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1311 Jamestown Road
Suite 201
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 229-3306
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The Voice |
| Colonial CASA's E-Newsletter
Volume II, Issue 14
February, 2007
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| I hope you and your loved ones had a Happy Valentine's Day! It is hard to believe that the month of February is already halfway over! To hear all of the exciting things happening at Colonial CASA, read on...
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In This Issue... |
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Pencil It In... |
 - Feb. 19: Office Closed, Presidents' Day
- March 12: Monthly Meeting, 11:30am
- March 24: JCC Rotary Auction, 6:30pm at the Historic Triangle Building
- March 28: DSS Day, 1pm - 3pm
- April 5: Regional Training, 9:30am - Noon
- April 17: Monthly Meeting Breakfast, 9am - 11:30 am
- April 19: Child Abuse Prevention Candlelight Vigil, 7pm at the Rec Center
- May 4: Volunteer Recognition, 6pm - 8pm
- June 2: CASA Paddle
- June 9 - 12: NCASA Conference
To Access Colonial CASA's Calendar, Click Here. |
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From Rebecca's Desk |
Greetings from upstairs! It certainly has been an interesting month in the office. I have been writing grants like mad, searching for the funding Colonial CASA needs for its programs next year. We have been working closely with Bill Valvo – an extraordinary, generous and talented CCASA supporter I’m sure many of you know – on our new website (yet to be unveiled). AND, Barbara has, as long expected, announced her plans to move on from Colonial CASA to pursue law school and the boundless opportunities available to one with such talent, youth and passion.
I am extremely pleased with the way things are shaping up for both this time of staff transition and for the future of our program here at Colonial CASA. Barbara will be staying on for quite some time on a part-time basis, working with me on some administrative and development projects. We have quite a few talented applicants for the new case manager’s position, and I intend to be phasing in this new staff person shortly. Also, we all anticipate that the new staff structure that I have begun to implement (see the article titled, Colonial CASA Staff: New Titles, New Positions, New Direction below) will provide an improved and more effective delivery of our services to both our CASAs and our kids!
An even more interesting Spring to come – I have no doubt!
~Rebecca Bresee, Executive Director
To Learn More About Rebecca Bresee, Executive Director, Click Here.
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Red is for More Than Just Valentine’s Day |
 I hope you are all keeping nice and toasty during this arctic blast that has descended upon us. The fireplace at my new house is working over time!
I have one more new change to pass on to you. This, too, is a positive change and one that does not require any additional work on your part. Even better! In our continuing efforts to improve upon our case management procedures, we have decided to get rid of the teal blue folder that we give to you upon appointment to a new case and replace it with a better system in which to keep your paperwork. In its place, you will be receiving a bright red 3-ring binder. It is more durable, more user friendly, has pockets so you can store those random pieces of paper that you put notes on, and it is easy to locate because it is red.
If you have suggestions as to how we can continue to improve or streamline case management/supervision practices, please give me a call or an email. We are always open to new ideas!
~ Sarah Serra, Volunteer Coordinator
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Attend the NCASA Conference in Orlando |
Since CASA began 30 years ago – in 1977 – over one million abused and neglected children have been given hope, a voice, an advocate! Each year, more than 1,300 CASA volunteers, staff, board members, judges, and other child welfare professionals attend the National CASA Conference. This year, CASAs are invited to attend the 30th Anniversary Conference in sunny Orlando, Florida for a reduced fee.
With over 60 workshops and institutes, a plethora of well-known speakers, boundless opportunities to network with individuals committed to the CASA cause – it is no wonder this year’s Conference theme, Celebrate the Solution, is focused on looking ahead to see what the next 30 years can bring!
The hotel and Conference center is a resort located in the heart of Orlando with all the theme parks nearby, and numerous golf courses and incredible shopping less than 10 miles away! You can turn your CASA learning into a family vacation!
To Obtain Additional Conference Information, Click Here.
To Obtain Additional Hotel Information, Click Here.
To Obtain Possible Flight Information, Click Either Here or Here.
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Colonial CASA Staff: New Titles, New Positions, New Direction |
With all change comes an opportunity for growth, and Colonial CASA is using the rather bittersweet eventual departure of Program Specialist, Barbara McElroy, to do just that – grow. Barbara has for several years been Colonial CASA’s case manager, trainer, recruiter, organizer, composer, administrative whiz, computer guru, and general go-to-gal for functions here too numerous to ever possibly list. Over time, the Program Specialist position evolved into a catch-all that, when examined with regards to re-staffing, was determined to be best suited to dividing between separate staff positions. We have decided to move in that direction, in order to provide the best level of support to our volunteers and clients, and also strengthen the administrative process necessary for the continued growth and development of Colonial CASA as an organization.
Sarah Serra, Volunteer Coordinator for nearly 11 years, has been assigned the title Program Director, more adequately reflecting her actual responsibilities within CCASA. She will work full time, and assume some additional supervisory and data management responsibilities.
We are currently interviewing candidates for a new position: Volunteer Services Coordinator. This staff member will supervise cases, serve on the training team and provide volunteer support and services.
In June, we will be searching for a candidate to fill yet another new support position: Business Services Coordinator. This staff member will provide administrative support for the office, manage program media, and assist with PR and development efforts.
All staff will remain under the care and supervision of Executive Director, Rebecca Bresee, shifting the paid staff structure to a 2 full / 2 part –time model. Already, we are seeing great potential for this new division of responsibilities here in the office!
~Rebecca Bresee, Executive Director
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Colonial CASA Appreciates Its Volunteers During April |
The month of April is dedicated to volunteers, nationally. Here at Colonial CASA, we want to ensure that our volunteers know their efforts do not go unnoticed. We have numerous irons in the fire to ensure the volunteers who give so much time, energy, and passion to their work know they are appreciated!
Colonial CASA is partnering with Newport News CASA to offer a Regional Training on April 5th from 9:30 to Noon in the Oyster Point City Center in Newport News. The Training will focus on Understanding Poverty and Cultural Awareness. It will feature speakers from the local Department of Social Services as well as an Inspirational Educator working with underprivileged children who defy the odds. More details to follow.
April's Monthly Meeting will be a breakfast meeting to honor CASA volunteers. It will be held at the CASA office and will focus on the topics of each month -- where volunteers can discuss their cases, the program, and offer support to one another. Due to the April calendar, the date and time has been changed. Please note, the meeting will be held on Tuesday April 17th from 9am to 10:30am. Please RSVP if you plan on attending.
Finally, we will have a Volunteer Recognition Event on May 4th from 6pm to 8pm at Rebecca Bresee's home to recognize the volunteers and all of their hard work. The event will resemble that held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Stockton over the holiday season, for those of you who were able to attend. More details to follow.
Colonial CASA continues to be grateful for the outstanding group of volunteers who give so selflessly of themselves for the children and families of this community. If it were not for their commitment and dedication, our program would not be as successful. Thank you.
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Colonial CASA Serving Record Low |
Colonial CASA is currently serving 54 children, roughly 30 children less than the number of children served this time last year. We have 28 active volunteers, many of whom are waiting for new case assignments.
Given the record low in current case activity, Colonial CASA has decided to postpone the Spring 2007 Training Program for new CASAs. We want to make sure that once we recruit and train new volunteers, we are able to assign them new cases so they can apply all of their newly acquired knowledge!
This spring, we are looking forward to hiring a part time case manager, focusing on staff transition, volunteer appreciation, and maintaining the elements that continue to make Colonial CASA an outstanding organization!
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Celebrating Birthdays and CASA Anniversaries |
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Colonial CASA would like to wish the following Advocates a Happy Birthday:
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For the month of January:
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For the month of February:
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Barry Brune
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Laurabelle Miller
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Rodney Parker
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Linda Pitman
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Program Update: FAPT Report |
 One of our volunteers has requested that the CASA be able to submit a written report to FAPT (Family Assessment Planning Team), which cites the parent's compliance to date, any concerns the CASA may have, and any updated information the CASA wishes to provide. It is an excellent idea as it allows the CASA's information to become a part of the official record and, it provides a hard copy for team members to have updated information.
This report will be optional and not a requirement. However, if the CASA chooses to submit such a report, Sarah will provide him/her with a copy of the format that will be used. All reports will be submitted to case supervisors for review prior to the meeting and the supervisor will bring copies of the report for the CASA and all team members.
To Learn More About FAPT and other Frequently Used Terms, Click Here.
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Quick Links |
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National CASA
CASA Net |
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