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The Buzz
I walked into work today and the office felt like a beehive of activity. The energy level was through the roof and it was only 8:00 a.m. When talking about CASA, I often say, “I need your time and/or...
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Savannah
Savannah was not your typical 5 year old child. Because of her mother’s medical condition, Savannah was the main caretaker in the household. She made dinner, did the laundry and kept things in order as...
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Megan Mondays: Passing the Torch
I have always said I would know when it was time to leave CASA. I’ve determined that the time is now. After fifteen inspiring, challenging and meaningful years at the helm of CASA, it is time for me...
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Meet Kelsey Beyer, CASA Volunteer
Between caring for family, working full time, speaking at numerous CASA events, and being a Peer Coordinator, Kelsey Beyer is busy but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She tells us she is going to...
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Meet Joanne Pedersen, CASA Volunteer
Passion, dedication and a commitment to her CASA kid is what makes Joanne Pedersen an ideal CASA volunteer. After witnessing what children in foster care go through in the court system, Joanne knew she...
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Megan Mondays: Behind Every Number is a Child
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to be a part of a panel presentation at the City Club of Eugene. The topic was “Changing Lives in Juvenile Court.” The presenter included our juvenile court...
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Caleb, 6 months old
Caleb was six months old when he was placed into foster care with a caring relative. Both of Caleb’s parents abused Methamphetamines, and Caleb was born drug-affected. He had a hard time sleeping...
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Megan Mondays: The Next Chapter
My morning alarm goes off, I sit up in bed and as my feet hit the floor I know whether I am ready to take on the day or if it is going to be a struggle. As I start my way downstairs, I begin to think...
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From the Development Suite
It’s a new year, and we are in full swing at CASA! We have a lot of faces you recognize and a few new ones as well. In our Development Suite (aka the former mud room of our fabulous farm house), our...
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A Note from Honorary Chair, Dr. Brad Chvatal
I’m really getting excited about CASA Casino Night this Friday! It’s always one of the best events of the year. And this year, I get to be a part of the action other than just supporter! Being asked to...
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Meet Theresa Thompson, CASA Volunteer
A passion for helping disadvantaged kids is what fuels Theresa Thompson and why she became a CASA volunteer in June 2013. She is in the process of closing her first case and is currently working a...
View ArticleAdvocacy in Action: Jaylynn Milstein
About me: I’m a pediatrician, and have always felt honored to be a part of childrens’ and families’ lives. As I start to transition from having a pediatric practice, I wanted to volunteer in a way in...
View ArticleMeet Kelly Warren, our new Program Manager!
We are so very excited to introduce you to our new Program Manager, Kelly Warren! Kelly worked as the assistant program director and field placement coordinator for the Family and Human Services...
View ArticleJim Jamieson’s Retirement
It’s officially the month of Jim Jamieson’s retirement! As he wraps up his last training class here at CASA, he reflects on the volunteers he has had the pleasure of meeting over his last 20 training...
View ArticleA Note from Your Trainer
“He has been abandoned, ignored, and physically abused by those who were supposed to protect, nurture, and love him.” This is a line from a therapist’s report about the kid I currently advocate for as...
View ArticleHispanic Heritage Month
by Kelly Warren, Program Manager National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th by recognizing the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic/Latino...
View ArticleA Look Into Our Waitlist
Sifting through hundreds of cases of child abuse and neglect, CASA’s Intake Coordinator, Brenda Nepute, is given the heart-wrenching task of choosing which vulnerable children will receive the powerful...
View ArticleAlma’s Volunteer Corner: Answers to All Your Pressing Questions
Our next CASA training class starts in January. I’ve met with a couple of people who have had questions about the CASA time commitment. I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the questions...
View ArticleAlma’s Volunteer Corner: There’s Always More to Learn
Did you know that over 21% of foster care alumni suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a rate that is higher than that of U.S. war veterans? Last week, I attended an interesting CASA...
View ArticleMeet Matt Tomashek, CASA Volunteer
From full time doctors to full time parents, retired lawyers to retail employees, CASA volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. Their stories are as unique as the 1,528 Lane County children in...
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