Dear Friend,
In times of crisis, displays of care and empathy are more important than ever. We were inspired by the work of one of our CASA volunteers, and we wanted to share her story with you.
 
When a CASA Volunteer received a call from a desperate mother who had run out of food, she and her Advocate Manager sprung into action to ensure that the family wouldn't go hungry. The CASA worked diligently with various individuals and businesses to obtain groceries for the family. She went above and beyond to collect food and bring it to the family’s current residence, dropping it off on the porch for the mother. The mother, who had been quarantined with little financial means and no access to transportation, was very grateful for the help. 

During this challenging crisis, our CASA volunteers have stepped up in incredible ways to make sure that the children they support and advocate for have everything they need. Our CASA's have been the virtual eyes and ears for their CASA kids, completing video visits with them, assessing their home environment, and helping families locate needed resources during this unprecedented time.
How is CASA Lake County adapting to the COVID-19 Crisis?

During this national emergency, CASA Lake County continues to support children and families as best as we can. In isolation, the dangers faced by our CASA children are amplified, and the attention of our dedicated volunteers can be more valuable than ever.
 
Lake County Courts are closed and the Department of Children and Family Services have modified their practices to promote safety and decrease in-person contact. We have increased our communication with children receiving our advocacy services and their foster parents whenever possible through phone and video chat platforms. We are working to provide families with local resources to help ensure that children’s basic needs are met including food, clothing, safe housing, and more. Additionally, we are sharing educational tools and ideas for activities during the stay-at-home order to help make this time less stressful and more advancing of family bonds and relationships.
 
We know that children who have been abused and neglected need as much structure and consistency as possible, especially in times of stress, so we are empowering children and families through a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective, and we will continue to do so no matter what external complications may exist in the world.
 
Our Advocate Managers are connecting with our army of incredibly dedicated CASA volunteers to help answer questions, provide information and support, and trouble-shoot issues with our children’s legal cases. We continue to fulfill our mission of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children!
What resources are available for local children and families right now?
 
CASA Lake County has compiled a comprehensive list of tools and resources addressing public health; basic needs such as food pantries; virtual activities and education; and mental health, which can be accessed on our website here:
How can you support our work to advocate for abused and neglected children today?

All of us at CASA Lake County sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.

Warm Regards,
Terri Zenner Greenberg
Executive Director
CASA Thanks Our 2020 Mission Partners
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.
700 Forest Edge Drive
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061

847.383.6260