Advocate Summit

Saturday, February 21 | 9am-3pm 
DeForest Area Community Center

Join us for a day of learning and connection! 

Gain information and discover practical strategies to support children in foster care, who are under the protection of the courts or are otherwise vulnerable. CASA Staff and expert speakers will share insights on emerging trends and best-practices to support the evolving needs we’ve observed over the past year.

CASA volunteers and Foster parents who attend can receive five hours toward their continuing education requirement.

Attendees will be treated to exclusive swag, along with a complimentary breakfast and lunch.

Get a glimpse of last year’s Summit here. 

SPEAKERS

Not A Number | Facilitated by Brianna Bero, CASA Anti-Trafficking Initiative Lead
An interactive workshop on how to start important conversations about safety and exploitation and empower youth with tools to spot warning signs and grooming tactics. Brianna will provide realistic steps adults can take to identify and respond to suspected exploitation; and lead an exercise on how to work with youth to develop safety plans.

Building Resilience Through Prevention 
Facilitated by Bryan Bilse, Director and Sara McChesney, Program Coordinator, Prevention and Response Columbia County (PARCC)
An informative session highlighting how community-based prevention efforts can support youth well-being and reduce substance misuse. Bryan and Sara will introduce PARCC’s work in Columbia County, including evidence-based school programs like PreVenture, which uses brief, personality-focused workshops to strengthen mental health, self-efficacy, and coping skills in adolescents. Participants will learn practical prevention strategies, explore local resources, and gain insight into how early, strengths-based interventions can help youth navigate stress, peer pressure, and other developmental challenges.

Supporting Teens Through a Harm Reduction Lens
Facilitated by Alexis Aney, LPC, SAC-IT and Chloe Flesch, LPC-IT at CAYA Clinic
Alexis and Chloe will discuss their experiences with teens and providing psycho-education and psychotherapy around substance misuse, from a harm reduction perspective. They will talk about what harm reduction stands for, substance misuse in teens, resources to help support teens and their family members, and different ways to view recovery and provide support.

MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE 

Help keep this event free for CASA Volunteers, bring in expert speakers and create connection for people making a difference in the lives of children and youth, every day. Sponsorships start at $100.