CASA grads
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley swore in 29 new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on Sept. 1.
All graduates completed 30 hours training on topics including child development and outcomes planning. Additionally, the graduates attended a mandatory tour of the courthouse before being sworn in by Shawna Schwarz, the supervising judge of the Santa Clara County Dependency Court, better known as foster care.
CASA volunteers advocate for youth in the county’s foster care system. To better serve children currently on the waitlist for a CASA volunteer, Child Advocates aims to diversify its volunteer base by recruiting more male, bilingual, Spanish-speaking, and LGBTQ+ advocates. The recent class helps advance that goal, with three bilingual Spanish speakers, five male advocates, 12 languages represented and three volunteers who identify as LGBTQ+.
CASA volunteers are not required to have a particular background or experience. Each volunteer undergoes a thorough training process and is supported by Child Advocates staff once they’re matched with a youth or siblings in foster care.
Impact Awards
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) has been named a 2026 Nonprofit Impact Award recipient by the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits.
SVYCA’s goal is to train and empower the next generation of climate leaders. Over the past several years, the student-led nonprofit has grown to more than 150 active youth members, expanded its programs and partnerships, and created more opportunities for young people across the South Bay to engage directly in climate education, advocacy and community action.
SVYCA will be celebrating with the other 2026 Nonprofit Impact Award recipients at the council’s “Be Our Guest!” gala on Thursday, Oct. 22. For more information on what the nonprofit is doing locally, visit https://www.svyouthclimateaction.org/mountain-view-los-altos.