December 18, 2025 • 27 mins
In this podcast...Lisa Foxx talks to the CEO of CASA OC, Regan Dean Phillips & CASA OC Volunteer, former NFL star Corey Lindsley about how their program works to help abused and neglected kids who are in and out of the welfare/foster care system. We also talked about their big fundraiser and how they are looking for folks to make a 2 year commitment to a child in need.
CASA OC is a privately-funded non-profit organization that serves severely abused, neglected and abandoned children through the recruitment, training, and continued support of volunteers–CASAs–who advocate for and mentor these children. From the courtroom to the classroom, CASAs represent the best interests of the children they serve. CASA OC stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Their organization provides trained volunteers to advocate for children in the foster care system. These volunteers are appointed by the court to get to know a child, review their case, and make recommendations to the judge to ensure the child's best interests are heard and met. The goal is to provide a consistent and reliable adult presence for the child as they navigate the complex foster care system.
They are looking to drive more people to volunteer AND attend their fundraiser : December 5th, the "Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon" at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, with a fashion presentation by Monique Lhuillier.
To find out more about ALL of their fundraisers AND how to help the kids, click HERE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Lisa Fox here. This is the iHeart so Cal Show.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Today I talked about Kids who Need Us kasa OC.
It's a privately funded non profit organization that serves severely abused.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Neglected, and abandoned kids.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
But through their recruitment, training and continued support of volunteers
that they call kasas who advocate for and mentor these kids. Boy,
are they making a difference. From the courtroom to the classroom.
Kasas represent the best interests of these kids in need.
They've got a big, big fundraiser come upon to Summer
the fifth and on to tell us all about what
they do, how we can get involve, how we can
(00:33):
help and support. I've got two very special people to
tell you all about how this works. First, I got
there out their CEO, the CEO of kasa OC, Reagan
Dean Phillips.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Hi.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Reagan Hi, Lisa Hi.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
And I don't know why this, says Corey Linsley, a
former American football center.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
No, you did the work, Corey, You're still a star.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Come on, American football center who played ten seasons in
the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Ore La Chargers. Yes, Hello, Carl Lensley. Yay Hi guys.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Hello, thanks for having us.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
So, Regan, let's start with you. You spent a long time
working with these kids. Tell us why why the investment,
Why do you care so much about helping the KASA
OC kids, and why you're so passionate about making a
difference in their lives.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Yeah, so well, thank you, Lisa. I am. I'm a
recovering attorney. I started my legal career representing children actually
in the foster care system here in Orange County and
worked daily with KASA volunteers in my courtroom. I served
on the board as part of my pre working for
(01:39):
the organization tenure and got to be familiar with some
of the fundraising components and really appreciated, certainly as an
attorney representing these kids in court the perspective, the relational piece.
There were many many clients of mine that I never
even actually met. Sadly, unless they come to court, they
were not getting to interact with me. I was having
(02:01):
an investigator go out and secure information from them. From
my perspective, the causes are the folks that have the greatest,
most up to date relationship with these kids, and I
was able to get a lot of really great information.
I tried to put a cost on every single one
of my kids, not really recognizing at that time that
there's a pretty hefty wait list. It's hard to recruit
(02:22):
and get these folks, so we need more volunteers. We
always benefit from having this army of volunteers out there
to match with the kids. And then I came on
board as part of the staff in twenty fifteen, So
I just celebrated ten years in July, and I've been
CEO for the last eight. Wow.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Look at that and so much pride. It sounds like
you have so much pride in helping these young people.
And for folks who don't know, I mean, what types
of situations are these kids in? And God bless you
for having the legal means to protect them, right, I mean,
that's what it's all about, protecting these kids.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
What types of things are they going through?
Speaker 4 (03:00):
Yeah, they're pretty they're pretty awful circumstances, Lisa. I mean,
these are kids that all of them have been removed
from their home of origin or their family because of abuse, neglect,
or abandonment, and through no faults of their own. So
these are kids that are just in desperate need of
someone to show up for them really at the end
of the day and see them and hear them. All
(03:20):
of these professionals that are in the courthouse are there
and are you know, dedicated staff to represent them as
attorneys or as social workers or therapists and even the judge.
But ultimately, there are so many things that happen with
children as they're growing up. There's a risk of things
needs falling through the cracks, and that's really ultimately where
the volunteers come through.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
I know, you know, we see these terrible stories on
the news and saw these these are things that are
happening to real people and real kids, and they don't
if they don't have an advocate or someone to stand
up for them, who do they have. Corey as an
NFL star NFL start, we won't mention your time with
the Green Bay Packers, but we'll just fo on your
time with the Chargers built up.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Now, Corey, why is this so.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Important to you to work as a volunteer and on
behalf of helping these kids who are going through so much.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Yeah, we did not the reference, you know, back to
the days in Green Bay, but that was where we
first found out about CASA and the woman who ran
the organization of Player of Cossa, Brown County. Her name
was Kristen Jacob. She was actually from my hometown and
so we, you know, found some common ground there she
told me about and immediately hearing about it, it was
(04:33):
like my wife and I immediately wanted to become a
part of it in whatever way we in whatever way possible.
And so going through the process of becoming an advocate
was extremely illuminated.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
I mean the world.
Speaker 5 (04:47):
That I was very fortunate enough to never have to
be a part of. But also speaking a little bit
of my ignorance, I didn't know anything about it. Like
I didn't know what a social worker was. I remember
buddies of mine in college that we're going to be
social work workers, and I'm just kind of like nodded
my head and smiled, and they're.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
Like hidden saints.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
People who don't know social workers are like angels. Yeah,
they do so much, they care so much.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
And it was so just learning the whole experience about
becoming an advocate and then for the more being advocates
and being there for the kids that we had, the
case that we had in Green Bay, you know, carrying
that out here as well, you know, it meant a
great deal to us because of the direct impact.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
That it has in the kids.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
You know, there's a lot of cause, a lot of
great causes out there, but you know, just speaking about
costs itself, you know, the direct again, the direct impact
that you can have on kids' lives, you know, it
makes obviously makes a world of difference.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Corey, do you and your wife do you have kids?
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Yeah, we have four, We have four.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Kids, four kids kids, and so but like probably like
having kids right in Reagan, I don't know if you
have kids. Do you have kids?
Speaker 1 (05:48):
I just feel like I do you do?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
So it must make you feel like, gosh, our kids
are lucky, you know, lucky they don't have to go
through so much that other kids are going through. So
it makes you feel like you want to work even
harder to make sure these other kids can just have
a right do we say, like quote unquote normal life
or without all the like craziness that can happen to them,
especially in the postcar system and out there without the
(06:11):
normal structure at home. I mean, right, I'd like to
think having kids makes you feel like, oh my gosh,
we want to make sure we want to do everything
in our power to make sure the coast of kids
have just a better life, right, a better life exactly.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
And I think the one of the themes that again
it seems so simple and like straightforward, but you don't
really think about these things until you get into this environment,
into the space, is just that can being a consistent
presence in someone's life and life? Yeah, And that's that
was a huge, huge emphasis point of emphasis during our
(06:43):
time and KASA that you know, getting educated and becoming
an advocate was like, you know, just how much that
means to these kids just weake in and week out,
being able to be there for them and having that
just having that playing that role in.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Their life in and of itself is positive.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Yeah, because they're getting bounced around right to foster home
to foster home to foster home.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
They're going through a lot.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Reagan, how do the kids, How are the kids introduced
to KASA OC and how are they able to find
you and get help from you?
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Guys?
Speaker 4 (07:12):
So we are the only organization that is empowered by
the juvenile Court to create these relationships while the children
are under the jurisdiction of the court for their dependency proceedings.
So we have a unique access point, and the cases
are referred to us by the judges. Sometimes they're referred
by social workers or attorneys, and sometimes they actually come
(07:33):
to us by way of the kids themselves. If you've
got kids that are living in a group home, let's say,
and one of the other children gets picked up by
their COASTA volunteer to go do something fun on the weekends,
some of the kids will hear about it and say, well,
where's my KASA volunteer. I want to get to do that.
And here in Orange County, every organization, I'll say that
there are over nine hundred and fifty nationwide, forty four
(07:53):
of them in California alone, in the fifty two counties.
Everyone operates a little bit differently based on jurisdictional needs,
but we hear an Orange County try really hard to
foster a one on one match. We pair volunteers with
siblings when it's appropriate for the kids. So sometimes the
sibling will have a CASA and the other one, you know,
(08:14):
wants to have the exact experience or a similar experience
what their kid is having. So they come to us
by by a few different ways. And oftentimes we're also
empowered to look at the detention reports and files as
they're coming in and to assess them to see if
it's something that we could really provide value or assist with.
These are typically the most at risk kids, with the
(08:34):
fewest emotional connections and maybe least likely to successfully reunify
with their family of origin to potentially emancipate out of
the system into adulthood out in the real world. So
we really want to surround them with support and a
stable presence and someone that they can you know, that
they can reach out to in contact in times of
(08:54):
trouble or need sure.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
And so like Corey as a volunteer, so volunteers, she
is like a mentor. And like Corey said, right, you're
you're looking always looking for more people who want to
be there. Once you meet the right how does the
matching up kind of work as well? So you know
you're a good fit to build a relationship with a child,
you know. Like my boyfriend I have been together five years.
We don't have kids. We met later in life. We
(09:17):
would have had great kids. It would have been so cute.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Didn't happen.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
We met later, but we always talk about our future
with maybe mentoring or adopting and so how do you
match couples, how do you match singles? What's the requirement?
How does that part of it work? Reagan, start with
you first, and then Corey, I want to ask about
how the commitment to these kids fits within your lifestyle.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
How does it work? But Reagan, Ya, how does the
matching up part work?
Speaker 4 (09:41):
Yeah, So we have a team internally that is really
dedicated to the matching process, carefully vetting all of our
potential advocates coming through the training system and looking at
who they are, what their skill sets are, what their
interests are. We invite them to be a part of
weighing in on the process. And then we're really thoughtfully
(10:02):
matching with children that are coming through, trying to align
interests and opportunities. And you know, I would say that
we have a really good track record of making solid matches.
We do ask for a two year commitment, and that's
really just to emphasize those volunteers that there is a
lot of instability. There is a lot of change in
these children's lives. So it's really important that if we're
going to introduce you, we want it to stick. We
(10:23):
want it to be a good match. And you're right
it doesn't always work, but we have a really good
track record here in Orange County of making great matches
and sometimes unlikely matches, but they find the beauty in
each other and it's really really lovely to see those
relationships develop.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
And Corey as a volunteer, how does it work with
you and your family and busy schedule? How often are
you able to see or talk to the kids that
you've committed to and spend some quality of time together.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
Yeah, so we haven't had a case since our time
in Green Bay. You know, our kids, you know, we've
had a kid every other year, it feels like, and
we had twins on the back end.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
So but we're excited.
Speaker 5 (11:01):
My son actually, we were on a bike ride the
other day and he was just talking about you know,
we were discussing about like putting together meals for the
homeles during the holiday season. So like just the fact
that he's intrigued by giving back and some level of philanthropy, right,
they like, we're excited to get them into that space
as well. And Foster, you know, Foster no point intended
(11:23):
that that type of uh, you know, encourage that type
of behavior. And so for my wife and I. We
are excited to get back into it once we feel
like our kids are you know, out of layout of diapersy. Yeah,
we're excited to branch out here. Our case, we had
two a couple of cases up in Wisconsin and they
were like, it's.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Tough at the beginning.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
I feel like most of the cases are like this
where it's it's in the beginning getting to know the kids. Uh,
it can be tough. And really what you got to
be in tune with is their tests and you like
they want to see like are you Are you that
type of person that's going to flee as soon as
I give some sort of pushback because if you are,
like why even start this?
Speaker 3 (12:04):
Right?
Speaker 5 (12:05):
And so you guys they're doing that obviously on a
subconscious level, right. So they that was how it went
with our case. Well are the joint case my wife,
My wife and I had up in Green Bay, and
so we got past that and it was phenomenal after that.
It was such a rewarding experience for both parties. And yeah,
very very fulfilling indeed for sure.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
And if I'm ay Lisa, I'll just say that to
Corey's great credit though the cases you know, we're a
while ago. During his tenure as a star NFL player,
he was nominated for the Walter Peyton Man of Man
of the Year Award twice, in twenty twenty with the
Packers and in twenty twenty one with the Chargers, and
(12:48):
during that process he can tell you better than me,
but he was a huge.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
You know, PASA supporter for Cossa.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
During the Mike Cause my cleats and featuring our logo
and really trying to help spread the words. So Corey
and Anna have been tremendous in lending their voice and
lending their support to this cause and just really trying
to help spread the word and educate people about the
fact that our organization exists and how meaningful it is
to participate at any level. So we are so so
(13:18):
grateful for that.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
And Corey, I mean, look, you know, it's yeah, showing
people how important it is to not just give back,
but to invest invest in you know, these young people
and invest and make them feel like they have a
family and I feel like they're not going to be
let down again. That had to make you feel good
an award winning time, but also for being a good person,
(13:39):
you know, not just on the field, but off the
field and being a good a good a good man.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
For sure. I would give way more credit to my
wife for spreading the words, who's much more active on
social media than I am.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
But we're but we nonetheless we are both yeah, very
happy and to champion the cause of CASS and everything
that the organization, every organization across the country is about,
like the're the work that they're doing. Just like you said,
it's it's this direct, meaningful impact in the community that
(14:11):
and it is like such a small time commitment, to
be honest with you where but it's the consistency of it.
I think we met with the kids once an hour
a week, and I don't know, it's just like Reagan
was speaking to I'm sure there are different rules about
like the limitations of what you can you know, a
cost of the cost of but honestly, like the it's
the consistent presence of it, of yourself being there for them,
(14:35):
and that in and of itself is like huge for
these kids. It makes a world of difference and and
obviously you get you get some benefit out of it,
you know, feeling.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Like you did made an impact in your.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Community, and it's so much more than just you know,
going to Deaseland once a year. Right, It's more than
just theme parks. Is more than just the wooing and
the wow and let's go here, let's go there.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
It's it's that.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Getting to know each other, the bonding, the time, the
listening and the care. Right, and then you have exchanged
phone numbers. You could probably talk more often than that
than just in person, right, Reagan, is that how it
works as well? Too?
Speaker 4 (15:09):
You can, But I really want to double down on
what you're saying. I mean, we have kids, Lisa, that
have never been complimented, you know, by anyone. I mean,
there was not someone in that. I got a letter
from one of our advocates on Friday who received this
letter was sent to her by the youth with whom
she's matched, a young man kind of a you know,
(15:30):
tough teenage boy who's you know, not probably doesn't in
gender thoughts of being kind of this you know, softy.
But this letter was so beautiful that he wrote to
her about how she is the most important person in
his life and that she was the first person who
ever complimented him and told him that he was worth something.
I mean, so Disneyland is great, But what these volunteers
(15:51):
are actually instilling and giving to these kids, as Corey said,
I mean, you know, they're not going to necessarily show
you all their cards right away. They have been hurt
and let down by the people who are supposed to
love them unconditionally and show up for them and in
good times and bad, so they're a little bit, you know,
gun shy sometimes to make a strong connection or to
(16:12):
be vulnerable with you and might just test you to
see if you're going to stick around. But I think
that it just goes to show that those interactions, that
consistent presence really is making such a tremendous difference, and
it's really helping them from the inside out in terms
of their self confidence, their self esteem. There's no price
you can really put on that, and I don't know
(16:34):
that you get that from a day at Disneyland, but
it is those micro moments of being there consistently that
make a difference.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
Yeah, I'd like to say if you have room in
your heart, if you have room in your heart to
make a difference in someone's life, this could be a
great place to start. Reaganar Are people able to apply online?
How does this application part of it, start to be
volunteer and then we're going to talk about you event
on December fifth.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
But how do we apply?
Speaker 2 (16:57):
How do we reach out if we want to show
some interests and learn more. What's the best to go
about doing that part of it?
Speaker 4 (17:01):
Yeah, thank you for asking. The best way is just
to visit our website ATKSOC dot org. You sign up
for an info session, and it's really an opportunity. It's
the first line of defense for potential volunteers to learn
about who we are, what we're about, make sure that
they have their questions answered, to see if they can
take the next step to becoming a volunteer, because we do,
(17:22):
you know, we make them work forward a little bit.
It's a volunteer opportunity, but I'd like to say it's
a sophisticated volunteer opportunity. We have a lot of training
on the front end, thirty two hours of training. We
are going to do a background check as a conduit
to the most vulnerable term our community. We've got to
make sure we're working with safe and appropriate adults. We're
going to interview you, do some reference checks. But once
(17:43):
you get sworn in and you're part of our community.
I mean, we exist as an organization to ensure that
that volunteer is successful and they feel supported and appreciated
and have opportunities to do fun things with their youth
and not really have to think too much about how
they're going to spend that time. So we exist as
an organization to really anchor and that advocate and success
(18:04):
and help them navigate the process.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And once again we're on with the CEO of kasa
OC Reaganding Phillips and NFL Star and kasa OC volunteer
Corey Linsley. Kasa OC stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Their organization provides trained volunteers to advocate for these kids
and the foster care system that have been through so much.
Volunteers are appointed by the court to get to know
(18:27):
a child, review their case, and make recommendations to the
judge to ensure that the child's.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Best interests are heard and met.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
The goal is to provide a consistent and reliable adult
presence for the child as they navigate the complex foster
care system.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
The kids that we serve, yes, yeah, the kids that
we serve, I mean, certainly in the foster care system.
You've got children from birth to age twenty one. I
would say the bulk of the use that we serve
are probably right in that thirteen to fifteen age range,
kind of when they're transitioning into teenagers, and it can
(19:01):
be a little bit difficult. Oftentimes adoption hasn't occurred or
they haven't successfully reunified, so it's a really critical point
to help them prepare for adulthood. We in terms of volunteer,
we're looking for folks that are twenty one going to
clear those extensive background checks. Of course, open heart, open mind.
We will literally give you the rest. You don't need
to have any expertise in the law of social works,
(19:23):
that any of those things. You even have to have
your own kids. We will give you everything that you
need to be successful in your match.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
I think you just have to have love. You have
to have love. You have to have love.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
You have to want to invest in love and loving
others right and really love on these kids who really
need it.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
They need that love and to know it's going to stay,
it's going to stick around.
Speaker 4 (19:42):
They do. And I think it's the open mind piece
to you understanding that not everyone has had the same background.
There's a birth lottery out there and these kids did
not win it. You know, they've experienced a lot, they've
seen a lot, and it may be a little I
think Corey used the word illuminating to see how some
of these kids have experienced life up to this point,
(20:03):
and so you really kind of have to temper your
expectations a little bit. But again, we've got to support
group here and our staff to help you navigate all
of that.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Founded in nineteen eighty five with major support from the
Junior League of Orange County, kasa OC serves over one
thousand kids each year who move through the Orange County
child welfare system as a result of abuse and neglect.
Cost of volunteers whom they're hoping you might be interested
in getting involved with COSTA volunteers commit to a minimum
of two years with a young person in the child
(20:33):
welfare system. Each volunteer undergoes extensive training to learn how
to best connect with their youth, and cosses will often
assist young people in navigating the complex child welfare system
while balancing school and home life.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
And so much more so, Reagan, right now.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
How many people would you say, how many young people
are available through COSTA OC to be mentored. I know
you help one thousand plus eight each year, but how
many are available right now that need to be mentored,
need a mentor?
Speaker 1 (21:01):
In the hundreds right, it's hundreds.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
And in Orange County right now, we have three hundred
and sixty three kids on our waitlist as of this morning.
That is the highest number that we've had. Oh wow,
And that's not even and we're serving. At any given point,
We've probably got about six hundred and fifty active matches
walking around. There are sixteen one hundred matches that were
hopeful to make over the course of a year, and
right around three thousand kids in care and foster in
(21:24):
Orange County. In foster care, we're even, we're not even
able to serve every child, but we're really trying to
prioritize the ones that have the fewest emotional supports and contacts.
And California as a state has the most kids in
care as of the nation with over four hundred thousand
in the United States, it's over sixty thousand in state
of California, which has the highest number of kids in care.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
So many, so many that need us, need our love,
need our patients, need our kindness, And look you come
together a couple of times a year. Right, you do
the fundraising throughout the year. You have a big event
onto summer, the fifth, big fundraiser. Core You're going to
beat this. You better be at this, Corey, come on now,
Friends of KASA Holiday Luncheon.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
That's got your name written all over it. Waldorf First story.
Speaker 3 (22:06):
Ye, come on, yeah, I hope. So we are right.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Yeah, we've got we've always got seats for Corey and Anna.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Yeah, my wife as we showed up to there.
Speaker 4 (22:18):
Oh yeah, she's a Anna is a regular. She is
she is event.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
So let's dive into someverer the fifth. It's the Friends
of Kasa Holiday Luncheon. Tickets are available at the beautiful
Waldorf Astory at Law and Arc Beach.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
Yes, this is our annual Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon
and fashion show. We do this event and partnership with
Soft Coast Plaza. Every year we get a new fashion
partner and there's a full sort of fashion week style
runway show. This year our partner is Monique Lulier. It's
going to be a beautiful show, super elegant and feminine,
and then there's a luncheon as well. There's a program
(22:54):
where we hear from somebody who's experienced our services, either
as a as an advocate. We've had some former youth
speak this year, we're going to have well we're having it.
We're having an advocate speak and share her story. We
also have prior to the event a cocktail hour where
there's an incredible silent auction. There's our Starfish trees, which
we're sort of famous for. Every tree which are sponsored
(23:18):
by Barkley but Terra has an ornament that is designed
by Tim Ree, a local artist here in Orange County,
with a wish that each of our youth individually and
uniquely prepare to have granted by one of our guests
and anything, you know, yeah, and outing a special outing
with their advocate, to you know, a fishing pole, to
tennis shoes so that they can participate on the tennis team.
(23:40):
It's it's really a wide variety of needs that are
presented on those trees and a great opportunity for the
community to be a part of helping each child have
those wishes come true.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Absolutely, And you know Reagan and Corey the radio station.
We have a big event at not Spray Farm, that's
Mary Farm December eleventh, we privately take over the entire
so we should discuss off there how maybe we can
invite some of the kids, We should do it.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
I would love that, Yeah, I would love that.
Speaker 2 (24:07):
So much need and so much love that these kids need.
And again legally you advocating for them is such a
huge part of just stepping up for these kids. Like
you said, so many kids you've been through a really
rough part of life and it could be better. We
could do better, we can do more, we can love
on them more, and we can get more involved. Just
to open your eyes to considering doing this volunteering like
(24:29):
a Cory has and like Reagan, You've you know, worked
so hard, so much of your dedication has been to
this organization, and so thank you for all that you
both do and giving back. If you're interested in finding
out how to be a part of this, considering to
be a Costa volunteer, a Costa mentor for these kids,
Please know that once a child is teamed up with
a Costa volunteer, hopefully you you make that commitment. You
(24:51):
make that to your commitment to truly being there for
a child in need, a child who has been through
the unthinkable.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Most of these cases, Yes.
Speaker 2 (25:00):
They are so much more likely to graduate from high school,
so much more likely to believe in this world, to
believe and hope, to have hope that they're to make it.
They are loved, they are worthy, they are wanted, they
are needed, and they are loved. That's what this program
provides can provide thanks to your commitment. Find out more
(25:21):
at KASAOC dot org. At c asa OC dot org
there's a wealth of information on there as to how
it all works and see if it's right fit for you. Again,
Reagan the CEO of KASA OC, Reagan'scot Kids, NFL Star
and KASA volunteer Corey Linsley and his wife, They've got
four kids and they have been making this lifestyle work helping.
Speaker 1 (25:44):
Kids for years. It's doable, it's meaningful.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
It adds so much value to these kids' lives who
have been through so much, and added value to your
life too and to your family, and hey even just
to meet some like many people who like helping kids,
Maybe buy a ticket to their December fifth Friends of
KASA Holiday Luncheon Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Fashion presentation by
Monique Lulier could be a great way to open the
(26:09):
door to the conversation.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Something new for the new year, something new for.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
You, something needed for these kids, and just maybe a
wonderful opportunity for you to just love on love on
these kids and that gives back to your heart too,
big time.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
All the info at CASAOC dot org. Yep, did I
get it.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
That's it.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
Reagan and Corey, thank you so much, any parting words.
Corey and you and your wife, thank you again so
much for all that you do to get back to
these kids, having your own beautiful family and then loving
on these kids and being a part of you know,
the kasa OC family.
Speaker 5 (26:41):
Absolutely and thank you. Appreciate you doing your part to
get the word out. And yeah, we very we highly
encourage everybody out there too if you have the opportunity,
at the time, the effort to do this. Yeah, we
very much encourage it, not only for these kids, for
yourself as well.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Reagan.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Yeah, I just you know, what we say around here
is showing up is extraordinary and I just think that
we could all be showing up a little bit more
in our community and for the kids that really need it.
So if you want to be a part of something,
something truly meaningful and change the trajectory of a child's life.
This is the place to do it and we welcome you.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
So Thank you so much, Reagan and Corey kasac dot
org for all the info KASAOC dot org.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Thank you guys, so much.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
Thank you, Lisa
Lisa Fox here. This is the iHeart so Cal Show.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Today I talked about Kids who Need Us kasa OC.
It's a privately funded non profit organization that serves severely abused.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Neglected, and abandoned kids.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
But through their recruitment, training and continued support of volunteers
that they call kasas who advocate for and mentor these kids. Boy,
are they making a difference. From the courtroom to the classroom.
Kasas represent the best interests of these kids in need.
They've got a big, big fundraiser come upon to Summer
the fifth and on to tell us all about what
they do, how we can get involve, how we can
(00:33):
help and support. I've got two very special people to
tell you all about how this works. First, I got
there out their CEO, the CEO of kasa OC, Reagan
Dean Phillips.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
Hi.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Reagan Hi, Lisa Hi.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
And I don't know why this, says Corey Linsley, a
former American football center.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
No, you did the work, Corey, You're still a star.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Come on, American football center who played ten seasons in
the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Ore La Chargers. Yes, Hello, Carl Lensley. Yay Hi guys.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Hello, thanks for having us.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
So, Regan, let's start with you. You spent a long time
working with these kids. Tell us why why the investment,
Why do you care so much about helping the KASA
OC kids, and why you're so passionate about making a
difference in their lives.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Yeah, so well, thank you, Lisa. I am. I'm a
recovering attorney. I started my legal career representing children actually
in the foster care system here in Orange County and
worked daily with KASA volunteers in my courtroom. I served
on the board as part of my pre working for
(01:39):
the organization tenure and got to be familiar with some
of the fundraising components and really appreciated, certainly as an
attorney representing these kids in court the perspective, the relational piece.
There were many many clients of mine that I never
even actually met. Sadly, unless they come to court, they
were not getting to interact with me. I was having
(02:01):
an investigator go out and secure information from them. From
my perspective, the causes are the folks that have the greatest,
most up to date relationship with these kids, and I
was able to get a lot of really great information.
I tried to put a cost on every single one
of my kids, not really recognizing at that time that
there's a pretty hefty wait list. It's hard to recruit
(02:22):
and get these folks, so we need more volunteers. We
always benefit from having this army of volunteers out there
to match with the kids. And then I came on
board as part of the staff in twenty fifteen, So
I just celebrated ten years in July, and I've been
CEO for the last eight. Wow.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Look at that and so much pride. It sounds like
you have so much pride in helping these young people.
And for folks who don't know, I mean, what types
of situations are these kids in? And God bless you
for having the legal means to protect them, right, I mean,
that's what it's all about, protecting these kids.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
What types of things are they going through?
Speaker 4 (03:00):
Yeah, they're pretty they're pretty awful circumstances, Lisa. I mean,
these are kids that all of them have been removed
from their home of origin or their family because of abuse, neglect,
or abandonment, and through no faults of their own. So
these are kids that are just in desperate need of
someone to show up for them really at the end
of the day and see them and hear them. All
(03:20):
of these professionals that are in the courthouse are there
and are you know, dedicated staff to represent them as
attorneys or as social workers or therapists and even the judge.
But ultimately, there are so many things that happen with
children as they're growing up. There's a risk of things
needs falling through the cracks, and that's really ultimately where
the volunteers come through.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
I know, you know, we see these terrible stories on
the news and saw these these are things that are
happening to real people and real kids, and they don't
if they don't have an advocate or someone to stand
up for them, who do they have. Corey as an
NFL star NFL start, we won't mention your time with
the Green Bay Packers, but we'll just fo on your
time with the Chargers built up.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Now, Corey, why is this so.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Important to you to work as a volunteer and on
behalf of helping these kids who are going through so much.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Yeah, we did not the reference, you know, back to
the days in Green Bay, but that was where we
first found out about CASA and the woman who ran
the organization of Player of Cossa, Brown County. Her name
was Kristen Jacob. She was actually from my hometown and
so we, you know, found some common ground there she
told me about and immediately hearing about it, it was
(04:33):
like my wife and I immediately wanted to become a
part of it in whatever way we in whatever way possible.
And so going through the process of becoming an advocate
was extremely illuminated.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
I mean the world.
Speaker 5 (04:47):
That I was very fortunate enough to never have to
be a part of. But also speaking a little bit
of my ignorance, I didn't know anything about it. Like
I didn't know what a social worker was. I remember
buddies of mine in college that we're going to be
social work workers, and I'm just kind of like nodded
my head and smiled, and they're.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
Like hidden saints.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
People who don't know social workers are like angels. Yeah,
they do so much, they care so much.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
And it was so just learning the whole experience about
becoming an advocate and then for the more being advocates
and being there for the kids that we had, the
case that we had in Green Bay, you know, carrying
that out here as well, you know, it meant a
great deal to us because of the direct impact.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
That it has in the kids.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
You know, there's a lot of cause, a lot of
great causes out there, but you know, just speaking about
costs itself, you know, the direct again, the direct impact
that you can have on kids' lives, you know, it
makes obviously makes a world of difference.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Corey, do you and your wife do you have kids?
Speaker 3 (05:41):
Yeah, we have four, We have four.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Kids, four kids kids, and so but like probably like
having kids right in Reagan, I don't know if you
have kids. Do you have kids?
Speaker 1 (05:48):
I just feel like I do you do?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
So it must make you feel like, gosh, our kids
are lucky, you know, lucky they don't have to go
through so much that other kids are going through. So
it makes you feel like you want to work even
harder to make sure these other kids can just have
a right do we say, like quote unquote normal life
or without all the like craziness that can happen to them,
especially in the postcar system and out there without the
(06:11):
normal structure at home. I mean, right, I'd like to
think having kids makes you feel like, oh my gosh,
we want to make sure we want to do everything
in our power to make sure the coast of kids
have just a better life, right, a better life exactly.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
And I think the one of the themes that again
it seems so simple and like straightforward, but you don't
really think about these things until you get into this environment,
into the space, is just that can being a consistent
presence in someone's life and life? Yeah, And that's that
was a huge, huge emphasis point of emphasis during our
(06:43):
time and KASA that you know, getting educated and becoming
an advocate was like, you know, just how much that
means to these kids just weake in and week out,
being able to be there for them and having that
just having that playing that role in.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Their life in and of itself is positive.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Yeah, because they're getting bounced around right to foster home
to foster home to foster home.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
They're going through a lot.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Reagan, how do the kids, How are the kids introduced
to KASA OC and how are they able to find
you and get help from you?
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Guys?
Speaker 4 (07:12):
So we are the only organization that is empowered by
the juvenile Court to create these relationships while the children
are under the jurisdiction of the court for their dependency proceedings.
So we have a unique access point, and the cases
are referred to us by the judges. Sometimes they're referred
by social workers or attorneys, and sometimes they actually come
(07:33):
to us by way of the kids themselves. If you've
got kids that are living in a group home, let's say,
and one of the other children gets picked up by
their COASTA volunteer to go do something fun on the weekends,
some of the kids will hear about it and say, well,
where's my KASA volunteer. I want to get to do that.
And here in Orange County, every organization, I'll say that
there are over nine hundred and fifty nationwide, forty four
(07:53):
of them in California alone, in the fifty two counties.
Everyone operates a little bit differently based on jurisdictional needs,
but we hear an Orange County try really hard to
foster a one on one match. We pair volunteers with
siblings when it's appropriate for the kids. So sometimes the
sibling will have a CASA and the other one, you know,
(08:14):
wants to have the exact experience or a similar experience
what their kid is having. So they come to us
by by a few different ways. And oftentimes we're also
empowered to look at the detention reports and files as
they're coming in and to assess them to see if
it's something that we could really provide value or assist with.
These are typically the most at risk kids, with the
(08:34):
fewest emotional connections and maybe least likely to successfully reunify
with their family of origin to potentially emancipate out of
the system into adulthood out in the real world. So
we really want to surround them with support and a
stable presence and someone that they can you know, that
they can reach out to in contact in times of
(08:54):
trouble or need sure.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
And so like Corey as a volunteer, so volunteers, she
is like a mentor. And like Corey said, right, you're
you're looking always looking for more people who want to
be there. Once you meet the right how does the
matching up kind of work as well? So you know
you're a good fit to build a relationship with a child,
you know. Like my boyfriend I have been together five years.
We don't have kids. We met later in life. We
(09:17):
would have had great kids. It would have been so cute.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Didn't happen.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
We met later, but we always talk about our future
with maybe mentoring or adopting and so how do you
match couples, how do you match singles? What's the requirement?
How does that part of it work? Reagan, start with
you first, and then Corey, I want to ask about
how the commitment to these kids fits within your lifestyle.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
How does it work? But Reagan, Ya, how does the
matching up part work?
Speaker 4 (09:41):
Yeah, So we have a team internally that is really
dedicated to the matching process, carefully vetting all of our
potential advocates coming through the training system and looking at
who they are, what their skill sets are, what their
interests are. We invite them to be a part of
weighing in on the process. And then we're really thoughtfully
(10:02):
matching with children that are coming through, trying to align
interests and opportunities. And you know, I would say that
we have a really good track record of making solid matches.
We do ask for a two year commitment, and that's
really just to emphasize those volunteers that there is a
lot of instability. There is a lot of change in
these children's lives. So it's really important that if we're
going to introduce you, we want it to stick. We
(10:23):
want it to be a good match. And you're right
it doesn't always work, but we have a really good
track record here in Orange County of making great matches
and sometimes unlikely matches, but they find the beauty in
each other and it's really really lovely to see those
relationships develop.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
And Corey as a volunteer, how does it work with
you and your family and busy schedule? How often are
you able to see or talk to the kids that
you've committed to and spend some quality of time together.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
Yeah, so we haven't had a case since our time
in Green Bay. You know, our kids, you know, we've
had a kid every other year, it feels like, and
we had twins on the back end.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
So but we're excited.
Speaker 5 (11:01):
My son actually, we were on a bike ride the
other day and he was just talking about you know,
we were discussing about like putting together meals for the
homeles during the holiday season. So like just the fact
that he's intrigued by giving back and some level of philanthropy, right,
they like, we're excited to get them into that space
as well. And Foster, you know, Foster no point intended
(11:23):
that that type of uh, you know, encourage that type
of behavior. And so for my wife and I. We
are excited to get back into it once we feel
like our kids are you know, out of layout of diapersy. Yeah,
we're excited to branch out here. Our case, we had
two a couple of cases up in Wisconsin and they
were like, it's.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Tough at the beginning.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
I feel like most of the cases are like this
where it's it's in the beginning getting to know the kids. Uh,
it can be tough. And really what you got to
be in tune with is their tests and you like
they want to see like are you Are you that
type of person that's going to flee as soon as
I give some sort of pushback because if you are,
like why even start this?
Speaker 3 (12:04):
Right?
Speaker 5 (12:05):
And so you guys they're doing that obviously on a
subconscious level, right. So they that was how it went
with our case. Well are the joint case my wife,
My wife and I had up in Green Bay, and
so we got past that and it was phenomenal after that.
It was such a rewarding experience for both parties. And yeah,
very very fulfilling indeed for sure.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
And if I'm ay Lisa, I'll just say that to
Corey's great credit though the cases you know, we're a
while ago. During his tenure as a star NFL player,
he was nominated for the Walter Peyton Man of Man
of the Year Award twice, in twenty twenty with the
Packers and in twenty twenty one with the Chargers, and
(12:48):
during that process he can tell you better than me,
but he was a huge.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
You know, PASA supporter for Cossa.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
During the Mike Cause my cleats and featuring our logo
and really trying to help spread the words. So Corey
and Anna have been tremendous in lending their voice and
lending their support to this cause and just really trying
to help spread the word and educate people about the
fact that our organization exists and how meaningful it is
to participate at any level. So we are so so
(13:18):
grateful for that.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
And Corey, I mean, look, you know, it's yeah, showing
people how important it is to not just give back,
but to invest invest in you know, these young people
and invest and make them feel like they have a
family and I feel like they're not going to be
let down again. That had to make you feel good
an award winning time, but also for being a good person,
(13:39):
you know, not just on the field, but off the
field and being a good a good a good man.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
For sure. I would give way more credit to my
wife for spreading the words, who's much more active on
social media than I am.
Speaker 5 (13:51):
But we're but we nonetheless we are both yeah, very
happy and to champion the cause of CASS and everything
that the organization, every organization across the country is about,
like the're the work that they're doing. Just like you said,
it's it's this direct, meaningful impact in the community that
(14:11):
and it is like such a small time commitment, to
be honest with you where but it's the consistency of it.
I think we met with the kids once an hour
a week, and I don't know, it's just like Reagan
was speaking to I'm sure there are different rules about
like the limitations of what you can you know, a
cost of the cost of but honestly, like the it's
the consistent presence of it, of yourself being there for them,
(14:35):
and that in and of itself is like huge for
these kids. It makes a world of difference and and
obviously you get you get some benefit out of it,
you know, feeling.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Like you did made an impact in your.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Community, and it's so much more than just you know,
going to Deaseland once a year. Right, It's more than
just theme parks. Is more than just the wooing and
the wow and let's go here, let's go there.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
It's it's that.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Getting to know each other, the bonding, the time, the
listening and the care. Right, and then you have exchanged
phone numbers. You could probably talk more often than that
than just in person, right, Reagan, is that how it
works as well? Too?
Speaker 4 (15:09):
You can, But I really want to double down on
what you're saying. I mean, we have kids, Lisa, that
have never been complimented, you know, by anyone. I mean,
there was not someone in that. I got a letter
from one of our advocates on Friday who received this
letter was sent to her by the youth with whom
she's matched, a young man kind of a you know,
(15:30):
tough teenage boy who's you know, not probably doesn't in
gender thoughts of being kind of this you know, softy.
But this letter was so beautiful that he wrote to
her about how she is the most important person in
his life and that she was the first person who
ever complimented him and told him that he was worth something.
I mean, so Disneyland is great, But what these volunteers
(15:51):
are actually instilling and giving to these kids, as Corey said,
I mean, you know, they're not going to necessarily show
you all their cards right away. They have been hurt
and let down by the people who are supposed to
love them unconditionally and show up for them and in
good times and bad, so they're a little bit, you know,
gun shy sometimes to make a strong connection or to
(16:12):
be vulnerable with you and might just test you to
see if you're going to stick around. But I think
that it just goes to show that those interactions, that
consistent presence really is making such a tremendous difference, and
it's really helping them from the inside out in terms
of their self confidence, their self esteem. There's no price
you can really put on that, and I don't know
(16:34):
that you get that from a day at Disneyland, but
it is those micro moments of being there consistently that
make a difference.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
Yeah, I'd like to say if you have room in
your heart, if you have room in your heart to
make a difference in someone's life, this could be a
great place to start. Reaganar Are people able to apply online?
How does this application part of it, start to be
volunteer and then we're going to talk about you event
on December fifth.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
But how do we apply?
Speaker 2 (16:57):
How do we reach out if we want to show
some interests and learn more. What's the best to go
about doing that part of it?
Speaker 4 (17:01):
Yeah, thank you for asking. The best way is just
to visit our website ATKSOC dot org. You sign up
for an info session, and it's really an opportunity. It's
the first line of defense for potential volunteers to learn
about who we are, what we're about, make sure that
they have their questions answered, to see if they can
take the next step to becoming a volunteer, because we do,
(17:22):
you know, we make them work forward a little bit.
It's a volunteer opportunity, but I'd like to say it's
a sophisticated volunteer opportunity. We have a lot of training
on the front end, thirty two hours of training. We
are going to do a background check as a conduit
to the most vulnerable term our community. We've got to
make sure we're working with safe and appropriate adults. We're
going to interview you, do some reference checks. But once
(17:43):
you get sworn in and you're part of our community.
I mean, we exist as an organization to ensure that
that volunteer is successful and they feel supported and appreciated
and have opportunities to do fun things with their youth
and not really have to think too much about how
they're going to spend that time. So we exist as
an organization to really anchor and that advocate and success
(18:04):
and help them navigate the process.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And once again we're on with the CEO of kasa
OC Reaganding Phillips and NFL Star and kasa OC volunteer
Corey Linsley. Kasa OC stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Their organization provides trained volunteers to advocate for these kids
and the foster care system that have been through so much.
Volunteers are appointed by the court to get to know
(18:27):
a child, review their case, and make recommendations to the
judge to ensure that the child's.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
Best interests are heard and met.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
The goal is to provide a consistent and reliable adult
presence for the child as they navigate the complex foster
care system.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
The kids that we serve, yes, yeah, the kids that
we serve, I mean, certainly in the foster care system.
You've got children from birth to age twenty one. I
would say the bulk of the use that we serve
are probably right in that thirteen to fifteen age range,
kind of when they're transitioning into teenagers, and it can
(19:01):
be a little bit difficult. Oftentimes adoption hasn't occurred or
they haven't successfully reunified, so it's a really critical point
to help them prepare for adulthood. We in terms of volunteer,
we're looking for folks that are twenty one going to
clear those extensive background checks. Of course, open heart, open mind.
We will literally give you the rest. You don't need
to have any expertise in the law of social works,
(19:23):
that any of those things. You even have to have
your own kids. We will give you everything that you
need to be successful in your match.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
I think you just have to have love. You have
to have love. You have to have love.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
You have to want to invest in love and loving
others right and really love on these kids who really
need it.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
They need that love and to know it's going to stay,
it's going to stick around.
Speaker 4 (19:42):
They do. And I think it's the open mind piece
to you understanding that not everyone has had the same background.
There's a birth lottery out there and these kids did
not win it. You know, they've experienced a lot, they've
seen a lot, and it may be a little I
think Corey used the word illuminating to see how some
of these kids have experienced life up to this point,
(20:03):
and so you really kind of have to temper your
expectations a little bit. But again, we've got to support
group here and our staff to help you navigate all
of that.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Founded in nineteen eighty five with major support from the
Junior League of Orange County, kasa OC serves over one
thousand kids each year who move through the Orange County
child welfare system as a result of abuse and neglect.
Cost of volunteers whom they're hoping you might be interested
in getting involved with COSTA volunteers commit to a minimum
of two years with a young person in the child
(20:33):
welfare system. Each volunteer undergoes extensive training to learn how
to best connect with their youth, and cosses will often
assist young people in navigating the complex child welfare system
while balancing school and home life.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
And so much more so, Reagan, right now.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
How many people would you say, how many young people
are available through COSTA OC to be mentored. I know
you help one thousand plus eight each year, but how
many are available right now that need to be mentored,
need a mentor?
Speaker 1 (21:01):
In the hundreds right, it's hundreds.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
And in Orange County right now, we have three hundred
and sixty three kids on our waitlist as of this morning.
That is the highest number that we've had. Oh wow,
And that's not even and we're serving. At any given point,
We've probably got about six hundred and fifty active matches
walking around. There are sixteen one hundred matches that were
hopeful to make over the course of a year, and
right around three thousand kids in care and foster in
(21:24):
Orange County. In foster care, we're even, we're not even
able to serve every child, but we're really trying to
prioritize the ones that have the fewest emotional supports and contacts.
And California as a state has the most kids in
care as of the nation with over four hundred thousand
in the United States, it's over sixty thousand in state
of California, which has the highest number of kids in care.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
So many, so many that need us, need our love,
need our patients, need our kindness, And look you come
together a couple of times a year. Right, you do
the fundraising throughout the year. You have a big event
onto summer, the fifth, big fundraiser. Core You're going to
beat this. You better be at this, Corey, come on now,
Friends of KASA Holiday Luncheon.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
That's got your name written all over it. Waldorf First story.
Speaker 3 (22:06):
Ye, come on, yeah, I hope. So we are right.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Yeah, we've got we've always got seats for Corey and Anna.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
Yeah, my wife as we showed up to there.
Speaker 4 (22:18):
Oh yeah, she's a Anna is a regular. She is
she is event.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
So let's dive into someverer the fifth. It's the Friends
of Kasa Holiday Luncheon. Tickets are available at the beautiful
Waldorf Astory at Law and Arc Beach.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
Yes, this is our annual Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon
and fashion show. We do this event and partnership with
Soft Coast Plaza. Every year we get a new fashion
partner and there's a full sort of fashion week style
runway show. This year our partner is Monique Lulier. It's
going to be a beautiful show, super elegant and feminine,
and then there's a luncheon as well. There's a program
(22:54):
where we hear from somebody who's experienced our services, either
as a as an advocate. We've had some former youth
speak this year, we're going to have well we're having it.
We're having an advocate speak and share her story. We
also have prior to the event a cocktail hour where
there's an incredible silent auction. There's our Starfish trees, which
we're sort of famous for. Every tree which are sponsored
(23:18):
by Barkley but Terra has an ornament that is designed
by Tim Ree, a local artist here in Orange County,
with a wish that each of our youth individually and
uniquely prepare to have granted by one of our guests
and anything, you know, yeah, and outing a special outing
with their advocate, to you know, a fishing pole, to
tennis shoes so that they can participate on the tennis team.
(23:40):
It's it's really a wide variety of needs that are
presented on those trees and a great opportunity for the
community to be a part of helping each child have
those wishes come true.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Absolutely, And you know Reagan and Corey the radio station.
We have a big event at not Spray Farm, that's
Mary Farm December eleventh, we privately take over the entire
so we should discuss off there how maybe we can
invite some of the kids, We should do it.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
I would love that, Yeah, I would love that.
Speaker 2 (24:07):
So much need and so much love that these kids need.
And again legally you advocating for them is such a
huge part of just stepping up for these kids. Like
you said, so many kids you've been through a really
rough part of life and it could be better. We
could do better, we can do more, we can love
on them more, and we can get more involved. Just
to open your eyes to considering doing this volunteering like
(24:29):
a Cory has and like Reagan, You've you know, worked
so hard, so much of your dedication has been to
this organization, and so thank you for all that you
both do and giving back. If you're interested in finding
out how to be a part of this, considering to
be a Costa volunteer, a Costa mentor for these kids,
Please know that once a child is teamed up with
a Costa volunteer, hopefully you you make that commitment. You
(24:51):
make that to your commitment to truly being there for
a child in need, a child who has been through
the unthinkable.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Most of these cases, Yes.
Speaker 2 (25:00):
They are so much more likely to graduate from high school,
so much more likely to believe in this world, to
believe and hope, to have hope that they're to make it.
They are loved, they are worthy, they are wanted, they
are needed, and they are loved. That's what this program
provides can provide thanks to your commitment. Find out more
(25:21):
at KASAOC dot org. At c asa OC dot org
there's a wealth of information on there as to how
it all works and see if it's right fit for you. Again,
Reagan the CEO of KASA OC, Reagan'scot Kids, NFL Star
and KASA volunteer Corey Linsley and his wife, They've got
four kids and they have been making this lifestyle work helping.
Speaker 1 (25:44):
Kids for years. It's doable, it's meaningful.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
It adds so much value to these kids' lives who
have been through so much, and added value to your
life too and to your family, and hey even just
to meet some like many people who like helping kids,
Maybe buy a ticket to their December fifth Friends of
KASA Holiday Luncheon Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Fashion presentation by
Monique Lulier could be a great way to open the
(26:09):
door to the conversation.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Something new for the new year, something new for.
Speaker 2 (26:13):
You, something needed for these kids, and just maybe a
wonderful opportunity for you to just love on love on
these kids and that gives back to your heart too,
big time.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
All the info at CASAOC dot org. Yep, did I
get it.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
That's it.
Speaker 2 (26:28):
Reagan and Corey, thank you so much, any parting words.
Corey and you and your wife, thank you again so
much for all that you do to get back to
these kids, having your own beautiful family and then loving
on these kids and being a part of you know,
the kasa OC family.
Speaker 5 (26:41):
Absolutely and thank you. Appreciate you doing your part to
get the word out. And yeah, we very we highly
encourage everybody out there too if you have the opportunity,
at the time, the effort to do this. Yeah, we
very much encourage it, not only for these kids, for
yourself as well.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Reagan.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Yeah, I just you know, what we say around here
is showing up is extraordinary and I just think that
we could all be showing up a little bit more
in our community and for the kids that really need it.
So if you want to be a part of something,
something truly meaningful and change the trajectory of a child's life.
This is the place to do it and we welcome you.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
So Thank you so much, Reagan and Corey kasac dot
org for all the info KASAOC dot org.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Thank you guys, so much.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
Thank you, Lisa
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