"I like CASA because I really have someone to talk to and someone I can put trust in. CASA has helped me conquer many things I couldn’t conquer on my own. I think you should become a CASA if you want to make a positive difference in a needy person’s life." ---CASA Child, January 2002
"First of all, being in foster care at any age is hard. But my CASA has made a big difference to me. Knowing that you have a CASA means you can call and ask questions about something in court, your care or anything else. It can make you feel better about things.
"My CASA and I spend some time together. Even though it’s not a lot of time, we make it quality time. I don’t consider my CASA worker just a CASA worker. I consider her a friend that I will have after foster care." -- CASA child, January 2002
"I have been with my current CASA child for fifteen months. In that time, change has been one of the only constants in her life. She has had four social workers, two attorneys and has lived in five different homes."
"As a CASA advocate it has been a privilege to be part of this child’s life. It feels good knowing that no matter what changes occur in her life, she can depend on me." --CASA Advocate, January 2002
73 CASA advocates are currently serving 132 children
There were 218 children in dependency on December 31, 2001
I lost my first child to adoption and covered the pain with drugs. My second child was taken from me at birth and placed in foster care. I learned from my experience with my first child. With my second child I went to a clean and sober house and enrolled in a treatment program. I didn’t want my child to grow up as an addict. I had to prove I could be a good mother. At first I didn’t know what CASA was. CASA helped me learn what was necessary for my child. CASA would work with me to make progress as a friend helping me keep it together. CASA saw me working with my child being responsible. I would talk to CASA more than anybody else. I felt relaxed with her. I realized CASA wasn’t against me. I had to prove to CASA I was working for my child by taking care of my issues. CASA was there to help me be together with my child. Soon I could let my guard down. I love CASA. CASA looked into where my child was placed in foster care and looked deeper into it than anybody and found out what was really going on in placement. CASA pushed the issue so that I could establish a healthy bond with my child. CASA was the ‘hit’ of my case. CASA saw my progress and helped me stand up for myself. CASA has been my world. I will miss them. CASA is a lot more than a voice in court - they protect your baby.
CASA of Humboldt welcomes a familiar face to a new position; Yvonne Doble, former VISTA volunteer, became Volunteer Coordinator in December of 2001.
As Volunteer Coordinator, Yvonne will be heading up the recruiting, screening and training of potential volunteers for the upcoming Spring Training. Yvonne is enjoying the challenge of a position that develops as she goes.
Along with her other roles, Yvonne will be supervising the new VISTA volunteer, Toni Sensabaugh, CASA’s senior Social Work intern, KeeKee Bailey, and office volunteers. Later in the year, Yvonne will undertake a survey of current and recent advocate volunteers. If you have any suggestions for the Volunteer Coordinator, or just want to say hello, stop by the new office -- Yvonne will be the first person you see as you come in the door.
CASA of Humboldt is happy to announce the hiring of our first Director of Development, Jason Beaver. Jason is a new resident of Humboldt County but not new to fundraising for non-profit organizations. He has worked with Forests Forever and Clean Water Action in San Francisco and recently returned to S.F. to complete a series of development classes taught by The Fund Raising School.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to do the work that I do,” said Jason. “ I began working for non-profits early in my career and now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I get to wake up every morning and work to make the community in which my family lives healthier. That’s a blessing I try not to take for granted.”
Jason, his wife Ruby and their 14-month-old daughter Sequoia now live an Arcata after spending the majority of their life in the Bay Area. Jason earned his degree in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and writes regularly for Diablo and Smart Business Magazine.
“My position at CASA (of Humboldt) is pretty exciting,” said Jason. “I’m the first one to ever have this position so it’s my responsibility to help define the position as well as help form the foundation of support in the community… There are many people that support CASA in Humboldt but they’ve never all been brought together to realize the potential of that many people all believing in our cause.”
Jason’s first effort was to organize CASA’s 10th Birthday Party last October. Child Welfare Services, probation workers, advocates and supporters all came together to celebrate and socialize at the Eureka Inn, dancing until the Joyce Hough Band finished their set near midnight. Numerous auction items sold throughout the evening and when all was said and done the event generated over $3,000. “Events are a lot of fun,” said Jason. “It’s a great time to get to know the people you see every day but might not know at all.”
But for Jason the real work lies ahead in the next year. “The Cherish the Child campaign is our first big effort of 2002. We’ll be having a kickoff dinner, an Italian Big Night, as well as sending out a fund appeal to everyone that has helped CASA become a reliable resource for abused and neglected children in Humboldt. We’re also working to bring in new supporters to assure that we’ll be here for as long as we’re needed.”
Good luck Jason!
CASA of Humboldt is happy to announce the hiring of our first Director of Development, Jason Beaver. Jason is a new resident of Humboldt County but not new to fundraising for non-profit organizations. He has worked with Forests Forever and Clean Water Action in San Francisco and recently returned to S.F. to complete a series of development classes taught by The Fund Raising School.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to do the work that I do,” said Jason. “ I began working for non-profits early in my career and now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I get to wake up every morning and work to make the community in which my family lives healthier. That’s a blessing I try not to take for granted.”
Jason, his wife Ruby and their 14-month-old daughter Sequoia now live an Arcata after spending the majority of their life in the Bay Area. Jason earned his degree in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and writes regularly for Diablo and Smart Business Magazine.
“My position at CASA (of Humboldt) is pretty exciting,” said Jason. “I’m the first one to ever have this position so it’s my responsibility to help define the position as well as help form the foundation of support in the community… There are many people that support CASA in Humboldt but they’ve never all been brought together to realize the potential of that many people all believing in our cause.”
Jason’s first effort was to organize CASA’s 10th Birthday Party last October. Child Welfare Services, probation workers, advocates and supporters all came together to celebrate and socialize at the Eureka Inn, dancing until the Joyce Hough Band finished their set near midnight. Numerous auction items sold throughout the evening and when all was said and done the event generated over $3,000. “Events are a lot of fun,” said Jason. “It’s a great time to get to know the people you see every day but might not know at all.”
But for Jason the real work lies ahead in the next year. “The Cherish the Child campaign is our first big effort of 2002. We’ll be having a kickoff dinner, an Italian Big Night, as well as sending out a fund appeal to everyone that has helped CASA become a reliable resource for abused and neglected children in Humboldt. We’re also working to bring in new supporters to assure that we’ll be here for as long as we’re needed.”
Good luck Jason!
After a long search, CASA has found a new VISTA volunteer! Toni Sensabaugh will begin her VISTA term in early February. She is looking forward to joining CASA. “I want to use my life and work experience in a more challenging and community oriented atmosphere.” In fact, it was her long-time interest in becoming an advocate which drew her to the VISTA project. As part of her term of service, Toni will be finally fulfilling that interest – she will be taking part in the CASA Spring Advocate Training this March.
Toni has lived in Humboldt County for several years and currently resides in Arcata with her partner Paul Moss and their son Able, who is not quite 2 years old. Toni has an ongoing interest in community recycling projects. Toni’s background includes art education and she has a strong interest in the education of children.
Toni will be continuing CASA’s work with teens, with a focus on the youth who are wards and at-risk of involvement with the probation side of juvenile court. Toni is eager to begin her term with CASA. “I am a positive person and look forward to learning from those around me.”
After a long search, CASA has found a new VISTA volunteer! Toni Sensabaugh will begin her VISTA term in early February. She is looking forward to joining CASA. “I want to use my life and work experience in a more challenging and community oriented atmosphere.” In fact, it was her long-time interest in becoming an advocate which drew her to the VISTA project. As part of her term of service, Toni will be finally fulfilling that interest – she will be taking part in the CASA Spring Advocate Training this March.
Toni has lived in Humboldt County for several years and currently resides in Arcata with her partner Paul Moss and their son Able, who is not quite 2 years old. Toni has an ongoing interest in community recycling projects. Toni’s background includes art education and she has a strong interest in the education of children.
Toni will be continuing CASA’s work with teens, with a focus on the youth who are wards and at-risk of involvement with the probation side of juvenile court. Toni is eager to begin her term with CASA. “I am a positive person and look forward to learning from those around me.”
In January, CASA offered a pilot intensive training. This training took place over two weekends, with several hours of videos to watch outside of the actual training sessions. The goal of the intensive training is to make becoming an advocate more accessible for those whose weekday evenings are filled. An intensive training may be offered again this summer. One more project brought to you by your new volunteer coordinator and CASA!
We are excited to welcome to the CASA team our Fall Advocate Training Graduates:
| Ariel Allen | Missy Buckner | Jill Farmer | |
| Donna Daily | Kerensa Dawson | Anne Fuller | |
| Lisa Embree | Heather Equinoss | Donna Holland | |
| Mary Hrabko | Maura Fallon-Mcknight | Marie Maloney | |
| Rinda McClure | Teah McConnel | Heather Meader | |
| Bob Morse | Katie Pretzinger-Loncar | Sharon Parker | |
| Roxanne Rothery | Patricia Samson | Rosy Young |
In January, CASA offered a pilot intensive training. This training took place over two weekends, with several hours of videos to watch outside of the actual training sessions. The goal of the intensive training is to make becoming an advocate more accessible for those whose weekday evenings are filled. An intensive training may be offered again this summer. One more project brought to you by your new volunteer coordinator and CASA!
We are excited to welcome to the CASA team our Fall Advocate Training Graduates:
| Ariel Allen | Missy Buckner | Jill Farmer | |
| Donna Daily | Kerensa Dawson | Anne Fuller | |
| Lisa Embree | Heather Equinoss | Donna Holland | |
| Mary Hrabko | Maura Fallon-Mcknight | Marie Maloney | |
| Rinda McClure | Teah McConnel | Heather Meader | |
| Bob Morse | Katie Pretzinger-Loncar | Sharon Parker | |
| Roxanne Rothery | Patricia Samson | Rosy Young |