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2024
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2023
What does it take to help a foster child? // October 7, 2023
As the leaves change and the weather cools, the anticipation of Halloween grows. But while many are looking forward to costumes and candies, it…Read more
The gift of education and empowerment // September 9, 2023
September is here! As many of our teens embark on their college journey, it’s a transformative period filled with new beginnings, self-discovery…Read more
‘Back to school’ is different for foster kids // August 12, 2023
Do you remember the mixed feelings of excitement and dread that “back to school” brought up when you were a kid? Read more
Courage, freedom and trust // July 8, 2023
By Colleen Campbell Special to The Enterprise I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July, and despite…Read more
June and its complexities for foster youths // June 9, 2023
By Colleen Campbell Special to The Enterprise As we welcome the warmth of June, I’m reminded by the…Read more
The unimaginable times when you need a person // May 13, 2023
By Colleen Campbell Special to The Enterprise As I write this column, I am feeling the effects of…Read more
Transitions, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Big Day of Giving // April 7, 2023
By Colleen Campbell, Special to The Enterprise. You may have noticed that this column’s byline is different this month.…Read more
Be a foster child’s ‘someone’ this spring // March 4, 2023
March brings with it the hope of spring (though this year, spring seems a little late). As the…Read more
February brings occasions for reflection // February 12, 2023
February brings many opportunities for reflection, especially when it comes to foster children and CASA volunteers. February is…Read more
The invisible string remains // January 7, 2023
As 2022 moved into 2023, I felt quite reflective. It seemed like just yesterday that we were ringing…Read more
2022
The smallest gifts carry the largest impact // December 10, 2022
A CASA volunteer didn’t think much of it when she let her foster youth pick out some make…Read more
Veterans and foster kids have a lot in common // November 11, 2022
Veteran’s Day is Friday, and we’d like to take a moment to thank all veterans for their service…Read more
Halloween can be traumatic for foster kids // October 8, 2022
Have you heard the term, “trauma informed?” During our trainings, we teach our volunteers how to spot signs…Read more
Together we illuminate hope // September 10, 2022
With the start of UC Davis right around the corner, this time of year always reminds me of…Read more
Sometimes ADHD is trauma in disguise // August 13, 2022
It’s that time of year again. Many children are currently anticipating going back to school or have returned…Read more
We have a lot of bravery to celebrate this month // July 8, 2022
Last weekend we celebrated the Fourth of July. As always, we were appreciative of all of our volunteers…Read more
LGBTQ+ youths overrepresented in foster care // June 11, 2022
Imagine what it would be like to question your sexuality or even your gender at the same time…Read more
What does the Big Day of Giving really mean? // May 7, 2022
I’m writing this column just before the Sacramento Region’s Big Day of Giving on May 5, even though…Read more
Listening without agenda is the first step toward positive outcomes // April 15, 2022
April marks child abuse prevention month, which is a very important month for us here at CASA, especially…Read more
It’s time for spring training // March 12, 2022
As you read this, warmer weather and sunny skies are signaling that spring is on its way. Spring…Read more
Soroptimist Ruby Award goes to Tese founder // March 10, 2022
Soroptimist International of Davis is proud to honor Dzokerayi Minya with its 2022 Ruby Award, which honors local…Read more
Building trust is a high-stakes job // February 12, 2022
Among other things, February is the month where we honor former presidents. In honor of that, I’d like…Read more
It’s tough, but better this time around // January 8, 2022
Omicron. How can a Greek letter become so stressful, so quickly? I read somewhere that none of us…Read more
2021
You don’t have to be a hero to be a volunteer // December 11, 2021
What is your favorite holiday tradition and how would you feel if all of a sudden, everything changed?…Read more
Giving tree supports Yolo CASA // December 1, 2021
Tan Orthodontics will host its annual Yolo County CASA giving tree for local foster children, and this year…Read more
A pebble cast toward the pond // November 12, 2021
For many, November is a month of gratitude and reflection. In honor of that, I’d like to call…Read more
Halloween isn’t fun for everyone // October 9, 2021
As the weather cools off and Halloween decorations go up on doorsteps and in stores, I’d like to…Read more
There’s more to them than just foster care // September 11, 2021
Today I’d like to share a story about a 3-year-old girl who was placed in foster care. Her…Read more.
The reality of back-to-school for foster kids // August 7, 2021
As August is upon us, displays in convenience stores have changed to “back to school” merchandise and parents…Read more.
‘I’ve never seen anyone cry like that’ // July 12, 2021
One of the most powerful ways we inspire others to apply to become CASA volunteers here at Yolo…Read more.
Volunteers improve the odds one child at a time // June 12, 2021
As you read this column, many high school seniors across America have graduated from high school just hours…Read more.
Thank you for the difference you made // May 9, 2021
“I have my stuff and I have my brother. That’s all I need.” A foster child said these…Read more.
Volunteers stop the cycle of child abuse // April 10, 2021
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and promoting awareness is more important this year than ever as the…Read more.
Basic experiences can be the most meaningful // March 13, 2021
As spring is on the horizon and public health restrictions seem to be ever so slightly loosening, I…Read more.
Rewriting history’s unjust trends // February 13, 2021
February is Black History Month, but instead of talking about history, today I’d like to talk about current…Read more.
Vaccines are only the beginning // January 9, 2021
Not much changed when the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Day, except the renewal of hope that…Read more.
2020
Can you imagine 2020 alone? // December 12, 2020
Isn’t it hard to believe that last year at this time we were barely finding out what the…Read more.
My favorite adoption story // November 7, 2020
November 2020 is a big month. In fact, as I sit here writing this column, it’s about noon…Read more.
Proactivity helps us avoid further harm // October 10, 2020
When a child enters the foster care system, one thing is clear: That child has been abused or…Read more.
2020 is a reminder of how awful hard times feel // September 12, 2020
Regular readers of this column might recognize Monique Straws’ name. Monique was born with drugs in her system… Read more.
A buffer for inequity // August 8, 2020
Chromebooks. Learning pods. Private tutors. The list goes on … This pandemic has exposed inequity in a way…Read more.
The new normal is getting old // July 10, 2020
At first everything felt temporary. “Shelter-in-place” had an end date and we all knew we could switch to… Read more.
We have work to do // June 13, 2020
Today I’d like to use this platform to share a poem that resonated with me as I was…Read more.
‘New normal’ isn’t new for foster kids // May 8, 2020
If you’re reading this column in the paper, you are undoubtedly reading it on Mother’s Day. Read more…
Resiliency in scary times // April 11, 2020
Unprecedented. Scary. Deadly. Unknown. These are just a few terms used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic that we are all wading through right now.
Read more…
A perfect circle — self-advocacy to selflessness // March 7, 2020
Have you ever taken your child or children to a “Nutcracker” performance at Christmastime? Read more…
The only way out is one child at a time // February 9, 2020
Two weeks ago today, many Americans learned that Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crashed on the way to his 13-year-old daughter’s basketball game, killing the pilot and all nine passengers on board. Read more…
Will you resolve to do something different in 2020? // January 12, 2020
Each year around this time I can’t help but notice — the greenbelts are full of joggers, the produce section in the grocery store is full of a few more healthy eaters, and everyone is opening doors for one another. Read more…
2019
What we do for love // December 8, 2019
An estimated 49 million Americans hit the road (and skies) for Thanksgiving travel this year. Read more…
Volunteers help foster kids find their voices // November 10, 2019
Kylie is a 13-year-old girl placed out-of-county in a group home. Recently, her CASA moved out of the area and had to resign from her case. Read more…
Thank you for being the one // October 13, 2019
On Sept. 28, dozens of members of the Yolo County community gathered in the beautiful gardens of Park Winters and helped us achieve our most successful fundraising auction yet. Read more…
It starts with the kids // September 8, 2019
Even in the very early grades, I noticed my kids had back-to-school radar. After all, there were a lot of clues. We always went shopping for new clothes to fit their rapidly growing bodies. Read more…
Connections are life-changing // August 11, 2019
As I write this month’s column, two mass shootings have again rocked our nation. Like everyone else, these events leave me saddened, shaken to my core, and in deep thought about our future. Read more…
My call to action // July 14, 2019
A little over a week ago, Davis’ streets were lined with red, white and blue as families happily celebrated the 243rd birthday of America’s independence. Read more…
Volunteer gives a gift he wished he’d had // June 9, 2019
Ah, June. For many kids, it’s a month filled with excitement over the last day of school, summer camps, vacations with family, and plenty of time spent in swimming pools, parks, and other fun places. Read more…
A bigger day of giving // May 12, 2019
At Yolo County CASA, you could argue that we had two Big Days of Giving this year…Monique Straws is a former foster youth, and regular readers might recognize parts of the story I am about to tell. Read more…
Help reduce effects of abuse and neglect // April 14, 2019
If I asked you what in the world kills between four and seven children in the United States each day, what would be your first thought? Cancer? Car accidents? Read more…
Change to change a foster child’s life // March 10, 2019
March is upon us and the feeling of spring is on the horizon. Spring brings with it hope, new beginnings and an all-around feeling of cheer. And at Yolo County CASA, we have a lot to be excited about. Read more…
They decided now is the time // February 10, 2019
Out of everyone I know, I can confidently say that I know people who love Valentine’s Day and I know people who hate it, but I really don’t know anyone who feels neutral. No matter how you slice it, Valentine’s Day brings up feelings. And for foster kids, those feelings involve quite a bit of ambiguity — many are lost in a system where “one of many” becomes the norm. Read more…
Resolve to make a huge difference in a child’s life // January 13, 2019
It’s that time of year again. The greenbelts are full of joggers, gym memberships are at an all-time high and the self-help section of the library is a bit more crowded than usual. Read more…
2018
For foster children, the ability to give is a common wish // December 9, 2018
“How can I help?” The holiday season is an extremely rewarding time to be the executive director of Yolo County CASA because I repeatedly hear the above inquiry from friends, family and supporters. It’s a true reminder of what a generous community we live in and for that I am incredibly grateful. Read more…
Ashley’s story // November 11, 2018
When Ashley was 6 years old, her mom was pulled over for driving under the influence. From the back seat, Ashley heard her mother tell the police officer that she didn’t want her. This night was the beginning of several years in the dependency system for Ashley. Read more…
This is where we hope to go // October 14, 2018
Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Many regular readers of this column know that we are growing faster than ever before at Yolo County CASA… and we are doing this so that we can someday serve every child in the Yolo County Dependency System. Read more…
Tonight, the magic happens // September 9, 2018
If you are reading this on Sunday morning, then I’m excited to tell you that in a few hours, magic is going to happen for Yolo County CASA … Read more…
‘Yes’ means the world to a foster child // August 12, 2018
Five years ago we set an ambitious goal to provide every foster child in Yolo County with a CASA volunteer by 2020, and we immediately went to work. First, we mapped out a path for growth, both financially and structurally, and then we forged ahead. Read more…
Perspectives on holiday times // July 8, 2018
Isn’t it funny how holidays have a way of making happy times happier and sad times … well, crushing? As a social worker, I’ve always worked in positions that have made me acutely aware of something I call “holiday heartache” and this week was no exception. Read more…
I’m sorry, 2,342 times // July 1, 2018
Just a few weeks ago, a family was told that their children were being taken to get a bath. Those parents have yet to see their children since. Read more…
Compassion changes everything // June 10, 2018
I want you to imagine the last time you were cut off on the freeway by a vehicle driving erratically. For most, this is a frustrating experience. We are immediately angry at the other driver and may even act out by way of honking our horn or giving the other driver an unkind look (… OK, maybe an unkind gesture!). Read more…
Big Day of Giving in real time // May 13, 2018
As I write this, we are in the thick of the Big Day of Giving. It’s currently 2:22 p.m. and we are more than halfway to our $45,000 goal at $25,768. We are feverishly refreshing our computer screens, updating social media, and celebrating the possibilities. If we make our goal, we can serve an additional 18 foster children with a CASA volunteer this year. And these 18 additional CASA volunteers are more critical than ever before. Read more…
When statistics give us a false sense of security // April 8, 2018
April is Child Abuse Prevention month. As such, each year we hear statistics like “every 10 seconds a case of child abuse is reported” or “over 3 million children are protected by child services each year.” Read more…
What a difference a day makes // March 11, 2018
Last year, in 24 hours, we increased our organizational capacity by 20 percent. The Big Day of Giving has become part of the Sacramento Valley’s regional identity. Each year, one day in early May is devoted to raising money for nonprofits. Read more…
Give the gift of oxytocin this Valentine’s Day // February 11, 2018
Oh, February — the month of love and the keeper of Valentine’s Day. As I thought about this month’s column, it was hard to ignore the feeling of love in the air during this time of year. You cant’ enter a grocery store without glimpsing a heart — either in the candy form or held by a teddy bear. And I don’t know about you, but I still like reading the nice things conversation hearts have to tell me! Read more…
Change the world in 2018 // January 14, 2018
At risk of sounding like a broken record, I have identified our most pressing 2018 goal: Train and retain more CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers. Regular readers of this column know that we’ve been working hard to grow our capacity, and they’ve heard me state this goal often. In fact, we set a goal a few years ago that by 2020 we would provide a CASA volunteer for every foster child in Yolo County. Read more…
2017
The most wonderful time of the year // December 10, 2017
According to Andy Williams and many who came after him, we are smack dab in the middle of “the most wonderful time of the year.” But, did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health, 45 percent of Americans report feelings of depression during the holiday season? Read more…
A volunteer changed Monique’s life; can you help, too? // November 12, 2017
Monique Straws was born addicted to heroin and cocaine. From birth, she and her twin sister lived in foster care and were placed together only for two short periods. Read more…
We’re grateful … and in need of volunteers // October 8, 2017
We are full of gratitude because on Sept. 17, we hosted our most successful dinner and auction yet, thanks to our generous community members. All proceeds will go toward training Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for foster children, to provide them with consistent and stable relationships, and ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met in the dependency system. Read more…
It’s not just foster children who are transformed // September 10, 2017
We recently profiled a very special person as part of our #heartsofyolo campaign. (By the way, if you haven’t heard of our #heartsofyolo campaign, please visit our Yolo County CASA Facebook page, our website or our Twitter handle to read inspiring stories about people who are helping us transform the lives of foster children.) Read more…
Let’s make the invisible achievement gap more visible // August 13, 2017
At a recent court hearing, one of our foster youth wore a medal he had earned from school for high academic achievement. During the hearing, he explained to the judge why he wore the medal. Read more…
Let’s build the resilience muscle together // July 9, 2017
In response to her husband’s unexpected death in 2015, Cheryl Sandberg contacted Wharton professor Adam Grant, a psychologist, to better understand her trauma and grief, and gain hope for recovery. She learned so much about resilience that she coauthored a book about it with Grant, titled “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy.” Read more…
Have you considered becoming a CASA volunteer? // June 11, 2017
“I became a CASA volunteer after five years of living overseas left me wanting a closer connection to my new local community. As the mother of a young child, my motivation for volunteering was initially to contribute something to another child’s life.” Read more…
Good outcomes shouldn’t feel strange // May 14, 2017
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. To put this into perspective, the National Foster Care Coalition says that at any given time, there are more than 400,000 children nationally in foster care.
Big Day of Giving: Sweets Sacrifice // May 3, 2017
Yolo County CASA staff and volunteers stopped eating sweets and gave their “sweet” cash to the organization and now they’re taking their first bite to kick off the Big Day of Giving.
The power of community support // April 9, 2017
Last year we were all set for the Sacramento region’s Big Day of Giving. We worked hard to get the word our, we secured a donor match if we met our fundraising goal, and we woke up bright and early to “Good Day Sacramento’s cameras in our office.
Yolo County CASA: Relationships are life-changing for foster kids // March 12th, 2017
While stories like these may seem rare, we hear them from our volunteers every day at Yolo County CASA. “CASA,” short for Court Appointed Special Advocates, was founded nearly 40 years ago when Seattle Superior Court Judge David Soukup was making decisions regarding placements of children in the foster care system. Dissatisfied with some of the outcomes, he wanted to hear more of the child’s perspective…
2016
Foster children get some holiday love through gifts to Yolo CASA // December 15, 2016
The holidays are a time to reflect on family and relationships held dear, but for foster children, the holidays can be a source of sadness and pain. Read more…
HEARTS OF YOLO: Being a CASA just ‘clicked’ for Ali Harder // November 17, 2016
Ali Harder moved to Yolo County from Oregon in 2012 when she and her husband both found new jobs in the area and Harder planned to go back to school. Read more…
CASA fundraiser tugs on Yolo residents’ heartstrings // September 23, 2016
Dozens of Yolo County CASA supporters came together under the country sky at Park Winters on Sept. 11 to raise money for the 400-plus foster children in the county. Read more…
Hearts of Yolo: Claire Tauzer makes a difference // September 1, 2016
Claire Tauzer knew she wanted to make a difference for children after teaching high school for three years, substitute teaching for two years, and witnessing the struggle that foster children go through first hand.
“High school is already hard,” she said. “Add to that being moved to a different home, often requiring a new school and location away from friends and life gets extremely difficult.” Read more…
Lori Ross works to help others // August 24, 2016
Lori Ross is no stranger to volunteer work. She grew up volunteering in her church and now as a mother of two children, has volunteered for countless PTA events and little league games.
Her career has also kept her busy. She’s worked her entire life to help others, first as a director of the Yolo County YMCA and now as the executive director of Woodland United Way. Read more…
Hearts of Yolo: Board President Ginni Davis // August 4, 2016
With three decades of experience in education in Yolo County, first as a teacher, then as a principal and finally as an associate superintendent, Ginni Davis found her calling as a CASA board member because she saw firsthand the difference CASAs made. Read more…
HEARTS OF YOLO: Karen Selby inspired by tragedy // July 27, 2016
A tragic life event of her own inspired Karen Selby to help others who were also going through similar circumstances.
“In 2012, I was widowed after 40 years of marriage when my husband passed away from lung cancer. I prayed for a job, but not a traditional job… something that was different and impactful.”
An article recruiting CASAs and seeking host families for exchange students answered her prayers. “I wanted to mentor youth and so I looked into both of these opportunities.” Read more…
HEARTS OF YOLO: Georgia Corbett has found new mission // July 6, 2016
In 1997, Georgia Corbett asked herself “What’s next?” and we’re glad her answer was to become a Yolo County CASA volunteer. Read more…
Vicky Murphy has been a CASA volunteer for 20 years // June 24, 2016
Vicki Murphy’s association with CASA dates back over 20 years when she was living in Walnut Creek. After a friend who was a juvenile court judge said she would be great at it, she decided to go through the training and become a CASA. Read more…
Hearts of Yolo: Stephen McCord wanted deeper understanding of CASA // June 16, 2016
Stephen McCord’s journey with CASA began with a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the foster care system when he and his wife began looking into adoption.
What he found solidified his desire to help foster children, “I became a CASA nearly 15 years ago because I wanted to understand the foster care system and play a positive role in the life of a foster child. The experience of foster care is so different from mine, in which I had siblings and two stable parents. I thought moving homes once during my childhood was an ordeal. Foster kids can move several times in a year, tossing their belongings back into a garbage bag each time. I’ve found that the appreciation they have for a stable, caring relationship through those confusing and uncertain times is beyond measure.” Read more…
Sponsorship Levels for Gala // June 29, 2016
Yolo County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) graciously invites families and businesses to participate in the 19th Annual I Am For The Child Dinner and Auction on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at Park Winters by sponsoring the event. Thanks to the continued generosity of Park Winters, we are once again able to experience its simple country luxury. This Board of Directors sponsored event features a catered dinner, live music, and live and silent auctions. Read more…
Yolo CASA Training Coming Up // June 9, 2016 // The Davis Enterprise
Yolo County CASA is seeking volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in the foster care system.
After successfully completing a 30-hour training and a background screening, volunteers are appointed by the juvenile dependency court judge to advocate for a child for a minimum 18-month commitment. Read more…
Ben Cadranel Recognized by Yolo County CASA // June 8, 2016 // Woodland Daily Democrat
Ben Cadranel learned about CASA when he was a law student at McGeorge School of Law and had the opportunity to observe firsthand the vulnerability of children in the foster system. Right away, he knew he wanted to give back. Read more…
Thank You Dining Event Benefits CASA // May 31, 2016 // Woodland Daily Democrat
The Big Day of Giving was no doubt a giant day for Yolo County CASA.
Despite widespread technical failures with the Big Day of Giving portal, Court Appointed Special Advocate supporters rallied around the cause, some even driving checks to the Yolo County CASA office. Read more…
Training Offered for Court Advocates // May 27, 2016 // Woodland Daily Democrat
Yolo County CASA is seeking volunteer advocates.
CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — are volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Read more…
Raise a Glass for Support to CASA on the Big Day of Giving // May 27, 2016 // The Davis Enterprise
The Big Day of Giving was a giant day for Yolo County CASA. Despite widespread technical failures with the Big Day of Giving portal, CASA supporters rallied around the cause, some even driving checks to the Yolo County CASA office. Read more…
Big Day of Giving Coffee Sacrifice // May 3, 2016 // Good Day Sacramento
Staffers at a local nonprofit got creative for the Big Day of Giving by curbing their caffiene! Watch the clip…
Yolo CASA’s May Fundraiser Approaches // April 22, 2016 // Woodland Daily Democrat
The Sacramento Community Foundation’s region-wide event will be taking place on Tuesday, May 3.
Thanks to a generous matching gift from the King-White Family Foundation, Yolo County CASA has the opportunity to double their return this year, states Yolo CASA spokeswoman Vanessa Errecarte. Read more…
Yolo CASA: Helping Kids be Kids // March 24, 2016 // Woodland Daily Democrat
Yolo County CASA serves one of the County’s most vulnerable populations — motivated only by the desire to better the lives of neglected or abused children.
The CASA organization was founded in the 70s by a Washington state juvenile court judge and has since expanded into 1,000 chapters, states the national CASA for Children website. Read more…
CASA Hopes Stories Draw More Volunteers // February 24, 2016 // The Davis Enterprise
Just in time for Valentine’s month, Yolo County CASA has rolled out their new “Hearts of Yolo” initiative. Primarily a storytelling campaign, Hearts of Yolo strives to tell the stories of the many hearts involved in helping children in need. Read more…
Yolo County CASA Rolls Out Storytelling Campaign // February 23, 2016 // Woodland Daily Democrat
The Yolo County Court Appointed Special Advocate organization has rolled out the “Hearts of Yolo” initiative to share the stories of CASA volunteers and raise awareness and support for Yolo County’s foster children. Read more…
2015
Christmas for CASA and the City’s New ‘Wellness’ Program // December 24, 2015 // Woodland Daily Democrat
For at least 46 local foster children, Christmas is a little brighter this year thanks to a partnership between Yolo County CASA and Tan Orthodontics.
A tradition since 2009, Tan Orthodontics set up a gift tree in its dental office (301 Cleveland St.) with “ornaments” for foster boys and girls, ages 1 to 18 years old, with some of their Christmas wishes. Read more…
Orthodontist’s Patients Help fill Christmas Wishes // December 24, 2015 // The Davis Enterprise
Once again, the Yolo County CASA Giving Tree at Tan Orthodontics in Woodland was a success. This has been a local holiday tradition since 2009, helping to make the Christmas season brighter for some of Yolo County’s foster children. Read more…
Volunteers
Becoming a CASA volunteer is a powerful and rewarding experience. Volunteering 1-3 hours a week, can make all the difference in the life of a youth in foster care. Email us at info@yolocasa.org to learn more about becoming a CASA.
