October 2017: CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES / EVENTS / NEWS
 
   

Welcome New Volunteers!  
 
We're so excited about our new volunteers. A class was sworn in by 4th Judicial District Chief Judge William Bain in El Paso County on Sept. 27, and another class was sworn in by Judge Linda Billings-Vela in Teller County on Oct. 13! Meet them here.

Reminder: CASA is moving and will be closed Oct. 26-27 

CASA will be closed Oct. 26-27 for packing and moving. We will not have email or phone service during that time, but volunteers can always reach case supervisors via their cell phones. Come any time after Nov.1 to check out the new space at 418 South Weber Street. We'll be sure to keep you posted on the upcoming volunteer open house and celebration on Dec. 2.

The Hanger will be CLOSED Oct. 21, Oct. 28, and Nov. 4 but we will REOPEN on Nov. 11 at our new home.  
 
Upcoming changes to SEPT program  

SEPT is moving to the new CASA building at 418 South Weber. Our last day in Court Care will be Friday, Nov. 3 and our last day at the Family Visitation Center will be Sunday, Nov. 5. We will continue to have visits on Mondays with our very first visit in the the new building being Monday, Nov. 6. However, after the final Sunday visit at the Family Visitation Center, we'll move from Sundays to Saturdays starting on Saturday, Nov. 11. Our hope is that this will create more flexibility for our families and volunteers!  

UPCOMING IN-SERVICES & EVENTS
 
OCT. 21: SEPT Intervention & Documentation Training   

Please join our new volunteers and get a sneak peek at our new visitation center! We'll cover a new and more direct way to intervene during visits and we'll talk about upcoming changes to the program.


When: Oct. 21 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where : New CASA building at 418 South Weber St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
RSVP: Crystal Karr at crystalk@casappr.org.

OCT. 25: Life Long Connections For Every Child

Please plan to attend this hands-on workshop about the value of family connections and learn how to get started on 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 who can help now and into the future.
 
When:  Oct. 25th, 5:30 - 8:30 (light dinner provided)
Where:  Penrose Library, Carnegie Reading Room
RSVP:  Katherine Hastings at katherineh@casappr.org  by Sept. 25.  
 
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 to collect important information and develop next steps on your case.  
 
NOV. 13: In-Service: Minimum Sufficient Level Of Care 

A CASA's main focus is a safe and permanent home for every child, as quickly as possible. The Minimum Sufficient Level of Care is the guiding principle in making placement recommendations in reaching this goal.  However, this is a standard that can be difficult to understand and accept at times. Let's talk about it!

When: Nov. 13 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm 
Where: New CASA building at 418 South Weber St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
RSVP: Crystal Erickson
crystale@casappr.org
Light refreshments will be provided.
 
 
 
Lots going on at The Hanger -- Volunteers Needed!  

The Hanger has a new moving date and we need your help! We're looking for volunteers on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 9 am to 1 pm to pack up the store at 214 North Tejon. After we're packed, we will need help unpacking in our new home at 418 South Weber. Contact   JillC@casappr.org or 719-447-9898 x1026
 
The Hanger is also hosting these upcoming events for kids:
    Halloween Party
    Brunch and Body Image with Colorado College Thetas
    Teen Art Class - Fimo Clay Creations
    "Giving Back" Teen Volunteer Event

 
 


Quilts for CASA Kids

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.   
 

Meet our new Communications Manager 

CASA welcomes Keri Kahn as the new Communications Manager. Keri's background is as a writer and she has more than 15 years experience working in marketing and communications. Her most recent role was with USA Cycling where she served as Communications Manager for the past 8.5 years. Keri and her husband Josh have two daughters (ages 2 and 6). She spends spare time with her family, at her daughters' school activities, and running on Colorado Springs' amazing trail system.

"I'm very excited to join CASA in creating better futures for kids in our community," she said. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you all over the next few months, so please feel free to drop by and say hi any time!"


Did you know you can apply for funding to build resiliency and self esteem for your CASA child? 


The Milton Foster Children's Fund provides foster children in El Paso and Teller Counties with opportunities not funded through existing agencies or programs, allowing them to be nurtured, educated and enriched just like other children. Learn more here or apply for funding here.