CASA Connection

078. Finding Compassion And Dealing With Resulting Burnout

The one thing individuals in the social work world have is compassion. Compassion for those who are less fortunate within our local communities. We want to help, and many do their all to bring positivity to others. However, how should we handle and feel when the resulting burnout arises? This episode dives into these subject matters for our CASA volunteers and all individuals in our communities.

077. Summertime Positive Childhood Experiences

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discussed their own personal stories about summertime positive childhood experiences from their past. For many, summer signifies a break from the usual demands of school and work, offering opportunities for relaxation, travel, and spending quality time with people who matter most to us. The positive childhood experiences we have as youth helps create nostalgia, particularly for positive memories, which can boost self-esteem, create feelings of social connection, and even help regulate emotions during times of uncertainty. Here are a few of their stories.

076. Fun Funding Sources For CASA

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff are keeping things light. Well, as light as they can be. While funding for CASA programs throughout the United States remain up in the air based on federal funding cuts, Tracey and Jeff discussed how we can find fun funding sources for our CASA programs in the future. 

075. The Importance of Resource Parents

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff dove into the critical importance of resource parents within the world of foster care. These individuals, mainly family members, are some of the forgotten individuals at times within the system. Why are resource parents so important? How can they help provide for youth living in foster care? These are some of the questions we answered within this episode.

074. Our "Big Ideas" And Concrete Resources

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff dove into the importance of help children and families via concrete resources. They spoke about CASA SHaW's "Big Ideas" plan and how we must continue to provide children living in foster care with better and enhanced resources in a very uncertain world. 

073. It's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

This week, Tracey and Jeff talked about men's mental health as we recognize Men's Mental Health Awareness Month here in June. Jeff shares some of his story growing up, and inevitably focusing on himself and his mental health, healing from the trauma he endured as a young boy. The overriding theme of this episode, talking to someone helps to heal. 

072. Behind The Judicial Curtain with Former Judge Thomas Dilts

This episode features former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Thomas Dilts who pulls back the judicial curtain within the realm of foster care. After having spent much of his career as a family court judge, he came to understand how valuable CASA and CASA volunteers were to children living in foster care within our communities. We discussed his time as judge, what CASA has meant to him, and how he continues advocating for children in our region. 

071. Burnout and Boundaries

In this episode, Tracey and Jeff talk about the very real condition of burnout and how we, in the social work profession, need to institute boundaries from time to time. The mental health of our CASA volunteers, staff, Board of Trustees, and every stakeholder is important.  We need to recognize what burnout might look like, and how to put up those boundaries when needed.

070. The CASA Network Impact Initiative

We spoke to our friends at CASA of New Jersey about the CASA Network Impact Initiative they have undertaken with the 12 CASA programs throughout the state. What is the goal of this initiative? How is being implemented? Inevitably, how will this help our CASA programs better serve children who are living in foster care? A great discussion about the progress our CASA programs are making.

069. Celebrating And Commemorating CASA's 20th Anniversary!

On this episode, Jeff is joined by CASA SHaW Case Supervisor Lynn Kinkel as they discuss CASA's 20-year anniversary. Lynn was recently recognized at CASA SHaW's 20th Anniversary Gala as one of foundational pieces of our CASA program over the past two decades. Lynn discussed her many experiences, how she thinks we - as a society - can be better for children, and what our CASA nonprofit has meant to our region. It was a great discussion!