The annual event provided brand-new shoes to children participating in CASA of Imperial County and the Imperial County Sheriff's Activities League (SAL), reinforcing IVCC's mission of bringing organizations together to serve children through collaboration rather than duplication of services.

"One of the greatest strengths of the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition is our ability to bring organizations together for the benefit of children," said Alex Cardenas, CoChair of the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition. "Today wasn't about one organization-it was about CASA and SAL kids coming together under the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition. By working together, we're able to reach more children and create opportunities that none of us could accomplish alone."

Throughout the event, children selected brand-new shoes to help them start the school year with confidence. The Shoe Drive represents one of several collaborative initiatives coordinated annually by IVCC to improve the educational and recreational well-being of children throughout Imperial County.

"The Imperial Valley Children's Coalition is proof that when community organizations work together, children win," said Leticia Garcia, representative of the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition. "Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling confident and prepared. Seeing CASA and SAL youth together reminds us that our focus isn't on whose program they're in—it's on making sure every child has the support they need to succeed."

The Imperial Valley Children's Coalition extends its appreciation to the volunteers, community partners, and donors whose generosity made the annual Shoe Drive possible. Their continued support helps ensure local children have the resources needed to begin each school year on the right foot.

Comic books can provide an especially meaningful connection for children in foster care. Many superheroes experience the loss of their homes or families, are raised by caregivers other than their biological parents, struggle to understand where they belong, or learn to balance different parts of their identities. These stories remind young readers that difficult beginnings do not determine how their stories will end.

Superheroes also show children that courage does not always mean having extraordinary powers.

Courage can mean adjusting to a new home, beginning at a new school, asking for help, speaking up for themselves, or continuing to hope during an uncertain time.

A highlight of the event was a live reading presented by Chuck "Darth" Fisher, Jerry "Mando" Travis, and DreanSlam and Gold Coast Federation Wrestling Champion Oscar Felix, who generously agreed to dress in costume and read to the children. Their enthusiasm and willingness to bring beloved characters to life created a memorable experience and demonstrated that reading can be fun, imaginative, and shared with others.

In addition to the costumed readings, children enjoyed pizza, games, free books, and the opportunity to design and create their own bookmarks. The activities encouraged children to express their creativity while developing positive associations with books and reading

The event was created in honor of Jaime Sinclair and the belief that every child deserves access to stories that encourage imagination, confidence, resilience, and hope. Through Heroes of Literacy, CASA seeks to make reading more accessible while providing foster youth with experiences that celebrate their interests and recognize their individual strengths.

"Books can offer children a place of comfort, adventure, and possibility," said Executive Director Alex Cardenas. "For children in foster care, stories about heroes, belonging, and overcoming challenges can be especially powerful. We want every child to understand that they are more than what has happened to them and that their own story is still being written."

The success of the inaugural Jaime Sinclair's Heroes of Literacy reflects the power of community members coming together to support foster youth. Imperial County & Quechan

Tribal CASA looks forward to continuing the program and helping more children discover the confidence, comfort, and joy that can be found through reading.

The funding will support CASA's mission of serving children impacted by family violence, homelessness, food insecurity, substance abuse, and other circumstances that bring families into the child welfare system. Through trained volunteer advocates, CASA ensures that children have a consistent voice in court and access to the services and support they need to achieve safety, stability, and permanency.

"This grant represents a significant investment in the children and families of Imperial County," said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of Imperial County & Quechan Tribal CASA. "The challenges facing many of the children we serve are growing increasingly complex. This support will help us continue providing high-quality advocacy and ensuring that every child has someone standing beside them during one of the most difficult times in their lives."

For more than 31 years, CASA has partnered with the Juvenile Court, community organizations, and service providers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Today, the organization serves more than 400 foster youth annually and is one of only five CASA programs in California authorized to provide advocacy in a Tribal Court through its longstanding partnership with the Quechan Tribal Court.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation supports organizations throughout California that address housing security, food security, and family violence prevention, with a particular focus on families with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. CASA's selection for this award reflects the organization's long-standing commitment to supporting some of the region's most vulnerable children and families.

The National Leadership Council is a working council of leaders from across the country whose purpose is to represent the interests and perspectives of local CASA/GAL programs and ensure those voices are elevated to the National CASA/GAL Association and its Board of Trustees. The Council plays a critical role in strengthening collaboration, fostering accountability, and advancing the mission and vision of CASA/GAL nationwide.

Cardenas was invited to join the Council by the National CASA/GAL Association in recognition of his continued leadership and service to vulnerable children and families. Through his work at CASA of Imperial County, he has helped expand advocacy services for foster youth, strengthen partnerships with tribal and community organizations, and advance innovative programs that support education, permanency, and child well-being

"This appointment is both an honor and a responsibility," said Cardenas. "I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Imperial County, the Quechan Tribal Community, and the many CASA programs serving children across the nation. Every child deserves to be heard, protected, and given the opportunity to succeed, and I look forward to contributing to that mission on a national level."

Under Cardenas' leadership, CASA of Imperial County has become a recognized leader in child advocacy, serving more than 400 foster youth annually and maintaining one of California's most unique partnerships with a tribal court through its longstanding collaboration with the Quechan Tribal Court.

The National Leadership Council will begin meeting in June 2026 and will work throughout the year to strengthen connections across the CASA/GAL network, provide guidance on key priorities, and support the continued growth and effectiveness of CASA programs nationwide.

"Alex's appointment reflects not only his commitment to children and families, but also the innovative work being done in Imperial County," said Tara Perry, Chief Executive Officer of the National CASA/GAL Association. "We are grateful for his willingness to serve and contribute his expertise to the Council."

CASA of Imperial County congratulates Alex Cardenas on this well-deserved national recognition and looks forward to the positive impact his service will have on children and families both locally and across the country.

The event featured storytelling, small bites, and a live cooking demonstration, all centered around the power of connection through food and literacy. Guests gathered to honor the legacy of educator Jaime Sinclair while investing in programs that help foster children build confidence, imagination, and academic success.

A special highlight of the day was the participation of foster youth, who enjoyed a dedicated reading session led by CASA Board President Chuck Fisher. Fisher read aloud to the children, reinforcing the program's mission to make literacy engaging, accessible, and personal.

"Reading creates connection, and connection is what these children need most," said Chuck Fisher, CASA Board President. "Moments like this simple, intentional, and joyful are what help build confidence and a lifelong love of learning."

The event also celebrated the success of Jaime Sinclair Literacy Youth Mentor Jordyn Brooks, a standout student whose recent accomplishments reflect the impact of strong mentorship and educational support. Brooks earned 36 ribbons at this year's Imperial County Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta and took 1st place in the Imperial County Office of Education National History Day Junior Individual Poster competition.

"Jordyn represents exactly what this program is about," said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of CASA of Imperial County. "When we invest in literacy and mentorship, we're not just helping children read we're helping them discover their potential and believe in their future."

The Jaime Sinclair Literacy Program continues to provide foster youth with access to books, volunteer mentors, and creative learning opportunities that support both academic and emotional development.

Proceeds from the event will directly support literacy programming, ensuring that foster youth throughout Imperial County have the tools and support needed to succeed in school and beyond.

The initiative strengthens training, recruitment, and coordination across jurisdictions. The case manager will allow for collaboration between local and tribal courts, county social services, and community partners to improve advocacy for foster youth in one of California's largest tribal communities, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe.

"The hiring of a Tribal Case Manager will give us the ability to give a voice to some of the most vulnerable children in our community," said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of CASA IC.

There are 939 CASA/GAL state organizations and local programs operating in 49 states and the District of Columbia. This funding is provided under the OJIDP FY24 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Training, Technical Assistance, and Subgrants Program (CFDA #16.756) to manage a national grant awards program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) primarily for the purpose of increasing the number Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are the subject of civil court child abuse and neglect proceedings. National CASA/GAL administers the grants program under a cooperative agreement with OJJDP which is authorized pursuant to the Victims of Child Abuse Act, 34 USC §20323.

About the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem Association

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association, together with its 941 state and local program members, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who is involved in judicial proceedings related to abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive. National CASA/GAL offers leadership and support to the network of programs and leads its continued growth. CASA/GAL volunteers and staff work every day to advocate for children/youth and to strengthen and support families. To learn more, visit nationalcasagal.org.

"Alex's compassionate leadership, deep commitment to the children CASA serves, and support for the integrity of its programs made it clear that supporting CASA was the right decision one that will create lasting impact in the community." said Nancy Salcedo, Vice President, and Branch Manager at First Foundation Bank in El Centro.

First Foundation Bank has partnered with CASA since 2017, investing in both educational advocacy and now, emergency housing support for vulnerable foster youth. The bank's commitment to promoting economic stability and delivering essential services across the communities it serves aligns closely with CASA's work to ensure every child and young adult has stability, opportunity, and a voice.

"First Foundation Bank's support goes beyond dollars - it's a relationship," said Cardenas. "Their grant process is rooted in trust and community. It felt less like applying for funding and more like a conversation with people who genuinely care."

The Hope & Housing initiative serves young adults aging out of foster care who often lose eligibility to remain in group homes, putting them at risk of homelessness, victimization, and survival-based behaviors. CASA works with local service providers to secure emergency lodging— typically two to seven nights-while social workers arrange long-term housing solutions.

Each year, between 20 and 30 youth in Imperial County transition out of foster care. The grant from First Foundation Bank ensures that these young adults are not left behind during this vulnerable time. In addition to emergency shelter, CASA advocates and mentors continue to walk alongside each youth, supporting their access to education, employment readiness, and health services through the Non-Minor Dependency (NMD) system. A contribution of just $3,000 can provide up to 30 nights of emergency housing, directly preventing homelessness for youth who are often just one step away from falling through the cracks.

"This initiative saves lives," added Cardenas. "And First Foundation Bank has made it possible. We're deeply grateful."

About First Foundation Bank

First Foundation Inc. (NYSE: FFWM) and its subsidiaries offer personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services, including investment, trust, insurance, and philanthropy services. This comprehensive platform of financial services is designed to help clients at any stage in their financial journey. The broad range of financial products and services offered by First Foundation are more consistent with those offered by larger financial institutions, while its high level of personalized service, accessibility, and responsiveness to clients is more aligned with community banks and boutique wealth management firms. This combination of an integrated platform of comprehensive financial products and personalized service differentiates First Foundation from many of its competitors and has contributed to the growth of its client base and business.

Learn more at firstfoundationinc.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The festival, hosted by Wasupwu Productions and the Wasupwu Community Foundation, brought hundreds of families together for a day filled with culture, music, food, and community celebration. The jalapeño eating contest was one of the festival's most anticipated events, and Tank—the tail-wagging crowd favorite added extra excitement and heart to the moment.

"Tank isn't just a support dog—he's part of our CASA family," said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of CASA of Imperial County. "Events like this allow us to connect with the community in a fun and meaningful way. We're grateful to Wasupwu Productions and One Way Car Club for inviting us to be part of something so special."

Tank, who provides comfort and emotional support to foster youth during court visits and CASA events, was on his best behavior as he joined Alex Cardenas in judging the contest, which featured brave participants vying for jalapeño glory.

The event was made possible with special assistance from the One Way Car Club, whose members helped coordinate and support festival logistics and entertainment. The Tamale Festival continues to be a vibrant and inclusive space for celebrating Imperial Valley's cultural roots while highlighting important community organizations like CASA

"It was an honor to have Tank and Alex join us as judges," said Juan Molina, owner of Wasupwu Productions. "They brought heart, humor, and heat to the stage— and helped make this year's event unforgettable."

For CASA of Imperial County, participation in local events like the Tamale Festival reinforces its commitment to uplifting youth, strengthening community bonds, and being a visible presence in the lives of those it serves.

The Sunshine Account helps fulfill individualized needs and milestones for foster youth, such as birthday gifts, school supplies, graduation outfits, or extracurricular participation—items that bring a sense of normalcy and dignity. The Jamie Sinclair Literacy Program addresses educational gaps by providing books, reading activities, and literacy-focused mentorship, helping youth strengthen reading skills and academic confidence. The Therapy Dog Program supports emotional wellness by offering trauma-informed, canine-assisted interactions that reduce anxiety and support healing during court hearings and supervised visits.

“This generous investment from IVWF allows us to continue providing more than just advocacy—it gives our foster youth opportunities to heal, grow, and thrive,” said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of CASA of Imperial County. “These programs go beyond the basics and reach the heart of what every child needs—belonging, stability, and a chance to dream.”

CASA of Imperial County currently serves 93% of the children in the local foster care system through trained, court-appointed volunteers. These advocates stand alongside children during some of the most difficult moments in their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are prioritized.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation’s annual Health and Wellness Grant program supports organizations that improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of Imperial County residents. CASA is deeply grateful to be among this year’s recipients.