March has been an opportunity for a lot of reflection this past year.
2020 was a challenging year for so many people for so many reasons. The number of new children entering protective care in Lake County reached unprecedented rates. At the same time, our CASA program had to quickly find ways to adapt after both of our major 2020 fundraising events were cancelled. So, we put the call out to all of you: "Our CASA children deserve a volunteer, but we need your help to make it happen!"
The response was overwhelming, and through that generous response, our program was able to add four wonderful new people to our program staff. So, with credit to all of our donors and supporters, we welcome our new staff members:
Advocate Manager Lori Darugar
Advocate Manager Megan O'Connor
Advocate Manager Claudia Kasten
Manager of Volunteer Engagement Lori Petersen
The work isn't over for our program. The larger number of children needing CASAs will continue for many years, and our program will need to work hard to find the ways to sustain those larger funding needs. We will need to recruit still more volunteers during this time as well.
As our work continues, we want to celebrate what you've helped us to do in the past year. Thank you for prioritizing our CASA children last year, this year, and the next.
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Terri Zenner Greenberg
Executive Director
There are 40 Lake County children waiting for a CASA volunteer right now. Give the gift of a brighter future. Give a child a CASA.
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Your support makes an impact
In just the last month...
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292 Volunteers served as CASAs
511 children served by a CASA
10 children had cases close
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Congratulations and Welcome to Our New Volunteers! |
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Congratulations and Welcome to our newest CASA volunteers who completed training, were sworn-in, and are now ready to jump into their child protection cases!
Pictured above from left to right, are: Catherine Marazan, Beth Vrioni, Chuck Greskovich, Michael Mendoza, Executive Director Terri Greenberg, Debbie Richwine, Sophie Marwil, Chris Causey, Mary Causey, Alifiya Arastu, Judge Chris Morozin, Lupita Granados Medina, Cheryl Koronkowski, Andi Conrad
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, please click the button below for more information and to apply.
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CASA Celebrates Women's History Month |
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Did you know that 89% of CASA's volunteers are women?
CASA celebrates and honors all women around the world and gives a special shout-out to all of the women who advocate fiercely for their CASA children.
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Thank You Junior League of Evanston-Northshore! |
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We appreciate the Junior League of Evanston-Northshore for their generous support of our CASA program. The support of our community plays a critical role in allowing us to continue our advocacy work.
We thank them for their $5000 donation as part of their community assistance fund.
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CASA Celebrates National Social Work Month |
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As part of March’s National Social Work Month celebration, CASA Lake County recognizes and appreciates the social workers, advocates, and others who devote their lives and careers to bettering the lives of others. Social workers strive to build a stronger community for all people, and CASA is a proud partner in the effort to create a brighter future for all children and families involved in the child welfare system. |
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and for the children entering foster care with developmental disabilities, an advocate for their best interests is essential. Since 2015, approximately 34% of children served in the CASA program have a developmental disability, physical disability, or mental health diagnosis requiring treatment. CASA volunteers play a critical role in navigating the medical and educational resources to identify specialized supports for children. They work with the many professionals involved in the child’s life—including pediatricians, medical specialists, therapists, special education teachers, school counselors, social workers and others—to get a complete picture of the child’s needs. CASA volunteers can make a life-changing difference for children and youth with developmental disabilities.
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Kudos for some amazing CASA Volunteers! |
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To CASA Robyn for her tremendous advocacy on two cases. In one case, the teen child contacts Robyn often, just to chat and to get advice on delicate issues. Robyn was very supportive of the teen and the foster parents in addressing serious mental health issues. Her calm nature helped the family get through many rough times. In Robyn’s second case, she formed a bond with the child quickly, and the child began opening up to her. Robyn’s support of the child helped her to realize that the trauma she endured was not her fault, which was a huge relief for her.
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To CASA Jenny who has been an exceptional CASA for eight years. Her third CASA case closed successfully with all three children returning to their mother. Jenny is a compassionate and sincere volunteer; her CASA children have all responded positively to her warmth and enthusiasm. Jenny put in countless hours visiting virtually with each child individually, which helped her to understand their needs and feelings as they adjusted to returning home. In addition, Jenny provided the mother with encouragement and assisted her in identifying housing resources and other necessary supports for a single mother.
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To CASA Ryan for his excellent educational advocacy for his CASA teen. He tutors him weekly in math which has been instrumental in helping his teen gain understanding. Ryan has shown creativity in meeting his teen at the level where he’s at and pinpointing specific challenges. Ryan has been able to provide valuable insight to his teen’s math teacher and to the school for the teen’s IEP. For a youth that had never been in school for the first 14 years of his life, Ryan’s extra tutoring is really helping build up the teen’s confidence.
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Are you following us on our social networks? |
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CASA Thanks Our 2021 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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