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If you have problems viewing this email, go to the Newsletter page of Georgia CASA's web site to view the e-newsletter.
CASA Online Connector January 2009
The 20th Anniversary Georgia CASA Annual Report for fiscal year 2008, released in November, has been posted on Georgia CASA's website.
CASA of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit, serving Atkinson, Berrien, Clinch, Cook and Lanier counties in South Georgia, opened in November. The 48th CASA program in the state is administered as a program of the Berrien County Collaborative, a highly respected and successful multi-county provider of programs and services to children and families in the area. Elaine Douglas is the CASA program director. The Metro Atlanta CASA Collaborative recently completed its third volunteer recruitment and training campaign. The Collaborative, which includes Georgia CASA and its affiliate CASA programs in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties, held metro orientation sessions for potential CASA volunteers prior to fall trainings held by each affiliate program. In addition, two metro training classes were held for volunteers to attend and then choose the metro affiliate program with which to volunteer. Over 130 new CASA volunteers were sworn-in from the combined fall trainings. As part of community awareness, affiliate CASA programs participate in parades in their communities. This past Christmas season, Thomas County CASA was represented in the Quitman Christmas parade and CASA of Forsyth County had a six foot gingerbread house float in the Cumming Christmas parade. The float received the Honorable Mention (4th place) prize out of 45 entries. Affiliate Programs: Submit your newsworthy highlights to lderhammer@gacasa.org for consideration in future e-newsletters.
Upcoming Conferences and Events --Training of the Facilitator, February 17-19, Macon --Adoptive and Foster Parent Association of Georgia Annual Conference, February 26-March 1, Jekyll Island --5th Annual Georgia CASA Luncheon & Fashion Show, March 18, Maggiano's Little Italy, Buckhead --Georgia CASA State Conference, March 28, Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta - Register today! --17th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, March 30-April 4, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta --National Volunteer Week, April 19-25 --National CASA Annual Conference "Taking Advocacy to a Higher Level" , April 25-28, 2009, Sheraton Denver Hotel, Denver --Catalyst for Care Annual Conference "Thriving in a Changing World", April 27-29, Hilton DeSoto, Savannah --Council of Programs Meeting, May (dates TBA), Location TBA
Due to the large number of listings, please click here to view the Georgia CASA donor list for the quarter. --Donate (To donate to an affiliate program, use the mail-in form on the site) |
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The seventh article, in the year-long series of articles shining a spotlight on the unique qualities of CASA advocacy and the people that make it possible, has just been released. Read the newly released article 
On Saturday, March 28th, 400 CASA volunteers, staff and board members, as well as other professionals in the child welfare field, will take part in the Georgia CASA State Conference at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. The keynote speaker (pictured at left) will be Dr. Shirley Garrett, CSP, native Georgian author of the award-winning book, A Tap Water Girl in a Bottled Water World. The day will include an opening session, a volunteer appreciation luncheon recognizing the 2008 CASA Volunteer of the Year in Georgia, as well as the nominees, and over 20 workshop offerings to enhance participants' skills in working with children. Registration for the conference is now open, so be sure to reserve your place before the conference slots are full. Early registration is only $25 for CASA-affiliated participants and $50 for non-CASA participants. After March 13th, the registration fee increases. For more information and to register, click 
The Independent Living Program in Georgia is designed specifically for foster children, ages 14-17, who will soon age out of foster care, at age 18. These youth need to begin acquiring self-sufficient skills as they prepare to transition out of foster care. As young adults, some may attend technical school or college, some may join the military or some may directly enter the workforce. Written transitional living plans are important for each youth to develop to help him/her be successful both during and after the transition. CASA volunteers can help youth with these written plans and advocate for needed services to help them become successful adults. 
