Dear Friends,

 

In 1989, when I first learned of the CASA Program for kids caught in the legal system, started by Judge David Soukup in Seattle, I was so excited I immediately started looking for the local program in San Francisco. Disappointed to learn that we didn't have one, I found the San Jose program and took the training there. That was when I met Judge Len Edwards. "What you ought to be doing," he told me, "is starting a CASA in your own county." With his encouragement, we did just that. Supported by the National and California CASA organizations, we were able to overcome some challenging hurdles and build what has become one of the most effective CASA programs in California.

In the early days, there were very few of us and we had to make every phone call count. But as I tell everyone, I discovered that "being a CASA volunteer will teach you more about yourself than you ever thought you needed to know." The search for funders, of any size, was a constant struggle, but was also so rewarding because it allowed us to share the CASA story with a continually expanding circle of new friends and supporters. And as the circle grew, so also grew the number of kids we were able to serve - the best part of the story. In the fall of 1991, our first class had eleven graduates; when the new volunteers were recognized by San Francisco's court system and assigned to new cases, we knew we were on our way.

To find out how SFCASA has evolved from its humble beginnings, read on.
 

The SFCASA Board of Directors Luncheon: The Annual SFCASA Board of Directors Luncheon will take place at The Four Seasons, San Francisco on April 8, 2010. Help us honor California State University Fullerton President Dr. Milton Gordon, the primary advocate for the Guardian Scholar Program which provides full scholarships to qualified foster youth entering the California State University system. For ticket information, or to learn about Luncheon sponsorship opportunities, please call Melanie Rogers at 415.399.6130 or click here.

Keeping the Promise: National CASA, in partnership with CBS Broadcasting, is bringing the national Forgotten Children Program to San Francisco April 7-9. The event which will take place at Civic Center and Union Square will rase awareness about the issues of Child Abuse and Foster Care in San Francisco. Representatives from CASA and other Bay Area non profits will be there to talk to the community about the issues facing our children in Foster Care. click here.

Painting the Music Event: Chloe Fine Arts Gallery will be hosting a CD Release Party and Group Show featuring Andrea Razzauti to benefit SFCASA. Come experience the art of musical composition as he performs a small jazz concert amid these timeless pieces of art. Enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction as you immerse yourself in the work of such an accomplished artist. Chloe Fine Arts will be donating a percentage of any and all art sales that night to SFCASA. This event will take place on May 21, 2010 from 6 to 9pm at Chloe Fine Arts Gallery: 645 Beach Street, San Francisco, 94109. Tickets ($40 per person) will be available on the SFCASA website after April 15, 2010.
click here.