Dear Friend,

Our volunteers are the heart of CASA. Every day, they stand up for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring that each child’s voice is heard, and their best interests are represented in court. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission.

But right now, 27 children in Lake County are waiting for a CASA volunteer. That’s 27 children who don’t yet have a consistent, caring adult to walk alongside them during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

We need your help. There are several meaningful ways you can make a difference before April Child Abuse Prevention Month ends:

• Become an advocate. No legal background is required—just a heart for children and a few hours a month.
• Share the opportunity. Forward this newsletter to a friend who would be interested in volunteering or supporting CASA
• Support CASA with a gift. Your donation helps us recruit, train, and support more advocates, so we can serve every child who needs us.

As April Volunteer Appreciation Month comes to a close, please join us in continuing to honor the volunteers who are already changing lives—and help us reach the children who are still waiting. Together, we can ensure that every child who needs a CASA advocate has one.

With gratitude,

With your support, in just the last month...

Lazy Dog in Vernon Hills (at Mellody Farms) is fundraising for CASA Lake County today, April 29^th for both dine-in and dine-out. *Guests must mention the CASA fundraiser, and 15% of their check will be donated to CASA.*

If you missed it, National CASA recently announced an unexpected funding update. While our services don’t hinge on National CASA grants or any other federal funding, we do regularly benefit from support and guidance from National CASA, and our program has frequently received funding for special projects through this specific grant program. In fact, our program was in the process of preparing a $100,000 grant request proposal for these funds to improve volunteer recruitment efforts when this news emerged...

Earlier this month we officially welcomed eight new volunteer advocates! They were sworn-in as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) by 19th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Marnie M. Slavin after having completed their 30-hour pre-service training. We are so grateful for this commitment that they have taken on!

How did you first find out about CASA and what motivated you to become a volunteer advocate?

 "Through a conversation with a friend of mine who at time was stepping into the role of CEO of The Illinois Association of CASA. She sold me on the organization! I signed up for volunteer training in 2017."

What has your experience been like as a CASA volunteer?

"So far I've worked with 4 younger children and their foster parents. The foster families have taught me so much - I am very fortunate to learn from them, while also helping them navigate so many pathways. Each situation has brought different challenges but my long-term goal is what’s best for the child. I also see the importance of CASA in supporting caseworkers, who are all overloaded with cases, and often burn out from the emotionally taxing work. "

What motivates you to continue supporting CASA for as long as you have?

"I see potential in my CASA children and would like to be part of their success. The continuing education opportunities also keep me going. I am always curious to learn more. I might pick up some information that could specifically help my kids and foster families but also information for life in general -- fascinating. Additionally, I have made gifts to CASA because CASA deserves to survive. Funding is now scarcer than ever, and philanthropy can help close the gap."

2025 marks our 25th Annual Golf for a Child Invitational and this year we have some special guests: former White Sox players Dan Pasqua and Mike Huff will be at our event! This is a great opportunity to gather together for a fun day of golf while also supporting CASA's work. Both individual tickets and sponsorships are available. Spots are filling up, so sign-up today to secure your spot!

Mark your calendar to save this date, and keep an eye out for more information to come!

Kudos for Some Amazing CASA Volunteers!

To CASA Rick for his commitment to taking on a CASA case and immediately coming to court. He did a great job meeting the children at court. He brings an empathetic and compassionate approach to the case. We’re excited to have him as part of the program and grateful for his heart for his CASA children.

To CASA Nick for consistently going above and beyond in his advocacy for his three CASA children. Nick has dedicated countless hours on the phone, tirelessly advocating to ensure their dental and health care needs are met. He has also fostered a strong and trusting relationship with the children’s foster parents, creating a supportive and collaborative environment for everyone involved. CASA is incredibly grateful for Nick’s dedication, compassion, and determination to make a lasting impact in the lives of these children.

View more kudos here!

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Mission Statement

CASA Lake County exists to promote and protect the best interests of youth who have been found to be abused, neglected, or dependent. We train and empower volunteers to advocate for them in the courts and in the community to help them safely return to their families, or when not possible, help them achieve safe and permanent homes where they can thrive.