CASA Deema Al-Omar Wins Unity Award at the Corona-Norco Unified School District Awards

The importance of our Voices for Children’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) cannot be understated. These dedicated advocates make a significant impact on the trajectory of the lives of local children living in foster care. That’s why it’s essential to lift up the hard work and dedication of CASAs like Deema Al-Omar from our Riverside County Program. CASA Deema was recently recognized with the Unity Award at the Corona-Norco Unified School District Awards. Voices for Children’s team members Sharon Morris, Kathi Shaner, Tiffany Escorcia, and CASA Deema’s Advocacy Supervisor Alfred Williams attended to support and recognize her exceptional advocacy.

CASA Deema Al-Omar (center) along with her mother and Voices for Children Advocacy Supervisor Alfred Williams at the Corona-Norco Unified School District Awards

Deema’s work as a CASA is nothing short of incredible. As a long-time volunteer with Voices for Children, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of multiple children in foster care, including a sibling group of three (which included two deaf siblings) and a baby. In each case, CASA Deema went above and beyond to ensure these children received the care and attention they deserved. In the case of the deaf siblings, CASA Deema even helped their adoptive family learn American Sign Language (ASL) so they could communicate with the children effectively. The case successfully closed with the siblings being adopted in late 2020. In early 2021, CASA Deema took on another case with a baby. In this instance, CASA Deema’s advocacy was largely done remotely as her case child moved to a prospective adoptive home out of state. CASA Deema continues to be active on this case and is an amazing support to the adoptive family as they work their way toward adoption. If that was not enough, in August of 2022, CASA Deema took on yet another case where she has been making positive strides for her assigned youth.

CASA Deema’s dedication to her work is inspiring, and it’s clear that she truly cares about the children she works with. Her ability to build trust with both the children and their caregivers speaks volumes about her compassionate and caring nature. Not only does CASA Deema advocate for the children she works with, but she also supports their families and caregivers, ensuring that everyone involved in the child’s life is working together for their best interests. It’s also worth noting that CASA Deema also volunteers her time to help train and educate new CASAs.

We are also grateful for the work of CASA Ashley and CASA Marissa, who were also in attendance at the awards ceremony and recognized for their outstanding work in the community. These remarkable women are making a real difference in the lives of children in foster care, and we are honored to have them as part of our team.

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to CASA Deema for her outstanding work as a CASA. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment to the children she advocates for, and we know that she will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of all of those around her. Thank you, CASA Deema, for all that you do!