Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion
Our Mission
CASA recognizes that marginalized identities can exacerbate the challenges faced by youth in foster care. Children and families of color and LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system, and youth with disabilities and disadvantages require specialized advocacy to access all the resources available to them. We are dedicated to addressing these issues with sensitivity and urgency. Understanding the diverse needs and challenges of children from different backgrounds allows for more effective, holistic and personalized support. This can include recognizing the impact of systemic issues such as racism and poverty on the well-being of children and families. Through education, policy development, and community engagement, we strive to eliminate barriers and biases while promoting a supportive and fair journey towards healing and empowerment for all the youth we serve.
21-Day Equity Challenge
CASA Jeffco/Gilpin is doing a 21-Day Equity Challenge, and we would like YOU to join along! The challenge runs from July 1st – July 21st.
The 21-Day Challenge is based on America & MOORE’s model, which states that it takes 21 days to build a habit. The goal is to engage with the equity challenge every day for 21 days. Each day, you interact with one of the below prompts (an individual bullet point). You can read an article, connect with a new resource in your community, take an action step, and much more!
CASA Volunteers can get Continuing Education hours by participating in the challenge. To receive credit for the hours, you will need to use the tracking chart to track which prompts you complete and write a small reflection of each. You can participate even if you are unable to fulfill all 21 days. For every 5 challenges you complete, you will get your name in a raffle for a gift card to a minority-owned business in Jefferson or Gilpin Counties!
There will be drawings on July 8th, July 15th and July 25th. You can send in your tracking sheet throughout the challenge to be eligible for each of the drawings. At the end of the challenge, please send your tracking chart to Audrey (audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com) to receive your continuing ed hours.
You can download a copy of the CASA 21-Day Equity Challenge Tracking Chart here. (File > Download or Make a Copy)
Additionally, we will have a small gathering from 4-6pm on July 25th for anyone participating in the challenge! Please RSVP below.Â
Along with volunteers, our staff and board members are also participating in the challenge! Follow along on social media or below to see our reflections. You can check back each day to see new reactions!
HRC All Children All Families Program
CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties is thrilled to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for meeting the standards of their Building Level of Inclusion as part of their All Children-All Families Program (ACAF). This is an important achievement as we continue our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI). The ACAF Program was created in collaboration with National GAL/CASA to create a framework for child welfare agencies to implement initiatives for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Click here to learn more about the All Children-All Families program.
Summer 2024: We are currently in the process of implementing the next steps to start moving towards the Solid Level of Inclusion. Stay tuned for more details!
Non-Discrimination Statement
CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties is committed to inclusivity and diversity in its governance, management, and advocacy for children. In regard to persons served by the organization, persons employed by the organization, persons volunteering their services to the organization, the selection of vendors and the provisioning of services to the organization, CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties does not discriminate by reason of age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, marital status, military status, socioeconomic status or citizenship status. Any situation suggesting a possible violation of this policy should be reported promptly to the Executive Director.