As we approach the end of the year, I am filled with gratitude for community members who have given so generously of themselves—as volunteers, as donors, as partners—to help a child they’ve never met face a challenge they don’t deserve. We are thankful for you and greatly appreciate your support of the CASA mission.

I’d like to introduce you to one of those children, Kurt. Kurt was only six years old when he was removed from his parents’ care because of their ongoing struggles with substance abuse. He had missed about 50 days of school and had fallen one full grade behind. He hadn’t been seen for regular medical care and had never received dental or vision care. He was often withdrawn, sullen, spoke in monotone, and responded to most questions with one-word answers. Due to the trauma he had experienced, Kurt was prone to frustration. When overwhelmed, he might stand up, scream, and even hit others.

Kurt's grandparents, Will and Heidi, became his foster parents, and CASA volunteer Carl was appointed to Kurt’s case. Carl developed a supportive partnership with the family and advocated for Kurt in many ways. He joined Will and Heidi at Kurt’s school meetings to help advocate for needed services, he maintained contact with the changing parties in Kurt’s case – such as his DCFS caseworkers and court personnel. Carl aided Will and Heidi to better understand and navigate the complex child welfare system. Most importantly, he acted as the family’s cheerleader–encouraging them when they encountered challenges. CASA Carl

With the support of Heidi, Will, and Carl, today Kurt has become a well-rounded pre-teen, participating in choir, athletics, and attending church. With steady support from “Team Kurt,” Kurt now has a zest for life and his future is bright. Will and Heidi describe Carl as kind, professional, reliable, and trustworthy. “Without Carl, our experience navigating the child welfare system would have been much more difficult,” said Heidi.

On any given day this holiday season, 280 CASA volunteers like Carl in Lake County show up for 523 children, helping them find hope for a brighter future. Children and youth with a CASA volunteer hold a significantly higher sense of hope. When a child has hope, they are also more likely to succeed in school, act out less, maintain optimism, and hold greater self-worth.

Buona Beef x Rainbow Cone partnered with CASA Lake County for a benefit night during the soft-opening of their new Kildeer store on Tuesday, November 14. Menu items were half-off, and all proceeds raised ($4,900.55!) were donated to CASA. We are so grateful to Buona Beef and Rainbow Cone, and everyone in the community who joined and purchased dinner in support of CASA!

We are thankful for The North Suburban Church in Deerfield, for their donation of 77 Thanksgiving baskets feeding over 350 people!

These baskets were picked up and delivered to CASA children and their families by CASA volunteer advocates. Thank you to all in involved in making this possible!

Thank you to everyone that made a gift, created a personal fundraiser for CASA, or helped us spread the word. Our community helped us raise $11,860 for GivingTuesday! With your help we qualified for $3,000 in matching gifts from a generous donor! Your support will allow us to provide more volunteer advocates to children in

To CASA Leah for never giving up on her CASA children. Leah’s case involves two teens. One of the teens’ cases was transferred to another county and closed in Lake County. Leah has made consistent efforts to stay in touch with that teen and has continued to follow up on her life and progress. The other teen has left his placement and is noncompliant with services and Leah continues to reach out to him to let him know she is still there for him.

To CASA Mary for her continued commitment to her CASA child’s best interests. She has developed a strong relationship with the caregivers and the child. Over the last three and half years, she has been able to witness her child with medically complex needs grow into a thriving and healthy child and to provide these valuable updates to the court.