In August we held our annual Back-to-School event for our Aftercare families. Thanks to our generous donors, every child went home with a backpack and school supplies to start the year with confidence.
We included a special Lunch & Learn at this year’s event for parents and caregivers, with a presentation about Casa’s Integrated Behavioral Health Services, which includes our School Readiness Program. The session went beyond preparing children academically—it was about preparing the whole child and giving parents practical tools to support their children’s emotional, behavioral, developmental, and educational needs.
Families learned strategies for establishing consistent routines, supporting emotional regulation, preparing children for transitions, and creating healthy habits around sleep and screen time. Caregivers were also introduced to Casa’s Behavioral Health and School Readiness Programs, which provide services such as behavioral assessments, play therapy, caregiver support, and connections to helpful resources.
An important message of the Lunch & Learn was reminding families that they do not have to navigate challenges alone. Representatives from two trusted community partners, Aspire-Thrive-Overcome and Comcare, presented the services they provide. Families learned about resources including assessments, skills training, family advocacy, support, and assistance navigating community services.
These connections are an important part of Casa’s holistic approach. Supporting children and families often takes more than one organization, and strong partnerships help create a wider circle of support that families can rely on when they need it.
While parents connected and learned, the kids had a blast exploring activity stations staffed by volunteers from EOG, BSA Design, and individual volunteers. Stations included a refreshing lemonade stand provided by the National Charity League Sage, snow cones, jumbo Jenga, cornhole, and plenty of prizes!
Thank you to everyone who helped us wrap our Aftercare families in care as we start a bright new school year. Together, we are helping children enter school feeling prepared, supported, and ready to thrive.
