Angels of Grace Foster Family Agency

In December 2009, Angels of Grace Foster Family Agency moved its office location from 1350 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721 to 2211 N. Fine Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727.

In October 2009, Angels of Grace Foster Family Agency was awarded Homelessness Prevention Rapid Re-Housing Program Funds through the City and County of Fresno. Lisa Casarez, MSW founded the Angels of Grace Homeless Prevention Program for females with or without children between the age 18-24. This program consist of short-term rental assistance (0-3 months), medium-rental assistance (4-18 months), case management services, and more. To read more about the Angels of Grace Homeless Prevention Program (AOG HPP), please click here.

In October 2008, Lisa Casarez, MSW founded the Angels of Grace Safe Haven Transitional Home. This home provide safe housing and independent living skills to emancipated females with or without children aging out of the foster care system between the ages of 18-24. This is a 24-month program. To read more about the Angels of Grace Safe Haven Transitional Home, please click here.

In 1981, Lisa graduated from Hoover High School in Fresno, California, and she has over 18 years of Child Welfare experience. She was an educational advisor at Fresno City College assisting students with class needs to attain educational goals. Lisa also worked in the admission and financial department. Aside from working at Fresno City College, Lisa attended as a student and in 1991 received her AS degree in Human Services.

From 1993-1995, Lisa was the Program Coordinator for a therapeutic Foster Family Agency, caring for children ages 0-18 years. She developed and implemented the needs assessment and treatment plan, weekly contact, counseled clients and foster parents. Other activites/duties included, but not limited to conducting groups, procedures and Title 22, utilization and review of quality assurance, development of new policies and procedures.

Lisa attended California State University in Fresno, California and received her BA degree in Social Work in June 1994.

During 1995 -1996, Lisa worked at California State University in the Outreach Department as an Advisor ensuring the financial stability of students of all types...(i.e, single parents, re-entry of students, and minority students.) She also assisted in coordinating educational conferences and networked with other community agencies.

From 1996-2000, Lisa worked as a CEO/Administrator at a local non-profit organization where she developed and licensed their Foster Family Agency as her Master project. She was responsible for all aspects of the engagement of administration including client relations, billing, practice and staff development as well as quality assurance of all Community Care Licensing State audits. She supervised Social Workers as they developed and implemented needs assessments, and treatment plans, weekly contact, and placement of children. Lisa is well known within our community because of the quality of services she has provided. Lisa has been chosen several times to be the spokeswoman for various foster care and children issues.

Lisa completed her MSW degree in August 2000. Upon completion of obtaining her Master's degree, she became the Executive Director and CEO/founder of Angels of Grace Foster Family Agency. The agency is located at 1350 Van Ness Avenue in Fresno, California at the corner of Toulumne and Van Ness, across the street from CVS Pharmacy. Lisa has acquired more than 10 years of successful experience in all phases of management, including program development, budgeting, and coordinator in the Human Services System. She is bilingual in English and Spanish; knowledgeable in working with the public, articulate, diligent, a team player, and committed to our community. She received special recognition from Assemblywoman Sarah Reyes for Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Award.

In 2004 she received an award from the Fresno Council On Child Abuse Prevention for her efforts.

In 2005 Ms. Casarez was honored by Valley Public Television and Union Bank of California for the 5th annual Local Hero Awards.

Lisa is currently a member of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, the League of Mexican-American Women, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), among other accredited profit and non-profit agencies.

The Angels of Grace staff would like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa for her many heroic efforts of not only supporting, but also protecting, and fighting for the rights of ALL Foster Children. God bless you Lisa!