New and Improved WINGS Program
Our WINGS Program has grown tremendously since we hired our first WINGS Supervisor in 2006, so much so that we are a role model for other programs. We are known statewide for the work that we have done in the program to provide advocacy skills for our CASA volunteers and the advocacy work provided for our transitioning youth. Over the years, we have listened to our youth and volunteers to make changes to the program in hopes of better serving all.
This year, after conducting focus groups with CASA volunteers and surveying our youth, we’ve re-designed the program. We’ve increased WINGS from a week of Lifeskills training and a week of Campus Crawls to an eight week program. This will allow us to expose youth to more career paths and post-secondary educational opportunities. The addition of an application process will allow youth to select which fields and colleges they would like to explore. Further, this will expose youth to real life situations and prepare them with the tools and resources that they want and need.
Classic Chevrolet has participated in our WINGS Lifeskills training for many years and has generously agreed to sponsor transportation for the entire program this summer! We are very thankful for their support! We excited about our updated model and hope that it will enable us to facilitate better, more comprehensive opportunities for our youth.
Congratulations to Our Second College Graduate!
A second youth who participated in our WINGS Program has graduated from college! This young man and his older brother were placed with a maternal aunt initially because their mother was homeless and unable to care for them. At 15, he and his brother came back into care when the aunt abandoned them. Despite his circumstances, he was determined to change his path and find success. He participated in our WINGS Lifeskills Program as well as Campus Crawl. After participating in the programs, he was positive he wanted to attend college. Prior to participating in the Campus Crawl event, he had his heart set on attending Stephen F. Austin University. After attending the Campus Crawl, he was exposed to Sam Houston State University and applied to that college. He was accepted and his path to success started. Our WINGS Team visited him throughout his time in school as well as sent him care packages at every mid-term and final examination. He also gave back to youth in foster care by being a peer mentor and campus tour guide during our summer tours at Sam Houston State University. We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve this young man, and we congratulate him on his accomplishment in graduating from college and overcoming adversity.
ESCAPE Family Resource Center Lunch and Learn
Monday June 26, 2017
11:30 am – 1:00 pm in CAFB Training Room
Christy Serrano, Director of Programs will present an overview of what programs ESCAPE Family Resource Center has to offer Fort Bend County. ESCAPE Family Resource Center is a parenting education agency that provides child abuse prevention programs and parenting classes to families looking to create safe, healthy and happy home lives. There will be plenty of time for her to answer any questions you may have about their programs.
Lunch will be provided but you must RSVP by June 21st to Carollynn Thesing at cthesing@cafb.org or 281-344-5124.
Optima Database is Now Available for Volunteers!
On May 1st, all active Volunteers with CASA cases were given access to begin using the Optima Database. Optima in a web-based program that allows Volunteers to manage their caseload, document volunteer hours and update their contact information and preferences. If you are currently an active Volunteer and did not receive a notification email, please contact Casey at cdavis@cafb.org for assistance.
By July 1st, all Children’s Advocacy Center Volunteers will have access to the Optima database to have the ability to document your volunteer hours and update your personal contact information. More details will follow.
Optima Database Training Dates for June
We will be hosting several training opportunities to learn about the basics of Optima in June and July. The training will cover all of the basic functions of Optima and how to navigate through the database. Please note that all of the dates available will have the same agenda and will provide a basic understanding of Optima. The June Training dates will be as follows.
June 14th
10am – 11am
CAFB Large Training Room
June 28th
10am – 11am
CAFB Large Training Room
Growing our Volunteer Community!
Join us in welcoming our newest CASA/Children’s Advocacy Center Volunteers!
