Welcome back to our monthly series of things we’re into, an update on everything CASA staff is buzzing about! We’re here as Certified Professional Enthusiasts to keep the series going with these month’s recommendations on movies, articles, and everything else in recent memory that pertains to our advocacy at CASA.
We can all agree that it’s been a hot summer so far, so we’ve gathered a few selections that you can enjoy indoors without breaking a sweat!
If you’re looking for a good movie, watch
ALL RISE: For the Good of the Children Directed by Olive Talley
“This documentary film introduces us to a courtroom that addresses cases through a trauma-informed lens. It helps us understand the impact of trauma and how it’s often the root of the cases we see. Addressing trauma early on for both children and parents increases their chances for long-term healing.” - Elizabeth Throop, Family Finding Specialist.
Goldfinch Directed by John Crowley based on the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Book.
“While I haven’t yet seen the movie (since it’s not out till Sept 13), I am so excited for The Goldfinch because the book by Donna Tartt is just incredible. This is a really epic and inventive story spanning a young man’s life that highlights the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the loss of a parent, as mirrored by his ongoing experiences with a painting called The Goldfinch.” - Callie Langford, Director of Communications
Instructions Not Included Directed by Eugenio Derbez
“One of my favorite movies is Instructions Not Included; a Mexican comedy-drama about fatherhood and the importance of family. This movie explores the definition of family and how different that can look for everybody. The movie dives deep into what makes a family and who gets to decide. It is a great movie to watch!” – Madison Swenson, Child Advocacy Specialist
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Directed by David Leitch
“I have no shame in admitting that I love the Fast & Furious movies, so I was very excited to be able to recommend this one as part of our What We’re Into series. The whole series has always been about family (Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto - "I don't have friends, I got family"), but Hobbs & Shaw is actually about family reunification! It’s all about Hobbs (The Rock) having a tough but loving reunion with his family in Hawaii, and it’s awesome. While it’s not the best of the Fast & Furious movies, it was really fun to watch with an eye on family and the ways in which people can heal and come back together.” - Callie Langford, Director of Communications
If you’re looking for a good read, check out
Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic Written by Sam Quinones
“Dreamland paints an extraordinary picture of the history behind the growing opiate epidemic in America. As a staff member who specializes in drug court cases, this book has provided wonderful insight and given me greater compassion for individuals who suffer from addiction. I feel like I now have a better understanding of some of those systemic issues that have led to addiction battles for individuals that affect families.” – Amy van Oudenaren, Child Advocacy Specialist
2019 CASA Recommends September
