CASA F.A.M.
Court Appointed Special Advocate: Fresno and Madera
The Voice That Empowers Foster Youth
Hosted By: Diane O'Canto
Mission: CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties trains volunteers as Court Appointed Special Advocates to be a guiding voice empowering vulnerable children and youth in foster care to reach their full potential in life.
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 through outings, spending time together, and listening. When these children face challenges in life or in court, you can be there with kindness, support, and hope for the future. Become a voice for the voiceless.
Become a CASA Hero of Hope!
Website: https://www.casafresnomadera.org/become-an-advocate/
Instagram: @casafresno_madera
Episodes
26 episodes
Meet Johnathan Sabado: Showing Up for Foster Youth, One Event at a Time
🎙 CASA Fam: Showing Up with Heart, featuring JohnathanIn this inspiring episode of CASA Fam, we sit down with Johnathan, one of our dedicated CASA volunteers, to hear how he found his way to CASA and why he continues to sho...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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15:56
Episode 25: The Power of People: Transforming Volunteerism with Betsy McFarland
In this episode of the CASA Fam Podcast, we sit down with volunteer engagement strategist Betsy McFarland, a seasoned leader and problem-solver who has spent her career building su...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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41:38
Episode 24: A Legacy of Empowerment: Wilma Tom Hashimoto’s CASA Farewell
In this heartfelt farewell episode, Wilma Tom Hashimoto looks back on her 15 impactful years with CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties – 8 years as a dedicated board member and 7 as Executive Director. Wilma shares her journey, leadership lessons...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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16:21
Episode 23: Beyond the System: Guiding Foster Youth to Independence with Lorin Dias
Aging out of foster care is a life-altering transition, and without the right support, many young adults face overwhelming challenges. In this episode, we sit down with Lorin Dias, CASA’s City Center Program Coordinator, to explore how C...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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33:00
Episode 22: From Newsroom to Center Stage: Fabiola Ramirez on Storytelling, Community, and CASA’s Chef Cook-Off
🎧 Welcome to the CASA F.A.M. Podcast! ✨ In this episode, we’re joined by Fabiola Ramirez, a dynamic storyteller, social media expert, and community advocate who has made a lasting impact in Fresno. From reporting the news to shaping...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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17:21
Episode 21: Navigating the Holidays with CASA Advocate Wendy: Tips, Stories, and Support for Foster Youth
In this heartfelt episode of the CASA Fam Podcast, we sit down with Wendy Yribarren, a dedicated CASA advocate, as she shares her powerful story and experience working with foster youth. Wendy opens up about the challenges foster children face ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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29:49
Episode 20: Brotherhood on Wheels: Supporting Foster Youth with Smoke & Iron MC
In this special CASA FAM episode, we sit down with Jason, a member of the Smoke & Iron Motorcycle Club (SIFFMC), and Mike, the national president of the club. SIFFMC is a unique brotherhood of firefighters who share a passion for riding mot...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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22:11
Episode 19: Building Community & Celebrating Culture: A Real Estate Journey with Noe Cruz
Welcome to the CASA FAM Podcast! Join us as we dive into the dynamic world of real estate with our special guest, Noe Cruz from All State Homes Real Estate. Not only is Noe a seasoned expert in the real estate market, but he's also deeply conne...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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27:31
Episode 18: Empowering Communities: The FISH Initiative and Its Impact with Shail Lopez-Ortiz and Annu Bezwada
In today’s episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests, Shail Lopez-Ortiz and Annu Bezwada, who are both passionate about community service and leadership.Shail Lopez-Ortiz, the Director of the Wayfinders Program at Fresno State, brin...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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14:38
Episode 17: Building Communities and Futures: A Conversation with Mike Miller, Lennar Division President
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 var...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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14:43
Episode 16: Shaping Futures: Bob Nelson’s Impact on Education and Support for Foster Youth
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 Chie...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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34:24
Episode 15: Empowering Communities: A Conversation with Jené D’Ambrosio
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 rec...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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34:03
Episode 14: Finding Happiness After Foster Care: A Journey of Resilience with Catrina Owens
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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47:24
Episode 13: Building Hope: A Conversation with the Founder of Granville Home of Hope; Darius Assemi
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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16:18
Episode 12: Voices of Impact: Stories from Working with Foster Youth FT. Francisco Pelayo
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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34:56
Episode 11: Thriving Beyond Adversity, Tasty Takes with Chef Robert Ortiz
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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31:12
Episode 10: Meeting People Where They Are, Not Where You Want Them To Be Ft. Advocate Mitch Shaw
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.&n...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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27:26
Episode 9: Providing Hope and Healing for Victims of Human Trafficking Ft. Debra Rush
“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 p...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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38:37
Episode 8: Identity, Belonging and Purpose With Julie McGue
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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29:23
Episode 7: Creating Wholeness, Taking 5 and Managing Mental Wellness In the Workplace With Wellness Coach Maria Mayes
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, men...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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49:32
Episode 6: “Why Being Trauma Informed Changes Everything” Ft. Program Supervisors Angi Martinez and Carmina Guerrero Ramos
According to the American Psychological Association "Trauma is an emotional response to a terr...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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31:09
Episode 5: Everything Happens For a Reason Ft. Board Member Ben Torchia & Kara Torchia
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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18:41
Episode 4: Life Before and After a CASA Ft. Former Foster Youth Isabell and Daniel
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 emotion...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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35:13
Episode 3: The Journey to Becoming a Hero of Hope Ft. Advocate Maryam Cooke
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 dec...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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30:48
Episode 2: Why Patience and Consistency are Key Tools to Becoming an Advocate
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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13:58