Susan and Reed Youmans were introduced to Yolo County CASA over two decades ago by dear friends. “We were invited to Yolo County CASA’s annual auction and dinner and we were deeply moved by Yolo County CASAs mission. We’ve been supporters ever since,” states Susan Youmans.
Many know the Youmans family as owners of the Hallmark Properties in Northern California. What many also know is that their hearts are as big as their buildings. They’ve been known to give hotel rooms to homeless people or veterans that have found themselves in a bad spot for a few nights, and they give to many local organizations. “We like to keep our dollars as local as possible, helping our neighbors who need it most,” Reed says.
He continues through tears, “I’ve met a few foster children in my lifetime and they were the sweetest, most well-mannered children you could ever imagine. They just wanted love and a friend. If it weren’t for CASA, many wouldn’t have a single stable relationship to call upon for support. Yolo County CASA is truly for the child and we are happy to support them.”
For the past two years, Reed and Susan have spread the word about Yolo County CASA through the “donation tree” in the Hallmark Inn lobby during the holidays. The concept is simple: Guests of the hotel and members of the public are invited to come in, take an ornament, make a donation, and then be acknowledged on that ornament. “Not only does a donation tree encourage people to give,” states Susan, “it also helps spread the word about Yolo County CASA.”
With the addition of Yolo County CASA’s Giving Circle this year, Reed and Susan were delighted to be among the first “sustainers” to fund a CASA volunteer for a year. “I love that I can personally support a CASA volunteer. It feels really close to my heart and I like that.”
Despite their many charitable endeavors, Reed says that recognition is tough for them. He recites a bible verse from Matthew, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.”
The Youmans say it is difficult to choose which organizations they give to because there are so many worthy ones. However, when they research organizations, they try to give to those where they know their funds will go directly to the cause, “I can tell you without a doubt that the dollars we give to Yolo County CASA primarily go to providing CASAs to the foster children it serves—children who through no fault of their own have been abused or neglected and as a result, are living lives full of uncertainty and fear. We sleep better at night knowing that Yolo County CASA is doing everything it can to provide CASAs for these children so that they have a sense of stability and love,” states Susan.
At Yolo County CASA, we are so grateful to be among the lucky neighbors that Reed and Susan have helped.
