News Category

House Budget Committee Proposal Jeopardizes Children’s Funding

Today, the House of Representatives will vote on the FY 2013 proposal, which will cut tens of billions of dollars of vital funding for child welfare programs. Contact your legislators and ask them to protect children.

Visit First Focus for more information.

“Fight Child Abuse with a Fork!”

CASA of West Central Louisiana (West CenLA) has begun a campaign to “Fight Child Abuse with a Fork,” in partnership with Mi Rancho, Get Healthy and Java Joes. A percentage of sales from the three restaurant on certain days will go to the CASA program as part off their efforts to increase community engagement with CASA.

You can read the full article here, and learn more about CASA of West CenLA here.

“CASA Volunteers Changing Lives” in South Louisiana

“The Daily Advertiser” did a piece on CASA SOLA, their volunteers, and the children their services have helped. Blake Safarik,  a former foster child, said of his CASA volunteer, “”He has done a lot for me, he helped me save up for my very first vehicle, helped me with my finances, showed me the ropes of growing up.”

You can read the full article here.

 

Early Childhood Adversity Ages Children’s DNA

A recent study has found that exposure to violence in early childhood can alter DNA in a way similar to premature aging. Kids exposed to two or more types of violence could be at risk for developing heart attacks, memory loss, and other diseases associated with aging 10 years earlier than their peers.

You can read the full article here.

“CASA Program Gives Children a Voice”

The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia wrote an in-depth article in their “Good News” magazine about Sister Donna Fread’s work as a CASA volunteer, and the impact she has made in finding safe, permanent homes for abused and neglected children, while respecting the rights of the parents. She stated “I am always looking out for the children but I also try to empathize with the parents who are struggling.”

You can read the full article here.

Message from National CASA on the Impact of Federal Funding Cuts

National CASA CEO Michael Piraino wrote a blog post on the impact of ending federal funding for the Victims of Child Abuse Act, which provides funding to National CASA.

He states, “The ratio of expenses to overhead for CASA is among the best in the nonprofit world. A single dollar invested in CASA programs yields $23.40 in savings in the foster care and child welfare system.

So why would anyone allow the $12 million in funding CASA receives through the Victims of Child Abuse Act to just disappear?

Sure, $12 million sounds overwhelming when you think about your family’s budget. But in terms of the Administration’s proposed budget, $12 million amounts to about 3 ten thousandths of one percent of federal expenditures. Put another way: the elimination of funding for CASA advocacy is meaningless in terms of federal deficit reduction.”

You can read the full blog post here.

BCBS of Louisiana Foundation Angel Award

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2012 Angel Award. The Angel Award recognizes volunteers who go above and beyond to help Louisiana’s at-risk youth, and includes a $20,000 grant for the winner’s charity. For more information, click here.

CASA of Lafourche “Run for the Child 5k” in Memory of Ed Orgeron

Thibodaux Rotary Club is presenting CASA of Lafourche’s annual “Run for the Child” 5K in memory of Ed Orgeron on March 31, 2012 on the Nicholls State University campus next to the football stadium! Souled Out will be performing with food from several sponsors such as Fremin’s/Flanagan’s, Gina’s Catering, Cashio’s, Chili’s, Lindell Toups, Bourgeois Smokehouse, Bourgeois Meat Market, La Palma, Coke, Pepsi, Grady V’s American Bistro, Shop-N-Bag, Thibodaux Fire Departments and Uncle T’s Cookies! The 1/2 mile Fun Run for kids will begin at 5:00pm and the 5K begins at 5:30pm. Registration is available now at casaoflafourche.blogspot.com or by calling 446-6600. Registration will open at 4:00pm the day of the race as well!

Registration Form
Flyer

Child Advocacy Services “Voice for Children” Video

Child Advocacy Services has produced a new video to promote the services they provide through their CASA and CAC programs. Special thanks to AmeriCorps VISTA member Alexis Champagne for all of her efforts with this project. The work Alexis put in on this project is a prime example of the lasting impact AmeriCorps VISTA’s can have on the programs that they serve with.

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu Resolution on Permanency Passes

Louisiana’s U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu authored a Senate Resolution on the rights of children to find a safe, permanent and loving home February 14th. She states, “Valentine’s Day reminds us of a simple idea of love: Every child has a right to be cared for within a safe and permanent family. The first call I made Tuesday morning was to my husband and kids to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day. But sadly there are millions of children who may not have received a call or valentine from a parent because they are orphans.” You can read her full press release on the resolution here, the full text of the resolution here, and watch youtube highlights of her speech here.