CASA Plans May 15 Virtual Human Race
By June Smith
With the Human Race on pause this year, CASA, along with the Friends of CASA is holding their own virtual walk with a hybrid option on May 15. Walk or run at any time or sign up for a socially distant walk time on May 15 at Elkhorn Slough from 9 a.m. until noon. CASA will notify in-person walkers of their scheduled walk time by May 3. Registration is free and all proceeds support foster children in Santa Cruz County. To register or donate visit www.casaofsantacruz.org
In a letter to supporters, Executive Director Lynne Petrovic and Development Director Magi Diego provided updates on how the staff has supported our community’s children.
The 2021 Quarterly Update included some incredible news. There is no longer a waitlist and CASA staff is proudly able to offer an Advocate to every child who becomes a dependent of the court in Santa Cruz County. Each referred child is thoughtfully matched with an Advocate within days.
Magi Diego
Magi Diego, CASA’s Development and Communications Director says, “The organization was able to apply for and secure two PPP (Payroll Protection Program) loans in 2020 and 2021 as part of the federal stimulus to help keep us afloat. These totaled under $200,000.”
Diego, who came from the tech marketing world after becoming an Advocate for a 12-year-old girl has an MBA from Santa Clara University and an undergraduate degree from UC Davis.
Here is her story:
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What made you decide to become an advocate?
In 2019, as a senior marketing director at Symantec, I found out the company was being purchased and knew I would be losing my job when the acquisition went through.
I would be an empty-nester soon, so it felt like a good time to grow more connected to the community. I had heard about CASA and realized this was a great way to give back with my strengths as a parent.
Did you want a child of a certain age?
I was open to being matched with any child, however, thought I would be a good fit for a pre-teen or young teenage girl.
I had a rough time in middle school and understand it is a crucial time in a kid’s life as they become more independent. I felt like I had a lot to offer a girl of that age.
How long have you been with this child and what kind of things do you do together?
I was matched in October of 2019. Pre-COVID I picked her up from school once a week to go to the beach, the harbor, or a park and get a snack.
Sometimes we would go to the movies or do an art project or see a show, so I got to know her quite well. In March of 2020, our regular visits stopped and we started communicating over text message.
Have there been any problems with the birth parents?
No. I build a relationship with the birth parents and worked with her social worker, attorney, and therapist to assure that she has a safe, stable, and happy environment.
Is this your 1st child, and will you take another one afterward?
This was my first CASA kid and, I would love to be matched with another youth.
Do you have children of your own?
I have two kids, one at UC Santa Barbara, and one at UC Davis.
I am now an empty-nester!
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CASA’S summer training dates are from July 19 — Aug. 18 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Class size is limited to 15 people. Zoom court observation dates are on Aug. 24 or 26 at 8:30 a.m. and the graduation date is Aug. 26.
A CASA advocate increases the well-being of a child in foster care, addressing mental, physical, and educational needs. They work to ensure the child’s safety while in foster care and help keep them connected to their culture and cultural identity. CASA volunteers advocate keeping families connected and together when safe and possible.
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CASA of Santa Cruz County
813 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville
www.casaofsantacruz.org • (831) 761-2956
Top Photo: Kids visit a horse with their CASA advocate.