March 2016

In This Issue

  • UNC Survey
  • National Social Work Month
  • Supervision dates
  • VOCA Grant (office update)
  • Volunteers & Spring Training
  • What’s your Time Worth

UNC Survey

University of Northern Colorado researchers are studying the relationship between school and placement stability and educational outcomes for students in foster care.

As part of this study, UNC reached out to CASA to provide an on-the ground perspective about the time frame between when a child welfare placement change and a school change occurs.

Please consider completing this FIVE QUESTION survey. It does not ask for any identifying information about you or your CASA Child.

https://unco.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9BlzOIT1QFyT9ad

Also included as an attachment below, for your reference, is a PPT on the foster care education data that were released last week and a preview of a research study that will be coming out soon on the relationship between school mobility and earning a high school credential.

If you have questions about this research, please contact Dr. Elysia Clemens 970-351-3044 or elysia.clemens@unco.edu) Information about the overall project can be found at: https://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=1674

National Social Work Month

Social Work Month 2016 – Forging Solutions Out of Challenges

Our nation’s more than 600,000 social workers have amazing tenacity and talent.

They confront some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families, communities and society and forge solutions that help people reach their full potential and make our nation a better place to live.

We celebrate the contributions of social workers during National Social Work Month in March.

Here are activities you can take part in to commemorate the month:

  • Honor social workers, and
  • Educate the public about the often unnoticed ways that social workers bring great good to our society

Volunteer Supervision

Colleen:
Summit/Lake/Clear Creek Counties – meet at the CASA office; conference room 101: Thursday March 10 from 2pm-4pm and Wednesday March 16 from 10am-12pm
Eagle County – meet at the Avon Library; small meeting room: Thursday March 3 from 10:30am-12:30pm, Tuesday March 22 from 10:30am-12:30pm and Wednesday March 30 from 11:30am-12:30pm

Jean:
Lake / Clear Creek Counties – meet at the CASA office; conference room 101: Tuesday March 15th from 2:00 – 4:00 and Wednesday March 30 from 1:00 – 3:00.

Office Facelift

CASA CD received a grant from VOCA to use for the purpose of updating our office and conference room electronic equipment and furniture. Allison will lead this project beginning in July. We may need some help from volunteers (moving & dissemination of old stuff, cleaning and painting.

New Volunteer Training

Our next training begins April 26. Let your Advocate Manager know if you know anybody who would like to volunteer. We have 4 volunteers completing training this week, and expect to swear them in next week.

Mindsprings Lunchtime Learning

HIGH COUNTRY: In Our Own Voice Living Well With Mental Illness.

Presented by: Annie Livingston-Garret and Skye Dayne

March 23, 12:00 – 12:50 at St. Medical Office Building, Anthony’s Medical Center, Miner’s Creek Room.

What’s Your Time Worth

In an article in the Summit Daily News, an accountant observed that many people are watching the bottom line a little more closely. This said, many are asking, “What deduction can be taken for volunteering, pro bono work, and other charitable activities?” The accountant reports that taking a deduction for time is simply not allowed. There are, however, expenses that can be deducted. As a CASA, remember to log your miles into your contact log. Let your Advocate Manager know if you require assistance using Optima. Our work is a labor of love and the children and families value your efforts.