Sworn in on 06/13/2024. Congratulations to: Adam Keefer, Amalia Aboitiz, Catherine O'Neill, David Kastelman, Dennis Hartzell, Fiona Kennedy, Jody Atkins, Katelyn Bonenfant, Kate Blumberg, Madalen Marcus, Rishabh Ravindra Ostawal, Serena Baker, and Samantha Glasson.

Recently, Gina Domizio transitioned off her second CASA case and is now Natural Supports to both former CASA youth. Gina was first assigned to SM, where she learned not only how to build a trusting relationship with her youth, but also with his father. At the time, SM was living with his father and engaged in visitations with his mother. Gina quickly learned SM was not ready to have visits with his mom, not yet at least. Gina made sure she voiced SM's desire to put visits on hold and due to her constant engagement with his team, visits were finally put on hold until SM was ready to re-engage. Fast forward 10 months, SM was officially reunified with his father and was engaged in therapy and extracurricular activities.

Gina was then matched with her second CASA youth, MM. Gina once again, was able to build a trusting relationship with MM. Gina learned about MM as a person, her interests and what support she needed at home and at school. At home, Gina quickly learned there was a disconnect between MM and her caregiver at the time. Gina was able to advocate for the type of relationship MM needed and how the team could also support the caregiver. Gina also learned while there was normal brother-sister competition, MM and SM were very close - if SM saw his CASA, he would want to bring something back to MM. If MM and Gina visited somewhere cool, MM would think of bringing SM something, and her caregiver. MM's case Closed due to MM and her brother getting adopted by an Aunt! After 2 years of building a relationship, Gina continues to visit MM and guess what - MM recently spent a whole weekend with Gina! They had a sleepover where they took lots of pictures, ate great food and explored San Francisco as Gina once reassured MM, they would do together when the time was right.

Email sue@sfcasa.org for information

Dress for Success just announced their first cohort of the job search program in Spanish! 

The six session virtual program is designed to help women improve their job search skills and expand their network.

If you support a job searching woman who is more comfortable speaking Spanish, sign her up today! Do you know someone who would be interested and might benefit from this program? Please share this invite with them!

• Wednesdays and Thursdays
• August 14 - August 29
• 10 am - 12 pm PST via Zoom.

Contact aurora@sfdress.org and miracle@sjdress.org with questions or to RSVP.

Please be sure to complete the confidentiality and conflict of interest forms specific to your current case if you haven't already. You should have been emailed the links; however, you may also access them in Advocate Link. Please email advocatelink@sfcasa.org with any questions.

If you are looking to give a sweet gift to friends or family, please consider shopping at The Freedom Shop on Etsy. All products are handmade by survivors of Human Trafficking and 100% of the proceeds go towards employment for survivors of Human Trafficking. Around 80% of all survivors have experienced the foster care system, and pathways to economic independence are critical for their well-being and success.

We regularly hear at our CASA Community Network (CCN) Huddles how challenging it is to establish and maintain relationships when the youth lives far outside San Francisco or circumstances don’t allow you to see your youth weekly. 

So, we are asking for your ideas - large and small! 

How have you established or maintained a relationship if your assigned youth lives too far away or circumstances don’t allow you to see your youth on a weekly basis? What strategies have you tried? Please jot them down and send them to me at: janrleight@gmail.com.

Your CASA community will appreciate it!