FRIENDS OF CASA - HAWAII
A non-profit organization whose primary mission is to support the Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA Program in the recruitment, training, and supervision of community volunteers. Friends of CASA Hawaii, FOCH also provides resources that enhances the CASA’s opportunities to promote normalcy and well-being for children in foster care.
OUR GOALS:
- To ensure that every child in Hawaii who needs a Court Appointed Special Advocate has one.
- Raise awareness about the extent of child abuse and neglect in our state.
- Educate the public about the serious negative impact that abuse and neglect has on children.
- Encourage and support volunteers who are already trained as Court Appointed Special Advocates to remain active in the program by developing a retention plan and support network.
- Develop plans to improve recruiting & retention and develop strategies to raise funds to better the lives of the children being served.
- To support and fund projects and programs intended to improve the lives and wellbeing of children in foster care.
CURRENT CASA PROJECTS
Where Your Money Goes & How it Helps!
Friends of CASA Hawaii (FOCH) sought grants and has collaborated with community programs to fund projects intended to bring normalcy and a little more happiness to the lives of our children in foster care. FOCH received funds from the Bretzlaff Foundation, Ticket to Dream/Mattress Firm Foundation, and the Joyce Foundation to fulfill its mission. Click below to see a full list of projects funded by FOCH and available to the CASA/GALs:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robin Kennedy-Oshio
Board President
Robin has nearly 30 years of experience as a sales and marketing executive with national and local media companies including ABC and Hagadone Media Group, where she currently serves as Vice President. As a court-appointed children’s advocate who has been involved in nearly 10 cases some of which have taken years to resolve, she believes that “all children deserve the right to grow up with hope, support, and love.”
Keoni Vaughn
Vice President
Keoni has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management. A former foster parent and an adoptive father, he believes that “future success lies in our leadership of and compassion for Hawaii’s most vulnerable children.” He serves on the boards of CrimeStoppers Honolulu and Association of Fundraising Professionals. He has received the Pacific Business News Nonprofit Leadership Award and was named The Honolulu’s Star Advertiser’s Hero Next Door.
Lisa Wells
Secretary
Lisa serves as secretary and supports the financial responsibilities of the organization. For nearly 20 years, she has served as owner and CEO of My CPA & Financial Planner in Kapolei. She is also president of the IRS Enrolled Agent License and member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Lisa is mother of three children between the ages of 4 and 22. She believes that “it takes a village” of faith and community to raise children and meet their needs.
Kelly Nashiro-Yoshida
Director
A board member since 2015, Kelly brings 15 years of higher education administration experience. She serves as CASA’s volunteer coordinator and assists with community building initiatives. As a CASA, she knows the value of a child advocate and believes “nurturing and helping children to thrive from a young age is the foundation for future success.”
Aran Paulo C. Caparas
Treasurer
Providing financial stewardship for the organization, Aran brings nearly a decade of experience in finance and accounting, serving local businesses. He has served as a board member since 2015 and what he loves most about CASA is “being a part of the children’s lives to help them fulfill their dreams and goals.”
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