DeKalb County CASA Beacon
March 2024
DeKalb County CASA COVID-19 Update
The DeKalb County CASA Program staff will continue to primarily operate virtually and remotely. All DeKalb County CASA staff are available and may be reached by their direct email. Staff email addresses are listed on our website or via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. Advocacy Coordinators will continue to meet with their volunteers via virtual platforms, communicate with the case collaboratives, and continue to work on all of their cases. Volunteer recruitment is also continuing with virtual Volunteer Information Sessions, interviews, and training throughout 2024.
Thank you for your continued support.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome to the Team
The DeKalb County CASA Program is excited to announce that Dasha Burgess has joined our team as a Advocacy Coordinator. Dasha is a Mentor whose work has focused on impacting and advocating for youth. After studying and gaining experience in the Criminal Justice field, it wasn't long before she realized that her true passion was working directly with youth who needed a voice. Additionally, she gained experience by working for various nonprofit organizations across Metro Atlanta geared towards mentorship, youth substance abuse, and economic disparities. Dasha brings years of youth development and leadership skills to the Dekalb County CASA Program. Welcome to the team, Dasha!
CASA Day at the Capitol
CASA Day at the Capitol was February 15th and it was an exciting day at the Georgia Capitol!
Senior Advocacy Coordinator, Vickie Thomas along with our interns Arianna H., Crystal J., Krystal S., and Daishanique W., represented the DeKalb County CASA Program in a powerful testament to the impact of advocacy in action.
The day kicked off with an informative session providing insights into legislative processes, child welfare policies, effective advocacy strategies, and a call to action. Our interns had the chance to connect with other CASA programs from throughout the state, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
After the session, our team engaged with elected leaders, sharing stories and insights aiming to raise awareness of our mission and amplify the voices of the children we serve. Each conversation was a step toward positive change and a brighter future for the children in our community. Each legislator received a sweet treat as a thank you and to keep CASA on their mind. Vickie, Arianna, Crystal, Krystal, and Daishanique completed their day at the Capitol with a group photo that included CASA programs from around the state as well as Governor and Mrs. Kemp.
As we reflect on CASA Day at the Capitol, we're reminded of the profound impact advocacy can have on shaping policies and creating positive change. Our volunteers, interns, and staff are not just advocates; they are the voices contributing to the collective effort to create a better future for the children we serve and for the community as a whole.
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Volunteer
We are always recruiting Court Appointed Special Advocates, Education Advocates, and Ambassador volunteers. Learn ways you can help by attending a Virtual Volunteer Information Session. We will be hosting sessions on Tuesday, March 12th at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, March 13th at 12 p.m. You can register via our website, or you may contact Justine Ferreira via email for more information.
CASA 101
Do you belong to a community group, church, or club in need of a speaker? Would you like to learn more about the DeKalb County CASA Program and the children that we serve? Did you know we are available to speak virtually or in person at your meeting? Do you have questions or want to schedule a speaker? Contact Justine Ferreira via email for more information.
Welcome
- Michael Andreas
- Jennifer Fuld
- Pakysha Jackson
- Nicole Stearns
Resources
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with developmental challenges. As a community dedicated to advocating for the well-being of children, we recognize the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms.
Our volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, receives the support and advocacy they deserve. Their commitment to understanding the unique needs of each child is a testament to the inclusive spirit that defines our CASA community.
Let's take this opportunity to learn, engage, and celebrate the strengths and abilities of all children. By promoting awareness and understanding, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive world for every child we serve.
To deepen our collective knowledge and awareness, we're excited to share resources that can empower you in your advocacy role:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Facts, scientific articles and research, information on specific condition, resources and more.
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD):
NACDD provides leadership, education, and attention on national issues and policy affecting all people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services:
Provides support to parents and individuals, school districts, and states in two main areas: special education and vocational rehabilitation.
HERO HIGHLIGHTS
Volunteer of the Month
Beatrice Polk is the DeKalb County CASA Program’s March 2024 Volunteer of the Month. Beatrice was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in June of 2021.
Beatrice was nominated for Volunteer of the Month by Senior Advocacy Coordinator, Vickie Thomas. Vickie states, "For the past two and a half years, Ms. Polk has demonstrated unwavering commitment advocating for not just one, but two cases simultaneously. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of the children she serves is truly commendable. Ms. Polk is assigned to a young man who happens to be a football fan, and Ms. Polk secured front-row tickets to an Atlanta Falcons game. This was a wonderful moment and will be a lasting memory for him.
Ms. Polk is a true example of the spirit of volunteerism, embodying the essence of advocacy and compassion. Her ability to juggle and excel in two cases reflects a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being and best interests of every child she serves. She manages all aspects of the cases; completing reports on time, visiting with the children, following up with all collaterals involved in each of the cases, and attending court hearings and meetings related to the cases. Her passion and dedication truly make her an invaluable member of our DeKalb CASA team."
Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to Beatrice for her exceptional service and for being an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations Beatrice on being selected as DeKalb County CASA's March 2024 Volunteer of the Month!! Thank you for all you do! Your selfless dedication is making a lasting difference in the lives of the children in our community.
Volunteer Birthdays
We want to send warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers celebrating birthdays this month. Your birthdays are a reminder of the remarkable individuals you are, both as advocates for children and as wonderful human beings. Your compassion, dedication, and the positive impact you bring to the lives of those you serve are truly gifts to our community. Happy birthday!!!
Kyla Okobah - March 3rd
Caprece Thomas - March 13th
Andrea Hart Vann - March 17th
Kathleen Darrow - March 24th
Katrina Simon-Agolory - March 26th
Taylor Thompson - March 28th
Lizzie Calloway - March 29th
Happiest of birthdays to you all!
Volunteer Anniversaries
Join us in wishing our incredible CASA volunteers a Happy CASAversary! Your commitment to advocating for the best interests of children has created positive change and left a lasting mark on our community. Thank you for the countless hours, the heartfelt conversations, and the difference you make every day.
12 Years
Nazarie Romain
1 Year
Adrienne Avery
Shawn Johnson-Woodfin
Lillian Mercado
Lindsey Shaw
Caprece Thomas
Staff Celebration
We are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone within our DeKalb CASA family - the 7-year work anniversary of Advocacy Coordinator, Carol Jordan.
For the past seven years, Carol has been an exemplary member of our team, consistently bringing passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our mission of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the juvenile court. Her commitment to creating positive change is truly admirable.
Please join us in wishing Carol a Happy CASAversary on March 20th. Thank you, Carol, for seven years of exceptional service, tireless advocacy, and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Here's to many more years of shared successes and positive impact!
CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
All DeKalb County CASA volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of annual continuing education. Volunteers can attend conferences, workshops, webinars, read books, watch movies, and utilize other educational formats to gain hours. Topics can include child welfare, child abuse, neglect, cultural awareness, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, medical conditions, food insecurity, poverty, etc. Please contact Justine Ferreira via email for more information.
Books
"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the concept of an invisible string that connects us to the people we love, providing comfort and assurance, even when separated by physical distance.
This book can be a valuable tool in helping children understand and cope with the complexities of their emotions, particularly in situations involving separation, loss, or change and for reinforcing the idea that they are not alone. The story follows two children who discover the idea that an invisible string connects them to the people they care about, whether it's family, friends, or a trusted adult. Can be found at local libraries and at Amazon, Walmart and other booksellers.
Book and Event
"Broken: Transforming Child Protective Services Notes of a Former Caseworker Jessica Pryce in Conversation with Karimah Dillard
Co-Sponsored by The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, and SisterSong
Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (virtual event, live event begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Live and Virtual event, Free but registration is required.
This event takes place in person at Charis and virtually on Crowdcast, Charis' virtual event platform. Jessica Pryce joins Karimah Dillard for a discussion of Pryce's book Broken: Transforming Child Protective Services—Notes of a Former Caseworker. "Dr. Jessica Pryce knows the child welfare system firsthand and breaks it down from the inside out by sharing her professional journey and offering the crucial perspectives of caseworkers and Black women impacted by the system. It is a groundbreaking and eye-opening confrontation of the inherent and systemic racism deeply entrenched within the child welfare system.
Pryce started her social work career with an internship where she was committed to helping keep children safe. In the book, she walks alongside her close friends, and even her family, as they navigate the system while sharing her reckoning with the requirements of her job and her role in systemic harm. Through poignant narratives and introspection, readers witness the harrowing effects of a well-intentioned workforce that has lost its way, demonstrating how separations are often not in a child’s best interests.
With a renewed commitment to strengthening families in her role as an activist, Pryce invites the child welfare workforce to embark on a journey of self-reflection and radical growth. Acting as both a framework for transforming child protective services and as an intimate, stunning first-hand account of the system as it currently operates, Broken focuses on everyday scenarios rather than extreme child welfare cases, challenging readers to critically examine their mindsets and biases to reimagine how we help families in need." The book release is in March.
Training Opportunities and Events
Justice Reform Partnership
"Talk Justice Tuesdays"
Recorded sessions and one live session, March 12, 2024, at Noon
Virtual Sessions, Free
"Talk Justice Tuesdays" is a state legislative series to discuss the issues and solutions important to communities impacted by criminal legal systems and identify strategies for moving forward. We’ll dive deep into specific criminal legal policy questions and hear from community members, advocates, and lawmakers about opportunities for reform in 2024 and beyond."
Sessions of Interest:
"Legislative Action Last Call" Learn about pending legislation and how you can get involved and support reform in Georgia. (Live Session March 12)
"Advocacy Training" An overview of the Georgia General Assembly, Legal Advocacy 101, overview of legislative process, tips on how to find and communicate with your legislators. (recorded session)
"Youth Justice" Panel discussion regarding Georgia's number one ranking in the nation for sentencing juveniles to life without parole (recorded session)
Learn more and register at: https://justicereformpartnership.org/tjt/
"What is Sex Trafficking Really Looking Like?"
Street Grace
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Virtual Session, FREE
In this session you will learn how to identify sex trafficking and be provided with resources. Register by visiting Street Grace.
"Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World"
Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Webinar, FREE
"The purpose of this presentation is to discuss different types of technology and how children use them. By the end of this session, participants will be able to recognize at least four social media apps, define cyberbullying, and identify steps adults can take to protect children from online risks." Register here if you would like to attend.
"Strengthening Parental Resilience"
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Virtual Session, FREE
This Strengthening Families Georgia workshop helps child and family-serving professionals to promote parental resilience in families through regular practice, assessing the parent’s situation, and then following up with parents.
Participants will:
- Share examples of factors that impact resilience: coping, belief systems, emotional regulation, locus of control, self-efficacy, family roles, positive outlook, and empathy.
- Learn how to build resilience into everyday practice at the societal, community and individual level.
- Practice with a partner assessing for appropriate referrals and follow-up using informal conversations.
- Determine which Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors (social connections, concrete supports, knowledge of child development, social and emotional competency of children) also apply to parental resilience activities.
Learn more and register here.
Child Welfare Training Collaborative
Georgia State University
FREE, Virtual Training and In-Person Sessions
March Training Sessions
The Child Welfare Training Collaborative has published their upcoming training sessions. Training topics include Psychological Safety, Trauma 101, Cultural Competence, Trauma of Bullying, Strategies to Support Children's Well-Being, and more. For the complete list view their calendar.
Watch Recorded Training
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia presents " Motherhood Beyond Bars: Supporting Families Impacted by Maternal Incarceration"
"Each year, an average of 50 women give birth in Georgia prisons. Motherhood Beyond Bars, a nonprofit organization, ensures a healthy start for infants born to incarcerated women by providing a network of comprehensive support for mothers and caregivers. MBB is also conducting research on the impacts of incarceration on infants and the significant challenges of family reunification when the mother is incarcerated. This workshop will highlight the significant challenges mothers behind bars face and the opportunities within the judicial and child welfare systems to support family unity." Presenter: Amy Ard, Executive Director, Motherhood Beyond Bars 1 hour 30 minutes
A Word from our Staff
Academic Stress and Ways to Reduce the Effects on Our Children
by Cathy Bacon, Education Advocacy Coordinator
Stress is a part of all of our lives. But did you know that academic stress is the leading cause of stress in young children and teens? This stress may be caused by having multiple tests, quizzes, assignment deadlines, projects, oral presentations etc. For many of our children, the day doesn’t end when the school day ends. Many have chores, and homework, as well as extracurricular activities. This can take a toll on our children both mentally and physically whether they are an “A” student or a “C” student. Stress is not about the academic skill level of a child but more about the ability to balance everything. Without this ability to balance their requirements, our children are at risk of burnout from stress.
A way to reduce this stress is first, understanding the stress, and then working with your student to develop a routine or structure that can help create a balance. This makes them feel like you are a part of their team and not another boss or someone else telling them what they need to do.
You can also help reduce stress in your child by teaching them how to use “positive self-talk”. How they feel about themselves and how they talk to themselves is very impactful. If they beat themselves up and belittle themselves, they may start believing the voice of that internal critic. Practice with them instead 'to cut themselves some slack' and be a support system for themselves.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Donate Directly
United Way Payroll Deduction
Kroger Community Rewards
Angel Wings Project
The purpose of the Angel Wings project is to allow our children in care the opportunity to receive needed supplies, uniforms, etc. for extracurricular and/or enrichment activities. The request forms are available from the DeKalb County CASA Program staff via email at, dekalbcasa@dekalbcasa.org. Forms are to be completed by a referring source and must include the child’s name, age, gender, grade, and specifications of the child’s needs, as well as, the contact information of the individual making the referral. Upon completion, please return the form either by mail or electronically and the information will be passed on to a member of our Angel Wings Crew for fulfillment, if possible.
Board of Directors
- Alecea Quintyne, Chair
- Norman Pitts, Vice-Chair
- Ketiwe Zipperer, Secretary
- Linda Banks, Executive Director
- Jill Davis, Member
- Freda Hammonds, Member
- Christian Mitchell Murphy, Member
- Dr. Jeanne D. Williams, Member
Connect with Staff
Email: dekalbcasa@dekalbcasa.org
Website: www.dekalbcasa.org
Location: 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404 378 0038
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dekalbCASAGA/
The DeKalb County CASA Program operates under the umbrella of the Child Advocate Network, Incorporated as a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are members of the National CASA Association, Incorporated and an affiliate of Georgia CASA, Incorporated. Our mission is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the juvenile court. As a CASA Volunteer, you seek to assure safe and permanent homes for each child as quickly as possible. DeKalb County CASA accomplishes this mission by training and supporting citizen volunteers who serve as advocates for individual children while maintaining proper ethical behavior, respect, and confidentiality.