WHO: The National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and Voices For Children Foundation in collaboration with renowned artist Xavier Cortada, has introduced an art program to help build self esteem for children in the foster care system.

WHAT: Fourteen foster care youth between the ages of 12-16 have been invited to participate in an artist workshop. The finished art work will be featured at an upcoming gallery reception in Miami.

WHERE: Xavier Cortada Art Studio
104 SW 9th Street (Street level Eastside Suite)
Miami, FL 33130

WHEN: Friday, March 18, 2005
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

WHY: The program was developed to provide children an opportunity to express themselves freely through art and to create awareness on the need for GAL volunteers to help place more than 6,000 children in Miami into a safe, loving and permanent home.

HOW: The theme of the art program is “Where do I come From, Where am I Going.” The art workshop will help youth explore their identity as an individual and reflect it in a self portrait. Youth will learn various mixed media techniques and gain a positive perspective about themselves and what they can become.

About CASA

The National CASA Association is a non-profit organization that provides training, technical assistance, research, media and public awareness services to over 930 programs nationwide including GAL programs. A GAL volunteer is a trained court appointed volunteer that serves as the voice for abused and neglected children in juvenile court. The mission of the GAL Program is to advocate for the best interests of children who are allegedly abused, neglected or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings. For information on becoming a GAL volunteer call 305-638-6861 or email at LChong@miamidade.gov. Learn more about National CASA by visiting www.nationalcasa.org.

###

CONTACT:

Sara Beck, Orcí Public Relations
(310) 622-4611
or
Martha Reinold, Voices for Children Foundation
(305) 324-5678 Ext. 17