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Vigilant Voices™ hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock from Henrico CASA

Vigilant Voices™ hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock from Henrico CASA

By Henrico CASA

In our work at CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. And that’s what this podcast is all about. Each podcast episode is aimed at providing education and training to help our listeners be more effective advocates for children. Join us as we explore topics relevant to creating safe homes, healthy childhoods, and thriving communities... because every child deserves a safe, healthy, loving home for good.
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YOU Can Prevent Child Abuse

Vigilant Voices™ hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock from Henrico CASAMar 06, 2023

00:00
10:04
Voices: Anna Shenk

Voices: Anna Shenk

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Anna Shenk, Co-Director of For Richmond.⁠⁠⁠ For Richmond helps unite churches and communities behind issues that are larger than any one organization can tackle…. They cultivate the space and focus for individuals to have greater impact through unity of vision and resources. Learn how you can get involved at https://www.forrichmond.org/getting-started.

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on social media:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Mar 19, 202414:49
YOU Can Protect a Child
Mar 19, 202411:27
YOU Can be a Fairy Godmother

YOU Can be a Fairy Godmother

Cinderella was the lone recipient of her stepmother's abuse... as are "target children" in real life stories. If you see signs of abuse, neglect, or trauma in one child, but not their siblings, don't talk yourself out of reporting the abuse. There most definitely could be something going on in that home.

In today's episode we reference this Psychology Today article about scapegoating.

You will also need this link to check out Dave Pelzer's "A Child Called "It", the book we ask you to read for today's call to action.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on social media:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Mar 05, 202411:58
Voices: Valerie L'Herrou

Voices: Valerie L'Herrou

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Valerie L'Herrou⁠, Deputy Director of the Center for Family Advocacy at the Virginia Poverty Law Center. Valerie is passionate about resourcing families so that they can stay together, with their children, when it is safe to do so. She joins us to talk about her work with the Virginia Family Preservation Project.

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠⁠⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠⁠⁠ and on social media:

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠.

Feb 27, 202419:25
YOU Can Combat Racism
Feb 20, 202411:18
YOU Can Build a Better Brain

YOU Can Build a Better Brain

Children are equipped to handle healthy doses of stress, but chronic, ongoing stress has a wear and tear effect on their developing bodies and brains. For children dealing with toxic stress, the one true stress buster is the presence of a stable adult in their life.

Explore this topic more with these resources:

You could be the one – the caring, consistent adult – by volunteering your time with Henrico CASA as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Learn more at HenricoCASA.org/advocate/

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠⁠⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠⁠⁠ and on social media:  ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠.


Feb 06, 202413:25
Voices: Allison Gilbreath

Voices: Allison Gilbreath

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Allison Gilbreath, Sr. Director of Policy and Programs at Voices for Virginia's Children. Allison leads the organization’s child welfare policy work as well as the implementation of advocacy programs, elevating policy conversations across all policy areas. We specifically applaud her for creating the Foster Care Policy Network and Youth in Action programs.

Use the links below to follow-up on Allison's call to action!

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠⁠ and on social media:

⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠.

Jan 23, 202419:57
YOU Can Have Influence
Jan 16, 202417:41
YOU Can Be On a Mission
Jan 02, 202415:33
Voices: Eric Reynolds

Voices: Eric Reynolds

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Eric Reynolds⁠. As the first ever Director of Virginia's Office of the Children's Ombudsman, he has a voice at not only the local level, but the state level, as well. An 'ombudsman' is an official appointed to investigate individuals’ complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities. Join us as we learn more about Eric and his staff's efforts to investigate, advocate, and educate on behalf of Virginia's children and families. A full report on their 2022 impact is here.

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠ and on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠.

Dec 12, 202321:44
YOU Can Make the Holidays Bright
Dec 05, 202315:09
YOU Can Be the Village

YOU Can Be the Village

It takes a village. EVERYONE can play a part… individuals like coaches, neighbors, police officers, and healthcare providers... AND organizations such as schools, churches, and businesses!

In this episode, we reference a few points of inspiration to remind you that YOU are part of "the village"!

  • Check out this visual from the PACEs Connection of everyone who can make a difference in a child's life.
  • Watch Henrico CASA's animation that shows how "the village" can change the trajectory of a child's life.
  • Be a part of GIVING TUESDAY! On this day we give, to change a child's tomorrow.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Nov 21, 202316:10
YOU Can Look Beyond Behavior
Nov 07, 202315:11
Voices: Denise Purgold

Voices: Denise Purgold

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Denise Purgold, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Adoption Supervisor at UMFS.

The services that Denise offers, including parent coaching, are available to families for FREE thanks to state funded Regional Post Adoption Consortium Services. Click to learn more at or submit a referral here.

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children. Be sure to listen all the way through to Denise's call to action... you'll need the following resources to follow-through!

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Oct 24, 202321:35
YOU Can Bounce Forward
Oct 17, 202313:34
YOU Can Be Family
Oct 03, 202312:57
Voices: John Richardson-Lauve

Voices: John Richardson-Lauve

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome John Richardson-Lauve, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma-Informed Care Specialist, and the current Director of Outreach at St. Joseph's Villa.

Learn more about the brain science related to trauma in John's series of video shorts that he created when he served as Childsaver's Director of Trauma and Resilience Education and Mental Health. Our favorites for caregivers and educators are:

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children. Be sure to listen all the way through to John's call to action! *****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.


Sep 26, 202325:23
YOU Can Bust Stress

YOU Can Bust Stress

Preventing child abuse could be as simple as preventing unhealthy responses to stress.  Often, there is a stressor that is an underlying cause of abuse or neglect. When we find ways to prevent that stressor or help someone cope with it, we can in essence stop abuse before it even starts.

The stress busters shared in this episode originate in the PACEs Connection Stress Busters Handout, found here.


*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Sep 19, 202315:06
YOU Can Help a Child Learn

YOU Can Help a Child Learn

Children have needs that must be met before they can engage in learning. These needs (physiological, safety, and belonging) are the foundation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Click here for a helpful visual while you listen to this episode.


*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Sep 05, 202316:56
Voices: Abbey Philips

Voices: Abbey Philips

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Abbey Philips. Abbey has more than ten years of experience in advocacy work: professionally on a policy level, and personally on an individual level as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

You'll hear about Abbey's passion for advocacy in today's episode, but you can also read more about her in this article by Style Weekly. Abbey was one of their Class of 2023: Top 40 Under 40.

We hope our guest episodes help you feel connected to a community of people who, like you, have a heart for supporting children. Be sure to listen all the way through to Abbey's call to action!

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.


Aug 29, 202322:11
YOU Can Learn Even More
Aug 15, 202313:36
YOU Can Learn More

YOU Can Learn More

The more we KNOW about the challenges facing children and families, the more effective we can be at ensuring NO child faces additional abuse, neglect, or trauma. And for our team at Henrico CASA, part of knowing is reading! We are continuous learners, knowing there is always room to know better and do better.

Join us as we discuss three non-fiction books that have been impacting our thinking:

In this episode, we discuss the role Court Appointed Special Advocates play in the lives of vulnerable children. Would you be interested in learning more about this skilled volunteer opportunity that truly changes lives? Visit our website or register for our August 2023 virtual information session.


*****

Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Aug 01, 202317:19
YOU Can Find Calm Outdoors

YOU Can Find Calm Outdoors

Being outside is good for our minds, bodies, and souls. It especially calming for children who have experiences trauma, because it's a place of imagination, belonging, and awe. Join us as discuss how the outdoors can offer an opportunity for healing.

A special thank you to Beth Wright, Director of Camp Alkulana, for leading a recent education session for our CASA volunteers. Her presentation was the inspiration for this episode!

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Jul 18, 202310:10
YOU Can Plan for Independence
Jul 04, 202312:15
YOU Can Communicate Without Words

YOU Can Communicate Without Words

Communication goes way beyond just our words... but how do we communicate with littles ones who don't yet have words? That challenge is one of many reason why infants and toddlers are disproportionately at risk for maltreatment. Join us as we talk through some intentional communication games and activities that we can incorporate into our interactions with babies and young children. After listening, hop online to learn the five simple steps to the 'serve & return' from our friends at the Center for the Developing Child (Harvard University).

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠ and on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠.

*****

Meet the hosts of Vigilant Voices:

Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director, has been advocating for children with Henrico CASA for more than 10 years. Jeannine graduated with her Juris Doctorate from University of Richmond School of Law, after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. Jeannine is often asked to present at conferences and conduct training on the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and best practices in volunteer management. She is also an active member of the Virginia CASA State Leadership Team.

Kristin Blalock, Community Engagement Coordinator, joined CASA in 2021. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University. Kristin left a career in HR consulting to venture into small business ownership, then transitioned her project management and communications skills to the non-profit world. Her outreach and engagement work, including social media management, have received recognition at a local and national level. She is dedicated to supporting children from hard places in both her professional life and personal life.

Jun 20, 202319:29
Column: Want to Stop Mass Shooters? Address Childhood Trauma.
Jun 08, 202308:18
YOU Can Know Ages & Stages

YOU Can Know Ages & Stages

No two children are alike. But in general, they follow a similar sequence of growth and development. We’re talking about the ages and stages of child development in this episode because a lack of understanding about child development is a risk factor for abuse and neglect.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

*****

Meet the hosts of Vigilant Voices:

Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director, has been advocating for children with Henrico CASA for more than 10 years. Jeannine graduated with her Juris Doctorate from University of Richmond School of Law, after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. Jeannine is often asked to present at conferences and conduct training on the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and best practices in volunteer management. She is also an active member of the Virginia CASA State Leadership Team.

Kristin Blalock, Community Engagement Coordinator, joined CASA in 2021. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University. Kristin left a career in HR consulting to venture into small business ownership, then transitioned her project management and communications skills to the non-profit world. Her outreach and engagement work, including social media management, have received recognition at a local and national level. She is dedicated to supporting children from hard places in both her professional life and personal life.

 


Jun 06, 202316:57
YOU Can Help Kids with Anxiety

YOU Can Help Kids with Anxiety

Mental Health issues are on the rise for youth and considered to be at a crisis point. Children and teens struggle with a variety of mental illness including anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today's episode focuses on anxiety because it’s the most common mental health concern for children.


Notes:

  • Learn more tips about what to do and not do when children are anxious in this Childmind.org article by Clark Goldstein, PhD.


*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at ⁠www.HenricoCASA.org⁠ and on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠.

May 16, 202315:04
YOU Can Be A Foster Care 'Myth Buster'
May 02, 202315:31
YOU Can Be "The One"

YOU Can Be "The One"

We can all be "the ONE." Identify a child in your life and commit to being a consistent presence in their life. The difference you make for one, represents the wish you have for all.

Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, ACEs, in this PACEsConnection handout.

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

Apr 18, 202314:27
YOU Can Report Child Abuse

YOU Can Report Child Abuse

We all have a role to play in preventing abuse. We should report our suspicions and then let the professionals take over. Our call to action this week is to simply learn the number for Virginia’s child abuse hotline: (804) 786-8536. More information on Virginia's Child Protective Services is available on the Department of Social Services website

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Apr 04, 202321:22
YOU Can Be an Advocate

YOU Can Be an Advocate

We all want, and deserve, to be seen and heard. When we can't speak up for ourselves, we need an advocate to stand up for us. Join us today, as we discuss the three main types of advocacy and how you can take the first step to become an advocate for the children in your life. 

A special shoutout to our friends at Voices for Virginia's Children who advocate for policies that improve the lives of Virginia's children.  

*****

In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

*****

Meet the hosts of Vigilant Voices:

Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director, has been advocating for children with Henrico CASA for more than 10 years. Jeannine graduated with her Juris Doctorate from University of Richmond School of Law, after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. Jeannine is often asked to present at conferences and conduct training on the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and best practices in volunteer management. She is also an active member of the Virginia CASA State Leadership Team.

Kristin Blalock, Community Engagement Coordinator, joined CASA in 2021. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University. Kristin left a career in HR consulting to venture into small business ownership, then transitioned her project management and communications skills to the non-profit world. Her outreach and engagement work, including social media management, have received recognition at a local and national level. She is dedicated to supporting children from hard places in both her professional life and personal life.

Mar 21, 202317:30
YOU Can Prevent Child Abuse

YOU Can Prevent Child Abuse

Welcome to our first episode of Henrico CASA's new podcast, Vigilant Voices!

At CASA, we've learned that it is important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces continued abuse, neglect, or trauma. Join us as we explore how YOU can make a difference. 

Learn more about the challenges facing families in our community, as well as the impact we can have when we speak up for vulnerable children. https://henricocasa.org/2022-impact/

*****

Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

*****

Meet the hosts of Vigilant Voices:

Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director, has been advocating for children with Henrico CASA for more than 10 years. Jeannine graduated with her Juris Doctorate from University of Richmond School of Law, after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. Jeannine is often asked to present at conferences and conduct trainings on the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and best practices in volunteer management. She is also an active member of the Virginia CASA State Leadership Team.

Kristin Blalock, Community Engagement Coordinator, joined CASA in 2021. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University. Kristin left a career in HR consulting to venture into small business ownership, then transitioned her project management and communications skills to the non-profit world. Her outreach and engagement work, including social media management, have received recognition at a local and national level. She is dedicated to supporting children from hard places in both her professional life and personal life.

Mar 06, 202310:04
Coming Soon: Vigilant Voices

Coming Soon: Vigilant Voices

Welcome to Vigilant Voices, Henrico CASA's new podcast, hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock. Henrico CASA, aka Court Appointed Special Advocates, supports children and families involved in the court and child welfare systems.

In our work at CASA, we’re learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. And that’s what this podcast is all about.

Look for episodes to drop the first and third Tuesday of the month, starting in March 2023. In the meantime, learn more about Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at www.HenricoCASA.org and follow Henrico CASA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

***

Meet the hosts of Vigilant Voices:

Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director, has been advocating for children with Henrico CASA for more than 10 years. Jeannine graduated with her Juris Doctorate from University of Richmond School of Law, after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. Jeannine is often asked to present at conferences and conduct trainings on the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and best practices in volunteer management. She is also an active member of the Virginia CASA State Leadership Team.

Kristin Blalock, Community Engagement Coordinator, joined CASA in 2021. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University. Kristin left a career in HR consulting to venture into small business ownership, then transitioned her project management and communications skills to the non-profit world. Her outreach and engagement work, including social media management, have received recognition at a local and national level. She is dedicated to supporting children from hard places in both her professional life and personal life. 

Jan 25, 202302:29