Court Appointed Special Advocates of Sonoma County
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May 9, 2013
CASA has been such a blessing in my life and the lives of these youths. There are so many children out there that have no one to turn to in their time of need. CASA's are their voice in court and society. CASA's are a resourse for them with regard to health, education, housing and jobs. Some of these youths do not have skills that we take for granted. This experience has changed my life forever, I wish that I could be a CASA for a career I would have 10 kids!! There are so many kinds that need help and they are the future of our world, they need us just as much as we need them. We have to take a stand to make a change for the better of society and future generations. I can not stress how supportive and fantastic the CASA volunteers supervisors are either. They are always there for support when you just need to vent about anything; they always have the answer. I have no idea how Millie does what she does but it is always for these kids and she and this program is a TRUE inspiration. I hope that there are many more people that want to become CASA's so that one day there will not be a witing list and that all of the kids that need the help and support can get it. Again, thank you to CASA, the volunteer supervisors, Millie and most importantly the kids. This is a great program that I think everyone should get involved in, to make a difference in the lives of these youths.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
January 19, 2013
I feel honored and blessed to be a CASA. After retiring from community college teaching, I spent several months looking for meaningful volunteer work. CASA has met my highest expectations. The screening is rigorous, the training is detailed and helpful, and the ongoing support and supervision are exemplary. Although the greatest joy of being a CASA is spending time with a youth in the foster care and/or delinquency system, a CASA is much more than a mentor or friend. Our task is to stay in touch with social workers, probation officers, teachers, doctors, group home staff or foster parents, to keep information flowing and to see that our youth does not fall through the cracks of our overstressed human service and delinquency systems. CASAs write court reports that judges, attorneys, social workers and probation officers actually read. Best of all, my particular youth, who has been in and out of group homes and juvenile hall, is now in a place where he is starting to move beyond years of abuse and to grow in wondrous and exciting ways. CASA makes a difference.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
December 12, 2012
I have been involved in other volunteer programs in the past but I have to say serving as a CASA is the most rewarding experience I have ever had. There is no measurement you can place on being the voice, a mentor, a support sytem and consisent presence in the life of a child. I currently have 3 CASA children each of them having different backgrounds and stories. Although things may not always move along as quickly as I would like, I see endless possibilities for a successful future for them. To see the sparkle in their eyes when they see me and/or to be the ears they need when they have tears in their eyes makes it all worth it. Getting involved can seem scary and overwhelming at first. To be completely honest, the fear of making a mistake was in the back of my mind but then I realized if these brave children can face their fears everyday then so could I. I am so glad I did not let the fear hold me back!!!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 10, 2012
I have always been someone who wanted to make a difference, but didn't feel that I had much to offer in the way of talents. When I learned about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), I realized that I could make a difference to a child and I didn't need to be anybody but myself to do so. Being a CASA has been a wonderful experience. The dedicated staff at CASA of Sonoma County support the volunteers every step of the way. Mother Theresa advised others to do small things with great love. Being a CASA is doing just that!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 16, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Working with CASA was a tremendous experience. The organization works extremely hard to provide a child in Sonoma County with a volunteer who will advocate for them, support them through their challenges in the system, and maintain a relationship with the child even after aging out of the system. The number of relationships formed and positive experiences through the organization are inspiring. I would encourage anyone to become a CASA and make a difference in the life of a child.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
November 15, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Having been both an employee of the local CASA of Sonoma County, and continually providing professional website design & maintenance services as a volunteer (to present), I have found this organization to run "lean and mean". Meaning, this organization works hard, very hard, for each and every donation it receives; There are no extravagances; And, it uses that money very wisely, thus allowing the largest portion to go directly to the children in need. The clients of CASA are children who are abused and/or neglected in Sonoma County, and this organization provides a personal advocate for each child, guiding them through the court system, and advocating for all their needs, such as schooling and medical. The Honorable Judges of Sonoma County REALLY listen to what reports, recommendations and news the volunteer "CASA's" bring to the courtroom on behalf of the child. Often, social workers do not have enough time to dedicate as much as a CASA can bring to the case, so this is very valuable information that can shape the future of a young person. Together, with a whole team of CASA's, the volunteer advisers, the volunteer supervisors, and all the rest of those who work together, help to build a promising future for these children. Consider becoming a volunteer CASA, an intern, a donor, an in-kind donor, a corporate donor, or volunteer for various fundraising functions throughout the year. There are so many ways to help, just give them a call 707-565-6375 or visit http://sonomacasa.org/ for more information. Thank you!
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 13, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Court Appointed Special Advocates in Sonoma County trains volunteers to support individual youth in the complex child welfare system. The trainers for this program, including myself, are local experts in their particular section of the field. There is a cohort of trainer/advisers that consistently return, as volunteers, since the program began fifteen years ago. This loyalty, to give our professional time to ensure that new trainees are connected to the community of providers for youth, is a product of the value that CASA staff place on effective relationships. As a presenter I get honest and timely feedback from the trainees, staff and director. As a professional in the field I bring updated information and materials to the CASA staff. This dynamic engagement of professionals with volunteer supervisors and staff gives strength, depth of information and understanding of multiple systems interactions to the entire program. The volunteers benefit by having broad expertise as close as a call to their volunteer supervisor when they need it. As a CASA serving two youth myself, this is beyond price when an issue arises quickly, as they do.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of advisors?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 8, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Being a part of CASA is one of the most rewarding opportunities I have encountered in my life. Through their extensive and thorough training program, I was provided the tools and support necessary to be able to advocate for youth in my community. Over the past four years, I have been lucky enough to work with three wonderful young ladies who are just finding out who they are and what they want in life. This experience has definately opened up my eyes and shown me how important the children are to the overall well being of society in general. CASA is one of the most important organizations I have ever worked with...
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 3, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a proud Sonoma County CASA since 2005. I have had two cases that have been very different. I feel the interaction I have had with both children has been essential to them in a positive way. My training and introduction to the CASA organization was nothing short of amazing. The speakers and the people from the Courts and various departments as well as the CASA Staff and Director, give 110% to this program, and that is what it makes it work. The intention of what is best for these children is what is most important. My role as a CASA has had a great impact on me in many ways. It has opened my eyes to the challenges that children face, that parents face and the ways in which they affect each other for possibly years to come. I have learned that the consistency and dedication of just one person can make a difference in a child's life that can sometimes be the saving grace. Just ONE person that cares and is there for them, shows up and listens to them, and responds to them, this is what makes a happy child. Truly my experiences have made me realize all children need that special someone that looks out for them and only them. I am proud to say that I have taken on this role and have made a difference.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 3, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a CASA since early 2009. The training I received before being matched with my foster was exceptional. My assigned youth is now a 21 year old young lady with an apartment, a car and a job with health benefits. She freely admits she would be "nowhere" without the CASA program and its support. I look forward to continuing to work with his amazing organization.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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