As we begin the new year I am proud to say that 2022 is starting out strong.
It has been a busy time at CASA Lake County. With over 41 children on our waitlist for assignment to a CASA volunteer - our staff has been working hard to expand our program.
Luckily, thanks to the support of our community, we are able to expand our team to serve more children. Recently we have had the pleasure of welcoming another advocate manager to our team who will supervise her own caseload of volunteer advocates helping us advocate for more Lake County foster children who need us.
Welcome to Sophy Elliott! Sophy, has been a very committed and excellent CASA volunteer advocate who has been on three different cases since 2018. She also has a strong background in education and working with children in poverty. Sophy understands the CASA world, and is a wonderful addition to our team as an advocate manager!
We have plans to continue to expand our team so that we can provide a volunteer advocate for every Lake County child who needs one, but we can't do it without your continued support!
|
|
Terri Zenner Greenberg
Executive Director
There are 41 Lake County children waiting for a CASA volunteer right now. Give the gift of a brighter future. Give a child a CASA.
|
|
Your support makes an impact
In just the last month...
|
|
293 Volunteers served as CASAs
541 children served by a CASA
15 children had cases close
|
|
22 years of supporting CASA as a volunteer and supporter |
|
2022 marks 22 years since Barbara Roberson has been supporting CASA, and her story is remarkable.
In a recent interview, Barbara told us that she first found out about CASA in a Chicago Tribune Article and when she retired, she knew it was how she wanted to spend her time. Barbara completed the volunteer training classes and became a volunteer in 1996. Throughout her time as a volunteer, she advocated on several cases.
"It was a wonderful experience. Being a CASA volunteer made me aware of people's personal struggles and circumstances and how vital CASA is - because often times a CASA volunteer can be there when the others can't. CASA is another set of eyes for the children - our most vulnerable population." Barbara said.
We asked Barbara what has motivated her to continuing supporting CASA for all these years. "I mean, how can you not? Especially after you're a volunteer and you see what these children go through?" she said.
Thank you so much Barbara for your continued support!
|
|
Thanks to our holiday open house supporters! |
|
During the holiday season, many of our volunteers and outside organizations helped staff prepare for the Holiday Open House to ensure our CASA kids would receive clothes, toys, outerwear and other items for the holidays. Thanks to: |
|
Janice Greenawalt, Ellen Lubelfeld, Donna Chen, and Jody Gullifor for turning our office into a magical place for CASAs to come and “shop.” Tracy Wooten for organizing a toy drive at her church. Barb Tolbert, for working with the Rotary club to get us 100 pairs of new shoes and socks. The Chapel via their Angel Tree Project. Let It Be Us, Walden Elementary and Families Helping Families for supporting us year after year. Healthy Mind, Healthy Body who for over two years has been supporting us year-round with customer donations. |
|
Everyone involved in the Starbucks Giving Tree Project:
Kristin Leonard, Debbie Lorsch, Sandy Nimz, Lauri Olson, Taylor Dorsey, Odie Pahl, Iryna Pantelyuk, Kendra Appling-Rounsville, Donna Chen, Bill Steele, Noreen Kreda, Jane Wilson, Christine Merrild, Pat Allen, Sharon Thompson, Karen Kaiz, Denise Houchins, Carole Kagan, Mary Ellen Palubicki, Marsha Cowles, Chela Jimenez, Joe McGann and Melissa Santoyo. Also thanks to Noel Terrill from Starbucks for organizing the stores that participate in our Holiday Giving program.
|
|
|
Cheers for these awesome volunteers! |
|
This month we shine the spotlight on Janice Greenawalt and Ellen Lubelfeld, who together have a combined 22 years of experience as volunteer advocates. The two have been partners for eight years, working on cases together, while also managing individual cases. In their years as advocate partners, Janice and Ellen have never missed a court hearing or submitting a court report. Both ladies are excellent representatives of the CASA and their dedication far surpasses the commitment expected from any volunteer advocate. Besides their CASA service, Janice and Ellen also assist our agency with fundraising efforts. They dedicate two months each year working on the annual Gala auction and frequently help with training or college prep activities.
|
|
Save-the-Date for our 2022 GALA! |
|
Thank You Monster Tree Service! |
|
Thank you Monster Tree Service of Lake County for donating a portion of your tree removal services to CASA!
CASA has used Monster Tree Service for all of our tree removal needs and they are always great to work with. They provide detailed proposals and timely service at a reasonable cost.
Check them out for all your tree needs!
|
|
Kudos for some amazing CASA Volunteers! |
|
To CASA Chris who has been an exemplary advocate for her CASA children. Both of Chris’ CASA children have unique medical and developmental needs. Chris regularly communicates with the respective caseworkers, foster parents, daycare workers, medical professionals, and other professionals involved in the children’s lives to stay current on the children’s needs, coordinate evaluations and services and ensure their medical and developmental needs are being met.
|
|
To CASA Gerald for his unwavering commitment to his two CASA children. Gerald has become a great source of emotional support for the teen, who reaches out to him when she is having emotional anxiety and stress. Gerald is always there for the children and has worked very hard to continue to support the foster parents in the various placements in order to make the transitions smoother for the children. He has even helped previous foster parents enroll the children in their new schools.
|
|
To CASA Mindy whose case closed in reunification with the biological mother. Mindy’s dedication to her CASA child and her caregivers throughout her foster care journey was amazing. She advocated tirelessly for early intervention and medical services for the child while in the foster home, and continued her steadfast advocacy upon the child’s return home. In addition, Mindy shared resources with the child’s mother, who has cognitive delays, to help her in her job search and in locating additional parenting resources at the mother’s request. With Mindy’s help, this family was able to get back on track.
|
|
CASA Thanks Our 2022 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
