AAUW March 17th Meeting focus on Child Advocacy

March 12, 2018 – The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Nevada County Branch will spotlight “Child Advocacy” at its upcoming meeting featuring guest speaker Melinda Douros, Program Manager of Nevada County Child Advocates’ CASA program. She will describe how CASA volunteers advocate for children who have been removed from their home because of abuse and neglect. CASAs can be a lifeline for a child during a frightening and confusing time by providing support, friendship, advocacy, consistency and by speaking for the child throughout the court process.

The meeting will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 West Main Street, Grass Valley, on Saturday, March 17th, at 9:30 – 11:30 am (program begins at 10:00 am). It is free and open to everyone.

Douros will focus on how the CASA program helps girls and young women find their voices, make good choices, and grow into healthy, productive women. Her presentation will include a six-minute video that tells the story of one of our Nevada County CASAs who was herself a victim of neglect and abuse and spent nearly her whole childhood in foster care. She has gone on to become a mother herself and is raising her daughter in a far different environment than the one she experienced as a child.

Since graduating from Stanford University in 1980, Douros has pursued her interest in mentoring, nurturing, and educating young people. She knows the difference that one caring, committed adult can make in the life of a child and considers it a privilege to work alongside CASA volunteers that bring needed support to children in need of a friend and advocate.

AAUW membership is open to individuals with an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from a qualified educational institution. For individuals interested in participating in branch interest groups and other activities, but who have not had the opportunity to complete a degree, the Nevada County Branch offers “Friends of AAUW” membership. For more than 75 years, the AAUW Nevada County Branch has been striving to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. For more information: https://nevadacounty-ca.aauw.net/ or call 530-470-9395.