Court Appointed Special Advocate: Fresno and Madera The Voice That Empowers Foster Youth The World Needs More Heroes Welcome to the CASA F.A.M Podcast, where you will hear in-depth stories of Heroes of Hope, Foster Youth, and how we can create change. Tune in every other Tuesday for insight on how to become a part of the solution Interested in becoming an advocate? No superpowers are required. Just a powerful voice to speak up for children and youth in foster care. You form strong bonds thro ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 17: Building Communities and Futures: A Conversation with Mike Miller, Lennar Division President
14:43
14:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:43
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 cu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 16: Shaping Futures: Bob Nelson’s Impact on Education and Support for Foster Youth
34:24
34:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:24
Welcome to today’s episode! We’re thrilled to have Bob Nelson with us. Bob is the Superintendent of Fresno Unified, California’s third-largest school district, serving over 72,000 students. With a rich career spanning roles from Teacher to Chief of Staff, Bob’s impact on education is profound. Before his current role, he was the Superintendent of C…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 15: Empowering Communities: A Conversation with Jené D’Ambrosio
34:03
34:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:03
Join us on the CASA F.A.M. Podcast as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jené D’Ambrosio, a Fresno native, dedicated leader, and passionate philanthropist. Jené is the President and co-owner of D’Ambrosio Trading Inc., a textile recycling company, and the founder of Full Circle Thrift Inc., a nonprofit supporting disaster relief and domest…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 14: Finding Happiness After Foster Care: A Journey of Resilience with Catrina Owens
47:24
47:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:24
In this episode of the CASA F.A.M. Podcast, we delve into the inspiring story of Catrina Owens, a remarkable woman who has overcome immense challenges to find happiness and purpose after her experiences in the foster care system. Join us as Catrina shares her journey of resilience, from facing abuse and instability to becoming a devoted parent and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 13: Building Hope: A Conversation with the Founder of Granville Home of Hope; Darius Assemi
16:18
16:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:18
Welcome to the CASA FAM podcast, where we dive into conversations with influential leaders making a difference in our community. In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Darius Assemi, CEO of Granville Homes and founder of the Granville Home of Hope foundation. Join us as we explore the origins of the Granville Home of Hope and the passion t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 12: Voices of Impact: Stories from Working with Foster Youth FT. Francisco Pelayo
34:56
34:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:56
In this episode, we delve into the experiences and insights of individuals who have dedicated their careers to supporting foster youth. Our guest shares their personal journey and what inspired them to work with foster youth, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they've encountered along the way. From impactful stories that highlight the r…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 11: Thriving Beyond Adversity, Tasty Takes with Chef Robert Ortiz
31:12
31:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:12
Welcome back to the CASA F.A.M. Podcast! Today we have Chef Robert Ortiz, with 15 years of culinary experience, Roberts's enthusiasm for the culinary arts, and genuine love for creating exceptional dining experiences are inspiring. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality dishes, exploring new flavors, and continually refining his skills. In toda…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 10: Meeting People Where They Are, Not Where You Want Them To Be Ft. Advocate Mitch Shaw
27:26
27:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:26
Welcome back to the CASA F.A.M. Podcast. Today we have Mitch Shaw, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Real Estate Agent, and Mental Health Advocate, he serves on various committees and boards that serve the underserved people of our community. In today's episode, Mitch highlights what it truly means to be an advocate. Often, we as humans enter a sit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 9: Providing Hope and Healing for Victims of Human Trafficking Ft. Debra Rush
38:37
38:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:37
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Welcome back to the CASA F.A.M. Podcast today we have Debra Rush, Co-Founder / Chief Executive Officer of Breaking the Chains, Breaking the Chains provides long-term residential and non-residential trauma treatment to victims of human trafficking. She is also an alc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 8: Identity, Belonging and Purpose With Julie McGue
29:23
29:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:23
In Today’s episode we have special guest Julie McGue, she is an author, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes extensively about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. We Dive deep into the concept of identity, shame, and rejection. Discussing how we are constantly searching for answers to the uncertaintie…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 7: Creating Wholeness, Taking 5 and Managing Mental Wellness In the Workplace With Wellness Coach Maria Mayes
49:32
49:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:32
Today we have a very special guest, Founder, Meditation & Wellness Coach at Take 5, LLC, Holistic Health & Workplace Wellbeing Mentor and Mindful Wine Tasting Guide; Maria Mayes. She is a certified health/wellness coach, mentor, and meditation teacher with a track record of creating positive transformations in the lives of executive-level leaders a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 6: “Why Being Trauma Informed Changes Everything” Ft. Program Supervisors Angi Martinez and Carmina Guerrero Ramos
31:09
31:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:09
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 impor…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 5: Everything Happens For a Reason Ft. Board Member Ben Torchia & Kara Torchia
18:41
18:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:41
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 4: Life Before and After a CASA Ft. Former Foster Youth Isabell and Daniel
35:13
35:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:13
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 3: The Journey to Becoming a Hero of Hope Ft. Advocate Maryam Cooke
30:48
30:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:48
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 h…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 2: Why Patience and Consistency are Key Tools to Becoming an Advocate
13:58
13:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:58
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 t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 1: The Voice That Matters For Our Foster Youth
17:32
17:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:32
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 heart…
…
continue reading