CASA of Pima County Newsletter CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713 Main office: 520-724-2060 Volume 4, Issue 1 January/February, 2017 CASA Support Council News Holiday Party – record-breaking attendance!! The CASA Support Council was delighted that so many CASA children attended this fun event, along with their CASAs, on Sunday, December 4th. The total number attending was 97!! If you were unable to attend, there are still teddy bears available for your child. Please contact your CASA Coordinator to obtain one. See the article in this issue with pictures and details of this event. CASA Support Council’s Holiday Activity A number of CASA children enjoyed the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s, “The Magic of Christmas” on December 17th and 18th. The Support Council sincerely appreciates the Symphony for donating free tickets to us. Please see the article in this issue for what this experience meant to our CASA kids. CASA Support Council’s Annual Christmas Giving Tree Event The Support Council would like to thank everyone who purchased retail gift cards at supermarkets and business locations around Tucson. This is always a wonderful way for us to spread the word about CASA children and the CASA Program. This was a very successful year! The gift cards will be used throughout the year for celebrating children’s birthdays, graduations, adoptions, etc. JC Penney gift cards are still available! As the 2nd semester of school begins soon, the Support Council would like to remind CASAs that JC Penney gift cards worth $110, are still available to purchase clothing, including uniforms, for school aged children. The gift cards are provided by the Assistance League under their nationwide “Operation School Bell” program. To pick up your card, please contact Krissa Ericson ([email protected] or at 724- 2069.) The Support Council will continue to provide for clothing needs of infants and toddlers. Goodbye 2016; Welcome 2017! We would like to wish CASAs and the CASA Program Staff a happy and healthy 2017. In 2016 we supported 278 CASA children. We’re looking forward to supporting even more in 2017. Thank you to the CASAs who contacted us with requests for new activities and experiences for your CASA children. We will be updating our website soon with the Dec., 2016 revision of “Things to Do”, a list of free and discounted activities. Thank you CASA! A note from Christa… After several attempts to write this, it has become overwhelmingly clear that I do not know how to say goodbye to the CASAs or to the CASA Program. Over the last 4 years, I have learned so much and I have had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful people- it is no wonder I don’t want to say goodbye. To the CASAs that I have supported, worked with, or even just met- It takes a special kind of person to say, “I want to help a child in need, and I want to do it for free.” It takes strength, a big heart, and thick skin to do what you do. You fight for the children that do not have a voice, you inspire children that have lost hope, and you are a safe constant in a frightening and changing world. To the CASA Program- I have learned so much working with you all. We all are so different, but somehow we were able to all mesh together and make an amazing team. I am thankful for all the support I have received and I will miss venting, celebrating, and working with you all. As I start my new adventure in nursing school (and getting married), I will take with me countless wonderful memories from my time here. Even just knowing that there a so many people out there that care and want to make the world a better place makes me smile and gives me hope for the future. I wish you all the best in 2017 and can’t wait to come back as a CASA! Inside this Issue: Pg. 2 - CASA Kudos Pg. 4 –Things to Remember in 2017 Pg. 8 – CASA Recruiting Update by Jill LaBrie Pg. 9 – Community Agency Spotlight: Aviva Children’s Services Pg. 12 – Siblings, together or apart? By Dr. Jacobs Pg. 13 - 15 – Announcements, Upcoming CASA Events Pg. 16 – CASA Book Club & Case Support Dates Pg. 17 – 19 – CASA Support Council Information Pg. 20 & 21 - January & February Calendars Pg. 22 – Contact Information Page
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CASA of Pima County Newsletter
CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Main office: 520-724-2060
Volume 4, Issue 1 January/February, 2017
CASA Support Council News
Holiday Party – record-breaking attendance!!
The CASA Support Council was delighted that so many CASA
children attended this fun event, along with their CASAs, on
Sunday, December 4th. The total number attending was 97!! If
you were unable to attend, there are still teddy bears available
for your child. Please contact your CASA Coordinator to
obtain one. See the article in this issue with pictures and details
of this event.
CASA Support Council’s Holiday Activity
A number of CASA children enjoyed the Tucson Symphony
Orchestra’s, “The Magic of Christmas” on December 17th and
18th. The Support Council sincerely appreciates the Symphony
for donating free tickets to us. Please see the article in this
issue for what this experience meant to our CASA kids.
CASA Support Council’s Annual Christmas Giving Tree
Event
The Support Council would like to thank everyone who
purchased retail gift cards at supermarkets and business
locations around Tucson. This is always a wonderful way for us
to spread the word about CASA children and the CASA
Program. This was a very successful year! The gift cards will
be used throughout the year for celebrating children’s
birthdays, graduations, adoptions, etc.
JC Penney gift cards are still available!
As the 2nd semester of school begins soon, the Support Council
would like to remind CASAs that JC Penney gift cards worth
$110, are still available to purchase clothing, including
uniforms, for school aged children. The gift cards are provided
by the Assistance League under their nationwide “Operation
School Bell” program. To pick up your card, please contact
2069.) The Support Council will continue to provide for
clothing needs of infants and toddlers.
Goodbye 2016; Welcome 2017!
We would like to wish CASAs and the CASA Program Staff a
happy and healthy 2017. In 2016 we supported 278 CASA
children. We’re looking forward to supporting even more in
2017. Thank you to the CASAs who contacted us with requests
for new activities and experiences for your CASA children. We
will be updating our website soon with the Dec., 2016 revision
of “Things to Do”, a list of free and discounted activities.
Thank you CASA! A note from Christa…
After several attempts to write this, it has become
overwhelmingly clear that I do not know how to say goodbye to
the CASAs or to the CASA Program. Over the last 4 years, I have
learned so much and I have had the pleasure of working with so
many wonderful people- it is no wonder I don’t want to say
goodbye.
To the CASAs that I have supported, worked with, or even just
met- It takes a special kind of person to say, “I want to help a
child in need, and I want to do it for free.” It takes strength, a
big heart, and thick skin to do what you do. You fight for the
children that do not have a voice, you inspire children that have
lost hope, and you are a safe constant in a frightening and
changing world.
To the CASA Program- I have learned so much working with you
all. We all are so different, but somehow we were able to all
mesh together and make an amazing team. I am thankful for all
the support I have received and I will miss venting, celebrating,
and working with you all.
As I start my new adventure in nursing school (and getting
married), I will take with me
countless wonderful memories
from my time here. Even just
knowing that there a so many
people out there that care and
want to make the world a better
place makes me smile and gives
me hope for the future. I wish you
all the best in 2017 and can’t wait to come back as a CASA!
Inside this Issue:
Pg. 2 - CASA Kudos Pg. 4 –Things to Remember in 2017 Pg. 8 – CASA Recruiting Update by Jill LaBrie Pg. 9 – Community Agency Spotlight: Aviva Children’s Services Pg. 12 – Siblings, together or apart? By Dr. Jacobs Pg. 13 - 15 – Announcements, Upcoming CASA Events Pg. 16 – CASA Book Club & Case Support Dates Pg. 17 – 19 – CASA Support Council Information Pg. 20 & 21 - January & February Calendars Pg. 22 – Contact Information Page
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
CASA Kudos
Welcome to our newest CASA trainees, Ron,
Tom, Barbara, Jennifer, Melody & Denise! It’s exciting to end the year with a strong training class!
Congrats to CASA Lucille Boilard-Harkin for helping your two CASA children find their forever home!
Kudos to CASA Anne White for a great first court report and hearing in November. The Judge stated that "the CASA has diligently been involved with the minor and has appropriately and aptly informed the Court regarding any relevant issues concerning the child, with the thanks of the Court for her work".
Kudos to CASA Mike Treacy for your diligence and ongoing professionalism that has "won over" challenging team players.
Kudos to CASA Kathy Anderson for going above and beyond to visit your child out of state so
he can see a familiar face. Dr. Tobiason mentioned “She has been incredible in her advocacy for
J., she has visited him twice out of state, and she has been a vital team player (often driving the
team).”
Congratulations to CASA Jennifer Anderson for helping your CASA child find permanency through adoption! Thank you for providing the Judge with all the important information and all your hard work throughout the long case.
Thank you to CASA Andie Cohn for balancing two very interesting and different CASA cases.
Thank you to CASA Sariah Bechtel for creating exceptional Contact Log entries and providing several key insights to help your young lady.
Kudos to CASA Nathan McDonald for your work to help move your case toward reunification of a 5-year-old boy with his father.
Kudos to CASA Lesa Jensen for getting up to speed quickly with a large number of people involved in the Case of two little sisters.
Kudos to CASA Allison Wannemacher for quickly establishing rapport with your CASA teens! Kudos to new CASA Sigrid Hooijmeijer, CASA Patty Dean, CASA Cheryl Zormeier, and
CASA Cathy Brizendine for accepting their first cases. Kudos to Co-CASAs Susan Canty and Carolyn McGorray for your excellent court report.
Judge Butler noted, “It was very helpful and instructive to the Court” and expressed that she was very grateful to the CASAs for giving her a great picture of what is going on in the case. FCRB also expressed their gratitude to the Co-CASAs.
The FCRB thanked CASA Roberto Estillore for his support and commitment to advocate for his CASA youth’s best interests and thanked him for attending the Board review.
Kudos to CASA Mary Hudson for coordinating with the CFT team, in order to work together for her CASA teen, and for transporting her CASA teen to school from her group home many times.
Thank you to CASA Rufus Tamayo for your dedication to your CASA teen. You definitely are the one person who knows him and consistently voices his needs as well as what is best for him to the team.
Kudos to CASA Edith Connors for commitment to your CASA children while navigating a full-time job and family life!
3
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Judge Butler thanked CASA Margo Lunsford for her report, stating, “I found it very helpful.” Judge Metcalf stated to CASA Rosalie Greenfield, “I appreciate your time and attention to
your CASA child.” At the same hearing, the child’s attorney commended CASA Rosalie’s work with her CASA child. She stated, “(CASA child) loves her CASA.”
Thank you to CASA Howie Adams for finding recruitment and grant opportunities for the CASA Program.
Judge Pratte noted her appreciation to CASA Steve Lautenschlaeger for his advocacy for his CASA youth, and for the time that he has devoted to his CASA youth’s case.
Kudos to CASA Patty Dean within just 3 weeks of being appointed to her first case she composed an excellent report for the court filled with information she quickly gathered. Good work!
Congrats to CASA Alan Dankwerth for being a consistent figure in your CASA case and helping the child find permanency. The case closed in December with an adoption celebration!
Kudos to CASA Tanya Ivey for your handy work in helping a potential adoptive placement understand one of your CASA youths needs and strengths. Your ability to build rapport with her from afar is proving to be very beneficial for your CASA child and the potential adoptive placement. A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Robyn Kessler for helping Tanya transport the boys on December 24th!
Kudos to CASA Susan Hirsch for her research and application of how the ICWA pertains to her CASA child’s case.
Judge Butler thanked CASA Linda Sherrill for her reports on all four children in her new case, even though she had been appointed to the two youngest children only three weeks before the Dependency Hearing. Judge Butler acknowledged that it was a hard task, and thanked CASA Linda, as the CASA report was very helpful to her.
Kudos to CASA Kristin Thompson for advocating for her CASA child in a very complex case. Kudos to CASA Jane Dobrovolny for accepting her second case. Thank you to CASA Sylvia Canelos for being on the CASA panel at December Academy. Kudos to CASA Sal Quijada for spending quality time with your 3 CASA children around the
holidays! Thank you for your willingness to take on a sibling group of three. Kudos to CASA Sheryl Brown for helping your CASA children find permanency.
Congratulations on your case ending in Family Reunification. Thank you to CASA Kathleen Elsberry for mentoring two new CASA’s. Kudos to CASA Pam Flint for writing a great court report that helped the Court decide to
change the case plan. Kudos to CASA John Swiencicki – you have done so much to bring comfort and the right
medical services to your CASA child! Thank you CASA Judy Price for having a new CASA attend your Dependency Review and for
helping another CASA out at the CASA Support Council Holiday Party. Thank you to Peer Coordinator Ginger Tonkin-Sugimoto for your willingness to mentor
and support others as a Peer Coordinator. Thank you to CASA Robin Rosenthal, Peer Coordinator Robyn Kessler, and CASA
Margaret Mishra for helping out at the CASA Support Council Holiday Party. A special thank you to CASA Ardie Banks for your continued advocacy, on all fronts, on behalf
of your CASA child. Ardie’s constancy and belief in the child as well as her persistence in being a true team member are truly rewarding to see.
Thank you to Peer Coordinator Sandra Rohen for accepting the Educational Surrogate responsibility for 3 CASA children.
Kudos to CASA Dayle Lansman for reaching out to the biological father of her CASA child and supporting his efforts to work on his case plan. Congratulations Dayle, for a great first court report and for being thanked by the Judge for your work on the case.
Congratulations to CASA Lorna Boon for your advocacy and hard and fun work on behalf of your CASA child. The child’s adoption was finalized at the recent Adoption in the Park and along with Lorna, the adoptive family’s family and friends from all over participated in the celebration! Also, thank you so much Lorna, for hitting the ground running on your second case.
4
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Thank you CASA Lisa McDaniel, for your hard and thoughtful work on your case as you also planned your recent wedding. Congratulations on completing your first court report and on the Judge addressing your recommendations in Court.
Thank you to Peer Coordinator Richard Cook for all the support you give to several CASA advocates AND for being a strong, stable and reliable adult for your CASA teen.
A special thank you to CASA Marsha Luttrell for your diligent and dedicated advocacy work on behalf of your CASA children. Two of the children in Marsha’s case were recently adopted at the November Adoption in the Park. You and your efforts are truly appreciated, Marsha!
Congratulations to CASA Andi Dempsey for your thoughtful advocacy, through many twists and turns, on behalf of your CASA child. The dependency on the child’s case was dismissed as permanent guardianship was established with the child’s wonderful relative placement.
A special thank you to CASA Sally Sumner for your persistent and diplomatic teamwork and constant belief in the CASA child’s abilities and dreams. Sally’s case was dismissed as permanent guardianship was finalized with her child’s relative placement.
Thank you to Co-CASAs Katie Espinoza and Aimee Felix for all of your work on behalf of your CASA children. Aimee’s and Katie’s persistent advocacy has helped ensure the children are in appropriate placements and that they are receiving the therapeutic and educational services they need.
Thank you CASA George Franklin for your continued advocacy and support of your CASA child. Thank you for traveling out-of-county as you help ensure what is absolutely best for the child.
Thank you to CASA Susan Barrable for being a stable and vocal CFT member – without your efforts your case would have “gone off the rails”!
Kudos to CASA Marsha Gary for writing an excellent first court report & for providing much needed 1:1 time to your CASA child.
Kudos to CASA Conny Swacha for taking a second case, engaging with members of the team, and introducing the child to new opportunities and learnings!
A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Roger Pinkstaff for all of your years as a CASA advocate, for being such a wise and thoughtful mentor to new CASA advocates, and for participating in many recruitment and training activities with your former CASA child. Roger’s leadership and kindness continue to help build and strengthen the CASA program and to remind us all of the meaning of our work and the importance of our children.
Congratulations to Co-CASAs Ken Browning and Cynthia Dean for accepting a second case. Thank you Ken, for quickly beginning your work on behalf of your CASA child.
Kudos to CASA Barbara Baehler for accepting your first case! A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Bonnie Lawrie-Higgins for your invaluable work
as a CASA peer coordinator! Thank you for recently participating on the CASA Panel for our new CASA advocates.
Thank you to Peer Coordinator & Support Council President Linda Koral for presenting to our new CASA Advocates every other month in 2016!
Thank you to CASA Penny Cheshire for your enthusiasm in taking on a sibling group of 3 as your 1st CASA case – you are doing a wonderful job!
Kudos to CASA Tori Elkins for taking such a challenging case!
Things to Remember in 2017
1. DASHBOARD & CASAAZ.GOV EMAIL: All advocates are strongly encouraged to log in to
the Dashboard & CASAaz.gov email on a regular basis. We are sending important announcements
and information via the email system and want you to be able to take advantage of all that CASA of
Pima County offers!
Remember the Dashboard is our online case management system.