Spring 2016

The CASA Project, Inc. 100 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01605 Tel: 508-757-9877 Fax: 508-792-1542 www.CasaWorcesterCounty.org

Dear Friends of CASA,

Grants Awarded to CASA in 2015: Well, the search for the permanent executive Director of The CASA

George I. Alden Trust Project is underway. The search team is led by John Metzger, CASA Board member, and includes three other board members plus Lynn Bay State Savings Bank Barrieau from the staff. They are well into the Pre-Search process. Community Foundation of North Suzanne Maas, of Leadership Transitions, is leading the effort. The Central Massachusetts process is divided into two segments. Pre-Search, which includes DCU for Kids the development of an updated job description and volunteer, staff

The Fred Harris Daniels and board surveys aimed at assessing the barriers to success and Foundation skills that will be needed by the new Executive Director. Search,

The Robert & Joan Dircks which includes the active recruitment phase, will come next. The Foundation target for completion is July with an early August announce date.

The Ruth H. and Warren A. Ellsworth Foundation Stephen Pitcher Interim Director The Fletcher Foundation

The Jack & Pauline Freeman Foundation

George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation Hanover Insurance

Health Foundation of Central MA

Hoche-Scofield Foundation

Ludcke Foundation

Massachusetts Bar Foundation

The MENTOR Network

The George H. & Jane Mifflin Memorial Fund SAVE THE DATE! Milford National Bank Charitable Foundation Please join us for the 18th Annual CASA Golf Tournament on National CASA Association Monday, June 27th at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton.

Albert W. Rice Charitable Foundation This is our one big fundraiser for the year and we need your support

Rockwell Foundation to raise money to help more abused and neglected children who are in need of a CASA volunteer advocate in the Worcester County St. Francis Community Healthcare Juvenile Court.

Southbridge Savings Bank Be a sponsor, donate a raffle prize and PLAY GOLF! This is a great Stoddard Charitable Trust opportunity to play this lovely PGA course and we have traditionally TJX Charitable Foundation been blessed with beautiful weather so we hope to see you out there

Unibank for Savings to support the work that the CASA Project does on behalf of the most vulnerable children in our community. United Way of Central Massachusetts For more information, please contact Kris Wilhelmy at our office - United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton (508) 757-9877 or [email protected]. Please see the attached brochure for more details. United Way of Webster/Dudley

Webster Five Foundation IF YOU WORK FOR OR KNOW OF A COMPANY/ORGANIZATION THAT DONATES ITEMS SUCH AS GIFT CERTIFICATES TO The George Wells Foundation RESTAURANTS OR LOCAL MERCHANTS, OR ITEMS SUITABLE FOR RAFFLE PRIZES, WE WOULD LOVE TO USE THEM FOR OUR RAFFLE/SILENT AUCTION. THANK YOU!

2016 CASA Golf Brochure

***CASA News***

Advocate Alliance - a group for CASA Advocates by Advocates Tuesday, March 29, 2016 @ 5:30 p.m.

At our last meeting we had a nice mix of new members and previous attendees. It was a "getting to know you" meeting and also discussion surrounding topics and focus items for the next meeting. Many good ideas and thoughts.

As per your suggestions, the next meeting is titled, " Everything You Wanted to Know About Your CASA Case but Were Afraid to Ask!" We will be fortunate to have Lynn Tesconi-Barrieau and Monica Blessington, CASA Case Mangers, with us to answer any and all questions. The date is Tuesday, March 29, 2016, 5:30 PM at the CASA Office.

Please RSVP and/or send your questions for Lynn and Monica to [email protected]

Please join us!

Dianne Starkey Case Supervisor

ALREADY A CASA VOLUNTEER? ARE YOU 55 AND OVER? ENROLL IN RSVP AND RECEIVE SOME GREAT BENEFITS!

Enroll as a member of RSVP Worcester while continuing to serve as a CASA volunteer and receive the following benefits:

- Mileage reimbursement to and from CASA's Grove Street address, your home and traveling in a volunteer capacity; - Supplemental auto insurance; - Increased personal liability insurance while volunteering; - Annual volunteer recognition event.

These additional benefits accrue, while serving as a CASA volunteer, to all who are enrolled in the RSVP program.

Want additional information? Please contact Kathy Fugatt or Barbara Drapos at (508)791- 7787 or visit their website: www.rsvpworcester.org.

Do you Know of Anyone who Would Make a Great CASA/GAL? Please Spread the Word! Our next Volunteer Training Session will take place in May at the CASA Office in Worcester

Please share the above information!

For more information, please call us at 508-757-9877, or check out our website: www.casaworcestercounty.org

April Continuing Education Training Session for CASA Volunteers

Please join us in April, stay tuned for details!

April 13, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. - Speaker TBA

AS A REMINDER:

Unless otherwise noted, please mark your calendars for the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. at the CASA Office, 4th floor. Sessions last approximately 60-90 minutes. Beverages and a light snack will be provided. No registration is required. Because weather and emergencies can alter these trainings, please call our office to confirm.

We're looking forward to seeing you at each training and learning together!

Case Supervisor Jim Steele visited Andy's Attic to talk with the students about nonprofit organizations. Andy's Attic is a non-profit 501c3 charitable organization run completely by student volunteers at South High Community School. Students volunteer their time and even donate their own clothing. They provide gently used clothing, shoes, backpacks, toiletries and some school supplies to teenagers and families in need. PLEASE consider donating your gently used items. See link below for items needed most.

Andysattic.org

ATTENTION: ALL CURRENT CASA VOLUNTEERS

If any of the children you are assigned to are in need of clothing, please see the attached form below. Andy's Attic will assist you in supplying clothing items to these children.

Andy's Attic Request form

Help Us Fill the Shelves at the Worcester County Juvenile Court Children's Library!

We are in need of children's books for the bookshelves at the Worcester Juvenile Court. The judges in North Worcester County (Fitchburg/Leominster) and South Worcester County (Dudley/Milford) have asked that we start children's libraries at those Courthouses as well, so we could really use as many books as we can get! Please donate your new or gently used books as the supply is running low. We are so happy that children who need to be in Court have a special place to go and enjoy a book and take one home. You can drop books off at the CASA office - please contact Kris at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thanks for your support! Toys, Games, ETC.

We have received another request from the Worcester County Juvenile Courts - they are in need of children's toys, games and (new) stuffed animals to provide to children of all ages who need to be in Court. You can these items off at the CASA office - please contact Kris at [email protected] if you have any questions. GLOBE SUBSCRIBERS: SUPPORT CASA!

The Boston Globe is proud to announce the return of GRANT (Globe Readers and Non-profits Together), a community initiative that allows subscribers to help their favorite non-profits earn free ads.

Support CASA by going to BostonGlobe.com/GRANT and enter your subscriber number, then choose The CASA Project. CASA can then redeem the GRANT dollars accumulated for free ad space in the Globe. The more GRANT dollars earned, the larger the ad space provided!

Vouchers expire April 30, 2016. As always, thank you for your generous support!

For all of you who use Amazon.com this is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization. If you indicate, Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support- including the CASA Project. For more information and to get started please visit http://smile.amazon.com/about

CASA Worcester County is on Facebook!

CASA Worcester County is on Facebook! Please sign in to your Facebook account and follow us at www.facebook.com/CasaWorcesterCounty. We hope to share the amazing work that our volunteers do every day on behalf of abused and neglected children in Worcester County. We will update the page frequently and let you know of CASA news and happenings.

If you do not already have an existing Facebook account signing up is easy and free. Go to https://www.facebook.com/ to sign up today.

***Community News***

CHANGE THE LIFE OF A CHILD BECOME A FOSTER PARENT Second Friday of the Month BROWN BAG SESSIONS 12-1 P.M. Worcester Department of Children and Families East Area Office 151 W.Boylston Drive Worcester, MA 01606 Call: (508)793-8000

Upcoming Workshop Parents and Guardians of Children Who Have Experienced Trauma

Please see the attached flyer for an RPC Training in April for parents and guardians of children who have experienced trauma. If you have any questions, please email Beth Barto at [email protected]. Flyer

Girls CHOICE of the YWCA is currently seeking long-term women Volunteer Mentors for middle school and high school participants. A Mentor is a caring, responsible, adult volunteer who serves as a trusted friend and guide to a student. She helps to ensure that the student develops important academic and life skills, is exposed to new opportunities and a wide array of resources, makes positive life choices, stays in school, and graduates with a plan for pursuing post-secondary education. This position will be supported by the Girl's CHOICE program as well as our partner Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

The Mentor's Responsibility to Mentee

Meet two times each month engaged in a mutually agreed-upon activity with their mentee. Communicate with their mentee weekly-by telephone, email or text-to keep in touch about what is going on in their lives. Honor, all commitments made to the mentee Be respectful of the mentee's time, opinions, and decision-making. Serve as a positive role model by modeling desirable behaviors-e.g. patience, tolerance, and reflective listening.

Attached is more information.

Gabrielle Fricke Case Manager Girls CHOICE [email protected] (908) 442-5769

Girls on the Run is coming to the YWCA starting on March 21!

GOTR is a worldwide program that promotes healthy attitudes and behaviors, builds self-esteem and confidence, and develops leadership and community involvement, all within a program that trains girls to run a 5K. attached are the flyers for the two programs that will be held at the YWCA. Girls on the Run serves girls in grades 3-5, and Heart and Sole is for grades 6-8. The program is led by trained volunteer female coaches, and culminates in a 5K Fun Run, which brings together all of Worcester County's GOTR participants.

Registration is done through the GOTR website. Scholarships are available, as we want to make sure this program is available to all girls, regardless of income, so please encourage girls (and their parents) to consider it!

Girls on the Run (grades 3-5) will meet Mondays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. Heart and Sole (grades 6-8) meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Here is the link to learn more about GOTR Worcester County: http://www.gotr- worc.org/ Here is the link to the schedule and to register: http://www.gotr- worc.org/locations/program-sites

Patty Flanagan Director of Wellness and Health Equity YWCA Central Massachusetts 1 Salem Square Worcester, MA 01608

T: 508-791-3181 Ext. 3021 F: 508-754-0496 E: [email protected]

HelpOurKids provides support to children in foster care, giving them things beyond the basics that enrich their lives. HelpOurKids also helps them to establish independent lives through providing housewares, furniture, and the things to enable them to be self-sufficient. They also provide music lessons, athletic equipment, duffle bags so they don't have to use trash bags, a college tour to broaden their horizons, a crib bank to respond quickly for infant placement, the event Fitting For The Future for special occasion clothing and many other forms of support beyond the basics.

Please visit their website for more information: www.helpourkidsinc.org

**JOB OPPORTUNITIES**

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Employment Opportunity

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance is seeking a highly motivated individual to take on the Victim Services Coordinator position. The Victim Services Coordinator's role is to provide crisis assessment, information, and referrals to victims of crime and their families along with outreach that supports coordinated and collaborative responses to victims and survivors. Additional responsibilities include participating in outreach and training initiatives within the victim services community and assisting with educating survivors, providers, and policymakers on victim rights and services. For more information on MOVA's current employment opportunity, we encourage you to visit the link below for more details.

MOVA's Victim Services Coordinator - Employment Opportunity

Job Title: INTAKE SPECIALIST/VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR Program: WCFRC Location: Worcester Qualifications:

BA/BS Required Experience working with at risk families with children Familiarity with Worcester's Social Service System and performing outreach on behalf of parent support initiatives strongly preferred Experience with event planning and group facilitation preferred Good written/oral communication skills, good computer skills Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends

Job Description:

Process all Resource Center Intakes and provide brief intervention, referral and advocacy for families and individuals who come to the Center Coordinate special family events for the Resource Center and assist with facilitation of parent education groups Train, supervise and assist with recruitment of parent volunteers and interns who support the work of the Coalition and Resource and Referral Center. Assist the FRC Coordinator with the Collection and Compilation of data for the Resource Center's Monthly Report Perform Duties to ensure the smooth follow of the Center such as coordinate special events and prepare materials for outreach. The WCFRC Intake Specialist and Volunteer Supervisor will participate as part of FRC team and assist with office coverage and group activities. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Please submit your resume to Human Resources: Y.O.U., Inc. 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604

E-mail:[email protected] Web: www.youinc.org Fax: (508) 849-5617

Y.O.U., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Provider who actively supports equal access for all people (please visit website for complete statement).

Paul J O'Malley H.R. Generalist/Recruiter Y.O.U. Inc (508) 849-5600 x306 [email protected]

Job Title: Family Engagement Specialist Program: DYS Community Services Program Location: Westborough Qualifications:

Master's degree in social work, counseling or family therapy required Licensure required in either mental health, social work or family therapy Experience in the juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health or demonstrably related field(s).

Job Description: The primary role of the Family Engagement Specialist is to assist DYS Casework Staff in identifying strategies for engaging youths; families as an effective means of reducing recidivism for the youth, improving family relationships and promoting positive educational, employment and treatment outcomes.

Assists DYS Casework Staff in ensuring family engagement and, when appropriate, provides time specific, direct family support. Assists DYS Casework Staff in effective family engagement; teaching and/or role modeling effective skills/techniques they may adopt and incorporate when working with families. Provide clinical support and consultation to DYS regional and district staff. Participate in on going treatment meetings for committed youth. Work collaboratively with regional DYS leadership staff and district office staff;

If you have any interest in this exciting position, please contact Paul Carey at 508- 902-0080 ext 121 or you may apply on line at www.youinc.org This is a salaried position with a salary in the mid-50's and benefits including health, dental, vacation and sick time. You may also submit your resume to Human Resources: Y.O.U., Inc. 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604 Y.O.U., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Provider who actively supports equal access for all people (please visit website for complete statement).

***IN EVERY ISSUE***

NCASA Magazine

National CASA's Magazine has decided to "go green" and will publish their monthly magazine, The Connection, exclusively online. Please email [email protected] to be added to an email list to receive emails when the online version is updated.

Rein in a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Center

- Twenty years of success working with children with a wide range of challenges. - Serving children as young as two years old, as well as adults with: depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, Autism spectrum disorders, learning challenges - Incorporating animals in a therapeutic setting.

See attached flyer for details

Rein In A Dream

Here is the updated resource listing of After School Programs in Worcester - previously created by Community Build This project is funded by Worcester Public Schools

Worcester Public Schools After School Program

Worcester Community Connection Parent Guide to Community Services

The Worcester Community Connection Parent Guide to Community Services in English and Spanish are 4 ½ x 5 ½ inch guides that parents and service providers can carry around with them that put lots of community resource information at their fingertips

Please place your orders now!

The Cost of the new English and Spanish guides is $2.00 each for Agency Providers($1.00 each for quantities of 20 or more)

Both guides are FREE for Worcester parents (one copy per person).

(Please make checks payable to YOU Inc.)

Parents can stop in to pick up a free copy of the guide at: The WCCC Resource & Referral Center Affiliated with YOU Inc. 484 Main Street (the Denholm Building), Suite 460(4th floor) Worcester, MA 01608 Mondays - Fridays, 8:30 - 4:30pm

Orders must be picked up in person - we are unable to mail copies. Please call 508-796-1411 or email the order form to our intake worker Amanda Beeso at [email protected]

Mentoring Programs in Worcester

Please click on the link below to see an updated listing of Mentoring Programs offered in Worcester.

Mentoring Programs 2015