The Voice, Fall 2019

FALL 2019

Volume No. 31 | Issue 1

in this issue:

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Kelly Douglas Advocacy for Appointed All Outcomes President & CEO

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CASAs Awarded for Commitment

“Every child deserves a CHAMPION: an adult who will NEVER GIVE UP on them, who understands the power of connections, and insists they become THE BEST they can possibly be.”

— RITA PIERSON

BOARD CHAIR

Dear Friends, It’s back to school season, a time of anticipation, energy, and a pang of sadness at the fading days of summer. For many of us, these changes create familiar rhythms on which we depend and around which we build our lives.

It’s at times like this that I think of the uncertainty faced by children who find themselves in foster care after enduring abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their own parents or caregivers. Unfortunately, the chaos doesn’t stop when they enter foster care.

Suddenly, these children’s lives include things like court hearings, attorneys, and therapists. One foster home turns into another and another, each accompanied by a new school, teacher, and classmates. The changing of seasons we may take for granted can add to an already overwhelming sense of instability.

Yet I’m encouraged knowing that Voices for Children is providing consistency and support to thousands of our youth across San Diego and Riverside Counties. By continuing to show up and invest in their lives, our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers give children the stability they lack and someone they learn to trust.

OUR MISSION

Voices for Children transforms the lives of abused, abandoned, or neglected children by providing them with trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs).

OUR VISION

Voices for Children believes that every child deserves a safe and permanent home and, to that end, will provide a trained CASA volunteer to every abused, abandoned, or neglected child who needs one, and advocate to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.

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MESSAGE FROM THE

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At the end of June, VFC closed another fiscal year having provided advocacy for more than 2,600 children in San Diego County, and actively monitoring the cases of all 3,600 children who spent time in the county’s foster care system. With an average of approximately 90 children on our waitlist throughout the year, we were able to assign CASAs quickly and intervene in countless dire situations.

In Riverside County, we finished the year having assigned CASAs to a record 412 children! In only four years, our presence in the county has received inspiring support leading to consistent growth.

Adding to these accomplishments, Voices for Children’s Board of Directors concluded a search for our next President & CEO in July with the announcement of Kelly Capen Douglas as our next leader. In the pages of this issue, you can read about her background, learn about the ways CASAs can provide support on cases with varying needs, join us in celebrating outstanding support we’ve received, and much more.

On behalf of the entire Voices for Children Board and staff, thank you for your continued dedication to children in our community, whose voices need to be heard.

Bill Sailer Chair, Board of Directors Voices for Children

ANNOUNCING KELLY CAPEN DOUGLAS AS PRESIDENT & CEO This July, Voices for Children’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Kelly Capen Douglas as our new President & CEO. Kelly has spent the last 26 years serving San Diego’s legal and nonprofit higher education communities. Most recently, she was the General Counsel of the University of San Diego since 2005.

She has been active in various community volunteer and leadership roles, including as Vice Chair of the Goodwill Industries of San Diego Board of Directors and with the National Association of College and University Attorneys. In addition, Kelly was honored by both organizations for her service, receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from Goodwill and the First Decade Award from NACUA. She was recognized most recently as a 2019 recipient of the First Chair Award for her contributions to the legal community.

Kelly and her husband, J.D. Douglas, Chief Financial Officer at the Challenged Athletes Foundation, have two adult children, Courtney and Collin, who are students at Stanford University. We look forward to Kelly officially beginning her role on October 14.

Although a CASA’s main role is as

Fun Without Faces

an advocate, many CASAs also have the opportunity to help their case child enjoy just being a kid. CASAs often send us photos of their case children enjoying an outing.

Through our ‘Fun Without Faces’ series, we are able to share these photos with the VFC community, while still protecting the children’s confidentiality.

(Clockwise, from top left): Riverside County CASA Cheryl took her case child to a shore-fishing clinic where he practiced patience and learned a new hobby; CASA Blair’s case child shared that her favorite part of Legoland was getting to enjoy it together with her CASA and her sister; Riverside County CASA Kathy and her case child spent a fun day painting and making handprints on plates to take home; CASA Alison and her case teen took a weekend trip to visit San Francisco State University, where she now attends. With CASA Alison’s encouragement, her case teen applied for financial aid and other scholarship opportunities.

VOICES FOR CHILDREN

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ADVOCACY FOR ALL OUTCOMES CASAs Provide Individualized Support for Children in Any Situation Picture this: you are 7 years old, and your parents have had another night of drunken fighting. But this time, you hear sirens outside your house and a knock on the door. Before you know it, your belongings are being shoved into a black trash bag and a policeman ushers you out the door. You’re too scared to protest, but you have so many questions swirling around your head. The policeman drives you to a big building where you are taken to a room with a bed, but you don’t sleep.

When a child is removed from their home, it is often a jarring and traumatic experience. But what happens once they enter foster care? How are decisions made for their future? And how can a CASA provide support when every child’s situation is different?

The key to understanding how a child moves through foster care is to understand permanency plans.

The key to understanding how a child moves through foster care is to understand permanency plans.

Permanency planning is the process of assessing a child’s situation, identifying their best interest, and preparing a plan for their future. At the outset of most cases, the preferred goal is to reunify a child with their parents or family of origin, and the permanency plan for the case is set as Reunification.

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As the case progresses, the court provides parents or caregivers with services and resources to assist them with regaining custody of their children. During this time, a CASA is able to provide support by getting to know as much as they can about the child’s situation, observing and listening to the child as they interact with or talk about their relationship with their family, and helping to keep the focus on the best interest of the child.

Sadly, parents do not always take advantage of these resources or are not able to meet the court’s standards to be safe and fit caregivers for children. In this case, the various professionals involved in a child’s case would search for other potential caregivers for the child, whether relatives or other connections, and the case plan would transition to Adoption or Guardianship.

A CASA can support plans of adoption or guardianship by staying apprised of how a child is doing in their living situation, helping a child transition from the possibility of reunifying with their biological family to other

possible opportunities for their future, and encouraging both the family and child to be patient and persevere through what can be a long, arduous process.

Finally, when all options for finding a suitable home for a child outside of foster care have been exhausted, the court transitions a child’s plan to Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement, or APPLA. Used as a last resort, youth with a case plan of APPLA perhaps need a CASA most of all. Although the child welfare system and court work diligently to find stable living arrangements for youth, this long-term plan frequently means youth don’t have any meaningful connections to relatives or other adults. A CASA can truly provide consistency during this time by continuing to show up for youth, helping to teach independent living skills, and supporting a child’s education by holding education rights, attending school meetings, and even helping with the college application process.

Reunifying Mother and Daughter Little Myra entered foster care at just 7 months old.

Her mother, Katrina, was the one to call the authorities. She shared, “That was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I knew things could not go on the way that they were. [It] was a last resort, but when I realized that the situation was out of control, that’s when I called.” In less than three weeks, Voices for Children’s matching team presented CASA Molly with Myra’s case, and she accepted.

Myra was transferred to a good foster home, and Molly visited her frequently. She reported that the little girl was healthy, growing, and meeting her developmental milestones. She even took her first steps at just 9 months old!

At the same time, Katrina was receiving services and meeting her goals. She was able to have supervised visits with the toddler, and CASA Molly was able to observe them together. At first, Katrina says she was very cautious around Molly. Katrina

shared, “As I saw her interest grow in my child where she was able to learn what Myra needed and what Myra wanted, that’s when our relationship started to develop a little more. She became a great source of comfort for our family.”

The next step towards reunifying — a 60-day trial visit — was able to take place after Myra had been in foster care for approximately seven months. This transition was challenging for the family, but Molly continued to facilitate communication, help them understand the process, and serve as a sounding board.

Katrina shared, “When I met [Molly], that was the turning point where I felt like, ‘We’re going to get through this. Myra’s going to get exactly what she needs.’ And that gave me a sense of peace.” In October 2018, Myra was able to officially reunify with her mother, just under a year from the time she had originally entered foster care.

One Boy’s Miraculous Adoption Janeen began serving as Michael’s CASA in 2014, when the little boy was just 1 and a half years old. His mother used drugs while pregnant, resulting in Michael being born medically fragile and experiencing developmental delays. He was immediately placed in a skilled nursing facility, where he spent the first four years of his life. During that time, Michael was ventilator dependent, fed by a g-tube, non-ambulatory, and confined to his hospital bed for the majority of his days.

CASA Janeen was not deterred by his condition and visited him at least twice a month, always with a new light up toy or sound-making book to engage his senses. Sadly, in December 2015, Michael began to experience multiple organ failure, and the doctors notified Janeen that they were preparing

end of life care for him. Setting aside her own emotions, Janeen visited Michael almost every day for a month. She would talk to him at his bedside, often without any interaction or response.

Then, in January, something miraculous happened. Michael began to recover. By February, he had improved to the point of walking with assistance, talking, and even attending a school program with a nurse. Janeen says he, “came to life and lit up the room with his emerging exuberant personality, amazing smile, and infectious laugh.”

On St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Michael was adopted into a wonderful family, proudly wearing his t-shirt reading, “A little luck and a lot of love make a family.”

In It for the Long-Term CASA Maggie was assigned to Isiah’s case in 2011 when the young man was 13 years old. He and his younger brother had been removed from their home after witnessing domestic violence. At the time, it was clear that Isiah had been deeply affected by what he experienced and even faced expulsion from school.

When Maggie was assigned to their case, she says she remembers Isiah as a “shy and awkward 13-year-old” who grew into a “defiant and troubled teenager.”

After several months, attempts to reunify the boys with their parents ended and Isiah’s case plan transitioned to Another Permanent Planned Living Arrangement (APPLA). With the teenager living at San Pasqual Academy, CASA Maggie focused her efforts on Isiah’s education. She held his education

rights and advocated to ensure his best interests were always at the forefront. Over the next seven and a half years, Maggie stayed by the young man’s side through many ups and downs, including some time in the juvenile justice system as a minor.

With Maggie’s continual support, Isiah began to look forward to turning 18 and gaining his independence. He began to consistently hold down jobs and look into community college and vocational training opportunities. According to CASA Maggie, “his maturity and level-headedness grew as he continued to make good choices.”

When Isiah turned 21 and his case was coming to a close, he told his social worker that Maggie was

Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of our children.

“more of a mother than [his] own mother.” Today, Isiah is married and a father to a healthy baby boy.

Like many CASAs, Maggie’s consistent presence filled the void of a consistent, trusted adult in Isiah’s life. Her unwavering support helped the defiant boy transform into a loving, responsible adult.

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Updates from Riverside County CASAs AWARDED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT

New Space

In May 2019, CASAs Summer Escorcia, Andi Greer, Lynn Harris, Stacey Morse, Carmen Ortiz, John Page, Carolyn Ponder, Tami Slagill, Samantha Tehrani, and Jasmine Valdez received the Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation HERO/Anti-Bullying Award. The award recognizes individuals who are working to address bullying in a meaningful way. Each of the CASAs honored has supported a child who has struggled with social isolation or bullying. We are grateful for their outstanding commitment to their children and modeling of healthy social relationships.

Voices for Children has opened a new office in the city of Riverside. After using space that was donated by the County of Riverside Housing Authority for nearly four years, it was time for the team in the Riverside metro area to have a place of their own. The new space features an open concept work area, a private conference room, and plenty of room to host CASA Small Groups and gatherings.

CASA Leon Green received a Child and Family Advocate Award from the HOPE Collabortive in June 2019. This is the third year in a row a CASA has received this recognition from Riverside County’s child abuse prevention coordinating council. Leon was recognized for his unwavering commitment to his case child of two years, a teenage boy. In addition to spending time with the teen and attending his basketball games, Leon has advocated for his education and mental health needs. Leon’s enthusiasm for learning and support for his case child are an inspiration.

Voices for Children continues to be very grateful for the office space in Murrieta that is donated by the County of Riverside Probation Department. In fact, VFC’s staff has been relocated in order to provide them with more space and greater access to meetings rooms. VFC has also maintained an office in Palm Desert since August 2017.

New Mailing Address VFC Riverside County PO Box 7219 Riverside, CA 92513

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Diane and Paul Goldring Garrett VFC is grateful to Diane and Paul Goldring Garrett of the BetterWorld Trust for the impactful investments they have made in growing a CASA program for Riverside County. This past spring, they made a leadership gift of $50,000 to launch “Fostering Growth,” a matching campaign made possible by Focusing Philanthropy to catalyze continued expansion in Riverside County (see page 8). Beyond their financial contributions, they have provided encouragement to our team since the program’s inception. Jessica Muñoz, Executive Director for Riverside County, shared, “Paul and Diane were among the first community leaders I met when I joined the team. Since that very first conversation, their support, enthusiasm, and authentic concern for children in foster care has energized and inspired me.”

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TOBY WELLS FOUNDATION HOSTS JOYFUL FOOTSTEPS Each year, the Toby Wells Foundation hosts ‘Joyful Footsteps’ at Blue Apple Ranch. Created to serve our San Diego children in foster care, this annual fall event offers opportunities to make lasting, happy memories. CASAs can bring their case children to join in the fun activities, such as horseback riding on the ranch, rock climbing, meeting farm animals, face painting, and much more. Some children are even able to bond with siblings they don’t get to see often. We are so thankful to the Toby Wells Foundation for continuing to support our children in foster care year after year through this fantastic event!

If you are a CASA and would like to bring your case child(ren) to this year’s Joyful Footsteps on Saturday, September 21, 2019, please email casakids@speakupnow.org.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS GIVE CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE A BRIGHTER FUTURE Voices for Children (VFC) is deeply grateful to the network of individuals and organizations who make it possible for us to provide life-changing advocacy to children in foster care. This year, the CASA program in San Diego County received generous support from organizations including the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation, the Sahm Family Foundation, the City of San Diego’s Community Block Development Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Focusing Philanthropy, Price Philanthropies, the David C. Copley Foundation, the Qualcomm Foundation, the Highland Street Foundation, the Roberts Foundation, St. Germaine Children’s Charity, C.J. and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust, the San Diego Foundation, the Jewish Community Foundation, the Rosemary Beth Moss Memorial Endowment, Massey Charitable Trust, the Morrison & Foerster Foundation, the San Diego County Bar Foundation, the Wilson Sexton Foundation, Day for Change, and the Rancho Santa Fe Community Foundation. These organizations are building brighter futures for foster youth one child at a time.

VFC also thanks the Rose Foundation, The Country Friends, and the Pacific Life Foundation for their support of our Infants and Toddlers program. Because of their support, hundreds of children from birth — 5 years of age will receive CASA advocacy during their most vulnerable years. The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund enabled VFC to provide additional advocates to children 16-years and older who are preparing to transition out of foster care. We are also grateful to the In-N-Out Burger Foundation and the County Board of Supervisors for funding an important technology upgrade, and the County Board of Supervisors for funding CASA recruitment efforts through the Community Enhancement Program.

Children in Riverside County are receiving CASA advocacy and hope for a better future because of the generosity of many foundation, corporate, and government partners, including the Riverside County Transportation Commission, BetterWorld Trust, Focusing Philanthropy, the S.L. Gimbel Foundation, Bluebird Legacy Inc., United Way of the Inland Valleys, the In-N-Out Burger Foundation, the Wells Fargo Foundation, Pacific Western Bank, Pacific Premier Bank, the U.S. Bank Foundation, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, BigHorn Golf Club Charities, and The Champions Volunteer Foundation. In addition, VFC is honored to be the recipient of Community Development Block grants through the U.S. Department of HUD from the County of Riverside, the City of Riverside, the City of Moreno Valley, and the City of Temecula. Because of our foundation and government partners, we are able to live out our mission of transforming the lives of children in foster care, and we are so grateful.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

The Zable Foundation Booker T. Washington said, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

The lives of San Diego County foster youth have truly been lifted up through the generosity of the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation. Over the past eight years, the Zable Foundation has been instrumental in helping Voices for Children carry out our mission by providing consistent and generous financial support. In keeping with the foundation’s aims to promote health and science research, and assist with programs that benefit youth, underprivileged individuals, and sport-related activities in San Diego County and beyond, they have supported the unparalleled support and advocacy of CASA volunteers. This year alone, the foundation has directly funded individualized advocacy for 100 San Diego County foster youth. We are deeply grateful for the impact they have had in the lives of hundreds of children who needed a voice, which will continue to impact generations to come.

VOICES FOR CHILDREN

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FOSTERING GROWTH CAMPAIGN Voices for Children is seeking the community’s support to secure $100,000 in matching funds from Focusing Philanthropy, an organization dedicated to finding and supporting charities who are effectively addressing severe human challenges and root causes of unmet need. In order to meet the match, VFC must raise $200,000 in gifts of $500 or more from private individuals. The funds raised through the “Fostering Growth” campaign will support the growth of VFC’s CASA program in Riverside County.

To qualify for the match, donations of $500 or more must be directed to Focusing Philanthropy. Donations are fully tax deductible and 100 percent of funds contributed will go to support our programs. All Focusing Philanthropy costs are covered by its founders.

Visit www.speakupnow.org/focusing-philanthropy or contact Jennifer Richard at jenniferr@speakupnow.org or 951-534-1043 for more information on making a contribution.

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve From water bottles to t-shirts, our new online store carries a wide selection of branded products that will help you show your support for Voices for Children. Browse our new gear now at shop.speakupnow.org.

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WELCOME NEW LEADERSHIP We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven new members to our Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2019–2020. Bill Sailer will continue his term as Board Chair this year, and his executive team includes AnneElise Goetz, George Lai, and Lise Wilson.

MELISE BALASTRIERI currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Development for MG Properties Group and has over 30 years of experience in Real Estate Investment and Multi Family Property Management. She brings to VFC her expertise in leadership, management, sales, and marketing.

RYAN BLAIR, a native San Diegan who is passionate about his family and community, began his banking career in 2005 when he joined City National Bank. He now holds the position of Senior Vice President and team leader in City National’s Real Estate Division. Ryan brings his expertise in new business development to VFC. HOLLIS PETERSEN, ESQ., brings her many years of experience as a labor and employment lawyer to VFC. Prior to launching her career in law, Hollis was an educator and school counselor, giving her the knowledge to best represent education-related litigations. She has received many awards for her work in the legal community.

NANCY R. PFEIFFER, originally a New Yorker, moved to Southern California in 2013. For decades, Nancy has run a property management business in New York, which she now operates remotely. In her spare time, she volunteers her time at several organizations; most notably, Nancy served as a CASA with VFC from 2016 to spring 2019.

KRISTI PFISTER is a community board member and attorney, who has practiced both civil and criminal public law. Having sat on the boards of the San Diego County Bar Association, the San Diego County Bar Foundation, and the California Western School of Law, Kristi brings a great deal of governance and strategic planning expertise to VFC. PENNY E. ROBBINS has been involved with many community organizations in San Diego, such as Rotary Club 33 and ZLAC Women’s Rowing Club. She brings to VFC her extensive background in marketing, public relations, and development. Penny is currently a Managing Partner for an exclusive custom yacht company based in Ft. Lauderdale, and previously served as the Vice President for a lead information services firm.

LAUREE SAHBA is the Chief Operating Officer of SDREDC, where she oversees the organization’s budget and programs supporting the region’s economic strategy. A 20-year veteran of association management in the San Diego region, Lauree also serves on the boards of NAIOP, Cleantech, and Startup San Diego. She previously served on the VFC Board from 2003–2013.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FY2019–2020 William B. Sailer, Esq., Chair AnneElise Goetz, Esq., Vice Chair Lise N. Wilson, Esq., Secretary George Lai, Treasurer Melise Balastrieri Mary Benirschke Ryan Blair Annette Bradbury Patty Cohen Nancy Banning Doyle Ann Parode Dynes, Esq. Gina Ellis Lisette Farrell P. Randolph Finch, Jr., Esq. The Hon. Susan D. Huguenor (Ret.) Erbin Keith, Esq. Richard Kintz, Esq. Kristen Livingston Andrea Payne Moser Jennifer O’Connell Hollis R. Peterson, Esq. Nancy R. Pfeiffer Kristi Pfister Penny E. Robbins Lauree Sahba Katie Sullivan Ted Tchang Dale E. Yahnke, CFA, CFP®

COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS COUNCIL FY2019–2020 Kathryn F. Ashworth, Esq. Stephanie Bergsma Rochelle Bold, Esq. David Bruce Holly Bruce Vicky Carlson Mindy Fletcher Mark Gleiberman Yxstian Gutierrez, Ed.D. Dwight Hare Patricia Hughes Craig A. Irving Dave Jackson Jimmy Janacek Yolanda Janacek Richard Kelley Marina Marrelli David Marino Patsy Marino Susan McClellan Lindsey Poker Claire Reiss Sheryl Scarano Cecil H. Steppe Robin Werner Pamela S. Wygod David Zeiger Alex Zikakis Lany Zikakis VOICES FOR CHILDREN

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Events WINE WOMEN & SHOES 2019 On May 18, Voices for Children hosted its 8th annual Wine Women & Shoes event, co-chaired by Patricia Brutten and Marina Marrelli.

Guests enjoyed a stunning fashion show, premium wines, delicious food, and an exclusive fashion marketplace at the Del Mar Plaza.

This year’s event was the most successful to date, raising more than $500,000 to support our CASA program!

This year’s fashion marketplace partners were Azzurra Capri, BE SEEN OPTICS, Cedros Soles, Jill Courtemanche Millinery, Loghman Jewelers, LOVEthirteen, Lux & Nyx, Nicole Miller, Paris and Pearl, Sea Biscuit Del Mar, SHADE Boutique, Ted Baker, and Zofia Day Jewelry. Wine & beverage partners included Cheval Winery, Conundrum Wines, Frias Family Vineyard, Glendalough Distillery, JuneShine Hard Kombucha, Justin Wine, Lapis Luna Wines, Scout & Cellar, and We Drink Bubbles. Event sponsors included the Scarano Family Fund at The San Diego Foundation, DBG Plastic Surgery, Giving Back Magazine, KPBS, and Ranch & Coast.

Counter-clockwise from top (l-r): VFC Board Member and Event Co-chair Dale and Julie Yahnke, Dorian Sailer and VFC Board Chair and Event Co-chair Bill Sailer, and VFC Board Member Mary Benirschke & Event Co-chair Rolf Benirschke; Hal and Debby Jacobs, Steven Strauss, and Jim Morris; Jim Laslavic, VFC Board Member and Event Co-chair Dale Yahnke, James Freddo, and Tom Gildred. Photos: Angie Ollman

FOSTERING HOPE GOLF CLASSIC 2019 On March 31 and April 1, Voices for Children held its 27th annual Fostering Hope Golf Classic presented by Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Advisors. This two day event, co-chaired by Rolf Benirschke, Bill Sailer, and Dale Yahnke included a fantastic cocktail party, 18-hole tournament, and spa experiences at the stunning Santaluz Club. In total, the classic raised more than $260,000 to support the CASA program.

AUTHOR LUNCHEON SERIES: AN AFTERNOON WITH ALICE HOFFMAN Tuesday, October 29 12–2 pm La Jolla Country Club

Clockwise from top (l-r): Becca Craig and Natalia Burgett; Kristi Pfister, Lourdes Bours, Cambra Finch, and Zoe Kleinbub. Fashion Show; Event Co-Chairs Marina Marrelli and Patricia Brutten. Photos: Tim Hardy

After a successful first Author Luncheon on March 19 with Gretchen Rubin, Voices for Children is again partnering with Warwick’s in La Jolla to present An Afternoon with Alice Hoffman. Hoffman is a distinguished and bestselling author with more than thirty novels and several short fiction, children, and young adult books. Some of her most renowned works include The Rules of Magic, The Marriage of Opposites, Oprah’s Book Club selection Here on Earth, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, and The Dovekeepers. This event will feature Hoffman’s newest work, The World That We Knew, which will be released on September 24. Join us on October 29 to enjoy lunch, thoughtprovoking conversation with Alice Hoffman, and a complimentary book signing, all in support of local youth in foster care.

For more information and reservations, please email events@speakupnow.org.

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Photo: Deborah Feingold

Additional sponsors included Katie and Dan Sullivan, AlphaCore Capital, Cooley, Dixon Diab & Chambers, G.A.G. Charitable Foundation, MG Properties Group, Mitchell International, Qualcomm Incorporated, KPBS, Kathryn Ashworth, Esq., and The Honorable Thomas Ashworth III (Ret.), David Bialis, Ann Parode Dynes and Dr. Robert Dynes, the Ellis Family Foundation, Debby and Hal Jacobs, George Lai, Diane Martin, Kim and Keith Shores, and Lise Wilson and Steven Strauss.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

POR NUESTROS NIÑOS

EVENT CHAIRS ANNETTE BRADBURY, LISETTE FARRELL, KATIE SULLIVAN, HAEYOUNG TANG, AND LISE WILSON INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM ON:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.SSN2019.ORG OR CALL 858-598-2271

B E NEF I T I N G V O I CE S F O R CH I L DR E N MANY THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS, INCLUDING: GEORGE LAI

HAEYOUNG TANG

AlphaCore | Annette & Daniel Bradbury | Capstone Advisors | Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP | Genentech Maravai LifeSciences | Pulido / Walker Foundation | Sempra Energy | Silvergate Bank | Cox Communications Susana Corrigan and Patty Cohen, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties | Eric & Zoe Kleinbub Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP | Procopio LLP / Andrea & Greg Moser VOICES FOR CHILDREN

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NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PA I D SAN DIEGO, CA PERMIT NO. 2759

2851 Meadow Lark Drive San Diego, CA 92123

Mark Your Calendars!

Information Sessions Learn more about the CASA program and what it takes to become an advocate.

REAL WORD SPEAKERS PANEL

Current and former foster youth share their stories and answer your questions.

Visit www.speakupnow.org for upcoming dates and locations.

Follow Us!

SAN DIEGO COUNTY Saturday, October 5 | 10:00–11:30 AM Wednesday, October 9 | 6:00–7:30 PM Thursday, October 24 | 8:00–9:30 AM Wednesday, November 6 | 6:00–7:30 PM Saturday, November 16 | 10:00–11:30 AM Friday, November 22 | 12:00–1:30 PM Tuesday, December 3 | 6:00–7:30 PM Saturday, December 14 | 10:00–11:30 AM Wednesday, December 18 | 6:00–7:30 PM

Check out all our events and happenings on our website: www.speakupnow.org/event-calendar

RIVERSIDE COUNTY Tuesday, October 1 | 6:00–7:30 PM Riverside Monday, October 7 | 11:00–12:30 PM Palm Desert Tuesday, October 8 | 6:00–7:15 PM Temecula Wednesday, December 4 | 11:00–12:30 PM Palm Desert Thursday, December 5 | 6:00–7:30 PM Riverside Tuesday, December 10 | 6:00–7:15 PM Temecula Register online at www.speakupnow.org/volunteer.

Voices for Children is active on social media! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and hear what people are saying about VFC and foster care issues.