CASA Success Story

Biological brothers, who were split up, were able to keep in touch because their CASA volunteer was willing to drive between Detroit and Marshall for them to have contact with each other.

The CASA volunteer would bring the younger boy, who was in foster care in Marshall, down to Detroit for his orthodontist appointments (which had begun when he was in residential placement there). They would then pick up the older brother, who lived in Wyandotte, and go to dinner, the park, etc.

CASA Community Member of the Week

Name: Christy W.

Role: CASA Volunteer


Why did you choose to be involved with this organization?

I have been looking for a while to find a volunteer position that gave me a chance to have hands-on experience with a neglected or abused child. When I heard about CASA in a college course, I was intrigued, and looking into it further only assured me that I had made the right choice.

Work Experience/Volunteer Experience/Education

Currently, I am a full time student at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women's Studies. I am hoping to continue my studies and eventually branch out into the non-profit world. I also spend some of my time volunteering with the Safehouse Center.

Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself

I am very interested in women and child advocacy. I am an alumnus of Delta Zeta. I am currently Hospitality Chair of National Association of Career Women. I am also involved in the Ann Arbor Coalition Against Rape.

How did you hear about the CASA Program?

I first heard about CASA in a Psychology course mentioned by a Child Advocacy Center Speaker.

CASA Success Story

A two year old was reunited with her biological father after the CASA volunteer was able to give the judge some perspective and feedback on exaggerated allegations of neglect that her foster mother was making about the care she got during visits with her Dad.

The child had been living with her foster mom since birth and the foster mom was having separation issues.

Photo courtesy of Calgary Counselling Centre.

CASA Community Member of the Week

Name: Shelley S.

Role: CASA Volunteer


Why did you choose to be involved with this organization?

I was touched by the stories presented on the website and felt that the work of a CASA volunteer could offer assistance to children who are victims of a chaotic social environment.

Work Experience/Volunteer Experience/Education:

Physician

Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:

Yoga, Biking

How did you hear about the CASA Program?

Browsing the internet.

CASA of Washtenaw County Invites You...

Contributed by: Ferlie Yruma

UPDATE:

We would like to thank everyone who joined us at our first annual Pancake Supper! We especially would like to thank our CASA volunteers and the First United Methodist Church Youth Group for volunteering their time for a good cause!

Please check out the Pancake Supper photo album (right column of this blog) as well as video snippets of the event (CASAWashtenaw YouTube Channel).
__________________________________________________
What: Join us for a Pancake Supper!
Who's Invited: Everyone
Where: First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor
(120 S. State Street, Ann Arbor)
When: April 13th, 5 - 7 pm

$7 Adults
$5 Students
Children under 5 eat free!

We accept cash and check only at the door.

Skip the lines.
Buy tickets online!
Go to www.casawashtenaw.org/pancakesupper.

Washtenaw County CASA Success Story

Although reunification was the goal, the Mother was not making progress in what she needed to do to get her children back.

The CASA Volunteer assigned to the case, who has a Master's degree in Social Work and previous work experience in the child welfare system, observed the Mom and determined that the Mom was depressed. The CASA volunteer asked for an evaluation of this issue.

Even though the Mom's attorney was defensive towards the request, a referral was made to the reunification program, and the Mom was evaluated for depression. She was found to be depressed and was put on medication.

She has made a turn-around and is now making good progress towards getting her children back.

CASA Community Member of the Week

Name: Sondra S.

Role: CASA Volunteer, Friends of CASA Volunteer


What interested you about the CASA Program?

My experiences working with Children's Advocacy have inspired me to become increasingly involved in the issues surrounding child welfare. When I heard of the opportunity to advocate for abused and neglected children, my perspectives on ethics and social justice were supported by the role of a CASA volunteer. This position to advocate and empower today's youth was an opportunity that I was immediately interested in.

Work Experience/Volunteer Experience/Education:

I am currently a senior at the University of Michigan School of Literature, Science, and the Arts. I am pre-law with a concentration in biopsychology. Throughout my time as an undergraduate, I have had the opportunity to become involved in a number of experiences that have helped to shape my interest.

This past summer, I had the opportunity of working as an Intern in the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic at the University of Michigan. This position exposed me to a number of advocacy cases that I worked on to organize and maintain for the law clinic.

I have also had the the chance to become a member of the Children's Advocacy Initiative at the University of Michigan Mott's Children's Hospital. As part of this program, I have worked to speak up for kids by communicating with legislators regarding improvements in the health and well-being of the children in Michigan.

Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:

I love to travel and I am currently working on becoming proficient in Spanish! I enjoy learning about different cultures and plan to someday go abroad. I also love taking pictures and going to concerts.

How did you hear about the CASA Program?

I was speaking with a friend of mine (who is also pre-law at the University of Michigan) when he mentioned I should look into CASA. We were discussing the different areas of law that we were interested in when he said that CASA seemed like it would be a great fit for me.

A Child Speaks: Who Am I?

Who Am I?

There was once a tree full of apples which was my family.
Then one day I fell off.
Some grownups came and put me in a pear tree.
Then I fell off.
A little boy came and put me in a tree with apples, pears, and
peaches.
Then I fell off.
Then I sat there forever wondering, who will pick me up next?
Where will I go?
Will I go where I belong?
Or will I waste my whole life living with fruits who I don't belong
with because they can't encourage me to accomplish my dreams, or
can't tell me who I am because they don't know who I am.
It's up to you.
Who am I?

Danielle Marie B. - age 14,
in foster care (source)

The Connection - A National CASA Publication

Contributed by: Ferlie Yruma

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

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

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

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

CASA Community Member of the Week

Name: Lisa P.

Role: CASA Volunteer


What interested you about the CASA Program?

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

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

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

Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:

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

What is your favorite quote of all time?

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

How did you hear about the CASA Program?

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