A letter from our Executive Director

Reflections on my First Month at CASA of Middlesex County

CASA of Middlesex Staff: Patricia Gjoni and Tim Cummings

With one month now under my belt, I must say that I am beyond grateful to have joined the incredible team at CASA of Middlesex County. From the moment I was introduced to this organization, I was deeply moved by the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of the staff, board members, volunteers, and extended community - each playing a vital role in supporting and advocating for the best interests of children in out-of-home placements.

As I reflect on all of that I have learned in just these first few weeks, there are two things that stand out most prominently. First, the NEED that exists within our community. On an average night in Middlesex County, there are over 150 children separated from their biological parents and/or legal guardians. While I am aware of the issues that contribute to these circumstances, hearing firsthand accounts of the difficulties these children have experienced brings that reality to an entirely new level. Sadly, the generational cycles of abuse, trauma, and neglect (to name a few) continue to adversely affect our society and make life so complicated for so many individuals. It is all the more painful, of course, when considering the implications of these factors on the life of a vulnerable child.

Second, the RESPONSE of the community. Throughout my 22+year career in the non-profit sector, I have always been inspired by the goodwill of so many individuals who commit themselves to acts of service. CASA volunteers, however, take this commitment to a whole new level. Through their relentless dedication of time, energy, and resources, CASA volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, and has a chance at a brighter future. Their unwavering commitment and goodwill fuel the mission of our organization and serve as an important reminder of the great potential within each of us to be a positive influence in someone’s life.

To the countless individuals and organizations that have supported our work and mission over the years - Thank You! Your support has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families. To those who may be new to our organization and eager to make a difference in our community, I encourage you to reach out to our team (info@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org). Every person has something valuable to offer, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you in service to those most in need. Together, we can continue to uplift the incredible children in our community and help build a healthier and more vibrant Middlesex County.

Sincerely,

Tim Cummings

Executive Director

CASA of Middlesex County

Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Middlesex County is seeking volunteers willing to become trained to advocate for children in foster care. Every year in New Jersey, more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent and nurturing homes. YOU can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

Children living in out of home placements have suffered trauma, abuse and neglect. They are often confused and fearful of their uncertain future. The well-intentioned systems designed to serve these vulnerable kids frequently overlook the needs of an individual child. That’s where CASA volunteers come in. These dedicated individuals work with the courts, schools, healthcare providers and social services. Our volunteers help to ensure each child gets the support they so desperately need, while in out of home placements, and finds a safe, forever home as soon as possible.

Commitment is key to this position. All training and support are provided by our organization. Advocates meet with their assigned child at least once a month and agree to staying the length of one case, an average of 18 months. All applicants must be 21 and over and be able to pass a comprehensive background check. Our Fall training classes will be seven weekly sessions starting on Wednesday October 8th, and ending November 19th. The sessions will run from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, located in Sayreville, NJ.

If you are interested in volunteering with children from Middlesex County, submit an application on our website. Questions or want to know more? Email info@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org or call (732) 246-4449.

Fostering Futures Program

About 25,000 young adults across the nation leave foster care each year. These young people have lived with instability and experienced trauma. They are often ill-prepared to live independently and plan for their futures. They have high rates of homelessness, justice system involvement, and abusive households.

We are bringing a new initiative to our organization to help the young people we serve better prepare for life after foster care. The Fostering Futures program is currently in place at CASA agencies across the state and nation and will soon be adopted by CASA of Middlesex County. We are grateful for the close partnership with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the approval of the Assignment Judge in Middlesex County, to help us bring this initiative to life.

• Fostering Futures is for youth ages 14+ who are served by CASA

• Specialized training will be provided for volunteers and start working with these youth

• The program focuses on a well-rounded consideration of the child’s future: everything from doing laundry independently to fostering future career opportunities

• The program allows advocates to drive youth under special circumstances in order to get to know them better and help them explore enrichment opportunities (lunch, museums, college tours, etc.)

CASA of Middlesex Staff, Peer Coaches and Volunteer Advocates attended training on July 10th to learn how to participate in this program. Many thanks to Executive Director Lisa Firkser and her team from CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties for implementing this training.

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