The Gist: Monthly Newsletter for CASA Volunteers

October 2023

Dear Keri,

I hope you all are having a wonderful October. With Halloween coming up, I'm reminded of how the holiday season is beginning for many families, but for kids in unstable situations, this time of year often creates extra stress as opposed to joy. We are grateful to YOU, our devoted CASA volunteers, for being there for them.

We recently hosted our Light of Hope Teller fundraising event in Woodland Park, as well as Light of Hope North in Black Forest. Both events had a great turnout and we were so excited to share with attendees three inspirational stories about how you all make a difference each and every day. The next fundraising event we will host is with a Mardi Gras theme for our second Night of Hope this February. We are still looking for help on the planning committee. If you are interested, please email events@casappr.org.

We are also getting ready for the ever-popular "Dudes and Brews" on Nov. 9, so make sure you tell any men who would make great volunteers about this opportunity to learn why they are needed!

Thank you for all that you do, and please reach out to me any time at angelar@casappr.org with questions, comments, or concerns!

Warmly,

Angela

Upcoming Events

Oct. 25-26: Pikes Peak Domestic Violence Summit

Oct. 26: Teen Social Media Safety

Nov. 2: All Advocate Gathering

Nov. 8: Virtual Volunteer Information Session

Nov. 9: "Dudes & Brews" Male Volunteer Recruitment Event

Nov. 14: Fuzzy's Taco Shop Birthday Celebration for CASA

Nov. 16: Volunteer Information Session

Dec. 1-31: Marigold's Bakery & Cafe Yule Log CASA benefit

Dec. 5: Court Report Writing

Dec. 6: Volunteer Information Session

Dec. 12: Virtual Volunteer Information Session

Free Jersey Mike subs for CASA donors!

The Jersey Mike's at Citadel Crossing (737 N. Academy Blvd.) is giving back to CASA Oct. 23-29! With the CASA coupon, you can get a FREE regular sub when you donate at least $2 to CASA at the restaurant. Download your coupon here. It is ONLY valid at this specific location and on these specific dates. Printed coupons will also be available in the CASA office this week. Yum! Eat up for a good cause!

CASA welcomed 15 advocates in September

Welcome to the newest class of advocates who were sworn in on Sept. 26 by Judge Dennis McGuire! Meet the new advocates here.

MFCF & Hanger Programs Webpage

Milton Foster Children's Fund & The Hanger News

Teen Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 21 during The Hanger shopping hours from 12:00 - 3:00.

Our 2nd annual "What's Next?" event is being offered for juniors, seniors, GED recipients, and emancipating teens on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 12:30 - 2:30 at The Hanger. Multiple speakers from agencies around Colorado Springs will be on-hand to discuss their programs and services to help teens learn about housing, career programs, college, and more. This event is for juniors, seniors, GED recipients, and emancipating teens. Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 3rd to mfcf@casappr.org.

Art Class at The Hanger on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 12:30 - 2:00.

Teen Holiday Party at The Hanger on Saturday, Dec. 16 during The Hanger shopping hours from 12:00 - 3:00.

Do you AND your CASA kid(s) love the guitar? We offer lessons which the CASA volunteer can take with their CASA kid. Please email mfcf@casappr.org for more details.

What's for dinner on the 26th of the month?

On the 26th of each month, all three Parry's Pizzeria and Taphouse locations in Colorado Springs will give back a portion of their sales to CASA! All you have to do is say you are there for CASA when you order in or take out! Find a location here! If you're interested in representing CASA at a Parry's location, we need a volunteer for each location on the 26th of each month. Reach out to Elizabeth if you are interested!

Let's celebrate October anniversaries!

Lots of advocates and SEPT facilitators celebrate anniversaries with CASA in October - include Martha Grizzell at 15 years and Mary Labesky at 13 years! Thank you to everyone! Read all anniversaries here.

Inclusion Corner: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

This month calls us to celebrate the valuable contributions people with disabilities make in our nation’s workforce. It’s also the 50^th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which was a major milestone in advancing access and equity for all Americans. One organization here in Colorado who we think is really cool is Blue Star Recyclers. Their highly skilled workforce of people with disabilities like autism ethically recycles electronics. Not only does this company provide an amazing community recycling service, but they recognize the unique talents of their workforce and give them the opportunity to earn income and live independently. Read more about Blue Star here.