November 2017: CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES / EVENTS / NEWS
 
Welcome new volunteers!  
 
A new class was sworn in on November 15 by 4th Judicial District Chief Judge William Bain in El Paso County. Click here to meet our newest Advocates, SEPT volunteers, and Life Long Links volunteers!   
 
 
Please be our guest on December 2! 

By now, you should have received an email invitation to CASA's Volunteer Appreciation Event on Dec.2. We hope you'll be our guest! Please RSVP to crystale@casappr.org. 
Executive Director Search Update 
 
The Board's Search Committee is busy with the process of finding a new Executive Director. Since the job was posted in October, we have received many resumes and we have a very strong pool of candidates. Many of you recently completed a short survey to provide input for this process, and we thank you for your thoughtful participation. Your input has been and will continue to be very helpful.  
 
The search committee has selected a subset of candidates for first round phone interviews, and then there will be several more rounds of interviews and processes through December and January.  We plan to have a new Executive Director hired by the end of January.   
 
We're all extremely grateful to Mittie Pedraza, who has once again stepped in to serve as Interim Executive Director. She is doing a fabulous job and the organization is moving forward on many fronts.     
UPCOMING IN-SERVICES & EVENTS
 
DEC. 7: Calling all Advocates for our Life Long Links Workshop!

If you haven't yet attended the Life Long Links workshop - this is your last chance in 2017!
 
CASA has renewed our commitment to ensure all children in our programs achieve permanency and connection to important adults. All current advocates should have the skills and knowledge to make these lifelong connections for the children they serve.
 
Please attend this hands-on workshop about the value of family connections and learn how to start the family search and engagement work required on all CASA cases. The Life Long Links team will lead you through the process, answer your questions, and get you started making sure your CASA kids have supportive adults to help now and in the future.
 
When:  Thursday, Dec. 7th, 5:30 - 8:30 (snacks provided)
Where:  New CASA Office at 418 South Weber Street 
RSVP:  Katherine Hastings at katherineh@casappr.org  by Dec.1.     
 
All new and current advocates who have a CASA case are welcome.  Please bring your discovery file with you as we will spend some time helping you collect important information and develop next steps on your case.   
 
 
DEC. 9: Helping Children Thrive

T his free class will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 AM - 12 PM at the new CASA building at 418 South Weber Street. The class is presented by trained CASA Volunteer Bob Sallee and it will draw upon Matthew Kelly's advice for becoming the best version of yourself, as well as:
  • Search Institute research on SPARKS (nurturing children's interests) and Developmental Assets (resources they can use as they grow)
  • The 5 Love Languages for Children by Gary Chapman, PhD and Ross Campbell, MD; reviewing how children experience and express love
  • Zimmy's Guide to All Kids Need A-Z by Zimmy Zimberg
We'll look at research findings from studies of millions of kids, writings from child/family psychology professionals, and relevant life experiences. You'll receive resources to help children thrive, whether they are struggling or doing okay; and whether they're your children or grandchildren, neighbors, friends, or children in out-of-home placement.
 
Please RSVP to loisg@casappr.org by Dec. 4, 2017.
 
Happenings at the Hanger
 
The Hanger has opened in CASA's new building at 418 South Weber Street, and it looks fantastic! You can find parking and entrance behind the building.  
 
Upcoming Hanger Events for teens include Driver's Ed classes and a Holiday party. Click here for more information.  


Comfort your CASA child with a custom quilt! 

Does your CASA child need to something to comfort them? A very special volunteer, Sandra Kyner, is offering to make quilts for your CASA children. She likes to have a child in mind while working on each quilt. 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.   
 
Two new ways to support CASA this season 

Well, the holidays are upon us. For many that means online shopping. Did you know that every purchase you make on Amazon can support CASA of the Pikes Peak Region? All you have to do is use AmazonSmile. It's easy. Go to smile.amazon.com and log in with your usual Amazon login information. Under "Your Account," select "Change your Charity" and in the search bar you can type "CASA of the Pikes Peak Region." Click select and you're done! When you go shopping in the future, just start from smile.amazon.com and your purchase will benefit foster kids in Southern Colorado!   
 
You can also benefit CASA this season by giving away likes on Facebook! Yep, that's another easy way to help us out. Clara MediSpa has selected CASA as one of five charities to compete for donations, and with your help - we can win big! All you have to do is vote twice for CASA simply by liking the CASA logo (it takes a couple seconds to load, so be patient) on these two Facebook pages: http://bit.ly/2jebm71 and http://bit.ly/2zJWAvs 
Celebrate at the Diwali Festival this weekend and benefit CASA!

CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is honored to be the beneficiary of the 39th annual Diwali Show ! 

It takes place TOMORROW, Nov. 18 at Mitchell High School.

We are so grateful to the Indian Community of Colorado Springs.!

You can buy tickets at the door. Or, if you'd like to volunteer and gain free entry, contact Ashley Greeno at 719-447-9898 x1036.
 
CASA of the Pikes Peak Region | 719-447-9898 | casappr.org