Welcome back! This month, we are celebrating the shining stars in our midst – the incredible CASA volunteers! As we bask in the glow of our recent “Stars of Advocacy” annual event, we’re reminded of the profound impact each and every one of you has on the lives of children living in foster care. So, let’s embrace our inner stars and illuminate the path towards brighter tomorrows.
Thank you for all that you do!
In The Spotlight – Stars of Advocacy
On April 20th, Voices for CASA Children and CASA of Maricopa County proudly hosted the “Stars of Advocacy” CASA volunteer annual event. On this special morning, CASA volunteers came together to connect, share experiences, and further strengthen their advocacy.
This year, we were honored to welcome our panel of keynote speakers, including David Lujan, CEO for the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Kris Jacober, who in addition to her community leadership also shared compelling insights as a foster parent, and Kristy Dupree, Parent Navigator for the Family Involvement Center who shared her powerful, inspiring story as a birth parent.
We also deeply appreciate Consilium Consulting for being an event sponsor, as well as dignitaries who joined us in honoring CASA volunteers.
These guests included the Honorable Judge Pamela Dunne, Caroline Lautt-Owen, Director, AZ Dependent Children’s Services, Kappa Alpha Theta philanthropic leadership, and Christine Arians, this year’s ‘Star of Advocacy’ Award recipient and an ardent champion, advocate and supporter of CASA programs and the vulnerable youth we serve.
The Stars of Advocacy theme was a fitting tribute to CASA volunteers, who are the shining stars in the lives of children living in foster care. Through their committed advocacy – as well as the support of our community of supporters – we all work together to amplify the voice of these vulnerable children, shine a light on their potential, and instill hope for a brighter future.
See the Christine Arians tribute video.
Christine Arians – A Beautiful Partnership (Video)
Christine Arians and the Arians Family Foundation have had a memorable partnership with Voices For CASA Children for over 10 years now. Join us as we celebrate some of the great moments we shared during our time together.
My CASA Journey Lifetime Achievement Winner: Kathleen Kater (Video)
Congratulations to Kathleen Kater, the recipient of CASA of Maricopa County’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award! Kathleen has served as a CASA volunteer for over 19 years, and has advocated tirelessly for 11 children. She has also served as a peer coordinator, assisting other CASA volunteers, for 10 of those years. To hear Kathleen’s compelling story, check out this this video!
Champions For Positive Outcomes, The Arians Family Foundation
The Arians Family Foundation was created in 2013 at the same time Coach Bruce Arians came to the Arizona Cardinals. The Foundation’s motto ‘A Voice for Children’ calls out their focus and dedication to Court Appointed Special Advocates. AFF is committed to the communities in five states which they have lived.
Over the past 10 years, the Arians’ have continually worked to create a broader and deeper understanding of the importance of child advocacy and the difference a CASA volunteer can make to a child. They made many youth experiences possible, such as events at the AZ Cardinals practice games and being on the field with the players. Moments that help youth feel seen and inspired.
The Arians family is also the VOICES family and we hold them with deep gratitude.
Check out this amazing family!
Community & Youth Connections, Family Involvement Center: Empowering Families, Protecting Children -Together
Family Involvement Center’s Vision: T
o foster healthy, resilient children and families who are valued and involved in shaping their own care, as well as programs and policies impacting children’s services.
We are grateful to the Family Involvement Center for participating in the Stars of Advocacy program. The CASA volunteers were moved by the courageous life that was shared by Parent Ally, Kristy Dupree. FIC was founded in 2002 in order to help families navigating the complex child-serving systems and do it with empathy and understanding. Every day and with every family they champion a paradigm shift where the family voice is heard and valued.
Their Parent Assistance Center focuses on parent/family peer support and coordination of care services. This peer model is staffed by Parent Ally’s, many of whom have walked a similar life path and are now ready to share their life experiences to help others. We recognize the importance of family resources centers, like FIC. Learn more here.
Strengthening Advocacy Through Education, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
We are excited to announce the release of our latest podcast episode,
“What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? with Barb Clark”.
Have you ever wondered about the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure? FASD is a condition that encompasses a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that may affect individuals differently.
We are excited to announce the release of our latest podcast episode,
“What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? with Barb Clark”.
Have you ever wondered about the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure? FASD is a condition that encompasses a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that may affect individuals differently.
(This was the Voices of Hope newsletter, May 2024. Subscribe to receive more.)
