DeKalb County CASA Beacon

We are thrilled to announce that Jill Davis has been honored with The Margaret "Maggie" Goldman Philanthropy Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication to the children and program of DeKalb County CASA. Over the past two years, Jill, along with her husband's foundation, has made significant contributions to our Holiday Wish List, providing crucial support during a time of great need. But Jill’s generosity extends far beyond financial donations—she continues to actively volunteer, advocating for three children currently in foster care.

Jill has been a CASA volunteer since September 2019, dedicating herself to ensuring that every child on her caseload is heard, valued, and provided with the right services. Her passion for advocacy led her to join the DeKalb CASA Board of Directors in March 2023, further solidifying her commitment to the mission.

Her Advocacy Coordinator, Karmell Zimmerman, shared, "Jill has fearlessly and relentlessly dedicated her time, talents, and heart to making sure that the children on her cases were heard, had the right services, were protected, and valued."

Jill is more than a volunteer or a board member—she is a true Champion for Children and an invaluable part of our CASA team. We are deeply grateful for her tireless efforts and unwavering support, which have made a lasting impact on the lives of children in foster care and the work of the DeKalb County CASA Program as a whole. Congratulations, Jill, on this well-deserved honor!

We’re thrilled to welcome Tabitha Carney, PharmD, MBA, MSHA, BCPS, as the newest member of the DeKalb County CASA Board of Directors! Tabitha is a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist in Pediatrics and Neonatology at Emory University Hospital Midtown, where she has dedicated 23 years to advancing medication safety and quality improvement. Additionally, she serves as the Post-Graduate Year One Pharmacy Residency Program Director, guiding and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center with a Doctor of Pharmacy and Georgia State University with both an MBA and a Master of Science in Health Administration, Tabitha brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service to her role. She completed the United Way Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP) in 2010 and has since served on the boards of Dream House for Medically Fragile Children and the Ivy and Roses Community Fund, Inc. Her commitment to community and youth mentoring aligns beautifully with the DeKalb County CASA Program’s mission.

Tabitha’s hobbies include traveling, baking, cake decorating, and spending time with loved ones. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We’re excited to work alongside Tabitha as she joins us in advocating for children and families in our community. Welcome, Tabitha!

This holiday season, the DeKalb County CASA Program is on a mission to make the season brighter for the children we serve—and we need your help! From Monday, November 4th through November Monday, November 18th, we’re launching our $1500 in 15 Days campaign to raise funds for holiday gifts for the children in our program. With your support, we can create joy and excitement during the holidays for children who may not otherwise experience this simple delight.

Our goal is to raise $1,500 in just 15 days, and every donation—large or small—will go directly toward purchasing gifts for DeKalb CASA children. Imagine the smiles we can bring to their faces with a new toy, book, or warm winter clothing to make the season just a little brighter.

Please join us in making a difference by contributing to our campaign from November 4th to November 18th. Together, let’s bring warmth and holiday cheer to every child in our program. Thank you for helping us share the joy! You may make a donation via our PayPal account here

or donate via our website at https://www.dekalbcasa.org/donate

You may also mail a check to:

DeKalb County CASA Program

P.O. Box 768

Avondale Estates, GA 30002

All donations are tax-deductible; a donation receipt will be sent to you for tax purposes. No donation is too small. Thank you for your support.

Hello, amazing Volunteers!

If you haven't already done so, please remember to email your signed Volunteer Handbook Acknowledgement Form to Jami Quinonez-Silverthorn, DeKalb County CASA Trainer, as soon as possible. You can send it directly to her at jami.quinonez-silverthorn@dekalbcasa.org.

Thank you for your attention to this important step in our volunteer process!

The DeKalb County CASA Program will be closed on Monday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day. The CASA office will resume normal hours on Tuesday, November 12th. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.

We will also be closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday. The CASA office will resume normal hours on Monday, December 2nd following Thanksgiving. We wish everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving holiday!

As November begins, the DeKalb County CASA Program is proud to recognize National Adoption Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about adoption, celebrating the children and families whose lives are forever changed by adoption, and highlighting the importance of permanency for children in foster care. For CASA volunteers, National Adoption Month is a meaningful opportunity to honor the work they do in advocating for their CASA children’s needs, including adoption.

Mark your calendars for December 3, because it’s that time of year again—the season of giving! The DeKalb County CASA Program is thrilled to be part of Georgia Gives on Giving Tuesday, joining thousands of nonprofits statewide for this incredible day of community giving and generosity.

Georgia Gives, held every year on Giving Tuesday, is an opportunity for people all over Georgia to come together and make a difference in their communities. Every donation made on this day helps DeKalb County CASA continue its mission to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the juvenile court. By contributing to our program, you’re helping us train and support CASA volunteers who provide invaluable guidance and advocacy for children navigating the foster care system.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to DeKalb County CASA, we invite you to participate! Any gift, no matter the size, directly impacts our work. So, join us in spreading the word and making this Giving Tuesday a powerful day for DeKalb CASA and the children we serve. Together, let’s make a difference! Visit our Georgia Gives on Giving Tuesday page here. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to celebrating Georgia Gives with you on December 3! Early giving begins November 1st.

On Saturday, October 19th, the DeKalb County CASA Program was delighted to join the Access and Resource Center’s (ARC) Annual Fall Festival! Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this lively community event brought together nonprofits, local organizations, and families for a day filled with fun, resources, and a touch of spooky season magic.

The DeKalb County CASA Program joined other community organizations to share resources and connect with attendees. We handed out candy and swag to trick-or-treating children while providing families with information about our advocacy efforts for children in foster care and volunteer opportunities. The ARC staff created an inviting atmosphere with their decorated cars for the trunk-or-treat event and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had an unforgettable experience.

Festival highlights included bowling, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, free Bruster’s Ice Cream, raffle prizes, and even fresh popcorn! The energy was high, the costumes were fun, and the smiles were everywhere. We had a fantastic time meeting so many wonderful people and are so grateful to the ARC for including DeKalb CASA in this festive celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we can’t wait to participate again next year!

We are thrilled to announce Jackeline Safran as our November 2024 DeKalb County CASA Volunteer of the Month! Sworn in as a CASA volunteer on November 17, 2023, Jackeline has since exemplified true dedication and compassion in her role, faithfully advocating for children and families. She was nominated by her Senior Advocacy Coordinator, Vickie Thomas, who praised her commitment, saying, “Ms. Jackeline Safran has remained faithful on the same case. She works hard and keeps in contact with the mother, bridging the gap between DFCS and the mother. She has a unique ability to connect with the family, sharing in their journey and listening to their experiences. Ms. Jackeline provides thorough, accurate court reports and maintains strong communication with all collaterals involved in the case.”

Jackeline’s steadfastness, attention to detail, and compassionate approach make her a shining example of what it means to be a CASA volunteer. Her efforts truly reflect our mission to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. Jackeline, thank you for your unwavering dedication and service. We are deeply grateful for everything you do.

Please join us in congratulating Jackeline for her commitment to her CASA children and our Program!

Please join us in wishing these incredible volunteers, who are celebrating Birthdays in November, a wonderful birthday and year ahead!

Bailey Huguley - November 4th

Summer Terry- November 7th

Rachel Avrunin- November 8th

Logan Whiteside- November 8th

Phyllis Allen-November 9th

Tom Underwood - November 12th

Carissa Wetzstein- November 14th

Deborah Jackson- November 20th

Doris Savage- November 24th

Marsha Francis-November 29th

Happiest of birthdays to you all!

11 Years

Deborah Jackson

Mary Starck

7 Years

Kate Binzen

4 Years

Shelley Smart

2 Years

Ale'cia Harden

1 Year

Turkessa Blitch

Jami Hanneman

Karah Lindsey

Debra McCullough

Jackeline Safran

Summer Terry

Thank you all for your unwavering commitment and support. Your dedication and passion have made a profound impact on the lives of the children and families we serve. We are so thankful to have you as part of our DeKalb CASA team. Happy Anniversary!

Celebrating Karmell Zimmerman’s 12-Year Anniversary with DeKalb CASA!

On November 1st, we proudly celebrate Karmell Zimmerman’s incredible 12-year journey as our Advocacy Supervisor, Senior Advocacy Coordinator! Karmell’s kind spirit, genuine care, and unwavering support for our volunteers and staff make her an invaluable part of the DeKalb County CASA Program. She has an amazing gift for bringing warmth and light wherever she goes, often sharing a good joke to lift spirits and inspire smiles.

Karmell truly embodies the heart of DeKalb CASA, and we are so grateful for her dedication and compassion. Join us in celebrating Karmell and thanking her for all she does to make DeKalb CASA a place of support, kindness, and joy!

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to Chastity Rogers!

Join us in celebrating Advocacy Coordinator Chastity Rogers on her birthday, November 20th! Chastity is a fierce advocate, a supportive advocacy coordinator, and an outstanding teammate, and we’re so lucky to have her on our team. Her dedication to our mission and her unwavering commitment to her work inspire us every day.

Happy Birthday, Chastity—we appreciate you and hope your day is as fantastic as you are!

Per National CASA guidelines, all DeKalb County CASA volunteers are expected to fulfill 12 hours of annual continuing education. To meet this requirement, volunteers have the flexibility to engage in various educational opportunities such as conferences, workshops, webinars, reading books, watching relevant movies, and utilizing other educational formats. Topics encompass a wide range: including child welfare, child abuse, neglect, cultural awareness, domestic violence, substance use, mental health, medical conditions, food insecurity, poverty, and more. For further details or assistance in accessing educational resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to Justine Ferreira via email. We're here to support your ongoing learning and development as a CASA or Education Advocate volunteer.

DeKalb County CASA Virtual Lunch and Learn

"Preparing for a School Tribunal/Advocating for Students in School Disciplinary Hearings"

Georgia Appleseed

Monday, November 25, 2024, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Join us for a special Virtual Lunch and Learn session with Ms. Brown, from Georgia Appleseed. She will guide participants through the critical steps to advocate for children facing long-term suspension or expulsion from school (more than 10 days).

Ms. Brown will cover essential advocacy actions, including:

• Requesting a Manifestation Meeting: Learn when and how to request this meeting to determine if a child's behavior is linked to a disability, which may impact disciplinary actions.
• Understanding the Child’s Rights: It’s crucial to know what rights the child has during disciplinary proceedings and ensure those rights are upheld.
• Navigating Disciplinary Hearings/Tribunals: Ms. Brown will explain what happens during a hearing or tribunal that takes place before the suspension or expulsion is enforced, and how advocates can support the child during this process.

This informative session is designed to equip our volunteers with the tools they need to protect the educational rights of children we advocate for, especially during these challenging circumstances. Be sure to join us for this important discussion!

Reach out to Justine Ferreira, via email, to register: justine.ferreira@dekalbcasa.org

"Understanding Substance Related Disorders"

Amerigroup

Free, Live Webinar

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

"This training will discuss the different classes of drugs and alcohol, help you to

recognize signs and symptoms of substance use, define common risk factors of substance use disorders, describe the different substance-related disorders, and identify treatment and community support options." Click here to register.

"Lean on Me: Creating a Culture of Family Support"

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia

Free, Virtual Session

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

"While it is important for Mandated Reporters to understand their role in recognizing and reporting abuse, expanding their scope to that of Mandated Supporter empowers them to be proactive in their response against child abuse and neglect. The concept of Mandated Supporters replaces family surveillance with a variety of supportive responses to bolster and nurture family well-being. This presentation will help participants better understand strategies to connect families to resources and support to reduce ‘family overwhelm’ and prevent child abuse and neglect. Click here to register.

"Building Resilience in Youth"

Mental Health America of Georgia

Free, Webinar

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

"While a child is developing, their social-emotional development is just as important as their physical growth. Through this 1-hour seminar, participants will learn about social emotional development and the impact of trauma, identify ways to build and strengthen resilience in children and demonstrate self-care practices to prevent caregiver fatigue." Click here to register.

"Self-Care is not Selfish: Caregiver Wellness"

Mental Health America of Georgia

Free, Webinar

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

"Caregiving is a role that we play daily to others that are in our lives simply because we care for and love those individuals. Through this 1-hour seminar, participants will recognize and manage stress as an aspect of self-care and explore strategies to develop or add to your self-care plan." Click here to register.

"Community Wellness Seminar: Managing the Impact of Trauma"

Silence the Shame

Free, Recorded-On Demand Session

This 60-minute seminar explores the impact of mental health stigma, recognizes common signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, and dives into effective treatment and recovery options. Click here to view session.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Stephanie V. Blank Center

On Demand Webinar Series

Free, virtual training

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Stephanie V. Blank Center offers several free, on-demand, virtual training opportunities that you can do at your own pace. The current sessions include:

Child Protection On-Demand Series

• Mandated Reporting

Child Trafficking On-Demand Series:

• The Fundamentals of Child Sex Trafficking
• The Medical Evaluation of Victims of Child Sex Trafficking
• Moving Forward After Victimization: Helping Victims to Survive and Thrive

Learn more about each session and register by clicking here.

All Children-All Families: Online Learning Archive

Free, virtual training events

This archive provides a wide variety of recorded online sessions covering best practices in serving LGBTQ+ children, youth and families. Some topics covered include:

• Introduction to LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency
• Best Practices for Serving LGBTQ+ Youth
• How You Can Make a Difference - Panel Discussion with LGBTQ+ Foster Care Alumni
• Advocating for LGBTQ+ Youth with Disabilities: Supporting LGBTQ+ students with an IEP or 504
• And, more....
• Click here to view recordings and register for live sessions.

The Summit: Georgia’s Child Welfare Conference

December 4-6, 2024

Alpharetta Conference Center at The Hotel at Avalon

The sixth annual Summit is a statewide, multi-disciplinary program offering comprehensive training on a wide array of child welfare topics. The Summit also provides an opportunity to connect with all professionals who serve children and families involved in the child welfare systems, including DFCS staff, judges, attorneys, CASA, foster placements, service providers, educators, law enforcement, policy makers, and more. Click here to learn more and to register.

"The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook -

What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing"

by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, and Maia Szalavitz

Renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Bruce D. Perry explores the profound effects of trauma on children and the power of empathy and understanding in healing. Through a series of true, compelling case studies, Dr. Perry sheds light on the unique needs of traumatized children, drawing on his experiences working with young patients who endured various forms of abuse, neglect, and tragedy.

Dr. Perry emphasizes that the effects of trauma are not "fixed" with quick interventions; instead, healing requires nurturing relationships and trauma-informed care that recognize each child's individual experiences and responses. He introduces key concepts such as the impact of trauma on brain development, the role of caregivers, and the necessity of creating safe and supportive environments for healing.

For CASA volunteers, The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog offers valuable insights into how trauma affects the children we advocate for and underlines the importance of compassionate, consistent support. It’s a powerful reminder that every child’s story and needs are unique—and that understanding their experiences is a crucial step toward helping them find stability, safety, and a brighter future.

The book can be found at the library and wherever books are sold.

"The Breaking News" written and illustrated by Sarah Lynne Reul

Recommended by the Prevention and Training team at the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, recommended for children 4-8 years old

A heartfelt picture book that captures how children perceive and process unsettling news and the power they have to make a positive difference in their own small ways. Through simple but poignant illustrations and accessible language, Reul introduces readers to a young girl who, like her family and community, is impacted by a sudden tragic news story. While the adults around her react with worry and sadness, the girl feels helpless at first, struggling to understand what she can do.

As the story unfolds, the young girl discovers that even small acts of kindness and care can help lift the spirits of those around her. She starts with little gestures—such as sharing a smile, drawing pictures, and tending to plants—that make a noticeable difference for her family and community. The book sends a message that, while children may not be able to control or fix the world’s biggest problems, their compassionate actions can still have a meaningful impact.

For CASA volunteers, The Breaking News serves as a gentle reminder of the influence we can have on children’s resilience and understanding of challenging situations. By providing children with a sense of stability and encouraging small acts of kindness, we help foster resilience and hope in a sometimes-overwhelming world. This book is an excellent resource for caregivers and advocates seeking to help children understand their own potential to contribute positively, even during difficult times.

This book can be found at the library and wherever books are sold.

by Cathy Bacon, Senior Education Advocate Supervisor

An estimated 65% of children in foster care change schools seven or more times throughout their academic life (K-12). Foster children fall behind academically due to frequent absences from school due to placement changes or mental health issues. Mental health stressors, including anxiety, depression, and loneliness, impact foster children’s ability to focus on school and learning. These absences play a role in the academic downfall that the foster child experiences. Education and nurturing guidance from foster or adoptive parents as well as the CASA volunteer are key.

CASA volunteers can establish a positive relationship with school administrators, teachers and counselors to bridge any learning gaps a child has and utilize any programs offered to the child in foster care. The Dekalb County CASA Program partners with tutoring providers to assist with those children who need additional support to close the learning gaps. Our tutors provide virtual tutoring sessions for grades K-12 in all subjects at no cost to the foster parent. The Dekalb CASA Education Advocate may also assist with getting additional support services in the school to aid in the support and bridging the gaps in education.

The Angel Wings project aims to provide essential supplies, uniforms, and other necessary items to children we serve, enabling them to participate in extracurricular and enrichment activities. To request assistance through the Angel Wings project, please obtain the request forms from DeKalb County CASA Program staff via email at dekalbcasa@dekalbcasa.org. These forms must be completed by a referring source and include the child’s name, age, gender, grade, and specific needs, along with the contact information of the individual making the referral. Once completed, please return the form either by mail to P.O. Box 768, Avondale Estates, GA 30002, or via email. Our team will ensure that the information is passed on to a member of our Angel Wings Crew for fulfillment, if possible.

We want to update you on our current operational status. The DeKalb County CASA Program staff will continue to primarily operate virtually and remotely but will be in the office as well. Rest assured, all DeKalb County CASA staff members remain available and accessible via their direct email addresses. You can find the email addresses of our staff listed on our website or by clicking the link provided at the bottom of this newsletter.

Our Advocacy Coordinators are committed to maintaining their support for volunteers and cases. They will continue to meet with volunteers through virtual platforms, collaborate with case teams, and diligently work on all assigned cases to ensure the best outcomes for the children we serve.

Additionally, our volunteer recruitment efforts remain ongoing. We will continue to host Volunteer Information Sessions, conduct interviews, and provide training sessions virtually throughout 2024. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please encourage them to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. Your commitment to our mission is truly appreciated.

• Alecea Quintyne, Chair
  
• Norman Pitts, Vice-Chair
• Ketiwe Zipperer, Secretary
• Tara Daniels, Executive Director
• Tabitha Carney, Member
  
• Jill Davis, Member
• Freda Hammonds, Member
• Christian Mitchell Murphy, Member
• Dr. Jeanne D. Williams
  

Email: dekalbcasa@dekalbcasa.org
Website: www.dekalbcasa.org
Location: 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404 378 0038
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dekalbCASAGA/