🎙 CASA Fam: Showing Up with Heart, featuring Johnathan

In this inspiring episode of CASA Fam, we sit down with Johnathan, one of our dedicated CASA volunteers, to hear how he found his way to CASA and why he continues to show up with heart. From how he first heard about the organization to the moments that deepened his connection, Johnathan shares the impact of saying yes to service — even outside the traditional advocate role.

He opens up about balancing volunteering with a busy schedule, what he loves most about our events, and how small acts of support can lead to big change for foster youth. His story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to give a lot of time to make a meaningful difference.

If you’ve been wondering how to get involved or felt unsure about where you fit in — this conversation is your sign to just start.

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
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LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

In this episode of the CASA Fam Podcast, we sit down with volunteer engagement strategist Betsy McFarland, a seasoned leader and problem-solver who has spent her career building sustainable, people-powered solutions for social impact organizations. Betsy shares how her background in animal welfare and national volunteer initiatives shaped her current work—empowering CASA programs like ours to strengthen recruitment pipelines, attract aligned volunteers, and build capacity for long-term change.

Host Diane O’Canto reflects on her one-on-one work with Betsy through Cal CASA and how it shaped Fresno and Madera’s strategic volunteer efforts. Whether you're curious about volunteer engagement, nonprofit infrastructure, or how to truly connect with your community—this conversation offers inspiration, insight, and actionable advice.

Connect with Betsy:

https://adisagroup.com/about-us/ 

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
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LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

In this heartfelt farewell episode, Wilma Tom Hashimoto looks back on her 15 impactful years with CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties – 8 years as a dedicated board member and 7 as Executive Director. Wilma shares her journey, leadership lessons, and the powerful moments that shaped her time at CASA, while offering a glimpse into the future she envisions for the organization.

Listen in as Wilma reflects on:

• Her early days at CASA and what inspired her to lead
• The growth and transformation of CASA under her guidance
• The importance of leadership, compassion, and building a mission-driven team
• Her hopes for the next generation of CASA leaders
• Personal moments that defined her career and the legacy she leaves behind

Don't miss this inspiring conversation as Wilma shares her final message to the CASA community and the lasting impact she hopes to leave.

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Aging out of foster care is a life-altering transition, and without the right support, many young adults face overwhelming challenges. In this episode, we sit down with Lorin Dias, CASA’s City Center Program Coordinator, to explore how CASA and City Center are working together to break cycles, provide essential resources, and guide system-impacted youth toward independence.

Lorin shares their personal journey into this work, the harsh realities foster youth face when they turn 18, and the biggest misconceptions about life after foster care. We also dive into:

✨ The biggest struggles foster youth face when aging out of the system
 ✨ How CASA and City Center work together to provide housing, job support, and essential resources
 ✨ The emotional toll of this work and how Lorin stays motivated
 ✨ Heartfelt success stories of foster youth overcoming obstacles
 ✨ How the community can step up to better support system-impacted young adults

This conversation is filled with heart, impact, and hope—don’t miss it! 🎙️

City Center Website: Here

Contact Lorin: Here

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

🎧 Welcome to the CASA F.A.M. Podcast! 

✨ In this episode, we’re joined by Fabiola Ramirez, a dynamic storyteller, social media expert, and community advocate who has made a lasting impact in Fresno. From reporting the news to shaping the city's digital presence, Fabiola shares the inspiring journey that led her from the newsroom to leadership roles in media and community outreach. She opens up about the challenges she faced pursuing higher education and a career in journalism, her passion for mentorship, and why giving back is at the heart of everything she does.

✨ As the MC for CASA’s 4th Annual Chef Cook-Off, Fabiola also gives us an exciting look at what’s in store for this year’s event, how she prepares for hosting, and why CASA’s mission to support foster youth is so important to her. Plus, we chat about her love for fashion, fitness, and—since it’s a food event—her ultimate favorite and least favorite dishes! 🍽️

Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss!

Fabiola's Instagram: Click Here

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

In this heartfelt episode of the CASA Fam Podcast, we sit down with Wendy Yribarren, a dedicated CASA advocate, as she shares her powerful story and experience working with foster youth. Wendy opens up about the challenges foster children face during the holiday season and offers valuable insights on how we can help them feel supported, loved, and empowered.

Tune in for tips on making the holidays brighter for those in foster care and how we can all make a difference in their lives during this special time of year. 

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

In this special CASA FAM episode, we sit down with Jason, a member of the Smoke & Iron Motorcycle Club (SIFFMC), and Mike, the national president of the club. SIFFMC is a unique brotherhood of firefighters who share a passion for riding motorcycles and giving back to their communities. They’re here to talk about their collaboration with CASA and Willow Tree Farms for the Rooted in Hope event. Learn how this incredible fundraiser, running until December 6th, gives you the chance to win a Christmas tree or wreath while supporting foster youth.

We’ll explore how Jason and Mike got involved with SIFFMC, the mission of their club, and their personal journeys in firefighting and community service. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories of brotherhood, passion, and purpose!

🎄 Don’t miss out on the Rooted in Hope event—grab your $10 ticket today and help spread holiday cheer to those who need it most!

🎟️ Tickets: $10 each
📲 Venmo: @Sta3_ThirdAlarm_SIFFMC

🎁 Prizes:
1️⃣ 8-9’ Fresh Cut Christmas Tree
2️⃣ 7-8’ Fresh Cut Christmas Tree
3️⃣ Large Custom Christmas Wreath

📅 Raffle Draw: Rooted In Hope!
Friday, Dec. 6th, 4 PM @ Willow Tree Farm (corner of Shepherd & Willow)

Instagrams:
Willow Tree Farm
Smoke & Iron MC

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Welcome to the CASA FAM Podcast! Join us as we dive into the dynamic world of real estate with our special guest, Noe Cruz from All State Homes Real Estate. Not only is Noe a seasoned expert in the real estate market, but he's also deeply connected to the heart of our community. 

In this episode, we explore his journey in real estate, valuable insights on today’s market, and the unique ways All State Homes builds trust and delivers top-notch service.

Plus, as Dia De Muertos approaches, we’ll discuss the significance of this celebration and its cultural importance to our community. Whether you're curious about buying or selling a home, becoming a realtor, or just want to be inspired by community connection, this episode has something for everyone. 

• Dia De Muertos and Community:
• Real Estate Market Overview:
• All State Homes Services:
• Selling with Success:
• First-Time Buyer Support:
• Loan Program Options:
• Home-Buying Process Essentials:
• Becoming a Realtor:
• Loan Officer Licensing Process:
• Job Opportunities at All State Homes:
• Entering the Real Estate Market:

Noe Cruz: Learn More

All State Homes: Website

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests, Shail Lopez-Ortiz and Annu Bezwada, who are both passionate about community service and leadership.

Shail Lopez-Ortiz, the Director of the Wayfinders Program at Fresno State, brings 18 years of experience managing non-profits. Shail is also one of the founding members of FISH, a non-profit focused on collaborating with local organizations and empowering the South Asian community to make an impact in the Central Valley.

Annu Bezwada is a devoted mother, wife, and experienced employment attorney, licensed to practice in New York, New Jersey, and California. Beyond her successful legal career, Annu is deeply involved in community service, sitting on the boards of FISH (where she serves as President), the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno County, and the Adventist Philanthropy Board as Chair.

In this episode, we’ll explore the founding of FISH, its mission, and how it encourages South Asians to engage in philanthropy. We’ll dive into the upcoming FISH Gala, the partnership with CASA, and how these women are driving change in their communities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and giving back!

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Welcome to the CASA F.A.M. Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to host Mike Miller, Division President of Lennar Homes. Since 1954, Lennar has built over a million homes across America, creating diverse communities while also giving back through various initiatives. We're excited to explore Lennar’s community impact, sustainability efforts, and their current match donation partnership with CASA. Let’s dive in! 

Today's Discussion Topics: 

• Journey with Lennar
• Building Communities 
• Community Impact 
• Foundation’s Mission 
• Why CASA 
• Match Donation Partnership 
• Future Collaborations 
• Inspiration 
• Advice for Aspiring Leaders 

To our listeners, don’t forget to get involved and support this fantastic initiative running until September. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of foster youth.

Match Donation: Donate Here!

Lennar:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Follow or Donate to CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties: Linktree
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Facebook: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties
LinkedIn: CASA of Fresno and Madera

Call/Text: 988
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.