Every child needs a consistent adult to THRIVE and that’s YOU!
Moving in the Right Direction!
| Hi there! If I haven’t already had the opportunity to meet you, I’m Leah Thibodeau. I’ve been serving as an advocate coordinator at CASA of the Fox Cities since January of 2021. Over the last 15 months, I’ve had the opportunity to realize the impact of a CASA, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this team. I’m finding my move to the role of Volunteer Engagement and Training Specialist to be bittersweet. I was unprepared for the bitterness of stepping back from my cases. I am invested. I care deeply about the children and am connected to the advocates. I take comfort in knowing that I’m still available as a resource to those advocates, as well as the coordinators who will now be leading those cases. This change is sweet because I’m excited to bring more than a decade of experience in volunteer engagement to this role. Working alongside our volunteers has given me a unique perspective that will serve the entire organization well as we work to bring up our newest advocates.You, our advocates, are our greatest strength and greatest resource. So, I’m hoping you can help me out a little bit. What do you wish you knew when you first became an advocate? E-mail Leah to share your thoughts. Your feedback will help us as we prepare for the next wave of advocates. |
Upcoming Events
Pinwheels for Prevention
April is Strengthening Families Month and here is how we are spreading awareness! Starting April 1, we will be partnering with local businesses around the Fox Cities to help spread awareness and raise funds.
Click here to see the local partners we are pairing with to help Strengthen the Families in our community. You may also receive a virtual pinwheel by clicking below!
Trees for Children
Get ready for Trees for Children! It is the perfect time of the year to start shopping for the ideal trees to plant in your front and back yard. We are hosting this fundraiser April 19th-30th in partnership with Wolrath’s Nursery & Landscaping with all proceeds benefiting CASA of the Fox Cities and the services we provide.
Wolfraths will be contacting participants around May 15th when your order is ready to be picked up. All orders must be picked up by June 1st. Click here to see the FULL list of trees being offered! With your support, the children we serve can flourish and grow into the future leaders of our community
April 17-23 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we are celebrating!
As CASA has been a rapidly growing organization, we can not be more grateful for the support and hard work you put into successfully advocating for children experiencing abuse or neglect. Watch your mailbox in the upcoming weeks for a small token of our appreciation for you. Thank you for the role you play in not only Strengthening Families, but for strengthening our organization as well.
Volunteers of the Month
Tom
I joined CASA in 2019 when I was looking for an opportunity to directly make an impact in my community. I had never worked with or had my own kids, so I was anxious about my ability to make a meaningful connection with them. But whether it has been through video games, playing catch, or sitting around for a snack, I’ve been able to connect with them every time and start identifying their needs. I closed my first case in early 2020 and I know that the consistent reporting for the courts helped demonstrate how safe and supportive the environment was for that child. Because of the nature of the work I never like to call it rewarding, but I recognize and appreciate the difference we are able to make in the kids’ lives.
Jennifer
I’ve been a CASA for 6 years. As a CASA I walk alongside a child and help them navigate around obstacles. I am there to support them in the peaks and the valleys. If you are looking for purpose, CASA provides excellent training and a supportive staff that truly cares about the child!
Eden
CASA truly values its volunteers. CASA empowers each of us to make an impact efficiently and effectively by providing ongoing support, education, and networking opportunities. The initial training and onboarding were masterfully done. I walked away with a more diverse perspective and enhanced understanding of the challenges that exist in our community, along with the skills and experience that helped me confidently engage with my assigned child and their foster family. My visits have quickly become a highlight of my week whereby I’m able to provide advocacy and stability through connection and conversation and play.The impact that I’m making as a CASA is transparent and tangible.
Jane
What I love most about being a CASA volunteer is the privilege of being a trusted advocate for a child. As our relationship builds, the child understands that I am willing to listen to their joys and concerns and am there to support them however I can. Knowing that I will be a consistent adult who genuinely cares can give them the stability they need during a difficult time. My own bucket is filled each time I meet with a child in need. “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.
We need your help
Calling ALL Thrivent members AND employees! Please consider using your Thrivent Action Plans for CASA of the Fox Cities. We have multiple projects we are hosting this year that we could use these funds for. Please get in touch with Jenn for more information