SFCASA

As we reflect on our Fourth of July celebrations and salute the courage of those who fought for our nation's freedom, it's important to remember that many CASAs spent the holiday ensuring their youth felt loved and included. Our volunteers empower youth in foster care to believe in themselves and in others, and in doing so, discover their independence. 🇺🇸✨ https://lnkd.in/giszRbH

Happy Friday! We are honored and ecstatic to announce our Spring 2024 SFCASA cohort! Yesterday, we welcomed 15 new and extraordinary individuals who cannot wait to make a difference in the life of a foster child. Today, we are celebrating!

This Pride Month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ family who nudges society closer toward inclusion and equality every day. Research has shown that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be involved in the child welfare system, and LGBTQ+ youth of color stay longer in foster care. Our advocate trainings highlight the unique challenges they face and the importance of a CASA's role in providing understanding, empathy, and guidance.

The youth our CASA volunteers advoate for and support are remarkable individuals who have faced numerous challenges in their journey through the foster care system. Despite these hardships, this youth's resilience and determination shines through their words: “My CASA volunteer stuck with me through many ups and downs, especially helping with school for the past two years. I’m now 18, graduated from high school, with a part-time job, living in a stable foster home, and attending college. This is all due to the advocating Nancy did for me and the special bond we share!”   Stories like this are a testament to the incredible impact that a CASA volunteer can have on the life of a child in foster care. #CASA #FosterYouth #SuccessStory 🌟

We often hear concerns from prospective CASA volunteers about their background and time commitment. But as one volunteer shared, "I am not a social worker and had zero training before becoming a CASA, but I always felt supported." Another volunteer mentioned, "At first, the time commitment sounded like a lot, but when you break it down, it’s just a little bit at a time." It's natural to feel nervous, but remember, bravery is not the absence of fear. Our foster children show incredible bravery every day, inspiring us to overcome our fears. Last week, we shared Nick's story, showcasing the impact of a CASA volunteer's support on a child facing challenges. With guidance, we can make a positive difference in their lives. 🌟 CASA volunteers are often the only stable adult in a foster child's life, advocating for them in court, school, and the community. Remember, sometimes the things we're most afraid of end up being the most beautiful. As one volunteer beautifully put it, "It’s an honor to be a part of her life.” Will you join us this summer in making a difference? 💙 #CASA #FosterCare #Volunteer #MakeADifference

Wonderful to see our inspiring Gala speakers featured in Haute Living. Thank you again to all who made the Fostering Change Gala a success! Now we need to recruit at least 30 new volunteers for our summer advocate training class - share the volunteer info session link with anyone you think could be a great advocate for a youth; www.sfcasa.org/volunteer. https://lnkd.in/gCH4yUKr

Thank you to our entire community for helping to make the Fostering Change Gala: Rooted in Hope a great success. Special thanks to our incredible Gala Chairs Becca Katz and Dahlia Topkis! https://lnkd.in/gAxSmqXb

Have you filed your taxes yet? The tax filing deadline is just days away. File your 2023 tax return by April 15th to avoid paying penalties and fees and claim all the credits you might be eligible for. Certain tax credits are fully refundable, especially for foster youth. These include The Federal Earned Income Credit, the California Earned Income Tax Credit, and the CA Foster Youth Tax Credit. According to the IRS, $11 billion worth of tax credits go unclaimed by eligible taxpayers every year. Learn more about why you should file your taxes in this article below. You can still file your taxes after the April 15 deadline and claim your credits!

As it is National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, let's emphasize the critical importance of this issue. At CASA, we remain vigilant in identifying and addressing instances of child abuse and neglect. The challenges of recent years have heightened the urgency for awareness and action. Our dedicated volunteers play a pivotal role, empowering children to become self-advocates and break the cycle of abuse. But we can't do it alone. Education and community awareness are key. Join us in raising awareness and preventing child abuse. Your support is invaluable. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #CASA #PreventChildAbuse

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in making our open house last week a success. It was inspirational to see our vibrant community members come together to support our foster youth. From engaging conversation to shared laughter, every interaction was a testament to the strength of our community bonds. Thank you for welcoming our new space. ☺️ Special thanks to all our speakers, and Mayor London Breed! You were all truly amazing. 👊 With Love, SFCASA. ❤️ P.S. You definitely know someone who can become an advocate, share this post with them and tell them to sign up for one of our weekly info sessions now through April 24 at www.sfcasa.org/volunteer before our Spring cohort starts! 🗣️