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CONTACT: Cita Rasul, Outreach Coordinator (831) 761-2956, ext. 102 cita@casaofsantacruz.org DATE: August 24, 2015 Volunteer your time to change a child’s life Did you know that a child in foster care that has a CASA volunteer is more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to return to the foster care system? You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are everyday people, trained by CASA and then appointed by judges to advocate for the safety of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Advocates are fully supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interests of the child. A CASA volunteer spends time with his or her child each week (2-4 hours on average), offering friendship and emotional support while helping the child rebuild trust and self-esteem, as well as gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, we always encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more. For many children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. For many volunteers, CASA is a life-changing experience that brings personal fulfillment, as well as making a positive contribution in our community. Start your journey today. Upcoming Informational sessions are: Tuesday, September 8, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at at Zizzo’s Coffee, located at 3555 Clares St., Ste. PP in the Brown Ranch Shopping Center, Capitola Wednesday, September 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville Thursday, September 17, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Buttery, located at 702 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz Friday, September 18, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Surf City Coffee, located at 9105 Soquel Drive in Aptos Tuesday, September 29, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Starbucks, 2024 Freedom Blvd. in Freedom RSVP for an information session at www.tinyurl.com/CASAorientation For more information contact: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County http://www.casaofsantacruz.org/ • Phone: (831) 761-2956 email: casavolunteer@casaofsantacruz.org