Ok, so this is my third annual fundraiser for my birthday. While I lived in San Diego, I became involved with the mentoring of foster youth. While there, I discovered an awesome organization called Voices For Children. Voices For Children is a nonprofit based in San Diego that addresses child abuse through its volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASAs become a special part of a foster youth’s life usually by mentoring and just being a friend to the foster youth. CASAs are also empowered to make recommendations and advocate on behalf of the youth. This is very important because in the foster care system, decisions made for the child (such as where to live, or schooling) are often done by the court and social worker. Social Workers sometimes have 30 to 40 children that they oversee. This is where the CASA plays a special part, because they often have developed a one-on-one relationship with the child and can speak to their interests.
So CASAs are volunteers, but its costs money to train, process paperwork and do background checks for the CASAs. It costs roughly $2500 a year to provide a child with a casa. For the 2011 – 2012 year Voices with Children has a goal of providing at least 1450 youth with a CASA. (there are over 6000 youth in the San Diego foster care system)
So, here’s how you can help. For my birthday, I am asking my family and friends to donate to Voices For Children in honor of my 32nd birthday. (yes, that’s my real age) Any amount is sincerely appreciated. The last two years, we were able to raise roughly $5000 for the foster youth of San Diego. I would like to continue this for the foster youth of the my “second home town.”
When donating please specify that the donation is made in honor of Hadiyah’s 32nd birthday. This is the only way that I can track how much money is actually raised. The form also asks for the honorees address to mail them a card, but I’d prefer not to receive a card. I’ve uploaded an example of how to fill out the form. Click the image for a larger view.
To make your donation, please click here
Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me! Also, please be sure to share this birthday fundraiser with friends. Post on facebook, tweet, and email. Let’s make a difference in a child’s life!
My Sincere Thanks,
-Hadiyah
Voices For Children Video — For more information on CASAs
Hadiyah Mujhid 