CASA FM

According to the American Psychological Association

"Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. Immediately after the event, shock, and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea."

In today's episode, we discuss the importance of trauma-informed mindsets when becoming an Advocate who is working with their foster youth. The children who are referred to CASA have been neglected and or abused and that is why it is important to know what trauma looks like and how it affects one's behavior. 

Patience and acceptance are key in order to create a safe environment for one who has endured such hardships as these children have. 

The women discuss some successful and non-successful stories that have occurred from being trauma-informed and the repercussions of not.

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.

Sometimes life will test you, but remember this: When you walk up a mountain, your legs get stronger!

In today’s episode, CASA Board Member, Ben Torchia, and his wife, Kara Torchia, discuss their transition from being the parents of three to six children. The Torchia’s felt a call to give back to something greater than themselves, which led them to adopt three of their children. They touch on the challenges they’ve faced and some of the wins along the way.

Attachment styles refer to the way in which an individual relates to other people. The style of attachment is formed at the very beginning of life, and once established, it is a style that stays with you into adulthood. Attachment styles affect how you relate in intimate relationships and in how you parent your children.

Many children in the foster care system develop insecure attachment styles due to their abuse and/or neglect, which ultimately affects the way they relate to others as adults. CASA stresses the importance of providing one consistent adult in a foster child’s life to help guide them through life’s challenges. Unfortunately, in foster care, not every story is a success story. Understanding that not everyone has the capacity to foster or adopt, becoming a CASA advocate allows you to give back and provide foster youth with tools to empower their voice. Become a Hero of Hope, help support foster youth, and create change.

Book Recommendations:
The Worry-Free Parent
The Body Keeps Score
Reclaim Compassion
Resources:
Empowered to Connect

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,

Diane interviews former foster youth Isabell and Daniel, a sibling set who was placed with a CASA Advocate during their time in foster care. They share their stories of how they navigated life, expressing their emotions about what situations looked like before and after their Advocate entered their world. The eldest sibling of 5 children, Isabell expresses how life gradually changed over the course of her relationship with her CASA. Proving that one consistent adult in a youth's life who believes in them is essential for cultivating their future. Unsure of where life would have taken them if they hadn’t had someone guiding them and never giving up Isabell and Daniel dive deep and share their vulnerability of what their CASA truly means to them. Tune In today to learn more about how Heroes of Hope change lives. 

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,
Diane interviews a Hero of Hope, Maryam Cooke. She has been an Advocate since 2020 and Cooke discusses her journey of what it means to be the voice that matters to her foster youth. She shares the steps it took in her decision to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). While expressing stories of growth, not only for her youth but herself. Cooke gives us an inside look at her commitment to being a consistent adult in a foster youth's life. From exploring new adventures to cultivating faith by believing you can achieve and become anything you want. Tune in to learn more about what being a Hero of Hope truly means!

In case anyone was curious about the commercial Maryam was referring to: https://youtu.be/8t1zwr9HdDQ 

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.

We as humans already have a hard time developing trust, imagine if you were neglected and abused. Due to the constant revolving door of people, foster youth have a hard time developing trust with people, especially new faces. Diane ( Marketing and Outreach Coordinator) and Angi (Advocate Supervisor) talk about why patience and consistency are key tools to becoming an advocate. They share specific stories to remind you of how small wins are an important piece of the puzzle. 

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

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 first episode of the CASA F.A.M. Podcast. We touch on the topic of CASA, what we do, and how to help. The ladies introduce how an advocate truly is a Hero of Hope. So many children in the Foster Care system need someone consistent in their lives, to tell them not to give up. Sharing one of the many stories that have touched our hearts and impacted another’s life. Tune in to CASA F.A.M. to dive deep into what it truly means to be the voice that matters to foster youth.

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.