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Issue No. 11
| February 2012
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We're Home
 | Boy Scout, Joiner M. volunteered 8 hours to complete his citizenship merit badge. He helped organize files and paint the office.
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As you may know, CASA moved into it's new home in December. Over the past couple of months, many volunteers have spent countless hours helping us move, clean, build, paint, organize, and decorate.
We can not express enough how grateful we are for those who made the move so smooth. We plan to host a ribbon cutting ceremony later this spring. We will keep you posted on the details. Until then, please feel free to stop by. We would love to show you around.
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Working with Impoverished Families
 An article from The Connection Magazine, a publication of the National CASA Association
"About 20% of children under the age of 6 live in poverty," says Bogucki. "But if you put the two categories of near poverty and poverty together, it's now 43% of all children."
"The impact of poverty on children and families can be devastating. Ongoing poverty weakens parents' and caregivers' ability to cope with the inevitable demands and stress of day-to-day life. Economic hardship can mean difficulty finding safe housing, childcare, medical treatment, food and clothing. It can also lead to increased depression, family conflict, substance abuse and isolation-all of which can fuel child abuse and neglect. Children in families struggling with poverty are three times more likely to be abused and seven times more likely to be neglected. Read about the impact of poverty on equity and outcomes for children and families caught up in US child welfare systems." - Full article
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Spring Training 2012
CASA Advocate Training 
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children is seeking volunteers to lift up the voice and life of an abused or neglected child. Being a CASA volunteer does not require special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case. Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children. Requirements to be a volunteer advocate include: - Be 21 years old
- Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview
- Complete a minimum of 36 hours of pre-service training (Begins March 2012)
- Be available for court appearances, with advance notice
- Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed (a year and a half on average).
This is one cause where the actions of a single person mean everything. One volunteer, trained and empowered to ensure that every child can thrive in the safe embrace of a loving home.
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4th Quarter Impact
October through December 2011
- 36 CASA volunteers provided child advocacy to 67 child abuse/neglect victims (a 31 % increase compared to second quarter 2010).
- Volunteers contributed 295 hours and traveled 2,518 miles to fulfill their role as advocates.
- 30 volunteers participated in 384 hours of training.
- CASA staff trained 3 new volunteer advocates in Lexington/Rockbridge, and 9 in Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County area.
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CASA's Got Talent
Friday April, 20th - 6:30pmMemorial Baptist Church, Staunton A Community talent show benefiting CASA for Children Age Categories: - Ages 12 and Under ($100 Cash Prize)
- Ages 13 - 17 ($200 Cash Prize)
- Ages 18 and Up ($300 Cash Prize)
Auditions: - Youtube video link entries sent via email by March 24th
- Live Auditions at Memorial Baptist Church (224 Taylor Street, Staunton)
- March 17, 11am-2pm
- March 24, 11am-2pm
Tickets - Advance: $7 adults, $5 Students
- At the Door: $10 adults, $7 Students
- Children 3 and under are free
For more information email or call us at 540-213-2272.
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Grantors and Friends of CASA
Below is a list of the generous grantors/supporters who believe in what we do for children in our community: - American Shakespeare Center
- Augusta Community Health Foundation
- Augusta Home Builders Association
- CAPSAW
- Carr Foundation
- Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge
- Department of Criminal Justice Services
- Dominion Resources
- E.C. Wareheim Foundation
- Family Children and Trust
- Foundation for Roanoke Valley
- Kappa Alpha Theta JMU
- Kappa Alpha Theta W&L
- National CASA Association
- Rockbridge Community Foundation
- United Way of Greater Augusta
- United Way of Rockbridge
- Victim's of Crime Acts (Department of Social Services)
- Washington and Lee University
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"Children in families struggling with poverty are three times more likely to be abused and seven times more likely to be neglected."
- Federal government's Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS-4)
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CASA for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
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A big "THANK YOU" to
John and Jeremy Fallon at
for donating in-kind construction needs for our new office.
R-Squared Construction LLC
Licensed & Insured
Specializing in:
Bathrooms, Kitchens & Interior Modifications
540-589-6586
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Continuing Education Online
Check out some of these great podcasts to increase your child welfare knowledge capacity.
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Tribute Donations
In January, CASA for Children received generous gifts for the following tributes:
In Honor of
Jack Reed
&
In Memory of
Pauline Drucker
These gifts helped continue our efforts to lift up the voices and lived of children.
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CASA Staff
Michael Nay
Executive Director
Cathy Ballew
Advocate Manager
Shelly Reitenauer
Office Support Specialist
Trina Welsheimer
Advocate Manager
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CASA's
Mission |
"In collaboration with other professionals, provide trained volunteer Advocates to represent the best interests of abused and/or neglected children who are involved in the Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington/Rockbridge and Alleghany/Covington juvenile courts." CASA for Children | 119 West Frederick Street | Staunton, VA 24401 O: 540-213-2272 | Toll Free 866-450-4825 | Fax: 540-337-9173 www.casa4children.com |
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