DeKalb County CASA

🌟 September is National Kinship Care Month! 🌟

At DeKalb County CASA, we recognize and celebrate the extraordinary kinship caregivers—grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other relatives and fictive kin—who provide love, stability, and security to children, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive.

These unsung heroes are essential to our community, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to keeping families together. Join us this month in honoring kinship caregivers for their unwavering dedication, love, and resilience. 💙

We all know the difference a caring, consistent adult can make in the life of a child. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, or family member, having someone who believes in you, listens to you, and stands by you can change everything. 💙

For children in foster care, that kind of support is often missing. That’s where Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers come in. As a CASA, you can be the caring, consistent adult a child needs – someone who looks out for their best interests and ensures their voice is heard in court and in life.

Becoming a CASA means becoming a champion for a child who needs someone on their side. You don’t need to be an expert – just someone who cares deeply and is ready to make a difference. Are you ready to stand up for a child? Join us today and be that supportive adult who changes their future. ❤️

👉 Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer at www.dekalbcasa.org

❤️ Happy Labor Day from DeKalb County CASA! 💙

Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of all workers, especially our amazing CASA volunteers who tirelessly advocate for the children in our community. Your efforts are making a lasting impact every day, and we are truly grateful for your commitment.

Please note that our office will be closed today in observance of the holiday. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday. Enjoy a restful and safe Labor Day! 💙

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🍂 Welcome, September! 🍂

As we step into a new month, DeKalb CASA is excited to welcome September with renewed energy and commitment to our mission. The start of fall reminds us of change, growth, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of the children we serve.

Whether it's supporting our amazing CASA volunteers or advocating for the needs of children in foster care, we're ready to continue making a difference—one child at a time.

Let’s embrace this month with purpose and passion! 💙🍁

💙 Back to School Safety Month: Focus on Mental Health 💙

It is important to remember that safety goes beyond the physical. Mental health is a key part of one's overall well-being. This Back-to-School Safety Month, DeKalb CASA encourages our volunteers to check in on their CASA kids' emotional health.

Ask how they’re feeling about being back in school. Encourage them to talk about any challenges or anxieties they may have. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help.

Today is National Grief Awareness Day.

At DeKalb CASA, we are acutely aware of the deep impact that grief can have, especially on the children we serve. When children experience loss—whether it be the loss of a loved one, a home, or a sense of safety—grief can take many forms. It is a journey that is different for everyone and one that requires understanding, support, and compassion.

Our CASA volunteers stand beside children navigating these difficult emotions, ensuring they have a voice and the support they need to heal. Today, we honor those who are grieving and recognize the importance of acknowledging their pain, while also highlighting the resilience that often follows.

Kate's Club recently provided a Grief Education training for our Volunteers. Kate's Club is an amazing program whose missions is "to empower children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver, or someone important to them." Visit www.katesclub.org to learn more about the programs and resources they provide.

✨ to Saturday, August 24th! ✨

What a fabulous day it was for the DeKalb County CASA team! Our dedicated volunteers, Board members, and staff came together for a day filled with educational workshops, an inspiring keynote speaker, and the opportunity to connect with over 500 fellow attendees at the Georgia CASA Conference.

A highlight of the day was the Annual Awards ceremony, where our very own Board President, Alecea Quintyne, was honored with the CASA Board Leadership Award! 🎉 We couldn’t be more proud of Alecea and all of this year’s awardees.

Congratulations, Alecea—your leadership and passion continue to inspire us all! 💙

🎉 Happy Birthday, Justine! 🎉

Today, we’re celebrating our amazing Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, Justine Ferreira! Not only does she play a key role in recruiting and retaining the incredible volunteers who support our mission, but she also wears so many other hats. From writing our monthly newsletter, The Beacon, to collaborating with other organizations for volunteer training, to representing DeKalb CASA at community and outreach events, Justine does it all with dedication and a smile. 💙

Join us in wishing Justine a very happy birthday and thanking her for all that she does to keep our DeKalb CASA family strong and thriving! 🎂🎈

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

For those of us in the CASA community, we know how important self-care is, especially in the work we do advocating for children. Having a dog can be a great source of stress relief, companionship, and comfort. Whether it's a wagging tail after a long day or a walk that helps clear your mind, dogs remind us to slow down, enjoy the moment, and care for ourselves, too. 💙

Today, we want to celebrate the dogs that bring joy to our lives! Share a photo of your furry friend in the comments and let’s celebrate the unconditional love and happiness our dogs bring to us every day. 🐶💕

🌟 Join us for the National CASA/GAL Association For Children's fundraiser! 🌟

Lace up your sneakers, leash up your furry friends, and get ready to make a difference on September 28-29! Whether you challenge yourself with a strenuous run or enjoy a leisurely walk, your participation will help change the lives of children and families in our community. Let's come together and show our support! 🏃‍♂️🐾👟
Learn more and register at: https://give.nationalcasagal.org/event/walk-run-thrive-2024/e591151?c_src=email

💫 Today Alecea Quintyne, DeKalb County CASA's President and Board Chair received the Georgia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Board Member Leadership Award at the Georgia CASA Conference!

We appreciate Alecea's leadership and especially so during this most recent time of transition.

As Georgia CASA shared in the Conference Program, "Alecea Quintyne has been an indispensable leader at DeKalb County CASA for over eight years, serving as a board member, vice president and, for the last four years, as president.

Alecea's leadership was particularly evident when the long-tenured Executive Director had an unexpected and extended leave. Stepping in to assist both personally and professionally, Alecea ensured DeKalb County CASA continued to function smoothly and efficiently during thhis challenging time."

Congratulations Alecea!!!

🎉 August is Family Fun Month! 🎉

At DeKalb CASA, we believe in the importance of spending quality time together. Whether it's a game night, outdoor adventure, or a simple meal shared, these moments help create lasting bonds and build a strong foundation for children to thrive.

Let’s make this month extra special by celebrating family fun in our community! Share your favorite family activities in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to make memories that last a lifetime! 💙

The Georgia CASA Conference is tomorrow! We are looking forward to joining CASA volunteers, staff, and supporters from all over the state for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. We are excited to celebrate our Volunteer of the Year, Ms. Doris Savage and our Board Chair, Alecea Quintyne, the Georgia CASA Board Leadership Award winner. Stay tuned for more photos after tomorrow's conference!!!

On any given day, over 8,000 children are in the foster care system in Georgia, approximately 900 in DeKalb County. There are many ways you can help a child in foster care-Become a CASA volunteer, host an Information Session where others can learn about CASA and the impact our volunteers make, or donate to help us recruit screen, and train community volunteers to advocate on the best interests for these abused and neglected children. Visit our website to learn more about volunteering and to donate: www.dekalbcasa.com or email [email protected] to host an Information Session or discuss volunteering.

Congratulations Alecea!!! We are so excited for you! We look forward to celebrating with you at the Georgia CASA Conference on Saturday!!!

🌟💙 Each child we support represents a precious life transformed. Together, we're writing stories of resilience and hope. Join us in reaching those in crisis, one child at a time! Learn more at www.dekalbcasa.org

The strength of the CASA community lies in our shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in foster care. Together, we can achieve great things. Join us. Learn more at www.dekalbcasa.org

The DeKalb County CASA Program will be out in Dunwoody tonight at National Night Out (NNO). Come by and say hello. There will be food, fun and a lot of information and resources at the event. NNO is being held at Brook Run Park 4770 N. Peachtree Road 30338 5-8 p.m. We hope to see you there!

It's National Family Fun Month! Reunification of children with their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. Help us make more happy reunions possible by becoming a CASA volunteer.

Every CASA volunteer is a vital part of our community, bringing unique strengths and perspectives to support children in foster care. Together, we create a network of care and advocacy.

Doris Savage has been a dedicated DeKalb County CASA volunteer for the past 24 years. She has served over 20 CASA children during her tenure; positively impacting each of their lives! She is a 2024 Georgia CASA Volunteer of the Year Nominee! Thank you, Ms. Doris, for all that you do and give!

"Ms. Doris has shown up for court, attended panel reviews, plays, school functions, IEPs, birthday parties, guardianship hearings, reunification hearings, graduations, and our CASA in-services, parties, community outreaches and drives, CASA conferences and all things CASA since she was sworn in 2000. Ms. Doris walked into DeKalb CASA to impact lives and be that one constant for the children she was assigned to, and she was in so many of her cases!"

Ms. Doris Savage has dedicated 24 years as a DeKalb County CASA Volunteer and is a nominee for Volunteer of the Year. She has positively impacted over 20 children, including sibling groups. Her unwavering commitment shines through her attendance at court hearings, school events, birthday parties, and more. Ms. Doris is an exemplary volunteer with unmatched passion, patience, and expertise, ensuring each child’s best interests are always represented. Thank you, Ms. Doris, for your incredible dedication and heart! 💖

CASA volunteers are not just advocates; they are part of a community dedicated to changing lives. Experience the support and camaraderie that comes with being a CASA volunteer. Learn more at www.dekalbcasa.org

Being a CASA volunteer means joining a community of dedicated individuals who share a common goal: to improve the lives of children in foster care. Join our community and make a lasting impact. Learn more at www.dekalbcasa.org

to our amazing experiences at previous National Night Out events! 🎉 We’ve had such a great time connecting with our community and sharing wonderful moments with all of you.

We’re excited to invite everyone to join us again next Thursday, August 15th, from 5-8 p.m. at the Dunwoody Police Department's event in Brook Run Park. Come out for an evening of fun, food trucks, community bonding, and meeting public safety professionals. Be sure to stop by the DeKalb County CASA table. We can't wait to see you there!

🚸 Back to School Safety Month: School Bus Safety 🚌

As we begin a new school year, let's prioritize the safety of our children. Did you know that school buses are the safest form of transportation for school children?

Check out this informative article from the National Safety Council to learn more about why school buses are the safest transportation option: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/buses-safest-transportation-for-school-children

Remember to always stop for school buses, follow traffic rules, and stay alert to ensure our kids get to and from school safely. Let's work together to make this school year safe and successful! 🚦🛑

Reunification is a key goal for children in foster care. CASA volunteers work tirelessly to support families and reunite children with their parents whenever possible. Your involvement can help families reunite.