February 2016

The CASA Project, Inc.100 Grove StreetWorcester, MA 01605Tel: 508­757­9877Fax: 508­792­1542www.CasaWorcesterCounty.org

Grants Awarded to CASA in2014/2015: George I. Alden Trust

Community Foundation of NorthCentral Massachusetts

The Fred Harris DanielsFoundation The Robert & Joan DircksFoundation

Dear Friends of CASA,

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Stephen Pitcher and Iam the Interim Executive Director for the CASA Project. I haveextensive experience assisting many organizations as an InterimExecutive Director in the greater Worcester area while the Boardsearches for a long­term and permanent Executive Director.

The Ruth H. and Warren A.Ellsworth Foundation

The Fletcher Foundation

The Jack & PaulineFreeman Foundation

George F. & Sybil H. FullerFoundation

The Greater WorcesterCommunity Foundation Hanover Insurance

Hoche­Scofield Foundation

Ludcke Foundation

Massachusetts Bar Foundation

Mildred McEvoy Foundation The MENTOR Network The George H. & Jane MifflinMemorial Fund

Milford National Bank CharitableFoundation

National CASA Association

The George and Alice RichFoundation

Rockwell Foundation

St. Francis Community Healthcare

Southbridge Savings Bank

Stoddard Charitable Trust

TJX Charitable Foundation

While I may be new to the CASA Project, I have been a fan of all theterrific court advocacy work it does on behalf of abused and neglectedchildren in Worcester County. Last week I was asked to explain howCASA works. I thought about it for a minute or two and then explainedthat CASA was similar to a large tree. Our wonderful volunteers are theleaves and we have many. Next are the branches, or the CaseSupervisors: Jim, Anne, Dianne and Nicole who interact on a dailybasis with the courts and their volunteers. As the branches blend intothe tree they form the trunk. First Lynn and Monica followed by Sinead,Deb and Kris. The Board forms the roots. They give us the oversightand nourishment that enable us to grow. As you can see, there are noindependent parts. It only works if we all grow together and that is whatwe must and will do.

Again, thank you for what you do and thank you for all the hard workyou ALL do to make Worcester County a better place for our mainresponsibility ... the kids! I look forward to working here and getting toknow you better over the coming months.

Sincerely,

Stephen M. Pitcher

***CASA News***

United Way of CentralMassachusetts United Way of Southbridge,Sturbridge & Charlton United Way of Webster/Dudley Webster Five Foundation The George Wells Foundation

Advocate Alliance ­ a group for CASA Advocates by Advocates

Please join us on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 5:30 PM at the CASA officefor our peer group meeting for CASA Advocates/Volunteers. Talk to otherAdvocates who have experiences similar to your own as they work to find safe,permanent homes for the children we serve. Help us to formulate this group tomeet your needs as an Advocate.

Please contact Dianne Starkey for more information and to RSVP.dstarkey@thecasaproject.org or 508­757­9877 ext. 15.

We would also like to know if there is any interest in forming a daytime(afternoon) group. Dianne would love to hear from you if this is somethingthat would be of interest to you.

Please Spread the Word!

Upcoming Volunteer Training SessionsCASA Office Worcester

February/March 2016Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. ­ 1:00 p.m.

February 23 & 25, 2016March 1 & 3, 2016March 8 & 10, 2016

May 2016Monday and Wednesdays 4:00­7:30 p.m.

May 9 & 11, 2016May 16 & 18, 2016May 23 & 25, 2016

Do you know anyone who would make a great CASA/GAL? Please share the above information! For more information, please call Sinead Fitzmaurice at 508­757­9877, ext. 11.

February Continuing Education Training Session

In lieu of a February Continuing Education Training Session at the CASA office, wewould like to bring to your attention the following program:

Working with Juvenile Justice System­Involved Youth Presenters:Julie Ann Lamacchia, LICSW CJCCICHL Program Director­Worcester County Juvenile Court ClinicMonica Ferraro, Ph.D.Regional Clinical Coordinator, Department of Youth ServicesLynsey Heffernan, JDJDAI Detention Reform SpecialistDepartment of Youth ServicesDanielle Audet, Psy.D., CJCC I & IIPsychologist, Worcester County & Boston Juvenile Court Clinic Training Description: Every year thousands of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable children,adolescents and families appear before the Massachusetts Juvenile Courts. Many

face mental health and behavioral problems, abuse and/or neglect, learningdisabilities, substance abuse and/or addiction, and cultural issues or barriers. histraining will present community providers with a basic understanding of the juvenilejustice system and the unique challenges in working with this population. Where & When:University of Massachusetts Medical School South Street Campus Amphitheater(4th Floor)333 South StreetShrewsbury, MA 01545February 5, 2016 9:00 A.M. ­ 3:00 p.m. (REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8:30A.M.) Educational Objectives:At the end of the presentation, participants should be able to describe:

Basic case processing for juveniles who have been arrested or before thecourt for status offenses (Child Requiring Assistance) includingforensic/mental health evaluations. The DYS system components and efforts to move youth out of detentionthrough the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative. Special populations and unique elements faced in working with juvenilejustice system­involved youth.

Registration:Please submit your registration form to Dianne Williams atDianne.Williams@umassmed.edu or fax to 508­856­6805 to register for thistraining. Conference Attendees with Special Needs:When registering for conference, please identify any accommodations or specialneeds/ASL interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, required for yourattendance. Target Audience:This presentation is geared toward providers at all levels in community settingswho deal with DMH juvenile justice clients.

Weather Emergency Policy: While the probability of delay or cancellation of theconference is highly unlikely, we recognize that we are all subject to the vagaries ofNew England weather. If a weather emergency does occur, and you are in doubtas to whether or not the course will be held, call 508­856­8709 before 4 p.m. onFebruary 4th. Please note: If we have inclement weather on the 5th we have analternative date scheduled: February 26th ­ same time but DIFFERENTLOCATION: UMMS Amptheater III, 55 Lake Avenue, North, Worcester, MA. Continuing Education Information:

Applications for MaMHCA/MMCEP and NASW continuing education creditshas been submitted. Please contact (508­856­8709) for the status of LMHCand Social Worker CE certification.

Registration Form

Agenda

Newly Trained Volunteers

Our latest class of CASA volunteer "graduates". We are so happy that these sixgreat people chose to give up some of their time to attend our training. And we arealso so very appreciative of their willingness to donate their time and energies onbehalf of the CASA Project. Each one of them has shown us that they are ready tomake a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children in our community.

Our next volunteer training class will start on February 23rd and you can contactSinead Fitzmaurice by email at sfitzmaurice@thecasaproject.org or by phone at(508) 757­9877 Ext. 11 for more details on how you can become involved­ andstand up for a child that needs you. Or visit our website atwww.casaworcestercounty.org. Thanks.

Help Us Fill the Shelves at the Worcester Juvenile Court

Children's Library!

We are in need of children's books for the bookshelves at theWorcester Juvenile Court. Please donate your new or gently usedbooks as the supply is running low. We are so happy that children whoneed to be in Court have a special place to go and enjoy a book andtake one home. You can drop books off at the CASA office ­ pleasecontact Lynn at ltesconi@thecasaproject.org if you have any questions.Thanks for your support!

For all of you who use Amazon.com this is a simple and automatic way for you tosupport your favorite charitable organization. If you indicate, Amazon will donate a

portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You canchoose from nearly one million organizations to support­ including the CASA

Project. For more information and to get started please visithttp://smile.amazon.com/about

CASA Worcester County is on Facebook!

CASA Worcester County is on Facebook! Please sign in to your Facebook account and follow usat www.facebook.com/CasaProjectWorcester. We hope to share the amazing work that ourvolunteers do every day on behalf of abused and neglected children in Worcester County. We willupdate the page frequently and let you know of CASA news and happenings. If you do not already have an existing Facebook account signing up is easy and free. Goto https://www.facebook.com/ to sign up today.

***Community News***

CHANGE THE LIFE OF A CHILDBECOME A FOSTER PARENT

Second Friday of the MonthBROWN BAG SESSIONS

12­1 P.M.Worcester Department of Children and Families

East Area Office151 W.Boylston DriveWorcester, MA 01606Call: (508)929­2000

The Bullying Remediation and Court Education (B.R.A.C.E.) partners are pleasedto announce their fourth annual Bullying Prevention and Education Conference,made possible by a generous grant from DCU for Kids. You MUST REGISTER for this free conference* by clicking the "Register Now"button at the bottom of this email to complete the registration process and receiveyour confirmation email. Stand for the Silent was started in 2010 by a group of high school students inOklahoma City, OK after they heard the story of Kirk and Laura Smalley's son, TyField­Smalley. At just eleven years old, Ty took his own life after being suspendedfrom school for retaliating against a student who had been bullying him for over twoyears. Stand for the Silent exists as a platform for Kirk and Laura to share theirstory, and offer education and tools that will prevent their tragedy from happeningto another child and family. To date, the Smalleys have been invited to speak in 42states and 16 countries, and have reached more than 1,250,000 youth and adults

at 1100 schools and community organizations. Dr. Sameer Hinduja Co­Director, Cyberbullying Research Center Florida Atlantic University/School of Criminal JusticeDr. Sameer Hinduja is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work onthe subjects of cyberbullying and safe social media networking, concerns that haveparalleled the exponential growth in online communication by young people. Hehas written six books, and his interdisciplinary research is widely published andcited in a number of peer­reviewed academic journals. As a noted bullyingspeaker, Dr.Hinduja also provides training to schools, youth organizations, parents,and teens on the best practices of identification, prevention, and response. Inaddition, he has been featured in media outlets that include CNN's AndersonCooper 360, NPR's All Things Considered, the BBC, and The New York Times.

*PLEASE NOTE:

Proof of registration will be required; please save or print your confirmationemail and bring it with you to the conference.Snow Date is Friday, March4th. A complimentary boxed lunch will be served; however, we regret that wecannot accommodate special dietary restrictions, so please plan accordingly.MaMHCA and NASW continuing education credits have been applied for.

REGISTER NOW Conference capacity is 350 ­ register early! PROOF OF REGISTRATION WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ADMITTANCE

Girls CHOICE of the YWCA is currently seeking long­term women VolunteerMentors for middle school and high school participants. A Mentor is a caring,responsible, adult volunteer who serves as a trusted friend and guide to a student.She helps to ensure that the student develops important academic and life skills, isexposed to new opportunities and a wide array of resources, makes positive lifechoices, stays in school, and graduates with a plan for pursuing post­secondaryeducation. This position will be supported by the Girl's CHOICE program as well asour partner Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The Mentor's Responsibility to Mentee

Meet two times each month engaged in a mutually agreed­upon activity withtheir mentee.Communicate with their mentee weekly­by telephone, email or text­to keep intouch about what is going on in their lives.Honor, all commitments made to the menteeBe respectful of the mentee's time, opinions, and decision­making.Serve as a positive role model by modeling desirable behaviors­e.g.patience, tolerance, and reflective listening.

Attached is more information.

Gabrielle FrickeCase Manager Girls CHOICE frickegabby@gmail.com

(908) 442­5769

MA Department of Children and Families One Day HiringEvent in Worcester

Saturday 2/6, 10:00am ­ 2:30pm See attached flyer.

DCF Hiring Event

HelpOurKids provides support to children in foster care, giving them things beyond

the basics that enrich their lives. HelpOurKids also helps them to establishindependent lives through providing housewares, furniture, and the things toenable them to be self­sufficient. They also provide music lessons, athleticequipment, duffle bags so they don't have to use trash bags, a college tour tobroaden their horizons, a crib bank to respond quickly for infant placement, theevent Fitting For The Future for special occasion clothing and many other forms ofsupport beyond the basics. Please visit their website for more information: www.helpourkidsinc.org

**JOB OPPORTUNITIES**

The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance

Employment Opportunity The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance is seeking a highly motivatedindividual to take on the Victim Services Coordinator position. The Victim ServicesCoordinator's role is to provide crisis assessment, information, and referrals tovictims of crime and their families along with outreach that supports coordinatedand collaborative responses to victims and survivors. Additional responsibilitiesinclude participating in outreach and training initiatives within the victim servicescommunity and assisting with educating survivors, providers, and policymakers onvictim rights and services. For more information on MOVA's current employmentopportunity, we encourage you to visit the link below for more details.

MOVA's Victim Services Coordinator ­ Employment Opportunity

Job Title: INTAKE SPECIALIST/VOLUNTEER SUPERVISORProgram: WCFRCLocation: WorcesterQualifications:

BA/BS RequiredExperience working with at risk families with childrenFamiliarity with Worcester's Social Service System and performing outreachon behalf of parent support initiatives strongly preferredExperience with event planning and group facilitation preferredGood written/oral communication skills, good computer skills Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends

Job Description:

Process all Resource Center Intakes and provide brief intervention, referraland advocacy for families and individuals who come to the CenterCoordinate special family events for the Resource Center and assist withfacilitation of parent education groupsTrain, supervise and assist with recruitment of parent volunteers and internswho support the work of the Coalition and Resource and Referral Center.

Assist the FRC Coordinator with the Collection and Compilation of data forthe Resource Center's Monthly ReportPerform Duties to ensure the smooth follow of the Center such as coordinatespecial events and prepare materials for outreach.The WCFRC Intake Specialist and Volunteer Supervisor will participate aspart of FRC team and assist with office coverage and group activities.The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday with occasionalevening and weekend hours.

Please submit your resume to Human Resources: Y.O.U., Inc. 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604 E­mail:HR@youinc.org Web: www.youinc.org Fax: (508) 849­5617 Y.O.U., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Provider whoactively supports equal access for all people (please visit website for completestatement). Paul J O'MalleyH.R. Generalist/RecruiterY.O.U. Inc(508) 849­5600 x306omalleyp@youinc.org

Job Title: Family Engagement SpecialistProgram: DYS Community Services ProgramLocation: WestboroughQualifications:

Master's degree in social work, counseling or family therapy requiredLicensure required in either mental health, social work or family therapy Experience in the juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health ordemonstrably related field(s).

Job Description:The primary role of the Family Engagement Specialist is to assist DYS CaseworkStaff in identifying strategies for engaging youths; families as an effective means ofreducing recidivism for the youth, improving family relationships and promotingpositive educational, employment and treatment outcomes.

Assists DYS Casework Staff in ensuring family engagement and, whenappropriate, provides time specific, direct family support.Assists DYS Casework Staff in effective family engagement; teaching and/orrole modeling effective skills/techniques they may adopt and incorporatewhen working with families.Provide clinical support and consultation to DYS regional and district staff.Participate in on going treatment meetings for committed youth.Work collaboratively with regional DYS leadership staff and district officestaff;

If you have any interest in this exciting position, please contact Paul Carey at 508­902­0080 ext 121 or you may apply on line at www.youinc.org This is a salariedposition with a salary in the mid­50's and benefits including health, dental, vacationand sick time.You may also submit your resume to Human Resources: Y.O.U., Inc. 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604Y.O.U., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Provider whoactively supports equal access for all people (please visit website for completestatement).

Job Title: FAMILY PARTNERResponsible to provide assessment and parent support to families with childrenwith CRA (child requiring assistance) related issues. The Family Partner will assistthe family in the development of a family support plan and coach the family toconnect with community resources. Program: Worcester Connections Family Resource CenterLocation: WorcesterQualifications:· GED or High School Diploma required;Bachelor's degree in ahuman service field preferred·Ability to work with families from diverse populations;

Experience as a caregiver of a youth with special needs and preferably ayouth with mental health needsMust have a valid driver's license and an automobile with proof of insuranceAssist the parent/caretaker and/or youth with learning how to network andlink to community resources and services that will support them in caring fortheir child(ren)Assist the parent/caretaker in assessing the youth and families' needs withregard to education, support, coaching, modeling, guidance andunderstandingAssist the Family Resource Center (FRC) clinician in conductingassessments and completion of family support plans.Actively collaborate with schools, courts, state agencies and service

providers with parental consentMaintain regular, face­to­face contact with the family as determined by theFRC's CRA Assessment Team and his/her supervisor and maintain regularcontact with treatment providersFacilitate parent education groups

________________________________________________ Please submit your resume to Human Resources: Y.O.U., Inc. 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604E­mail:HR@youinc.org Web: www.youinc.org Fax: (508) 849­5617Y.O.U., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Provider whoactively supports equal access for all people (please visit website for completestatement).

Job Title: SCHOOL LIASON

Program: Worcester Connections Family Resource Center

Location: WorcesterQualifications:

BA/BS in Social work, Counseling, Education, or other related field required,MA PreferredExperience working with schoolsFamiliarity with IEP's and other school processes.Knowledge of local community resources and community­based providersExperience working with families and individuals with a multitude of risk

factors and needsKnowledge of state human service systemsExperience developing strategic partnerships and experience navigatingmultiple, complex systemsPublic speaking, convening, facilitation and excellent communication skillsGroup facilitation skills preferredProficiency in the Spanish language preferred

Job Description:

Service as a resource to families, schools and the community in improvingoverall student attendance and graduation rates, reducing truancy rates,identifying systematic issues, barriers, trends and needs.Assist students and parents in identifying and accessing supportive servicesdesigned to improve the student's academic performance as well as workwith school districts to identify Family Members that may be in need ofsupport services Network and disseminate information, designing solutions and expandingsystem capabilityEnsures that all Family Members served by the Center are connected toservices that meet their individual needs.Oversee the establishment of a process to provide information and referraland direct assistance where possible for individual Family Members withschool related needsAssist with the facilitation of parent / youth groups and the implementation ofother activities within the CenterThe schedule for this position isMon­Fri with some evenings and occasionalweekends

Please submit your resume to Human Resources: Y.O.U., Inc. 81 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604 E­mail:HR@youinc.org Web: www.youinc.org Fax: (508) 849­5617 Y.O.U., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Provider whoactively supports equal access for all people (please visit website for completestatement).

Paul J O'Malley, H.R. Generalist/RecruiterY.O.U. Inc(508) 849­5600 x306omalleyp@youinc.org

Worcester Housing Authority

Assistant Director of Resident Services

Assistant Director of Resident Services to develop, oversee & monitor programs toserve WHA tenants. Report to the Director of Family & Resident Services, & havethe ability to work collaboratively & independently, & produce quality workmanaging multiple programs. Rqd: 4 yr college degree; 5 yrs direct supervisoryexp, incl 3 yrs providing direct services; ability to relate to tenants from diversebackgrounds; strong organization & communication skills; ability to speak Spanishpref; driver's license & insurability. Responsibilities: id tenant needs & implement &maintain programs; outreach to community groups to provide services; directoversight of summer camp. Salary: $50,000 ­ $60,000. Mail resumes to HR,Worcester Housing Authority, 40 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01605; fax 508­635­3186; or email jobs@worcester­housing.com. No calls. Reasonableaccommodations provided to applicants with disabilities. EOE. Preference providedto Section 3 applicants. Alex CorralesAssistant Executive DirectorWorcester Housing Authority32 Great Brook Valley Avenue, Suite 6Worcester, MA 01605* (508) 635­3259 ­ office* (508) 681­4760 ­ Faxwww.worcester­housing.com

***IN EVERY ISSUE***

The Boston Globe

GRANT(Globe Readers and Non­Profits Together)

A Great Way to Support CASA!

About GRANT: GRANT enables readers to show their support for non­profits by choosing whichones are given free advertising space inThe Boston Globe. Seven­day newspaper subscribers' vouchers are valued at $100; all othersubscribers (including website­only readers) receive vouchers valued at $50. It is up to each of our readers to decide which charity deserves his or her voucherthe most. The organizations with the highest donations will be able to spread theword about their valuable work through free advertising in The Boston Globe. Not a subscriber?Subscribe today to get access to The Boston Globe's high­quality, in­depthjournalism and breaking news as well as access to member exclusive content and

programs like GRANT. Go to: The Boston Globe GRANT Program

RSVP Worcester Area VolunteersNeed help with gas payments for volunteer work?

RSVP Worcester Area Volunteers is a non­profit organization that is a part of the Senior Corpsprogram and sponsored nationally by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).Located at the Worcester Senior Center, RSVP is locally sponsored by Family Services of CentralMassachusetts. Since 1971, RSVP has been connecting people age 55 and over with opportunitiesthat focus on compelling needs in the Worcester area. RSVP has more than 500 members who serveat over seventy local public and non­profit agencies in the greater Worcester area, including theCASA Project.In addition to helping match individuals with local volunteer opportunities RSVP also offers itsmembers the following benefits:

CIMA Accident and Liability InsuranceMileage ReimbursementVolunteer RecognitionMonthly NewsletterTraining Opportunities and Professional Development

To learn more about enrollment in the RSVP program please call (508) 791­RSVP or emailInfo@RSVPWorcester.org

There is currently an Urgent Needfor Foster Families in Worcester & the Surrounding Towns

Long Term...Short TermChange the Future of a Child in Your Community!

Did you Know?: ­That you can rent or own your own home

­You can decide on the age or gender of the child ­You may be single, married, partnered, divorced or widowed to become a

foster parent ­Foster families can decide to provide 10 day short term stays or longer

­All inquiries are handled individually and in confidence

Please Call Maria Benitez at 508­929­2086 or Roxanne Johnson­Cruz at 508­929­2125 for more information

1­800­KIDS­508www.mass.gov/dcf

NCASA MagazineNational CASA's Magazine has decided to "go green" and will publish their monthly magazine, TheConnection, exclusively online. Please email theconnection@nationalcasa.org to be added to anemail list to receive emails when the online version is updated.

Rein in a Dream

Therapeutic Horsemanship Center

­ Twenty years of success working with children with a wide range of challenges. ­ Serving children as young as two years old, as well as adults with: depression,anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, Autism spectrum disorders, learningchallenges­ Incorporating animals in a therapeutic setting.

See attached flyer for details

Rein In A Dream

Here is the updated resource listing of After School Programs in Worcester ­previously created by Community BuildThis project is funded by Worcester Public Schools

Worcester Public Schools After School Program

Worcester Community Connection Parent Guide to CommunityServices

The Worcester Community Connection Parent Guide to Community Services in English and Spanishare 4 ½ x 5 ½ inch guides that parents and service providers can carry around with them that put

lots of community resource information at their fingertips

Please place your orders now!

The Cost of the new English and Spanish guides is $2.00 each for Agency Providers($1.00 each forquantities of 20 or more) Both guides are FREE for Worcester parents (one copy per person).

(Please make checks payable to YOU Inc.)

Parents can stop in to pick up a free copy of the guide at:

The WCCC Resource & Referral CenterAffiliated with YOU Inc.

484 Main Street (the Denholm Building), Suite 460(4th floor)Worcester, MA 01608

Mondays ­ Fridays, 8:30 ­ 4:30pm

Orders must be picked up in person ­ we are unable to mail copies.Please call 508­796­1411

or email the order form to our intake worker Amanda Beeso at abeeso@worcesterccc.org

Mentoring Programs in Worcester Please click on the link below to see an updated listing of Mentoring Programs offered in Worcester.

Mentoring Programs 2015

The CASA Project, Inc., 100 Grove Street, 4th Floor, Worcester, MA 01605

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