Welcome to the Buzz, CASA/LA’s hub for volunteer news, upcoming events, resources, and more! View a summary of the page’s contents below and feel free to click to jump down to the section that is most relevant to you. The Buzz is updated monthly and each month’s highlights can be delivered straight to your inbox.
If you have any questions about the Buzz or anything else CASA/LA-related, please reach out to Isabel Bloom, our manager of volunteer relations. Thanks for being an advocate!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEWS
Cookbook Club, Teen & Parent Resource Workshops in the AV & More
TRAINING
In-Services, Public Counsel Office Hours & More
CONNECTION
Sign up for a CASA Connection & Volunteer-Hosted Book Group
YOUTH RESOURCES
Summer Opportunities, Scholarships, Workshops & More
SUPPORT CASA/LA
Black Aswad Coffee Co. Partnership, Become a Monthly Donor & More
KEY GUIDES / LINKS
Litmos, Handbooks, Emotional Support, AV Hub & Much More
NEWS
Thanks to everyone who joined our CASA Palos Verdes Walk!
We loved spending time with CASAs in the South Bay. If you’re interested in hosting an event for fellow volunteers, please contact Isabel Bloom.
You’re Invited! July 13 Skye Cookbook Club — Salsa Daddy by Rick Martínez
What: This will be a potluck with recipes coming from the bold and vibrant new cookbook: Salsa Daddy by Rick Martínez (no cookbook purchase is necessary)! It’s packed with incredible salsa recipes—fresh, smoky, creamy, charred, fermented—and a handful of main dishes and creative twists. With so many options, it’s super flexible and great for summer. View an index of recipes on the sign up spreadsheet here. The sheet includes instructions on how to pick what to make and a categorized list of recipes from the book to help you decide. If you’re not much of a cook but still want to come, please do! We can arrange for you to bring drinks, dessert, or something simple. The real joy is just in participating and being part of the evening.
Where: 222 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. We’ll meet in the patio area of my apartment complex in Downtown LA. It’s walking distance from the Bunker Hill Metro station. Limited guest parking is available in the building, and street parking is available nearby
When: Sunday, July 13 at 6:15 PM
Questions: Reach out to CASA Sebastin at SK*****@************la.org if you have any questions, want help picking something, or need a copy of a recipe.
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Sign up to make a main dish or a salsa (or two) to go with one.
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If you’re making a main, you can team up with someone else to make the salsa.
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If you’re just bringing 1-2 salsas, you can pair it with a basic taco/chips setup or coordinate with someone making a main dish.
Workshops for Youth at the AV Hub Every Tuesday
Workshops for Resource Parents at the AV Hub Every Other Thursday
Latest Resources
Fire Recovery Resources, Training, Mental Health Support & More
Resources:
Training:
- UCLA Pritzker Training Recording is available here (Supporting Children, Strengthening Communities: Professional Skills for Talking About Wildfires Together)
Emotional Support:
Immigrant Rights and LGBTQIA+ Community Resource Page
We are doing our best to consolidate up-to-date resources on this page.
CASA Continuing Education for 2025
CASA volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year to support their advocacy. We have launched a new system for tracking continuing education (CE) entirely in Litmos.
Click here to view the recording of the In-Service Training – CASA CE 101: Requirements, Tracking, and Logging Hours. This recording will provide an overview of everything you need to know about the new system AND it will count towards your continuing education hours.
If you need more background information, help logging into Litmos, or have other questions, please review the following guide documents:
Monthly CASA Crush
Brianne Meyer was looking for a way to support her fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community during COVID when she learned about CASA/LA. The CASA role struck a chord with her. Bri reflected, “I was very fortunate to grow up with parents who supported me, but my life could have turned out very differently. I want to support anyone who is a part of any marginalized community that needs that extra support.” At the time, Bri worked freelance, so the traditional CASA commitment didn’t totally make sense. However, her availability and background in research and report writing made Bri a perfect fit for the Essential History (EH) program.
Is there one case that sticks out to you?
Over the past two years, Bri has successfully completed five EH reports, including several large, complex case files. Each of the young people from these reports stick with Bri, but there is one that stands out as particularly impactful. It was a young teen who had been exposed to a lot of sexual abuse continually for many years, resulting in behaviors that we now know to associate with that kind of trauma. They had multiple police reports that suggested she was involved in the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).
Bri found this case particularly challenging emotionally. She was able to chat with her supervisor about how she was feeling. With EH cases, you don’t actually know the young person or what will come next for them. Sometimes there can be a sense of hopelessness when you’re engaging with this kind of snapshot of everything that has happened to a young person. Bri added, “I do know that, on that case, we got it moved to Dream court and a new attorney.” She added that it can be helpful to know how the EH report will be used and what the next steps are for the case. Additionally, there is the hope that some EH cases will end up with a traditional CASA who can utilize the EH report in their advocacy.
How have you taken care of yourself emotionally in this role?
Bri shared that personal therapy has helped her realize and process the way this work has been impacting her emotionally. She was able to do some work on healthy compartmentalization. Her therapist had a wonderful idea of setting a ritual to emotionally let go of cases after she has finished them. She still remembers all of their names, so she now writes the names in the sand at the beach and allows the waves to take them away.
How do you use a strength-based approach in your EH advocacy?
The training was really helpful for that. I try to keep the idea in mind that “the children might one day read these reports.” I certainly don’t want to put anything false in there, but sometimes I try to read it and pretend that I’m the child in the future. Anytime there is anything positive, I include it, and if it’s more negative, I try not to use judgemental language. Leaning on a supervisor can also help navigate times that this is more complicated.
What difference has being a CASA made in your life?
Bri loves her day job, but she deals with a lot of stressful projects and sometimes the work can be frustrating. CASA gives her something to focus on that feels meaningful. It has also been incredibly heartwarming to see how many people are involved with CASA/LA. The volunteer community gives her hope for the future.
Thank you so much, Bri, for your exceptional advocacy and for sharing how you take care of yourself in order to stay in this work long term. Congrats on your selection as our first ever Essential History Volunteer of the Year!
Nominate a CASA Crush
TRAINING
Upcoming Trainings
Unique Training Opportunity - Supporting Sexual Health of Foster Youth (Share Interest by 6/13)
What: A CASA has made 20 training spots available for CASA/LA staff and volunteers at an in-person conference session. The conference is the Sexual Health Update and the open session is titled “Serving Youth With Dignity and Care – The Foster Friendly Healthcare Toolkit.” See a detailed session description below.
When: Tuesday, 6/17, 9am-1pm
Where: Culver City
Registration Deadline: Friday, 6/13
Please email Kedrea Battle at KB*****@****la.org to request a training spot or share any questions.
Detailed Session Description: Youth in foster care face structural, practical and interpersonal barriers in obtaining the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to which they are entitled, leading to disproportionately poor health outcomes in many areas, particularly SRH outcomes. Healthcare providers are well positioned to utilize trauma responsive approaches and offer support, tools, and information that can help youth in foster care fully access the full spectrum of care. “The Foster Friendly Healthcare Toolkit” was developed by a multidisciplinary team, including former and current foster youth, to explain what it takes to implement inclusive, respectful SRH care that contributes to building a sense of agency for youth in care and with diverse identities. The Toolkit includes both tips and tools to modify individual practice as well as to evaluate and improve the practice environment. Using case studies, audience engagement, and youth stories, this pre-conference session will describe some of the barriers and healthcare experiences that have led to disparate SRH outcomes. It will identify key care principles and practices that can make the difference for all youth as well as offer tools to evaluate the clinical environment and take steps to make small and big changes to become more adolescent friendly. It will offer a framework for understanding the legal issues that are involved in delivering care to minors, including those in foster care, and introduce resources for learning more about law and practice, including the Toolkit. If you work with youth, you work with youth in foster care. Incorporating foster friendly care will benefit all the youth you serve.
Other Training Resources
Public Counsel Office Hours (6/10)
Register to join a virtual drop-in session with attorneys from Public Counsel. Sessions will be on the second Tuesday of each month, 12-1pm.
The Public Counsel Transition Age Youth (TAY) Team provides a range of civil legal support for youth who have experienced foster care and are currently ages 16 to 26. This includes housing law, family law, benefits advocacy and more. Learn more about the team here. These office hours are an opportunity to ask questions about your CASA youth and what their rights are in addition to how Public Counsel may be able to support them.
Please reach out to Isabel Bloom (manager of volunteer relations) with any questions.
Sign up for 1:1 Regional Center Support
Click here to request a consultation or contact Caroline Christ with any questions.
Online Resources from the Foster Together Network
Learn more and view all available resources here.
Create an account and view resource library here.
Connection
CASA Connections
General CASA Connection
What: A meeting for any CASA interested in connecting with and/or getting support from other CASAs!
When: Tuesday, June 22nd at 5:30pm (and every 4th Tuesday of the month)
Where: Zoom
Book Groups
San Fernando Valley Book Group
When: Tuesday, July 15th at 7pm
Where: CASA’s Home in SFV
We’re Reading: “The Child Catcher” by Andrew Bridge
RSVP: Contact Renne Bilson (rj******@*ol.com)
* Space is limited to those with completed Covid-19 vaccinations
Coastline Book Group
When: Tuesday, July 8th at 1:30pm
Where: At a CASA’s home in Venice
We’re Reading: “Penitence” by Kristin Koval
RSVP: contact Lisa Baskin (ba*****@*******al.net)
*Space is limited to those with completed COVID-19 vaccines.
Youth Resources
New Resources
Aaron Ruben Educational Scholarship for CASA Youth - Deadline 8/1
This is a scholarship exclusively for current and former CASA youth to support their educational goals.
Benefits Eligibility Finder
Summer Opportunities
Camp Bob Waldorf for Youth in 3rd-12th Grades (7 Weeklong Sessions)
Camp Connect for Youth Ages 11-17 (7/27-29)
We are excited to announce that Camp Connect, which offers a unique opportunity for youth to foster lasting connections while enjoying an unforgettable camp experience, will be taking place overnight, from Friday, 6/27 to Sunday, 6/29, 2025. If you know of any youth who would benefit from this program, we encourage you to consider referring them to Camp Connect. Below are the criteria for referrals:
Camp Connect Eligibility Requirements 2025
- Ages 11-17 We cannot go younger.
- Must have family reunification terminated
- Youth are not residing with a relative or NREFM, or in Legal Guardianship.
- Must be in need of a permanent family or at least a permanent connection such as a mentor.
- Can be open to adoptions or not, but would benefit from an adult connection.
- Must be able to handle being transported by a bus to camp (caregiver or someone will need to drive the youth to one of the bus pick-up points)
- May have some medical issues like diabetes or asthma (there will be a nurse at camp), but no serious medical problems that would keep them from participating in all activities. If they are diabetic, they must be able to monitor their own diet.
- Does not require 1 on 1 supervision
- Is not a chronic runaway and no recent AWOLS that included overnights.
- No recent history of significant aggressive or assaultive behavior towards youth or adults
- Must be able to stay at camp for the whole weekend (they will not be able to leave early)
- No drug use other than occasional marijuana use. For youth who use marijuana frequently, they must be willing to be searched and have their belongings searched if they want to attend.
- No psychiatric hospitalization within the last 90 days.
Here is the link to the 2023 Camp Connect Video with testimonials at the end of the video.
We will start accepting referrals on May 1, 2025. If you have a youth that fits the eligibility criteria for Camp Connect, please email CSW Christina Delight at BI****@***********ty.gov with the youth(s) names and DOB(s). CSW Delight will review the case to determine if the youth’s referral has been accepted.
Apply to Camp Erin Grief Camp for Summer 2025 (8/24 or 8/25)
Ongoing Resources
Baby2Baby: Resources for Pregnant or Parenting Youth and Young Children
Talk with your advocate supervisor about requesting diapers/wipes and other baby supplies through CASA/LA from Baby2Baby. All orders must be placed by CASA/LA staff.
If your CASA youth is expecting and at least 6 months pregnant, please speak with your Advocate Supervisor about requesting a Welcome Baby basket.
Calkids Money for College Starting at Birth
Comprehensive Education Toolkit
For Goodness Cakes: Treats for Youth Birthdays and Graduations
For Goodness Cakes is a collective of professional bakers who volunteer to make cakes for youth facing adversity. They’d love to make a cake for your CASA youth! See their FAQ part 1 here and FAQ part 2 here. Reach out to your advocate supervisor to ask them to request a cake for your youth.
A Home Within: Free Therapy for CASA Youth
A Home Within – CASA Therapy Project is a collaboration with A Home Within and CASA of Contra Costa County. CASA youth are eligible for free teletherapy services if they are ages 12-24 and have mild/moderate mental health needs.
For more information, click here.
Please share the referral form and youth flier with your youth’s CSW.
Hackathons for Youth Ages 14-30
Kidspace Children's Museum - Free Tickets for CASAs and Youth
Use this link to request free tickets to the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena.
Language Line
Use Language Line to speak with monolingual individuals on your case. Call in to the service to request an interpreter for the language that you need (out of 290+ language options), or seek help determining the language for which you require translation. View this guide document for call-in instructions.
Networking Opportunity for Women in the Arts
The Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art is a networking organization for women in the arts. They offer a broad range of events, opportunities, and programs including exhibitions, activism, and community building.
They are currently accepting new members and would like to invite any CASA youth who’s interested in art and would like to connect with other women sharing the same passion. The membership fee for one year is $75; however, they have scholarships available which would cover the membership fee.
For questions or to join, please contact Cathy Engle-Marder (SCWCA Memberships Director).
NFYI LA Shadow Day Delegate Application
Pick up a Handmade Quilt for your Youth
Push for Peace Program for Youth Ages 15-24
This program equips youth with tools and presenets classes on topics related to emotional intelliigence, conflict resolution, and financial literacy.
Refer a Young Person to Specialized DCFS LGBTQIA+ Services
Tax Filing Resources for Youth Ages 18-25
John Burton Advocates for you provides a tax prep checklist, self-filing guide, and 1-1 appointments for current and former foster youth who were 18-25 by 12/31/2024. They also have information on how to access the CA Foster Youth Tax Credit of up to $1,154.
Support casa/la
Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly donations are crucial to buffering our organization from the ups and downs of life, ensuring that there is no lull in service to the youth we serve.
Help us sustain our transformational programs through a monthly gift.
Coffee with a Cause: CASA/LA x Black Aswad Coffee Co.
We’re thrilled to announce a meaningful new partnership with Black Aswad Coffee Co., a mission-driven brand committed to mental wellness, justice, and social impact. Through their premium blend, HAVEN, 20% of all proceeds will directly support CASA/LA’s advocacy on behalf of children in the foster care system.
Rooted in shared values, this collaboration is more than just a cup of coffee — it’s a daily act of awareness, solidarity, and change. Every bag you brew fuels the movement for equity, healing, and hope for youth in foster care.
Learn more and order your bag of HAVEN today: CASA/LA x Black Aswad Coffee Co.
More Ways to Give
- Use your Ralphs Rewards Card to earn donations for CASA/LA.
- Donate your car, boat, RV, or motorcycle with Helping Hands Charity Services.
- Host a community drive.
- Consider CASA/LA in your planned giving.
- Invite others to become CASA volunteers.
Key guides & links
Court Report Writing Resources
Litmos: Access Past Trainings
Visit Litmos (linked in training section above) for webinars on transition age youth, early childhood, and more. Contact Isabel Bloom with any questions.
Emotional Support for CASAs
We care about your well-being. All volunteers may access our EAP program for anonymous counseling. Learn more about the program here or access services here with the code “worklife”
AV Community Hub Info
The CASA/LA Antelope Valley Community Hub is designed to offer a welcoming environment for children and families while supporting and enhancing the work of our dedicated CASAs. The hub provides a range of services including workshops, educational support, training resources, one-on-one support sessions, monitored visits, and a safe space for building a support network.
- Location: 1202 W Ave J, Lancaster, CA, 93536
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
ETO: CASA/LA's Database
Need help with ETO? No worries, we got you covered. If the advocate handbook doesn’t have your answer, you can email the ETO helpdesk. Additionally, we have a recorded ETO training available on Litmos.
Submit to our Volunteer "Suggestion Box"
Grief Resources
CASA/LA is connected to numerous resources and organizations to help support you through grief. We care about your well-being. All volunteers may access our Employee Assistance Plan for anonymous counseling. Otherwise, please reach out to your advocate supervisor for individualized support or to Isabel Bloom to learn more about specific resources and/or upcoming events.