Below is the weekly roundup. Keep in mind that this is for CASAs only, unless otherwise specified for individual events; please do not forward to caregivers, parents, or other individuals. As a reminder, all items listed in the roundup are in chronological order of occurrence, so make sure to read/skim to the end to not miss out on new items!
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: To provide further support, VFC will be hosting several small group and continuing education opportunities. Small groups are either open topic or on topics relevant to providing meaningful advocacy. Each small group will be limited to 15 participants.
WHEN/HOW:
- Small Group: Wednesday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Small group will be held in person at the Voices for Children Chesapeake office location. RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Hadley Horner at HadleyH@speakupnow.org by Friday, August 4.
*NEW/UPDATED*
WHO: Youth 5 – 18
WHAT: Promises2Kids (P2K) is hosting their annual Back to School Shopping event. P2K welcomes San Diego County foster youth ages 5 – 18 years to shop for back to school clothing and supplies. Foster youth must be present to participate. Caregivers or CASAs can take youth to shop. Please bring ID card, placement paperwork, or court documentation (for CASAs, please bring your badge).
*Youth ages 5-10 receive $200.00
*Youth ages 10-18 receive $250.00
WHEN/WHERE:
Event 1: Sunday, August 6, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Old Navy (North), 1821 University Drive, Vista.
Event 2: Wednesday, August 9, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Old Navy (Central), 9990 Camino del Rio North, San Diego.
Event 3: Saturday, August 12, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. , Old Navy (South), 3440 Highland Avenue Suite E, National City.
Event 4: Sunday, August 13, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Old Navy (Central), 9990 Camino del Rio North, San Diego.
Eligibility: Youth under 5 and over 18 are not eligible. Participating youth cannot be reunified with their parents, in legal guardianship, placed with a parent, or in a 60-day trial visit with a parent. Dual status youth (dependency and juvenile justice) and juvenile justice youth are eligible, but must be in an out-of-home placement.
If you have questions regarding eligibility, please email casakids@speakupnow.org.
*NEW*
WHO: Youth 16 - 24
WHAT: The San Diego Workforce Partnership offers Career Pathways for Foster Youth. This program allows current and former foster youth between 16 and 24 the opportunity to gain real experience and skills in a variety of placement opportunities, supporting young adults in finding a paid job or internship, occupational training, and/or education. This program partners with Promises2Kids to provide youth with support in all aspects of their lives, including financial support for housing, mental health assistance, work attire, transportation, childcare, and more. Pursue your passion and explore exciting career paths while receiving assistance every step of the way.
HOW: For more information and to apply, click here. If you have any questions or want to learn more, contact Sal Terrones at 858-267-1432 or SalTerrones@workforce.org.
*NEW*
WHO: All Youth 18 and Under
WHAT: Summer Meal Programs are offered for free for youth 18 years and younger, no registration required.
HOW: Text FOOD to 304-304 for a location near you. For more information, click here.
WHO: CASAs and Case Children 5 and over only
WHAT: Voices for Children has just received a limited number of tickets for the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park. To ensure this opportunity is available to as many children as possible, CASAs will be allowed to request tickets once per year for themselves and case youth only. Safari Park tickets will include a pre-paid parking pass; the Zoo has free public parking.
Ticket Guidelines:
- Tickets cannot be transferred or sold.
- If tickets have not been used within two months from your request, please send them back to Voices for Children to be redistributed.
- If you do not use the tickets and have returned them to Voices for Children, you can submit a new request at a later date.
- Tickets can be used by CASAs and their case children only (this includes NMDs and children of NMDs).
HOW: To request tickets, please send your name and mailing address, along with the first and last name and age of each child you are requesting tickets for to CASAkids@speakupnow.org. Please indicate to which park you would like tickets. Tickets will be mailed on a weekly basis.
*NEW*
WHO: Ages 14+ (CASAs and case children)
WHAT: Voices for Children has access to discounted tickets for “Is it Thursday yet?” a moving story about autism and identity told through dance. A Dance of Discovery. A Brain in Motion. A Life on the Spectrum. Dancer and choreographer Jenn Freeman was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 33, and since then she has navigated an endless sea of epiphanies. Inspired by a deep curiosity to examine her childhood memories through this new lens, Jenn found a way to illuminate her story using the language she knows best: Dance.
WHEN: Discounted tickets are available for the entire run of the show from now until August 6.
WHERE: La Jolla Playhouse (2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla).
COST: Discounted tickets are $25 each. CASAs are allowed to go above the $20 spending limit to purchase these tickets.
HOW: To receive discounted tickets, please use the code: PLCPARTNERS when purchasing your tickets at www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
WHO: Ages 5+ (CASAs and case children only)
WHAT: The USS Midway Museum is offering free admission to CASAs and their case children during July 2023.
WHEN: July 2023: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (final admission at 4:00 p.m.).
WHERE: USS Midway Museum (910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego).
HOW: To receive free tickets, show your CASA badge at the ticket booth before boarding. Visitors typically spend three to four hours at the museum, so consider bringing bottled water and snacks. *For a comprehensive list of ideas of free and low-cost outings for kids and CASAs, please visit our Children’s Activities page.
WHO: Ages 5+ (CASAs and case children only)
WHAT: Regal Cinemas presents 2023 Regal Summer Movie Express. Join all summer for movies for kids for just $2! During the first show of the day, enjoy $2 tickets as great family movies are brought back to the screen.
WHEN: Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 6 (individual theatres will only participate in the 9 weeks that align with the local school system’s summer break schedule).
WHERE/HOW: Check website for more information and theatre locations.
*NEW*
WHO: Ages 8 – 11 years
WHAT: The County of San Diego has launched a reimbursement program to make youth sports and camp programs more affordable. Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) is pleased to have been chosen to participate in this program and is offering a Day Camp Program for children ages 8 – 11 years. The $100 registration fee for LTB’s Day Camp will be WAIVED for children who have not already participated in two such sports or camp programs in San Diego County this year. Campers will have an opportunity to participate in a guided visit of the LTB Exotic Animal Sanctuary and learn about the rescued exotic animals in our care, including: lions, tigers, bears, bobcats, servals, leopards, jaguars, and more. Campers will also participate in games and craft activities. Campers should bring: His or her own lunch, water bottle, sunblock, closed toed shoes, and a hat (recommended).
WHEN: Day Camps are held every Wednesday, July 12 through August 30.
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lions Tigers & Bears (24402 Martin Way, Alpine).
HOW: To sign up, click here. For questions and/or more information, please email inquiries@lionstigersandbears.org or call 619-659-8078.
WHO: Students 6th – 12th Grade
WHAT: In partnership with Eight16, San Diego County Office of Education, Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program is providing free Culinary Therapy Cooking Groups. Participants will develop a mindfulness relationship with food and cooking and will learn to use the process of preparing and cooking meals to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem. Eligibility: entering 6th – 12th grade for 2023 – 2024 school year, and in foster care and placed in an out-of-home placement or family maintenance court-ordered status; youth in guardianship or in a finalized adoption are not eligible.
WHEN: Saturday July 29, August 26, and September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego.
HOW: Register here.
*NEW*
WHO: Parents and Caregivers
WHAT: Bithiah’s Family Services is hosting a Donuts and Diaper Distribution. Join for coffee, donuts, and diapers for your little ones. Registration is required.
WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: 1030 La Bonita Dr., Suite 334, San Marcos.
HOW: To register, email Dsousa@bithiahs.org.
*NEW*
WHO: Ages 5 – 21 (CASAs and case children only)
WHAT: Voices for Children is thrilled to partner with ProKids Golf, our newest community partner, to invite you to Pro Kids Golf Academy. Pro Kids Golf Academy is generously offering monthly golf lessons to our CASAs and youth and opening the driving range after each lesson.
WHEN: Saturday, August 5, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 pm.
WHERE: Pro-Kids Golf (4085 52nd Street, San Diego).
HOW: Please send your RSVP to casakids@speakupnow.org by August 1 to reserve your spots as space is limited.
*NEW*
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: California CASA has partnered with CASA of Sacramento County to provide you with a month of events and resources, dedicated to educational disparities. First, they present “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools” movie screening event. Pushout is a feature length documentary which takes a close look at the educational, judicial and societal disparities facing Black Girls. Inspired by the groundbreaking book of the same name by renowned scholar, Monique W. Morris, Ed.D. The documentary confronts the ways in which the misunderstanding of Black girlhood has led to excessive punitive discipline which in turn disrupts one of the most important factors in their lives, their education.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 9, 12:00 p.m.
HOW: To register, click here.
*NEW*
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: Join us for a continuing education session on Advocacy for Older Youth with Disabilities. The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. This continuing education opportunity will cover employment preparation, paid work experience, funding for training and job placement, and more for youth 16 and up with a disability, IEP, or 504 plan.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 16, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
HOW: To attend, RSVP to Senior Advocacy Supervisor Allen Fox at AllenF@speakupnow.org by Friday, August 11.
*NEW*
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: Join us for a training on Advocating for At-Risk & Dual Status Youth. Foster youth, especially those placed in congregate care settings, are significantly more likely than their peers to come into contact with or enter into the juvenile justice system. As a CASA, you are in a position to help mitigate the risks that can lead your case youth to become justice involved. In this Zoom training, you will learn why youth in foster care are at a higher risk for involvement in the juvenile justice system, how you can help prevent youth from becoming justice involved, and how you can support youth if they become dually involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.
WHEN: Thursday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
HOW: To attend this training or learn more about VFC’s Juvenile Justice program, RSVP to Juvenile Justice Program Manager Kelly Grant at KellyG@speakupnow.org by Friday, August 11.
*NEW*
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: Join us for an in-person continuing education: Working with Biological Parents. During this opportunity, learn about what is required of biological parents once their children enter the dependency system. Irma Contreras, from ParentCare, will be sharing what it is really like for biological parents when children are removed from the home. Irma works with biological families and women in recovery, and she was on staff at Incredible Families for 10 years. Irma will also be sharing her personal story of reunification with her own children. We will hold a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.
WHEN: Saturday, August 26, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: VFC Chesapeake Office (9370 Chesapeake Drive, #210, San Diego).
HOW: To attend this training, please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Malorie De Witt at maloried@speakupnow.org by Friday, August 18.
*NEW*
WHO: Ages 5 – 13 (CASAs and case children only)
WHAT: VFC and a special community partner are hosting a Summer Sendoff party to kick off the school year! This will be an unforgettable day filled with fun and excitement for youth aged 5-13. We are packing the day with a host of dynamic activities such as card tricks, hands-on science projects, outdoor games, craft activities, drumming, and watercolor painting. Lunch will be provided for all attendees. The fun continues post-lunch with more on-stage entertainment and to top it all off, each child will receive a goodie bag brimming with treats, including a Target gift card.
WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Activity sign-ups begin at 11:00 a.m. and will kick off at 11:15am.
WHERE: The JCC (4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla). Ample parking is available in the lot behind the building.
HOW: While we would love to accommodate everyone, space is limited to 70 children. If you would like to attend, please FIRST clear this date is available for you and your case child with their caregiver, then send your RSVP to casakids@speakupnow.org by September 3. Don't miss out on this exciting day filled with joy, laughter, and memorable experiences!
*NEW*
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: Please join us for an in-person continuing education opportunity to learn more about How to Communicate with Your Case Child in a Trauma-Informed Way. Leslie Peterson, LCSW, RPT-S, and Kristen Sylvester, LCSW, from Rady Children’s Hospital, Chadwick Center will share the importance of trauma-informed advocacy, what this entails, and how you can apply it to your case. There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the presentation.
WHEN: Thursday, September 21, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
WHERE: VFC Chesapeake Office (9370 Chesapeake Dr., Suite 210, San Diego).
HOW: To attend, please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Kristen Brandley at Kristenbr@speakupnow.org by Friday, September 15, to reserve your spot.
WHO: CASAs and Youth 13+
WHAT: Registration is open for the 2023 Student Leadership Summit. Students from all over California with an interest in leadership are invited to this year’s free and virtual summit. The goal is to support the development and engagement of student leaders and to strengthen student voices’ impact on policy. The conference will feature key sessions on education policy, including safe school climates, environmental justice, education equity, demystifying change making, and creating career pathways. The program will also support stronger connections among students and deepen their ability to collectively make a difference in California together.
WHEN: Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7.
HOW: For more information and to register, please click here.
VFC Book Club
WHO: CASAs
WHAT: Please join the VFC Book Club! We are currently reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. We will hold an in-person meeting to engage in a dynamic discussion about the selection and enjoy refreshments together. You will receive a small group credit for attending the book club meeting, in addition to the 4 independent study credits received for reading the book.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: VFC Chesapeake Office (9370 Chesapeake Drive, San Diego).
HOW: To RSVP for the book club meeting, please reach out to Advocacy Supervisor Malorie De Witt at MalorieD@speakupnow.org by September 5, 2023. If you read the selection, but cannot attend the in-person meeting, please email Malorie to have your 4 independent study hours added.
Higher Education Resources, Scholarship Opportunities, and Financial Aid:
WHO: High School Senior or Current Higher Education Student
WHAT: Triple V is a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the accomplishments of talented young individuals in, including but not limited to, academics, sports, performing arts, entrepreneurship, and contribution to their community. Students that apply for the Triple V Me scholarship will receive an email with the next steps for the scholarship process, including an interview during which students have the opportunity to share their stories, aspirations, and achievements. Triple V then nominates the top 20 students and grants them scholarships from their $100,000 fund. To celebrate the achievements of the scholarship recipients, they will host an award ceremony in December that will include families, students, educators, and community members.
WHEN: Deadline to Apply: July 31.
HOW: For more information, visit www.triple3v.org, and to apply, please click here.
*NEW*
WHO: San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar College Students
WHAT: The San Diego Promise Program provides eligible students attending San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar College with up to two years of free tuition and academic support towards completing their academic and career goals. Eligibility: First-time college student, or returning SDCCD students who have not enrolled in courses for three or more semesters (not including summer), or identify with one of the following groups: San Diego College of Continuing Education students, foster youth students, veterans of the US Armed Forces, justice involved students/formally incarcerated students, and undocumented students.
WHEN: Information Nights:
July 26, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Zoom link
August 17, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Zoom link
Application Deadline: August 14
HOW: For more information or to submit an application, click here.
*NEW*
WHO: High School Senior or Current Higher Education Student
WHAT: SchoolHouse Connection, a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education, is now accepting applications for their Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program. The program provides scholarships to youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness to ensure they have the resources they need to successfully complete their postsecondary education. In addition to a $2,500 monetary award, recipients receive peer support, assistance with financial aid applications, and opportunities to engage in state and federal advocacy. To be eligible to apply, applicants must have experienced homelessness within the last six years; have been born on or after November 24, 2003; and be entering college for the first time during the 2024 academic year.
WHEN: Deadline to Apply: November 24. Applicants will be notified in mid-January.
HOW: For more information or to submit an application, click here.
Upcoming Info Sessions:
Info sessions are offered twice a month. Help us spread the word about VFC and our CASA program! Interested individuals can RSVP here.
Saturday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. In Person - TBD
Voices for Children Drop In Hours:
If you need to access the office to pick up a gift card, a car seat, or any other prearranged item, please prepare to stop by during these set hours:
Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Were you unavailable during a previously listed webinar or do you want to earn some continuing education credit? Visit these links for recorded webinars on topics pertaining to foster care. Make sure to contact your advocacy supervisor to receive continuing education credit: UP Project, Alliance for Children’s Rights, John Burton Advocates for Youth.
Visit the Children’s Activities page to learn more about fun and free activities for CASAs and their case children.
For details on upcoming Continuing Education and Small Group opportunities, as well as other CASA events, view our online CASA Calendar page. Visit VFC’s Independent Study Resource Library for a list of books, movies, shows, podcasts, and webinars that are approved for continuing education credit. Please email your advocacy supervisor to report any continuing education hours you complete independently.
Visit this online guide for a highlight on cultural and DEI events and outings in our community.
Web: www.speakupnow.org
Facebook: Voices for Children SD
Twitter: @Voices4Childrn