PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Matthew Wadlinger
Chief Strategy Officer
714-619-0646
mwadlinger@casaoc.org
CASA OC SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES “MEN OF CASA” RECRUITMENT EFFORT
Santa Ana, Calif. (October 14, 2022) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County recently launched the “Men of CASA”, an affinity group designed to allow male volunteers an opportunity to meet, connect and share their experiences as a CASA and to generate ways to improve the diversity of the CASA volunteer pool. Currently, the volunteer base is 15% male while the youth population is 45% male. Research shows that if boys have a consistent, positive male influence in their life, they have better outcomes staying in school, relating with others, demonstrating self-control and abstaining from drug use.
The group recently hosted a mixer at the Newport Beach Country Club. Over 80 people were in attendance including 23 CASA volunteers, CASA staff and three CASA OC board members; Paul Tacorian, Colin Israel and Jay Nugent. Other attendees included members of CASA’s auxiliary group, Friends of CASA and more than 40 guests eager to learn more about the mission of CASA. Attendees were treated to dinner, drinks, testimonials from current CASAs, Reid Brewster and Dan Bogart, followed by a lively Q&A, and a personal video message from Corey Linsley of the LA Chargers who, along with his wife Anna, are big CASA supporters and former advocates..
The energy in the room resulted in 22 new volunteer inquiries with 4 people already signed up to attend an upcoming CASA information session. The event was a collaborative effort between CASA OC Recruitment Manager Tara Dempster, Diversity Recruitment Coordinator, Norma Mendoza, and Paul Tacorian who hosted the event as a member of the Newport Beach Country Club. Paul previously served as a CASA volunteer mentoring a youth in foster care for several years.
Paul remarked, “As a former CASA volunteer and one of the newest members to the Board of Directors - it was a pleasure to host the Men of CASA mixer at the Newport Beach Country Club. The passion that all CASA volunteers have for this mission is undeniable and creating forums where we can come together and bring in people from our own personal networks to learn more is so important. The CASA Board of Directors is dedicated to continuing a strong partnership with the CASA staff to help achieve their goals of serving more youth in the Orange County child welfare system.”
Regan Phillips, CASA CEO said, “I am so proud of this initiative and those who have dedicated their time, effort, and energy to making it happen! I love seeing all of these wonderful faces coming together to assist CASA with such an important goal! We are so fortunate to have the very best volunteers and supporters connected to our cause.”
Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer by attending an upcoming information session. Sign up at www.casoc.org/volunteer
Find more information about Men of CASA and more photographs from the event at casaoc.org/menofcasa
About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA OC) provides a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. CASA is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. It is a member of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children. Please visit casaoc.org to learn more.
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