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February 28, 2008

Annual Volunteer Recognition Event
CASA of Del Norte sets date for 4th Annual Volunteer Recognition Event scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn.

This year we are plesed to announce that Ms. Robin Allen, Executive Director of California CASA Association will be the keynote speaker. Other special invitees are Judge William Follett and Judge Robert Weir of the Del Norte Superior Court as well as Judge Abby Abinanti of the Yurok Tribal Court and Judge Richard Blake of the Hoopa Tribal Court.

CASA of Del Norte and the Yurok Tribal CASA program have been working together to recruit, screen and train volunteers. By joining together to provide training, CASA of Del Norte and the Yurok Tribal CASA program are able to support more volunteer advocates and thereby we advocate for more children in foster care.

This year, CASA of Del Norte will honor 21 volunteers who advocated for chidlren of all ages.

Dinner will be provided by Chef Daniel of Bistro Gardens Restaurant. Chetco Federal Credit Union, the Hampton Inn and the Board of Directors of CASA of Del Norte are the sponsors of this event.

For more inforamtion, please call Helyn at 707-464-3320 x 202

February 13, 2008

New Volunteer Advocate Training Begins
February brings the beginning of new class for Volunteer Advocates. CASA of Del Norte is happy to announce that 8 people are making the commitment to the children of Del Norte County by participating in our training. This could mean as many as 16-20 more children will have an Advocate to speak on their behalf. Children in foster care are there through no fault of their own. They may feel they are the reason they have had to move away from their parents maybe even separate from their siblings. This situation is the one the Volunteer Advocate enters. The Advocate can become the one consistent adult for the child in foster care. Learn more about training to become a Volunteer Advocate - call Susan - 707 - 464-3220 x 204

February 14, 2007

Share Your Heart - Meet & Greet
CASA of Del Norte is pleased to announce the return of Robin Allen, California CASA Association Executive Director to Del Norte County. While visiting, Ms. Allen will facilitate the Annual Strategic Planning Retreat for the Board of Directors, assist in the launch of a new Volunteer Advocate Training Class, and head up staff development.

Please join us at the Hampton Inn - 5;30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Let us launch your Valentine evening.

For more information: Call Helyn Engle at 707-464-3320 x 202

November 16, 2006

Volunteer Recognition Dinner
the 3rd annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner is set for Thursday, November 16, 2006 - location to be announced.

This annual event is an opportunity to recognize the volunteers we are essential to the achievement of our mission.

This year, we are pleased to announce that we will have Derek Peake, Program Director and Jennifer Troia, Advocacy Director from California CASA as our guests. They are bringing with them, former foster youth who will speak during the evening about their experiences in foster care and with a CASA advocate.

There will be great food, wonderful and powerful presentations and recognition of our hard working, dedicated volunteers.

For more information, call 707-464-3320 x 204 or 203

October 16, 2006

CASA of Del Norte Grows
CASA of Del Notte welcomes two new staff members to our team.

Anthony Trombetti joins CASA of Del Norte as our Case Supervisor. Anthony has been a Volunteer Advocate and currently is appointed to an active case. He brings an ability to build rapport with youth and enthusiasm for challenges. Anthony will take over the support and supervision of our volunteer advocates.

Helyn Runyon-Engle joins CASA of Del Norte as our Administrative Resource Analyst. Helyn is taking on a multi-faceted role which will include grant management, reruitment of volunteers and administrative support.

Susan Partridge continues in her role as the Volunteer Program Coordinator. Her skill as a trainer and her ability to establish rapport are important to our success this year in recruiting and improving our volunteer retention. Susan is also taking on the additional role of Case Supervisor.

These critical roles are a part of our strategic plan. As we continue to grow and gain the ability to take on more cases, we can expand our service to more children.

Please welcome Anthony and Helyn and continue to supprt Susan as we build our team.

July 15, 2006

Celebrate Smith River Fesival
A Fishin' Good Time is the theme for the 2nd Annual Smith River Festival brings together the Smith River Community, CASA of Del Norte, and many others for a day of entertainment, historic walks, Fire Fighter's Competition, Family Parade, live on stage entertainment, lawn mower races, petting zoo, food and more food, art/craft vendors, local culture and much more. Join us at the Festival from 9am to 8pm July 15, 2006

call now to be a vendor, exhibitor or entertainer.

Call: Stephanie at 707-464-3320 x203 or e-mail: slatorre@casadn.org

September 17, 2005

6th Annual Golf Tournament
More than a few of the long time supporters of the CASA of Del Norte were heard to say "this is the best tournament, ever!" First time participants had fun and said "we will be back again next year!" Even DN Golf Course Manager, Danny Blackburn mentioned how well organized things were this year - so, I think all that goes to say "We had good weather, good people and competitive play - A success all around.

We had a total of 54 players this year - some long time players and some first timers - from as far away as McKinleyville, Brookings and even Beverly Hills.

CASA of Del Norte Board Members and Volunteers were on hand to make sure things ran smoothly. Thanks to: Vicki Lambson, Rick Holley, April Quigley, Wayne Roberts and Carolyn Westbrook for all their work. Also, thanks to Rich Ruppert, Judge William Follett and Wayne Roberts who played in the tournament as well as supported the set-up and hole sponsorship.

This year's silent auction was held inside the clubhouse. We also had lovely baskets and wrapping donated by Spread the Word Gifts, Stephanie La Torre. Presentation of all our donated Silent Auction items was set-up with the help of the Del Norte High School Interact Club at the direction of Ms. La Torre.

Dan and Char Leavit prepared Dan's Famous Burn Barrel Tri-tip for lunch. Dan also prepared "the best baked beans" anywhere! Potato Salad was prepared and donated by Owen Westbrook. While Pasta Salad was donated by Circle J Grill & Cafe'.

All other food and beverage was provided through the generosity of an anonymous donor. The 4th Hole was popular, as always with Hot Dogs and beverages for the "hard charging" golfers during play.

We had more handicap teams this year than ever before. We also had Calloway, Mixed and Women's Categories of play.

Winning teams were:

Men's Handicap - 1st place: Rick Hoheb, Rick Hamilton, Bobby Westbrook, Gary Parkhurst.
Men's Handicap - 2nd Place (Tie): Steve Evanow, Tim Harrison, Ken Esselstrom, Dave Gustafson and 2nd place: Joby Rumiano, Tony Rumiano, Gary Early, Bruce Thompson

Calloway - 1st Place: Bill Stamps, Jr., Andy Lamore, Ellen Gaddis, Jim Pitrowski

Calloway - 2nd Place: Jim Crader, Ben Cameron, Lyle Radtke, Andy Ringold

Mixed - Three Gals and a Guy - 1st place: Eloise Elliott, Luke Thornton, Dunne,

Women's - 1st Place: Kara Miller, Monica Sperling, Sue Ryan, Martha Hintz

With 23 New Hole Sponsor Signs and more golfers this year, we had the best year ever! Thank you to all who participated, sponsored, contributed, played and bid on auction items. Thanks also to the CASA of Del Norte volunteers - our fund raising efforts are about supporting their work on the cases to which we are appointed by the Juvenile Dependency Court. It's about the children.

April 01, 2005

April Child Abuse Prevention Month
April Child Abuse Prevention Month Events
Description: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and CASA of Del Norte, together with the Del Norte Child Care Council, Family Resource Center, CAPIT and many other local organizations, have organized events throughout the month to bring attention to the issue of child abuse in our community. Please come and join us and help make these events a success.

Scheduled events include:

April 1: Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-off & Flag Raising, 4:00pm Flynn Center Benefit Dinner for Boys & Girls Club of Del Norte County, Elk's Lodge

April 4: Car Seat Safety Check, 1:30pm-3:00pm Cultural Center

April 12: Workshop: Benita Cabrera & Paula Arrowsmith-Jones followed by Motivational Storyteller D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas, Elk Valley Rancheria Conference Room

April 16: Teddy Bear Parade, 10:00am Downtown Crescent City Youth and Family Fair, 11:00am-3:00pm Del Norte County Fairgrounds

April 20: Del Norte Chamber Mixer at Del Norte Child Care Council with CASA and Family Resource Center, 5:30pm Family Resource Center at Price Mall

April 21: Turn It Off & Tune In To Life

April 23: Coastal Expo at Del Norte Fairgrounds with CASA of Del Norte Booth

April 27: CASA of Del Norte "Light of Hope" Ceremony, 6:00pm Family Resource Center at Price Mall

March 03, 2005

New Advocates Sworn In by Judge Follett
CASA of Del Norte is pleased to annouce that the recent graduates from our New Advocate Training were Sworn In as Officers of the Court by Judge William Follett on Wednesday, March 3, 2005.

The new advocates took their oath of office and confidentiality in the presence of Thomas C. Rector, Chairman, CASA of Del Norte Board of Directors. Other Board Members present were: Richard Holley, Victoria Lambson, Kelly Schellong, Richard Ruppert, and Carolyn Westbrook.

In support of the new Advocates, also in attendance was Al Raddi, Manager of Del Norte Social Services.

Also present were family and friends of the New Advocates. The support and encouragement of family and friends has been very important to the Advocates as they worked to complete the required 30 hours of training.

Each new Advocate will now visit the court with our Case Supervisor, Terri Levezow to complete their orientation. Then, the new Advocates will be available for assignment to a case.

If you have an interest in finding out more about becoming an Advocate for children in Del Norte County, please call or e-mail: CASA of Del Norte 707-464-3320 or info@casadn.org.

January 31, 2005

California CASA Symposium
CASA of Del Norte was very fortunate in that we were able to send all three of our staff members to the recent California CASA Symposium from Jan. 26-29, 2005.

A variety of tracks were presented, not the least of which was Educational Advocacy. This track had 4 sessions presented by our own Chairman of the Board, Tom Rector. I heard unsolicited positive feedback on his presentations.

Other tracks included fund raising, strategic planning, recruiting advocates, Indian and Child Welfare Act and surrounding issues and so much more.

Meeting foster youth who have successfully navigated and exited the system was one of the real highlights at this meeting. Their personal stories were powerful and positive. For many of the youth who spoke,their lives as children were tragic and painful, however, their courage was inspiring.

We will have video from the conference and documentaries produced for our use detailing the struggles and the real life stories of these youth. More on this as soon as they are available.

October 22, 2004

Recruiting
CASA of Del Norte is currently recruiting potential advocates to join our February 2005 training class. Court Appointed Special Advocates are extraordinary every day people.

CASA volunteer advocates make a real difference in the life of a child. Each volunteer has the opportunity to help a child by advocating for the child to receive appropriate services, to have the appropriate educational opportunities, and to have a voice in court.

Volunteers do not need to have any particular background or experience, what they do need is a sincere desire to make a difference in the life of a child.

Contact the CASA of Del Norte office today! 707-464-3320 for more information.

October 08, 2004

5th Annual CASA Golf Tournament
The 5th Annual CASA Golf Tournament enjoyed great weather, even though there was a threat of rain! We had 44 golfers with teams from as far away as Bandon, Oregon and McKinleyville, CA.

Local teams were there and competing also - We enjoyed support from the Rotary, the Girl's Golf Team from Del Norte High School and others - some of you have participated for 5 years!

CASA of Del Norte had a record setting 74 Hole Sponsors! Thanks to each and every one of you for helping to make the tournament a success.

Del Norte Golf Course and Danny Blackburn helped with the setup and the management of the teams as well as some special help in setting up a highly comptetitive Chipping Contest. THANKS, DANNY.

The Silent Auction held throughout the day of the tournament saw some very enthusiastic bidding for some wonderful items. Many of the items were donated to CASA of Del Norte by local businesses to support the fund raising event. THANKS to all the business owners, large and small. Your generosity made the silent auction portion of our tournament more exciting.

We are already working on the event calendar for the upcoming year - September 10, 2005 is the tentative date. Mark your calendars for another day of fun!

September 23, 2004

Orientation
CASA of Del Norte will host an orientation for those interested in learning more about Court Appointed Special Advocates.

When: Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Where: Family Resource Center, Community Room 207 Price Mall, Crescent City

Why: CASA of Del Norte is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to support and assist the children in the juvenile dependency program by providing well-trained volunteers to advocate objectively in the child's best interest.

Who: CASA of Del Norte is seeking volunteers to make a committment to the children of Del Norte County. We are interested in volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Volunteers may serve a child from ages birth to 18.

What: Orientation and Information for potential advocates and Friends of CASA.

Reservations requested - contact: Terri at the CASA office 707-464-3320 or tlevezow@casadn.org for more information

September 18, 2004

5th Annual CASA Golf Tournament
A few player slots are open! Sign up today - need a team? We can help.
Silent Auction will be available throughout the tournament.

Lunch will be served at the fourth hole - come out for a barbeque and good conversation!

September 15, 2004

Memory Formation and the Brain
Reserve a place now! This unique presentation will be interesting, informative and useful. Each pre-registered attendee will receive a CD with resources and materials relating to the presentation.

Call 707-464-3320 to place your name on the list of RESERVATIONS.