Dear Friend,
The current crisis has made all of our lives more challenging and stressful. Thankfully, our CASA Volunteers continue to look beyond their own needs to ensure that their CASA families are safe and healthy, and they have blown us away with their selflessness in these trying times.
 
One pair of CASA advocates amazed us this week as they supported the children in their case. The family was facing concerns about getting food for the seven children, as well as getting the kids set up for e-learning. The mom is unemployed and the family didn't have access to a computer or reliable transportation.
 
The advocates researched open local food pantries and even offered to pick up and deliver food since the mom had car problems. The advocates also contacted the school to inquire about getting a laptop for the family or getting work for the children to do offline. Lastly, they obtained a car battery charger and left it outside the home for the mother to use, giving her the ability to finally start her car. Finally, she is able to go get groceries!
 
Thanks to these CASAs, the family now has access to food, and the children can continue their schoolwork .
Supporting Families in Need
During the holiday season, CASA was amazed by generous donations of gift cards for our CASA families. Normally, they'd be distributed throughout the year to foster parents or CASA families as the need arose.
 
COVID-19 has dramatically increased the food insecurity of our CASA children and their families. CASA has been pleased to support the children we serve by sending gift cards for groceries and supplies. To date, CASA has sent more than $2,000 in gift cards to over 30 families in need!
 
Thank you to all of the generous businesses, community groups, and individuals who contributed gift cards this holiday season. You have made a huge difference.
Child abuse. Child neglect. Sadly, it happens every day. Last year more than 687,000 children in the U.S. were removed from their home due to abuse or neglect and placed in foster care. Throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, I hope you will join us in raising awareness about these issues and taking action to help our most vulnerable youth.
 
Right now, many of our children are trapped in circumstances of deprivation and stress that will strain their already fragile homes, and the normal checks and balances of our protective care system have broken down during this critical time. 
 
The teachers, doctors, therapists, and social workers who are normally the first to identify signs of abuse are no longer seeing our children, and unfortunately, we are already seeing the effects. Child welfare experts nationwide are concerned about an increase in abuse during stay-at-home orders. We need a community-wide effort to watch out for the signs of children experiencing harm.
 
CASA Lake County is determined to make sure every child in our county who has experienced abuse or neglect has a caring adult by their side who will speak up for their needs and best interests, but we need your help to spread the word! Share our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter posts with your family and friends and use #EyesOnKids to spread awareness of this important month and Read more here .
How can you support our work to advocate for abused and neglected children today?

  • Donate to local food pantries and other organizations helping to meet the basic needs of children and families in our community: click here
  • Check out our COVID-19 resource list here:
  • Donate to CASA to support our advocacy during this critical time
Stay safe and healthy,
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