I have did volunteer work for many many years. I love giving back! I volunteered with Option House, and became a one-on-one counselor, and completed the intake process for domestic violence victims in regards to Temporary Restraining Orders (RTOs).I also assist victims of domestic violence and encouraged trust and communication between the victims and the State's Attorney's Office as the cases proceed through the criminal justice system. I also Arranged child care for victim's children, explained their rights about obtaining an Order of Protection and what to do if the Order is violated. Created flexible hours in order to meet with and advise victim; Gathered statements and other related documentation from victims, usually includes medical releases if obtaining evidence is necessary for prosecution to prepare for court testimony and sometimes I would usually attend to court with victim for support. Throughout high school, and college, I volunteered with different departments like Option House and the Probation Department of San Bernardino County. I also volunteered with the County of Riverside and Alameda as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children that involved with helping children. One of the reasons me volunteering was to help children. The main reason for me becoming a CASA was to work with children that are abused, abandoned and/or neglected because I do not have any children. I also wanted to be a voice for them as well. These children were not asked to be here, nor did they ask to be abused, abandoned, and/or neglected. And I felt a duty, as a woman to help these children any way that I can. I have learned that there is no greater problem than a child that is being abused and I had to make a difference. While growing up I seen with my own eyes, how some of the children in my community was abused verbally, physically and sexually and I didn’t like it at all. So I told myself that when I grow up my ultimate goal will to help children that are less fortunate. August 2009, I had the opportunity to do just that, to help children that are less fortunate. I became a CASA for the County of Riverside, and I loved it. I also became a CASA for the County of Alameda March 2011 as well and I loved it even more. My major concern was to show these children a light, a light that would inform them, that life can get better and that there life will not always have them living in the darkness. I learned that a lot of these children has never been nowhere except to court and many different group homes. I took it upon myself and began writing different departments. The San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Charges) gave us many tickets to take the children to the game (Chargers vs. Dolphins) and show them a better side of the world. The children were so full of life and were so happy it was one of the greatest feelings anyone can feel. The Los Angeles Lakers gave us tickets too, and the kids were greatly amazed and couldn’t believe that they were at a Laker game. Taking these kids on great outings taught them that there is light at the end of their tunnel. When UCLA played Washington, the kids were uplifted, and in a state of shock in a good way. UCLA painted our faces, and gave us tickets for food. UCLA painted our faces and taught us a chant every time UCLA made a touchdown; it was the bomb, for the children. The children were the happiest children that I have ever seen. It taught them that CASA’s do care for them. It taught them that people will help them and give them hope. It was exhilarating and the children loved it. Just seeing the smile on their face, assured us as CASAs that we are in the right place, doing the right thing and making a difference in each CASA child’s life. Doing these things gave the children hope. Become a CASA; make a difference in a child’s life!
I BECAME A CASA FOR THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, AUGUST 2009 - MAY 2010! AND IT WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST DECISIONS THAT I HAVE EVER MADE. IT ALSO HELPED ME TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE. AND ME BEING A CASA MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CASA CHILDREN. I TAUGHT THEM TO HAVE FAITH AND HOPE FOR THEIR FUTURE!
I THEN MOVED TO THE COUNTY OF ALAMEDA AND LIVED IN THE CITY OF HAYWARD. I THEN BECAME A CASA MARCH 2011, EARNED A CERTIFICATE IN TRAINING THEN TOOK AN OATH. THIS WAS ALSO ONE OF THE GREATEST DECISIONS THAT I HAVE EVER MADE! BEING A CASA ALSO CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER. AND I ALSO HELP CHANGE THE CASA CHILDREN LIVES FOR THE BETTER AS WELL! MAKE A DIFFERENC IN A CHILD'S LIFE, BECASUE I MADE A DIFFERENCE!
CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING FOR APOINTMENT AS A COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE!
MARCH 3RD, 2011
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN ON THE 3RD DAY OF MARCH 2011!