br />
In June, 2010, <span style="color: red; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">Maria R.</span>, a Washtenaw County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), married Eric L. at his mother's home in Gladwin, Michigan. Maria has been a CASA volunteer since November, 2007. She has worked on 3 cases while working on her undergraduate degree in psychology at Eastern Michigan University.<br />
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Congratulations to Maria and her family!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TDz5fzlh08I/AAAAAAAACks/I2o3WjT7Nuw/s1600/wed1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493539970304037826" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TDz5fzlh08I/AAAAAAAACks/I2o3WjT7Nuw/s400/wed1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Maria, with her husband Eric L. and daughter Olivia Grace L.</span></div>CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-935733163077680514.post-7283948280577530012010-07-13T19:28:00.009-04:002010-07-13T20:01:53.953-04:00Thank You, Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TDz-OO7XGLI/AAAAAAAACk8/N9WwbuXEAhM/s1600/Kiwanis.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7JjXwL9HmwA/TDz-OO7XGLI/AAAAAAAACk8/N9WwbuXEAhM/s400/Kiwanis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493545165963860146" border="0" /></a>CASA of Washtenaw County received $2,000 from the Kiwanis Club, on behalf of the Children and Youth Services Committee. The award supports our Cinderella Fund, a fund established to provide for the special needs of the children assigned to CASA volunteers.<br /><br />Thank you, Kiwanis Club!CASA of Washtenaw Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17564415708686656337noreply@blogger.com0