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Congratulations to our 2019 Graduates!
100% of our CASA youth who were on track to graduate from High School this school year have graduated!
We are so very proud of you and everything you have accomplished.
Thank you to all of the CASAs who supported their youth in achieving their educational goals this year!
June is National Reunification Month
This is a time to reflect on the countless individuals who strive to rejoin children with their parents and families.
Removing a child from their family has been shown to cause lifelong trauma to a child. Reunification takes work, commitment, and an investment of time and resources.
SAVE The DATE!!! Annual CASA Picnic Saturday, August 10th
Please be on the lookout for an email invitation being sent out
through Eventbrite.
Upcoming Community Events
It's Summer Time!!!
* LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE *
COMPLIMENTARY ALL-DAY RIDE PASSES TO THE SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK
We were generously provided a limited number of tickets that can be exchanged for a All-Day Rides Boardwalk Wristband for CASA youth.
Can be used during normal operating hours.
A few block- out dates apply:
7/4, 7/5, 7/6, 7/7, 8/31 9/1 and 9/2
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Underwater Explorers Opportunity
Ages 8 to 13
Come dive with the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
In this unique program, kids ages 8 to 13 are introduced to the underwater world through surface scuba diving. Kids are safely guided by Aquarium leadership-level dive staff in our Great Tide Pool, where they'll meet amazing animals while getting a fish's-eye view of the wonders of the bay. No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided, there is only a sense of adventure needed!
They have Spanish speaking instructors as well if needed.
We have received a limited number of passes so that it would be of no cost for our youth to partake in this wonderful experience!
7th Annual Pleasure Point Street Fair on
Saturday, June 22
Between 41st and 38th Avenues, Santa Cruz
11 AM to 5 PM
Admission is Free
Great Music: A total of eight local bands will perform a variety of styles of music on two stages including Americana, Blues, Rock, Reggae and Surf Music.
Fun for Kids: The kid’s zone will feature a variety of activities provided by local organizations including crafts, face painting and henna.
* Limited Tickets *
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Tuesday, June 25th
SF Giants vs. CO Rockies Game
Please join John Burton Advocates for Youth and the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 25 to celebrate the Fifth Annual Adoptee Night, organized by the Mixed Roots Foundation. The SF Giants will play the Colorado Rockies at 6:45 p.m with a pre-game VIP reception starting at 5:00 p.m.
Summer Movie Clubhouse:
Ten Weeks of Fun Films for Kids!
This summer, pay only $1 per person, per movie, at the theatre box office to escape the heat and view select family fun films! Feature films will include, but aren't limited to: Dispicable Me 3, The Grinch,
Sherlock Gnomes and the Lego Movie!
Participating theaters include the Northridge Mall,
Marina and Monterey Century Theaters!
Monterey County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program is requesting just a few minutes of your time. They would like to assess their program, and feedback from you as a CASA is vital!
Please follow the link below for a brief survey. They want to ensure our foster students are receiving the supports they need to be successful in school. This survey will help both locally and at the state level in determining program needs.
MCOE thanks you very much for your time, and for being an important partner in our universal goal to improve the lives of students in foster care.
The Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP)
appreciates your input and all you do as a CASA!
Just some clarification on terminology used in the survey:
A Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is a district’s planning document which shows goals and expected outcomes, as well as services provided in attempt to attain those goals. Districts who have foster students should list goals for them as well as special education students, English Learners and low income students.
Our county = Monterey County, MCOE and/or partner agencies
An LEA is a Local Education Agency (essentially, this means school districts and county programs)
Completion of the survey by June 15th is appreciated.
California Foster Youth Sexual Health Education Act - SB 89
Youth Fact Sheets & Accompanying
Case Manager Guide
With the passage of the California Foster Youth Sexual Health Education Act (SB 89), all California foster youth age 10 and older are required to be informed of their reproductive and sexual health rights annually in an age and developmentally appropriate manner.
As part of the Los Angeles Reproductive Health Equity Project for Foster Youth (LA RHEP), John Burton Advocates for Youth has developed a series of youth fact sheets to communicate this important information. Accompanying the youth fact sheets is a guide that includes age-appropriate conversation starters to help them navigate these sensitive conversations. Fact sheets are available for three age groups: tweens/early adolescents, middle adolescents, and transition-aged youth/young adults.
Below is a link to the guide and individual fact sheets.
For: Tweens/Early Adolescents, Middle Adolescents and Transition Aged Youth/Young Adults.
Gender Spectrum offers resources to empower your relationships, work, and interactions with youth and children. From how-to guides, to respected research, to sample training materials, we provide you with the tools necessary to create gender inclusive environments in your homes, offices, and communities.
Parenting and Family ~ Teens ~ Education ~ Medical ~ Mental Health ~ Legal ~ Social Services ~ Faith
California Child Welfare Co- Investment Partnership
'Child Welfare Policy and Progress'
This article provides an update on CCR in addition to a list of legislation that affects families/children in care. Even if you don't have the time to read it all in one sitting, it would be a good idea to keep it on hand for reference.
Led by Rick Allen, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and Drummer with Def Leppard; and Lauren Monroe, vocalist, songwriter, musician, and author, the Community Drum Circle brings people of all backgrounds and walks of life together. When we come into a drum circle, we enter a sacred place as community without judgment and mistrust, but with respect and compassion to heal one another and bring into focus the possibilities of who we truly are.
Petroglyph is generously offering a 50% off discount for you all and your kiddos to use at your leisure! All that they ask is that you wear your CASA pin if possible as an identifier, and then mention that you are a CASA volunteer.
They are located at 125 Walnut Ave.
Click here to view Petroglyph's website and learn more!
Office Announcements
Help spread the CASA!
Do you have friends or family who you think
would make a great CASA?
If so, please share our upcoming info session dates,
listed below with them.
Or they can contact Kathryn
at 831-455-6800 ext 31, or recruitment@casaofmonterey.org to schedule a session that will fit their needs.
CASA Website Update
Click the button below to view our event calendar located on our website for your convenience!
How are you enjoying your experience as a CASA?
Our Marketing & Volunteer Recruitment Manager, Kathryn Pernet, is working on our new website and would love to include as many advocate testimonials as she can get either in writing or video format.
If you would like to participate by written word, please select the button below to email Kathryn comments from your heart regarding your experience- something that curious folks would find encouraging.
If you’d be agreeable to do a short, very casual video of your comments, please give her a call at
(831) 455-6800 ext 31, or reach out via email.
Deadline: No deadline, feel free to send any time!
