History
CASPS was created in 1994 by a group of concerned educators and citizen leaders. Their primary purpose was to lay the foundation of a grass roots organization that would address the social and educational needs of immigrant children in public schools. their mandate was to find solutions by collaborating with school districts and administrators, and by directly working with students and parents. To fulfill the organization’s call for action, they began to serve as advocates, mediators and interpreters. Positive feedback from schools, together with the community’s growing demand for intervention, provided the impetus for expansion into case management services, academic counseling, group therapy, staff development workshops for teachers, and a special effective parenting program available in Armenian, English and Spanish.
Structure
CASPS is managed by an Executive Director and headed by an Executive Board, which assumes the responsibility of overseeing the organization’s projects. Members of CASPS, which include administrators, teachers, counselors, parents and community activists, share their expertise and volunteer their time on project committees.
Highlights
Since its inception in 1994, CASPS has served over 5000 children and parents in all ethnic groups. In the Glendale Unified School District, our organization enjoys continuous collaboration with the Healthy Start Program, addressing problems and making a positive difference. In the Los Angeles Unified School District, we work with the local CASPS Auxiliary on troubleshooting and intergroup cooperation. We specifically concentrate on the cluster of schools with the largest Armenian student populations in the North Hollywood and Van Nuys areas.
Through its various activities, CASPS extends its support to multiple groups of students. Assistance is provided in adjustment to new school environments, social skills development and academic support. In addition, artistic talent is encouraged and recognized with awards, juniors with leadership potential are invited to a forum with opportunities to interact with state and city leaders, and each year, a community event is held in honor of seniors graduating with outstanding academic achievements. This celebration is a popular tradition at GUSD and LAUSD ESC North; it includes receptions for families and educators, certificates of achievement from CASPS, commendations from California elected officials, and monetary awards for seniors with graduating with exceptional achievements.
