october2006

The Voice

Colonial CASA's E-Newsletter

Volume I, Issue 10

October, 2006

Wow! Where did September go? As I sat down to write this month's E-Newsletter, I could not believe that we are well into October already! This month is filled with New Volunteer Education, the Virginia State CASA Conference, and preparations for the Annual Campaign! Read on to learn more about Colonial CASA's activities and the difference it continues to make!

Pencil It In...

Month of October: New Volunteer Training
Oct 13-14: Virginia State CASA Conference
Oct 19: Improving Investigation and Prosecuting of Child Abuse Training Opportunity
Nov 7: Office Closed, Election Day
Nov 13: Monthly Meeting, 11:30am
Nov 23-24: Office Closed, Thanksgiving

To Access Colonial CASA's Calendar, Click Here.

From Rebecca's Desk

Rebecca Bresee

Greetings from upstairs! It has been a busy month up in the Director’s office...getting to know folks, following up on things begun before my arrival, learning the grants, starting a fresh batch of CASAs in training, and making plans for hosting the State CASA conference this month. Through it all, our wonderful staff, Sarah and Barbara, have shined, leaving me little doubt as to my eventual mastery of my new challenges. What a great team! I want to express my great respect and deepest thanks for a job well done to Colonial CASA’s Interim Director, Donna Dittman Hale. She expertly navigated the summer months while the Board was conducting the search and hire process. Donna has also been a great help to both me and the Board in her role as consultant and catalyst for program improvement. Thank you Donna! Thanks too, to all of you who have stopped by to introduce yourselves and welcome me aboard. I have very much enjoyed getting to know Colonial CASA’s advocates, other volunteers, and community partners, and I look forward to meeting all of you whom I have not yet met. Please stop by any time - my door is always open!

~Rebecca Bresee, Executive Director

Colonial CASA Trains 5 New Advocates

As many of you know, Colonial CASA is in the process of its Fall 2006 Training Class. Colonial CASA trains new volunteer advocates twice a year, in the fall and spring. This class is composed of 5 unique individuals from our community. They are eager to complete the training course and become advocates. I am always amazed by the amount of time and energy CASA volunteers dedicate to the CASA mission. Training is just one more opportunity to watch that dedication and passion for giving back come alive. Thank you again for all of those who believe in the CASA mission and give so selflessly!

Training occurs Monday through Wednesday 9am to noon for the month of October. When stopping by or calling the office, please keep in mind that staff are in the process of training this new group

Virginia State CASA Conference

As you all know, the Virginia State CASA Conference will be held this weekend, October 13-14 at the Wililamsburg Marriott. Thanks to a grant from the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation, all CASA volunteers, staff, and guests will be able to attend.

If you do not receive a confirmation email, at the time of this newsletter, you have not been registered for the Conference. If you would like to be registered, however, call the office 229-3306 as soon as possible.

Visit the DCJS CASA Site, Click Here.

See the Brochure, Click Here.

Belk Department Store Fundraiser

Microsoft Clipart, Money Belk, the Department Store located off of Monticello Avenue, is hosting a fundraiser for local non-profit agencies and has asked Colonial CASA to participate. Colonial CASA has coupons for the Belk Day, October 27th and 28th, for 20% off of the total purchase. The coupons are available for $5 and all proceeds go to benefit Colonial CASA.

If you are interested in purchasing a Belk coupon or selling them to your local community groups on behalf of Colonial CASA, email Rebecca Bresee, Colonial CASA's Executive Director, or call 757-229-3306.

To Visit the Belk Website, Click Here

E-Learning

Microsoft Clipart, Computer Since the Monthly Meeting scheduled for October was cancelled due to the Columbus Day holiday and the new training class, Colonial CASA would like to remind you of the E-Learning opportunity for Continuing Education Credits.

National CASA has created an online learning tool, E- Learning, for CASA advocates to gain additional knowledge about their role with CASA children. This Continuing Education Opportunity is available to all CASA volunteers, staff, and Board members. the Current online seminar addresses the educational concerns facing CASA children and provides suggestions for managing these problems. The program consists of 5 modules, each lasting an average of 30 minutes. So, you can complete the program at your own pace! If you would like pt participate in this exciting opportunity, and gain Continuing Education credits, email Barbara McElroy, Program Specialist.

September Monthly Meeting Minutes

Candy ClipArt

Were you unable to make last month's Monthly Meeting? If so, this article should provide you with all the information you need: important updates, questions, etc. Please note, the October Monthly Meeting is cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13th at 11:30am.

Program Update:

Executive Director Update. Rebecca Bresee, Colonial CASA’s new Executive Director introduced herself and offered a little personal and professional background information.
Funding. Rebecca Bresee announced that Colonial CASA has recently received some unexpected funds. Colonial CASA has received $1400 in United Way designations; $250 in private donations; and $1500 from Colonial Capital Kiwanis.
Holiday Cards. Colonial CASA’s holiday card fundraiser continues. If you are interested in ordering any holiday cards (or blank note cards), please due so by September 15th to get in on the first shipment. Although, card orders can be made anytime after September 15th.
National CASA Website Updates. National CASA has recently updated their website. All updates are completed. The web address is the same but you will amazed with the different, and inclusive information available.
Colonial CASA Website. Colonial CASA is in the process of updating its website. Stay tuned for all updates and information.
Virginia State Conference. The work for the Conference, October 13-October 14, is well underway. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Barbara McElroy. We also need people to volunteer to man the registration table, the exhibit table, and to moderate sessions. Colonial CASA will participate in the door prize basket, where each CASA program brings a basket that is themed to their area. Colonial CASA will also create a tote bag giveaway as further incentive for purchasing CASA tote bags.
Technology. Colonial CASA has received a variety of donated computer equipment recently. Donna is in the process of putting together a technology evaluation and will write a grant to ensure the most updated and current technology resources are available.
Emergency Preparedness. Colonial CASA is in the process of creating an Emergency Preparedness plan in the event of emergencies. After the events of Katrina and other tragedies, Colonial CASA hopes to join other agencies and organizations in being prepared. We are in the process of completing a structure by which all volunteers can contact staff and other key persons in the event of an emergency. If you have any idea of things to include or consider, please let us know. A little bit of history and explanation of the need was discussed and volunteers present affirmed the idea and its need.

Volunteer Questions and Concerns:

Spirit of Giving Backpacks. A CASA volunteer asked how the backpacks, offered to 10 CASA children by the Spirit of Giving, was received and what feedback we had heard. 2 of the volunteers present had participated in the pilot study and were able to provide valuable insight. One volunteer offered that it “gets down to an emotional level.”
In-Service Needs/Ideas. A representative from the school counseling system. A day of services provided (Family Focus for parenting classes, substance abuse providers, anger management providers). The topic could be on court ordered services, what goes on, what are participants doing, what is the program, what are the success rates?

Colonial CASA's Wish List

Clip Art: Wish

This is the newest addition to the CASA E- Newsletter. We are grateful to the members of this community who are always so generous to donate time, energy, and funds to the Colonial CASA program and its mission. This is the current list of supplies the office is wishing for: