C-mail,
your CASA connection
January, 2010
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My
first twenty days working at CASANYS have been spent visiting with
board members, program directors, and community members. I can’t
think of a better way to get a grasp on what it is we do, than from
hearing why people are involved with CASA. I want to thank all
those folks who spent so much time with me this month. I am truly
excited about working with all of you. My goal is to visit with
every program in my first year.My background is in fund development and our board has directed me to concentrate on increasing revenue. This year will be a challenge because we have lost grant funding and expect reduced funding from one of our major foundation grants. I am optimistic, however, because we have gathered together an amazing group of people who are committed to help us reach our goals.
We highlight those committees below.
I am also looking forward to being a part of the volunteer training being offered in Albany in February. Also, in April I will attend the 2010 National CASA Conference. There is a lot to learn about this wonderful organization, but I know that together we can do great work – and with your help, 2010 will be a banner year!
Penny
This month we’d like to highlight two committees who are working toward putting policy and procedure together for CASANYS. We hope to share materials developed by these two committees and will look for input from all our friends and colleagues during our work.
The Fund Development Committee—the purpose of this committee during these first few months will be to develop a Gift Acceptance Policy and a Development Plan. They have met already have begun to discuss these projects, as well as database management, annual reporting, grant research and funding, and board involvement. Committee Chairs: Cheryl Vallee and Lee Pollock
The PR/Marketing Committee—This committee will begin their work by reviewing existing CASANYS materials and work on branding. They will address mission, message, public education, fundraising tools, as well as media. They will reach out to other programs to share and compare and we thank you in advance for your input. Committee Chair: Carol Demme
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CASA of Jefferson County
Susan Kirkegaard, Program Director of Jefferson County, has been awarded a scholarship from National CASA that will allow her to attend the National Conference in April. Susan reports that this is the first time she has been able to attend and she is really looking forward to it.
Voices for Children/CASA Program of Broome and Tioga Counties
Broome-Tioga Program CASA Program Director, Kacey Ellsworth announces the hiring of Joy Lewis to their CASA staff. Joy will be supervising volunteers, reaching out to the community to increase program awareness and recruiting volunteers. Kacey shares, "We know Joy will be a great addition to our team."
Finger Lakes CASA
Bill Lamb, Director of Finger Lakes CASA, is pleased to announce the hiring of their new Volunteer Coordinator, Carrie Bellnier. She will be working out of their Geneva and Auburn offices.
EAC, Inc., Family Court Advocate Program - Nassau/Suffolk County CASA
The Family Court Advocate Program was asked to attend a conference sponsored by the Child Welfare Court Improvement Project. The initiative will develop a multi-disciplinary team representing Nassau County. The purpose of the team is to enhance court practices in child welfare proceedings. We at the Family Court Advocate Program are pleased (and proud) to have been asked to be part of this important initiative.
CASA Volunteer Trainings
CASA of the Capital Region
CASA of the Capital Region will hold a new volunteer training beginning Thursday, February 25, 2010 and continue through Thursday, April 1, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. The training will be held at Albany Family Court, 30 Clinton Avenue, Albany, NY 12207.
Other Trainings and Webinars
February 16, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Webinar
Making Marketing a Board Priority / Presented by Stacy Jones, Shoestring Creative Group
Marketing is often an afterthought for many nonprofits, and convincing a board of directors of its importance can be a challenging task. How often have has your board discussed securing more donors or having a better turn out at events but never connecting it to marketing efforts? This workshop will identify some steps to help a board of directors make marketing a priority. Cost: $35.00 NYCON Member / $45.00 Nonmembers. Log in information will be sent after registration.
To register for this event.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM (ET), Menands, NY | NYCON - Albany Office
SBTC: Developing a Fiscally Accountable Nonprofit Board - Albany. To register for this event.
Friday, February 19, 2010 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (ET), Menands, NY | NYCON - Albany Office
SBTC: Boards Role in Working with Staff Leadership - Albany. To register for this event.
Tuesday, March 2, at 1 p.m. - Webinar
CASA and Testifying / Presented by NYS Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration, Division of Court
Operations Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Court Improvement Programs
Presenter Margaret Burt, Esq. Details to come.
Let CASANYS know when your next Volunteer Training is to begin as well as any In-Service opportunities you would like to share with other programs, so that we can list them in next month's newsletter.
We offer here some activities for children of different ages. Volunteers are encouraged to print them out and put them in their CASA bags to take along when they visit the children. We are eager for feedback and welcome any suggestions for additional activities. Please e-mail us at newsletter@casanys.org.
Some Winter Activities
For Younger Children:
- Craft Project: Complete instructions for a couple of Winter craft projects.
- Activity Pages: Build a Snowman and Make a Paper Snowflake activities.
- Winter Coloring Pages
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The information contained in Direct From Albany is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State. This communication, including any attachments, may contain privileged and/or confidential information or knowledge that is otherwise protected from disclosure. It is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity addressed above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are strictly prohibited from any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication. If you received this communication in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. Thank you for your cooperation.
The information contained in Direct From Albany is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State. This communication, including any attachments, may contain privileged and/or confidential information or knowledge that is otherwise protected from disclosure. It is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity addressed above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are strictly prohibited from any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication. If you received this communication in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. Thank you for your cooperation.
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