A Brighter Future for Children because of you!
We hope you had a chance to attend Fairfax CASA’s 3rd Annual Run for the Children on May 4. It was an absolutely beautiful day – made all the more spectacular by the presence of more than 1,200 smiling faces, gathered to honor our 200 CASA volunteers who serve more than 500 abused and neglected children each year. We were overwhelmed by your enthusiasm – and by your generosity.
This year, you exceeded all expectations by participating in record numbers, whether through sponsorships, registration, volunteering, buying raffle tickets, or making a donation online. We made many new friends as corporations and families put together teams to encourage participation and fundraising. SRA International championed our corporate team effort and really set the standard for exceptional community engagement and philanthropy. We also have a special place in our heart for Liberty Middle School, which fielded a team of more than 60 students, teachers, and parents to run and walk in the event. Pictures of this year’s event are available for viewing on our website.
The extra measure of effort from all of you translated to a net gain for Fairfax CASA of more than $60,000! Adding to our excitement, a generous donor who was present at the event pledged an additional $100,000 to Fairfax CASA’s work. This truly extraordinary result goes a long way toward securing our ability to recruit and train enough CASA volunteers this year to advocate for all of the children under the court’s protection.
You may be aware that tomorrow, June 6, has been designated as Do More 24™ in the DC metro area. Do More 24™ is a one day fundraising jubilee, encouraging everyone to “give where you live.” A local movement, Do More 24™ leverages the power of the crowd to support our region’s nonprofit organizations through online giving that is directed at creating maximum impact.
Though we could not be more grateful for the support from our amazing community as expressed at this year’s Run for the Children, we humbly ask that if you are planning to participate in tomorrow’s movement, that you consider a donation to Fairfax CASA — because abused and neglected children continue to need our help.
If you heard former foster youth, Najiba Hlemi’s remarks at the Run, you no doubt were moved as she concluded, “Today I am a successful, career driven professional. I’ve built my life into the treasure I want it to be and I give my time back to CASA when I can. I wouldn’t be here today, if it weren’t for CASA and my CASA volunteer, Rachel.”
We are proud to have played a part in Najiba’s success story — and we thank you for helping us to change many, many more lives in the year ahead.
In other news:
Fairfax CASA receives the 2013 Volunteer Program Award from Volunteer Fairfax!
This morning, Elisa Kosarin and I attended the Volunteer Fairfax Annual Service Awards breakfast, where Fairfax CASA was honored with the top Service Award in the Volunteer Program category! This award validates the extraordinary efforts of our CASA volunteers who demonstrate such dedication in standing up for the rights of abused and neglected children. Our program was recognized for its enduring commitment to bringing in only the most qualified volunteers and providing those volunteers with the highest level of support so that they may advocate successfully for the children they serve.
The breakfast was attended by federal and state legislators, Fairfax County Supervisors, local nonprofits and corporations, and many county citizens who were nominated for volunteer service awards. Representative Gerald E. Connolly addressed the group, applauding the robust culture of volunteerism that exists in Fairfax County and expressing his gratitude for the steadfast commitment of the thousands of volunteers who devote time to the health and wellbeing of our community.
Fairfax CASA is proud to be recognized as a leading volunteer program in Fairfax County, and we thank all who work beside us as we improve the lives of our most precious citizens.
Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month calls us to action
April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month – a month-long reminder that each of us must take a stand against child abuse and neglect, and do what we can to promote the wellbeing of children. To recognize this national movement, all citizens are asked to engage in at least one act this month that promotes the awareness or prevention of child abuse.
We hope that you will choose to act by registering for Fairfax CASA’s May 4 Run for the Children — a joyous celebration of children, which highlights Fairfax CASA’s focused commitment to abused and neglected children, not just in April, but throughout the year.
Come out and enjoy a beautiful morning running or walking among Fairfax City’s spring blooms, take pictures in the Event-share photo booth, listen to great music, and feast on pre- and post-race food. Don’t forget to bring some extra cash to buy tickets for our fabulous raffle! This year, raffle items include an iPad, 2 Ravens/Steelers game tickets, 2 Nationals game tickets, massages, a wine tasting for 10, golf outings, and more – each item has its own drawing!
April calls us to action to improve the lives of our youngest citizens. Let your act help us make a difference for every abused and neglected child.
A special thanks to our amazing sponsors who make this great event possible!
In other news:
Be a race course rock star – volunteer as a Course Marshal May 4
Calling all course marshals! We seek friendly, energetic volunteers for the third annual Run for the Children 8K Race and 3K Run/Walk. The race takes place on May 4 in historic Fairfax City, with runners starting from the Fairfax County Courthouse complex in a symbolic nod to the CASA volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children under the court’s protection.
Course marshals are the rock stars of race volunteers. Their job is to encourage runners while ensuring that every participant stays safely on the course. Bill Perry, a Course Marshal for the past two years, had this to say about his experience, “Everyone is in good spirits … and you get to say hello and encourage hundreds of people … all for a good cause.” He went on to say that it is “great fun being surrounded by good people who are all doing something good in common.” There are also opportunities to inject humor into the role. Mary Wade, another veteran Course Marshal likes to encourage runners by cheering, “It’s all downhill from here!”
Post-event, volunteers get to enjoy all the race day perks, including a live DJ for entertainment plenty of pre and post-race refreshments, including donations from Hard Times Café and Jason’s Deli, and an EventShare photo booth.
Volunteer today and enjoy a rock star moment on a great course for a great cause!
Why I Run for the Children each year…
I am Melissa Chern, a real estate consultant with Keller Williams in Fairfax, and on Saturday, May 4, I will continue a tradition that has become very important to me, I will Run for the Children.
Why do I run? My reasons are like a pledge that I have taken on behalf of abused and neglected children here in Fairfax County – and everywhere.
~I run because abused and neglected children are innocent victims who need someone to stand beside them in the unfamiliar world of child protection.
~I run because each child deserves a chance to grow up feeling safe and supported in a family they can call their own.
~I run because I believe that each of us can make a difference in the life of a child, even if it is just by gathering in support of their future on one day each year.
~I run because I was that child who needed a CASA volunteer to believe in me and fight for my future…
My twin sister and I were placed in foster care at age two; it was a scary and lonely time. We were adopted by a lovely couple at age five, but it was not an easy transition. I believe that my early years might have been very different if a CASA volunteer had been there, getting to know me, my sister, and my foster parents, talking with my social worker, and fighting for my needs when they were overlooked.
Every abused and neglected child has the right to an advocate who will stand by their side. I hope you will join me on May 4 and help support the Fairfax CASA volunteers who are there for children, making sure that they have a chance to grow up just like any other child, with safety, security, and love.
Commit; verb, to pledge or engage oneself
It’s time once again to dust off your running shoes – time to get outside and move – and time to register for Fairfax CASA’s May 4 Run for the Children 8K Race and 3K Run/Walk.
Think of your race registration as a commitment – a commitment to support those who stand up against child abuse and neglect and help ensure the safety and well-being of children living under the court’s protection. Your commitment also acknowledges the extraordinary work of CASA volunteers, like Ed and Patti, who never give up.
Ed and Patti came to our office today to sign what they believe will be their last CASA report to the Court regarding a case they have worked on for the past six years. Since 2007, this married couple has steadfastly championed the rights and best interests of seven siblings, and has joyfully attended the successful adoption of six of them. The oldest child has weathered a tougher path, spending much of the last two years in a residential facility. Ever perseverant, Ed and Patti have advocated for a permanent home for this young girl, even defining the type of home setting they believe would best suit her needs.
Ed and Patti shared with me that this teen is now living in an adoptive home that they feel is pretty close to perfect for her. They are excited and optimistic that she will soon become part of a family that can love and care for her with strength and empathy. There is no doubt that Ed and Patti’s pledge to stand by these children is as strong today as it was in 2007.
Now that’s commitment.
PS – If you sign up for the race by March 15, you are automatically entered in a drawing for a Timex GPS watch! – www.fairfaxrunforthechildren.com
In other news:
SRA Gets Competitive in support of Abused and Neglected Children
With Fairfax CASA’s Third Annual Run for the Children less than 12 weeks away, we are getting a huge boost from SRA International, Inc.’s HR department, which has formed internal teams that are harnessing their competitive spirit to run and raise funds for the abused and neglected children of Fairfax!
SRA’s department-wide team competition was the idea of John Reing, SVP of Human Resources who was seeking a local organization around which to focus a department wide fundraising and teambuilding campaign. Matt Raymond, SRA Senior Human Resources Business Partner, who doubles as a committed CASA volunteer, thought his feisty and competitive HR department might jump at the chance to support an important local cause with some friendly team rivalry. Courtney Mitchell, who is Matt’s supervisor, took the idea to the HR Leadership team and it was approved!
SRA’s HR department organized a December kickoff event and invited us to talk to about Fairfax CASA’s mission. The enthusiasm grew from there and in January, SRA hit the ground running. So far, SRA has designated team captains who have established a recruitment and fundraising machine! Fundraising posters are being posted around the office as a constant reminder of their goal and of the friendly competition between the teams.
John Reing said, “Our organization is extremely proud to support the mission of Fairfax CASA and we believe that it aligns with SRA’s belief in giving back to our communities.”
Fairfax CASA salutes John Reing and the HR Department of SRA for their strong effort to make a difference in children’s lives and thanks to Matt Raymond for making the connection!
In other news:
Click to read the remaining February 2013 Newsletter articles.
We’re hiring a Videographer & Media Production intern to help us this summer!
We are pleased to announce that Fairfax CASA has been named the recipient of an ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program (CSJP) internship. The program provides full-time college students with a paid summer internship within a nonprofit organization. The students receive exposure to nonprofit work as a future career, and the organizations receive the assistance on special projects for a full eight weeks. Volunteer Fairfax works in collaboration with ExxonMobil to manage the program.
This year marks Fairfax CASA’s fifth internship opportunity through the program. In past years, interns have helped the staff with recruitment of Spanish speaking volunteers, planning for the Run for the Children event, and with social media.
Our intern this summer will assist in Fairfax CASA’s marketing efforts by creating an archive of videotaped interviews with CASA volunteers. These interviews will be used to help recruit new volunteers and raise funds for the program.
If you know of a current college student with experience in videography and electronic media, please forward along the attached job description for a Videographer and Media Production Assistant. Student interviews will take place in March and early April. Students are encouraged to apply early. For more information, email Elisa Kosarin or telephone her at (703) 273-3526, ext. 22.
Click to read the remaining February 2013 Newsletter articles.
Joanna Ehat, CASA volunteer for one year
Joanna brought lots of experience to CASA—as well as her father-in-law.
“My secretary was a CASA volunteer,” said the Chilean-born attorney, “and it sounded like a great organization. But with my hours, I knew I couldn’t handle it.” CASA stayed in the back of her mind until she stopped working years later. “I applied and interviewed, but then decided my three small kids were all I could handle,” she said, laughing. “So I told my father-in-law [Al Schuman] about CASA; I knew it would be perfect for him.” (It was: Al became, in turn, a CASA volunteer, board member, and president. And his experience inspired daughter Lisa Walsh to volunteer.)
Once her kids were older, Joanna began her CASA training. “I knew it would be intensive,” she said, “but as a lawyer, I was surprised it was incredibly substantive.” Joanna had had many other volunteer experiences, but she said, “None compare to CASA. Just the training was enriching.”
Despite her familiarity with the ins and outs of the judicial system, Joanna admitted to feeling just a bit of doubt when assigned her first case. She recalled thinking, “Am I going to be good enough to at least ‘do no harm,’ as the doctors say? So much is riding on what you’re doing. It’s a huge responsibility.”
Joanna found the confidence she needed in the organization and the people of CASA. “Everyone at CASA really cares about what they’re doing,” she said. “They truly believe in the mission.” With a vast library, dedicated supervisors, and many continuing education opportunities, “They go out of their way to support you,” she said. “It’s a volunteer opportunity with real demands and responsibilities—and resources like a real job,” said Joanna. “I feel like an employee, not a volunteer.”
“This is definitely not a typical volunteer experience,” she said. “CASA Fairfax is a phenomenal organization that gives you a chance to really make an impact on children’s lives. It’s unlike any volunteer opportunity I’ve ever heard of.”
Click to read the remaining February 2013 Newsletter articles.
June 2013
Children with a CASA volunteer: 254
Total cases served: 151
Volunteers assigned to cases: 134
Volunteers serving more than one case: 17
New children with CASA volunteers already matched: 11
Children waiting for a volunteer: 0
May 2013
Children with a CASA volunteer: 265
Total cases served: 155
Volunteers assigned to cases: 136
Volunteers serving more than one case: 19
New children with CASA volunteers already matched: 7
Children waiting for a volunteer: 0
April 2013
Children with a CASA volunteer: 271
Total cases served: 158
Volunteers assigned to cases: 139
Volunteers serving more than one case: 19
New children with CASA volunteers already matched: 7
Children waiting for a volunteer: 0
March 2013
Children with a CASA volunteer: 280
Total cases served: 164
Volunteers assigned to cases: 145
Volunteers serving more than one case: 19
New children with CASA volunteers already matched: 9
Children waiting for a volunteer: 0
February 2013
Children with a CASA volunteer: 277
Total cases served: 161
Volunteers assigned to cases: 141
Volunteers serving more than one case: 20
Children waiting for a volunteer: 8
January 2013
Children with a CASA volunteer: 274
Total cases served: 158
Volunteers assigned to cases: 138
Volunteers serving more than one case: 20
Children waiting for a volunteer: 0
December 2012
Children with a CASA volunteer: 288
Total cases served: 167
Volunteers assigned to cases: 148
Volunteers serving more than one case: 19
Children waiting for a volunteer: 5
November 2012
Children with a CASA volunteer: 310
Total cases served: 179
Volunteers assigned to cases: 153
Volunteers serving more than one case: 26
Children waiting for a volunteer: 12
October 2012
Children with a CASA volunteer: 317
Total cases served: 184
Volunteers assigned to cases: 157
Volunteers serving more than one case: 27
Children waiting for a volunteer: 6
September 2012
Children with a CASA volunteer: 305
Total cases served: 174
Volunteers assigned to cases: 150
Volunteers serving more than one case: 24
Children waiting for a volunteer: 18
August 2012
Children with a CASA volunteer: 317
Total cases served: 178
Volunteers assigned to cases: 151
Volunteers serving more than one case: 27
Children waiting for a volunteer: 26
July 2012
Children with a CASA volunteer: 303
Total cases served: 166
Volunteers assigned to cases: 140
Volunteers serving more than one case: 26
Children waiting for a volunteer: 64
Annual FY12 Statistics
# of children served by a CASA volunteer: 453
# of additional children whose cases were monitored by staff or volunteers: 93
Volunteers active on cases: 185
Case hours devoted by CASA volunteers: 23,525
Volunteer contacts with children: 5,386
Miles driven by volunteers in the course of their CASA work: 158,776
