A 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 www.casawashtenaw.org!
Contributed by: Donna Huntsman, Executive Director
Friends of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was awarded several generous grants and contributions that will help it promote its mission of helping abused and neglected children in Washtenaw County.
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Clauw Family Fund donated $10,000 to the organization in hopes of providing every child in Washtenaw County a safe, permanent home. The grant is unrestricted and will be used to further the Friends of CASA mission.
The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor donated $2,000 toward CASA’s Cinderella Fund. The fund allows CASA volunteers to request modest sums to support the special needs of the children not met by standard Department of Human Services stipends. Examples of Cinderella Fund purchases in 2008 included:
A warm winter coat for a little boy
Undergarments for a teenage girl
Boots for three children fostered by a relative
Beds which allowed a relative to foster two nieces
The continuing generosity of our funders in today’s economy is a clear sign that our community values the incredibly important work we do. We are very grateful for the support of the Clauw Family Fund and the Kiwanis Club. Funders like them help bring us closer toward our goal of providing a CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child in foster care in Washtenaw County.
Other noteworthy grantors include the Junior League of Ann Arbor with a $500 donation and the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor with a $400 donation. These two grants will go toward community outreach efforts to recruitment additional volunteer CASAs.
A CASA is a volunteer assigned to a child who regularly visits with the child and speaks with foster parents, biological parents, teachers, therapists, lawyers and caseworkers. The CASA attends court proceedings and recommends to the judge how to best help the child – they are the voice of the child.
Our advocates serve as a consistent, caring adult in a child’s life. They go to court with them; they take them to the park; they help them move from one foster home to another; they follow their progress at school, and they provide the court with a better understanding of who the child is and what he/she needs.
The Washtenaw CASA program serves as a model of government and nonprofit collaboration, and draws from the strengths of each sector to support the children who are in very unfortunate circumstances. CASA of Washtenaw County is a partnership between government, Washtenaw County Juvenile Court, and the nonprofit, Friends of CASA, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Since its founding in 1999, Friends of CASA has made a difference in the lives of abused or neglected children. For more information or to donate, please visit http://www.casawashtenaw.org/.
This is my first post on the CASA blog as Board Chair for Friends of CASA - an organization I am fully committed to because of it's mission to help abused and neglected children right here in Washtenaw County. That commitment to our local kids, the kids living right here in my community, attending my neighborhood schools etc. - the same kids sitting in our county family court system wishing for someone to tell their story, plead their case or simply to "know" what they think...that's why I chose this organization many years ago and am thrilled to be in the position I am for 2009, Board Chair.
When I look forward into 2009, I see more of the wonderful progress we've made in the last two years under the helm of Marianne Clauw. Thank you Marianne for your outstanding service to Friends of CASA.
Our 2009 board of directors is strongly committed to our mission and in addition, we are diverse enough to strongly represent those we are striving to serve. Our number of volunteers, our financial supporters and our public awareness is growing each year and I feel confident that these trends will continue in 2009. In growing these areas, our ability to serve more children (our ultimate goal) becomes more attainable. Every step counts, small or big.
I'm confident that the biggest impact on our progress in 2009 will be the hiring of Donna Huntsman as our Executive Director, starting February 3rd. Donna brings with her the experience and commitment we need to grow an organization of our size. Her enthusiasm, positive attitude and her simple "Cheers" at the end of her emails contributes to an energetic and upbeat office atmosphere. We are thrilled to have her on the Friends of CASA team.
In my heart and in my head, I feel that 2009 will be a fantastic year for the CASA program. I say that knowing that we are surrounded by big challenges in our economy, in our communities and even in our own homes and offices. Still, when I am reminded of the challenges these children have faced on a daily basis, often for most of their lives, I am given the perspective I need to face the challenges in my own life. I only hope that I have a portion of the resiliency and strength I see in these children. They deserve our support. I'm committed to giving it to them. I hope you join me in continuing to serve them and give them the "voice" they deserve.
By: Marianne Clauw (2008 Friends of CASA Board Chair)
2008 was a year of commitment and growth for the CASA Washtenaw program. 40 CASA volunteers were advocates for 87 children who had been removed from their homes because of neglect or abuse. These volunteers demonstrated that commitment, persistence, and caring make an enormous difference in the lives of these children. 15 new volunteers were trained and sworn in as CASAs in 2008, continuing the growth of the Washtenaw CASA program.
The Washtenaw County Trial Court-Juvenile Division and the Friends of CASA demonstrated commitment to our government/nonprofit partnership in 2008. The two year Expansion Grant received from the National CASA organization in 2006 expired as planned in June, 2008. The Court and the Friends of CASA are pleased to report that the community outreach and fundraising efforts of the Friends of CASA have resulted in a smooth transition to local funding of the program. The Court demonstrated confidence and commitment to the partnership by including the entire program in the 2008/2009 court budget, including the continued salary grants from the Friends of CASA. This is a very significant step, as the salary grants can now be matched by the State of Michigan Child Care Fund, because CASA is a fully budgeted program.
The Friends of CASA took a major step forward in the hiring of our first permanent staff for the nonprofit. With the addition of an executive director and the continued efforts of the board of trustees, revenues increased from $32,000 in 2007 to $89,000 in 2008. Funding from local foundations and corporations increased, and the individual donor pool was doubled.
Growth in community outreach was a focus of the Court and the Friends of CASA in 2008. The community learned about the issue of child abuse and the CASA program via monthly presentations to civic groups, a University of Michigan campus outreach program, enhancement of electronic outreach through website, blogs, and videos, and the highly successful Rockin’ the CASA dinner dance and auction in November.
Thank you for your interest and commitment to helping the children we serve through the CASA program. It is the support of the community that allows the CASA volunteers to do their vital work.
We were fortunate to have Professor Frank Vandervort as our guest speaker at our monthly CASA meeting. Vandervort is a Professor of Law; child advocate; writer and lecturer at the University of Michigan's Child Advocacy Law Clinic. He spoke to us about the Consent Decree associated with the recently settled Children's Rights Law Suit against the State of Michigan and the Department of Human Services.
Professor Vandervort provided background information on “the lawsuit” including information on the plaintiffs on whose behalf the class action suit was filed; court-ordered changes still to come and the requirements that exist for Michigan and the DHS as a result of the suit.
The lawsuit consists of 65 claims against the State and the DHS on behalf of 6 kids representing all children in the foster care system. Professor Vandervort believes the biggest impact we will see as a result of the lawsuit will be a reduction in case loads, an increase in case workers and supervisors and changes in educational requirements for personnel.
We really appreciate Professor Vandervort taking the time to join us and educate us on “the lawsuit”. At our next CASA volunteer meeting, February 23rd, we will hear from a representative from DHS regarding the changes taking place here in Washtenaw County. Hope to see you there!
Local Leaders Applaud Volunteers During January 27 Celebration
(Excerpt from the Washtenaw Youth Mentoring Coalition Press Release)
Washtenaw’s new Sheriff, Jerry Clayton, will promote the benefits of mentoring and publicly recognize local “super mentors” at a county-wide celebration in honor of National Mentoring Month on Tuesday, January 27 at the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw Commissioners Conan Smith and Roland Sizemore, Jr., Washtenaw Administrator Bob Guenzel and Washtenaw Department of Children’s Services Director Lisa Greco will also address audience members.Clayton will present awards to the county’s 2009 “super mentors.”
The event, which is open to the public, begins at 4 pm at 310 E Washington St, Ann Arbor.
The 2009 Washtenaw Mentor of the Year is U. Ashwin Patel, who volunteers for the Washtenaw Trial Court Appointed Special Advocates Program.
“Ashwin has worked with the same family over all this time, providing a consistent thread of knowledge and caring concern while caseworkers and attorneys have come and gone,” Washtenaw CASA Program Director Ava Adler said.“Ashwin is calm, consistent and competent in all she does.She is always current in knowing what the kids need and she always brings those needs to the attention of the people responsible for meeting them.”
The case started with a 13-year-old boy and his 4- and 6-year-old stepsisters being removed from the care of their parents who suffered from serious mental problems.The girls were eventually returned to their parents care, but the boy remained in foster care and Ashwin met with him weekly.Eventually, the girls came back into foster care along with their new baby brother.Ashwin became re-involved with them, monitoring their adjustment to life in the home of relatives with whom they were placed.
A mentor is a caring, responsible, dedicated volunteer who guides a young person, helping him or her define and achieve personal goals.Mentored youth are 46% less likely to start using drugs than their un-mentored peers, according to the Child Trends Research Brief of 2004.
The Coalition is an alliance of 39 local youth-focused organizations, including schools, non-profits, government agencies and faith-based organizations.The Coalition enables its member organizations to network, share resources, save staff time and money by jointly recruiting volunteers and hosting events, and meet the Mentor Michigan Quality Standards for youth mentoring organizations.
The Coalition's website, www.washtenawmentoring.org, helps potential mentors and mentees connect via Coalition-member organizatins. Website visitors can also learn more about mentoring and its benefits, the Coalition, and upcoming youth events.
For pictures of the event, please see the picture album below:
Pictured Above: Molly Schikora (Attorney Referee), Virginia Harmon (CASA Supervisor); Newly sworn-in CASA Volunteers – Ian S., Amy W., Fran G., Kevin G. and Nancy M.; and Ava Adler, (Coordinator of the CASA program), Washtenaw County Trial Court – Family Division.
On December 17, 2008, the Washtenaw County CASA Program swore in 5 new volunteers!
Please welcome: Kevin G., Fran G., Nancy M., Ian S., and Amy W.
Please check out the photo album below for pictures of the Swearing In Ceremony.
It has been an honor and privilege to work for such a great cause and with an incredible team. In 2008, the CASA program served 80 children and I'm confident that with the direction and leadership of the Board and staff more children will find loving, stable and permanent homes in the months to come.
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 and previous work experience in the child welfare system, observed the mom and felt that the mom's behavior indicated depression. The CASA volunteer asked that the mom be evaluated for clinical depression.
Even though the mom's attorney was defensive towards the request, a referral was made to the reunification program, and the mom was evaluated and diagnosed for depression. With the help of mental health professionals, and a regiment of effective medication, the mom made a turn-around. She is well on her way to getting her children back!
On November 15, 2008, CASA held its second annual fundraiser with great success.
The stage was set as the Washtenaw County Farm Council building transformed into a beautifully-lit celebration of children, friends, music, and autumn, complete with straw bales and pumpkins.
Nearly 300 gatherers enjoyed the line dancing, BBQ, and great items in the silent auction. Most importantly, our 2nd fundraiser was a financial success, raising almost $15,000 for CASA of Washtenaw.
“In a time of uncertainty, it’s truly uplifting to see a community come together to support a cause,” says Nikki Huang, Friend of CASA’s executive director. “We had over 100 business and individuals donate to our auction, over 30 volunteers who helped make it happen, and the support of close to 300 people who turned out.” Rockin the CASA has become the “umbrella” for Friends of CASA’s annual fundraiser. This year’s theme, “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll,” featured country and rock music set to a country theme. Next year’s theme, already in the making, promises more fun and excitement. Look for an announcement and save-the-date in our next newsletter.
On Oct. 31, 2008, the wildly successful Rock the CASA concert was held at Mendelssohn Theatre. Rock the CASA is a variety show including performances by the best entertainment groups on the University of Michigan campus. Student performances included an array of comedians, a capella groups, bands, and dance groups. 100% of ticket sales benefit CASA of Washtenaw County.
Please check out the 2008 Rock the CASA Photo album below:
Thanks to Kappa Alpha Theta for providing some of the pictures! _________________________________________________________
YOU ROCK!!
CASA of Washtenaw County would like to thank the following event supporters. The concert would not have been successful without them!
SPONSOR:
Kappa Alpha Theta - Eta Chapter annually holds a variety show called Rock the CASA to raise money for CASA of Washtenaw County. For information about Kappa Alpha Theta, please check out their website: http://www.umich.edu/%7Etheta/
PERFORMERS: (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Amazin' Blue:
Amazin' Blue performers: Elise Amato, Camila Ballario, Caitlin Bloom, Jessica Bloom, Austin Chrzanowski, Joe Dimuzio, Gabriel Fazio, Bethany Felder, Lance Fletke, Andres Holder, Kirsten Knisely, Jake McClory, Adam Moskal, Peter Preonas
Amazin' Blue has a big concert on Saturday, Nov. 15th (8 PM) at Rackham auditorium. Tickets can be bought at the door or at MUTO (Michigan Union Ticket Office). They have also just released a new CD (Lost in Sound). For more information, please check out their website, www.amazinblue.org
Below is a video snippet of Amazin' Blue's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
Cadence
Cadence performers: Michelle Chirby, Danielle Berridge, Kaylie Hanson (Co-President), Laura Thompson, Lara Leitner, Megan Argillander, Megan Avesian, Cassie Ruch, Sarah Hardy, Sophie Kruz, Sarah Schleicher, Sabrina Tharani
ComCo performers: Mallory Bradford, Alex Weatherup, Erica Ranade, Adnan Pirzada, Jamielyn Beatty, Teddi Milan, Alex Stuessy, Spencer Smith, Matthew Blinstrub, Jordan Rochelson
ComCo is University of Michigan's oldest and best improv group. For more information about Comco, please check out their website: http://www.umuac.org/comedy/index2.html
EnCore
EnCore performers: Adie Angrist, Keith Binion, Lauren Boumaroun, Gabi Brazg, Akiya Brown, Jonathan Choi, Karl Josef Co, Sasha Compère, Kevin Duong, Liane Hajduch, Tynika Johnson, Lara Leitner, Carmen Loo, Maddie Moore, Trang Nguyen, Courtney Power, Jasmine Sadler, Rachel Wehner, Lauren Wolfe, Amanda Wong, Talun Zeitoun
Below is a video snippet of EnCore's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
The Friars
Friars performers: (1) Andrew Mueller, (2) Sean Morris, (3) Andy Ballard, (4) Drew Bollinger, (5) Danny Dunlap, (6) Abraham Heller Hiatt, (7) Alex Weatherup, (8) Eric Emeott
Below is a video snippet of The Friars's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
FunKtion
FunKtion performers: Tomas Kim, Andrew Krebsbach, Justin Tien, Steve Lai, Anthony Baber, Terence Chua, James Dean, Vincent Giang
Loosen your hips, unhinge your joints, stretch your legs and get ready to dance. Nod your head, clap your hands, move you feet and melt with the beat as FunKtion brings you it's unique blend of fun-loving entertainment. From street corners to stage center, funKtion has been doing it right since '99. For more information about FunKtion, please check out their website: http://www.umfunktion.com/
Great Divide
Great Divide performers: Teddy Grossman-Guitar,Vocals; Jeff Leibovich-Keyboards; Joey Gaon-Lead Guitar; Josh Teitelbaum-Drums; Hiro Sato-Bass; Jake Kenowitz- Trumbone Eric Schindler- Saxaphone
Great Divide is influenced by the traditional roots of Blues, Country, Soul, Funk or otherwise, good ol' fashioned Rock and Roll. Great Divide strives to preserve the elements of Rock's rich history, while exposing a new generation to the experience of their brand of honest, down-home music. For more information, please check out their MySpace site: http://www.myspace.com/greatdivideannarbor
RhythM is a student-run performance group comprised of passionate and dedicated, advanced tap dancers. For more information, please e-mail them at rhythmtap@umich.edu and/or rhythmexec@umich.edu
The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor donated $2,000 toward CASA’s Cinderella Fund. The fund allows CASA volunteers to request modest sums to support the special needs of the children not met by standard Department of Human Services stipends. Examples of Cinderella Fund purchases in 2008 included: 
