JANUARY 2018: News, Events, and Opportunities for CASA Volunteers 
 
Know someone who would make a a great volunteer? 

We are holding two 411 Info Hours at the CASA office in January to answer questions about our SEPT and Advocacy volunteer opportunities. If you know someone who would be an amazing SEPT facilitator or CASA - let them know about these 411 sessions!  
 
SEPT 411 Hour: January 22 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM  
Advocacy 411 Hour: January 29 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM 
Upcoming Trainings & Events
 
FEBRUARY 3: Fostering Futures Training  
 
Foster teens struggle with decision making, support systems, emotional attachments, and are at high risk for poverty, homelessness, victimization, criminal involvement, low educational achievement, etc. If you have a teen case now or plan to in the future, please complete the Fostering Futures Training to benefit your casework and gain tools that help teens transition to independence.
The program involves an online piece to be completed before Feb. 3 and an in-class training on Feb. 3 from 8:30 AM - 5 PM. Register by Friday, Jan.19 by emailing Janet Stoddard, or calling her at (719) 447-9898 x1037.  
 
 
FEBRUARY 7: Substance Abuse Basics & Beyond
 
This training will take place from 5:30 - 7 PM on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and will be presented by Alan Cook. The training covers the basics of what addiction is, as well as understanding relapse as part of the recovery process, common substances in our area, and warning signs of abuse. To sign up for the training, please email Katherine Hastings
 
FEBRUARY 15: Life Long Links Workshop   
 
If you're an Advocate who hasn't yet attended the Life Long Links workshop, please join us at the CASA office from 5:30 - 8:30 PM on Feb. 15 to gain skills and knowledge about creating lifelong connections for your CASA child. The hands-on workshop will show you how to get started with the family search and engagement work required on all CASA cases. To RSVP, please email Katherine Hastings.  
 
Milton Foster Children's Fund & The Hanger
HAPPENINGS
 
2018 will be packed with educational and enriching activities for foster teens through the Milton Foster Children's Fund.  
 
Here is what's going on right now or coming up soon: 
  • Valentine's Party
  • Art Class
  • Driver's Education
  • Tutoring
  • College Prep
  • Guitar Lessons
  • Money Management (Teens take a quiz for a chance to win a Walmart gift card)
To learn more, click here, or contact Jill Cheetham.    
 
Do you have a story to share?  

We are looking for a story for our Light of Hope event in April which illustrates the positive impact CASA has on families in the Pikes Peak Region. If you have a closed case that you believe could serve as a testament for CASA's great work in the community - please email Trish St.John as soon as possible!  
Update on the search for a new Executive Director  

The Board's Search Committee has made much progress in the search for a new Executive Director and the field of candidates has been narrowed down to three. Next, representatives from CASA's staff, volunteers, and community partners will attend "Meet and Greet" sessions on Jan. 22 with each of the finalists and provide their thoughts on each candidate to the Board. The following day, Jan. 23, the finalists will meet with the entire Board of Directors for final interviews and presentations and an announcement will be made as soon as possible after Jan. 23.   
Quilts available now - Comfort your CASA child with a new quilt 

Volunteer Sandra Kyner has made several quilts for CASA children and has generously offered to make more.  
 
There are a few designs available now in the Kids' Closet at the CASA building.  
 
Sandra is also taking special requests. If you'd like to request a special quilt for your child, please send your child's age, gender, favorite color/colors, and a theme (Spider-Man, animals, hearts, sports, etc.) to Angela Rose at angelar@casappr.org.   
Part time job available with CASA's SEPT program

CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is looking for a Program Assistant for its Supervised Exchange & Parenting Time (SEPT) program. In this role, the person will be responsible for administrative functions like taking and tracking client payments, scheduling, filing, setting up files, tracking program information, non-compliance reports, billing, deposits, emailing/phone usage, taking minutes, assisting with visitation site management, dealing with client issues and working with a team. Click here for the job description.  
 
CASA families invited to Touch-A-Truck Weekend
 
The Junior League of Colorado Springs is extending an invitation to CASA families for its 8th Annual Touch-A-Truck Weekend, March 2-4 at the Norris-Penrose Event Center. The first 50 families to RSVP will receive free admission to the day of their choice. To RSVP, send family name, number attending, and day of choice to jillc@casappr.org by Feb. 23.