April is one of the most important months for CASA, as it is both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Volunteer Appreciation Month. While we strive to raise awareness about child abuse and appreciate our volunteers year-round, April is a special opportunity to highlight these important times across our community.
According to the National Children’s Alliance, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States annually. The effects of abuse can be devastating and long-lasting, impacting children's mental, emotional, and physical health.
Across most counties in the US, Court Appointed Special Advocate programs like ours play a critical role in advocating for the needs of children who have faced abuse or neglect, and keeping them safe from re-abuse during their time in the foster care system. Our local CASA organization is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children right here in Lake County.
Throughout the month of April, we've been sharing important information and resources on how we can all prevent child abuse and ensure the safety and well-being of our children. We encourage you to get involved in any way you can.
Here are a few ways to help:
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Share CASA's social media's posts to help us increase visibility and awareness
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If you're not already, consider becoming a CASA volunteer advocate
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Make a donation to CASA Lake County to support our mission of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Lake County.
Together, we can create a community where all children are safe, happy, and thriving. Thank you for your support and dedication to the well-being of our children.
With Gratitude,
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Support our work with a tax-deductible donation in any amount! |
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Your support makes an impact
In just the last month...
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302 Volunteers served as CASAs
521 children served by a CASA
18 children had cases close
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Thank You to Our Longtime CASA Supporter |
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We are deeply grateful for the longtime commitment and support of our CASA volunteer, Susan Stern. In addition to giving so selflessly of her time by advocating for children as a CASA volunteer since 2009, Susan and her husband Abraham have also supported CASA Lake County’s mission as donors for over 13 years. When asked what has motivated her to support CASA as long as she has, her answer was remarkable.
"Nothing tugs at my heart more than an innocent child who has become a victim of adults who have lost their way in life." Susan said. "My parents were both orphaned in the Holocaust; my mom and her four young siblings were saved from their final destination, Auschwitz, by their aunt and uncle in the United States. In essence, they sponsored and became foster parents to my mom and her siblings. In the face of tragedy, my mother flourished in their loving, safe home. Looking back, this is probably what led me to CASA’s door. CASA saves children and gives them a fighting chance. CASA supports the family unit when possible. I feel the tug of my heart every day that I am a CASA volunteer."
Thank you to Susan and Abraham for your continued dedication to Lake County’s most vulnerable population – children who have faced abuse and/or neglect.
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Join CASA's 2023 Golf Outing |
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Kudos for Some Amazing CASA Volunteers! |
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To CASA Lindsay as her case closed in reunification with the children’s mother. During visits, Lindsay monitored the three children’s development and collaborated with their caregivers to ensure their needs were met. Lindsay was the only constant in the children’s lives throughout their time in care.
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To CASA Kate as she embarked on her first CASA case. Kate made a connection with the teen early on despite the fact that the teen had been resistant to most adult interactions previously. Kate earned her trust by demonstrating acceptance and understanding.
Her positivity and encouragement have helped the teen move forward.
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To CASA Joe for his wonderful educational advocacy for several of his CASA children. He’s had great communication with their schools, got backpacks and school supplies for them, researched appropriate reading books, worked with the foster mom to request IEP meetings, attended an IEP meeting, and conveyed important school information to the foster mom so she can support the children’s success at school.
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To Guadalupe Granados Medina, Cheryl Koronkowski, Sophie Marwil, Michael Mendoza, Christina Harrold, Karen Kos, Debbie Lorsch, Anne McArtney, Rachel Stein for their two-year anniversary of their commitment to CASA and their continuing dedication, compassion and caring for our CASA Lake County families.
To Beth Boehrer and Katharine Thompson in recognition of their five-year CASA anniversary and the amazing work they have done on their case.
To Andrea Heim in recognition of her five-year anniversary of being a CASA. She’s been on the same case this whole time and has been an incredibly strong advocate for two youth with significant needs.
To Robin Salk for ten years with CASA, working on four cases, touching the lives of many children and their caregivers with care and compassion.
To Kim Struik who is celebrating her five-year anniversary as a CASA, now on her third case. Throughout this time, Kim has been an excellent advocate who has demonstrated great care and patience when dealing with her CASA children.
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Your Employer May Be Able to Support CASA! |
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CASA Thanks Our 2023 Mission Partners |
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Mission Statement
CASA Lake County is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, thoroughly trained CASA volunteers work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child's best interest in juvenile court.
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700 Forest Edge Drive
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
847.383.6260
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