On Saturday, September 6, our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers serving teens and Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) came together for the 2025 THRIVE Summit, a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and shaping future program offerings. Guided by our strategic plan to serve deeply and effectively, Child Advocates is committed to doing whatever it takes to help our teens and NMDs thrive.
As volunteers arrived at the Parkmoor Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, they were welcomed with a continental breakfast and the chance to connect with one another before the day’s sessions began. The summit opened with remarks from Frederick Ferrer, Child Advocates’ CEO, followed by Sabrina Martire, Assistant Director of Programs, who offered a memorable analogy comparing sourdough’s growth to the way CASA Volunteers help youth rise and flourish.
The morning then flowed into a series of presentations, each paired with interactive activities that encouraged problem-solving, dialogue and peer connection. A highlight was the ROCA training, where volunteers explored Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) and its seven powerful skills—Be Present, Label Your Feelings, Move It, Act on Your Values, Stick With It, Flex Your Thinking, and Solve It. This session equipped volunteers with practical strategies for supporting youth experiencing trauma, emotional dysregulation, and cycles of relapse, while strengthening their ability to de-escalate and advocate effectively. Additional sessions delved into understanding trauma, neuroplasticity and other critical topics for deepened engagement. Each activity and presentation equipped our CASA Volunteers with the tools and strategies needed to support our youth.
After a morning of learning and collaboration, volunteers gathered for lunch, where group leaders shared key takeaways and feedback from the day’s discussions.
Thank you to everyone who made this summit possible. Through events like the THRIVE Summit, we continue LIFTING UP our teens and NMDs, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Quotes from our CASAs about THRIVE Summit
“For me, the real value here is connecting with other CASAs – being able to talk through our cases and bounce ideas off each other about how to tackle the challenges we’re facing. “
“I enjoyed being with my supervisor and other CASAs in her group who were going through similar scenarios as me with my NMD.”
“It was very well presented and thoughtful, with time for input and feedback from the participants. The information was helpful and useful to our work. It was time very well spent. Thank you.”
“Thank you for a great day of training and networking.”