CASA of Union County

09/06/2023

Happy National Read a Book Day! What’s your favorite genre? Author you can’t get enough of? It’s a great day to spend time reading to and with loved ones, from the littlest to the oldest. Encourage those just learning to read aloud to you, pets, and stuffed animals, and don’t forget the seniors in your life! Reading brings joy for all. Here’s some of CASA's Book Club reads over the years.

09/04/2023

Paying tribute today to the strong women and men across the country working diligently all year to keep things rolling. Take time to reflect on your contributions and achievements, and relax and recharge. Happy Labor Day!

09/01/2023

We all know how important financial independence is when we’re trying to achieve financial goals, but working teens living in foster homes can’t open bank accounts because they need a parent’s signature. So, concerned Vermonter Blaire Hagett from Green Mountain United Way did some collaborative problem-solving with a local credit union there. Now, with the help of a caseworker, 14-17 year olds can open checking accounts, and credit union staff help the teen accountholders set monetary goals that get them on the road to financial health and success. Kudos to all involved!

08/30/2023

During today's National Grief Awareness Day let's raise awareness of the many ways people cope with loss and the gift that is creating space for the process, no matter how it looks. For foster youth, removal from home - despite neglect or abuse - loss is immediate and high on the list. Some ways to support yourself or others during difficult times: Remember there's no one way to grieve, so avoid the rabbit hole of anger or self-judgment at how heavy things are handled. Be a shoulder for someone by providing support in the method they express is needed; maybe it's giving space and understanding for that, maybe it's sitting beside them in silence, maybe it's something entirely different. The reality of grief and loss is real, so creating space for the many reactions can go a very long way.

08/28/2023

Kudos to staff attorney Taylor Sartor and her team at Florida's Bay Area Legal Services for its recent launch of “FosterPower,” an app aimed at helping foster youth there easily access and digest critical information about their rights, benefits, services and protections during a chaotic, tumultuous time -- having been removed from home due to abuse or neglect, and facing an unknown future. The app streamlines access to such topics as independent living, medical and education concerns, court processes, placement, LGBTQ+ protections, and monetary allowance. More than 50 former foster youth provided input during the creation process for FosterPower, which Sartor envisions expanding nationwide so all youth can access state-specific data in real time on their phone, despite the flux of placements or caseworkers. Staying connected and aware of personal rights is critical to navigating life in care. Ask any CASA volunteer and they'll agree!

08/26/2023

It's been 103 years today since the 19th Amendment was incorporated into the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. On this Women's Equality Day, honors those who've come before and paved the way thus far, and all those still toiling for a future defined by equity, respect, opportunity and human rights for all. It's still not a guarantee, and there's still work to be done.

08/23/2023

Stop by the Ocean Township Wegmans tomorrow night, Thursday, Aug. 24, between 5 and 7 pm for a Meet & Greet with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels! The legendary hip-hop icon -- and founding member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Run DMC -- learned as an adult that he had been in foster care and later was adopted. The search for his birth mother was chronicled in VH-1's documentary, “DMC: My Adoption Journey.” Ever since, he's become an advocate for adoption and foster youth. In 2010, McDaniels and musician Zara Philips, also an adoptee, collaborated on “I'm Legit,” which can be seen here. Philips, a friend to CASA of Union County, accepted its invitation to perform several years ago during the judiciary’s annual Adoption Day celebration.

Zara H. Phillips featuring DMC. Act Zero Films: Directed by Justin Lundstrom Photographed by Greta ZozulaEdited by Scott HancockIM LEGIT MUSIC AND LYRICS WRI...

08/17/2023

It's National Nonprofit Day. Charities are vital assets to their communities ... AND SO ARE YOU. Sure, we're busy with to-do's, errands, and stuff to complain about. Let's all do today differently; help our fellow humans with Big Stuff To Complain About. With 1.5 million nonprofits playing vital roles in community development, from food banks, affordable housing and medical care, to legal counsel, education, victim advocacy, and more, there's work to do.

So, what's today gonna be? Will you be able to say you helped shape a society you're proud of? Give $17 for the 17th. Give $10 for 12 months. Do what you can. Spoiler Alert: Change a Child's Story, and your own will read brighter, too.

08/11/2023

It’s that time when social media is studded with gleeful students moving into first college dorms, but for former foster youth without a family, support system, or permanent home, the path to college can be uphill. Did you know 70 percent of foster youth dream of college but only 3 percent attend? Howard University graduate TeeJ Mercer created Move-In Day Mafia (MIDM) last year to disrupt the foster care-to-prison pipeline and cultivate a "foster care to HBCU graduate pipeline.” The nonprofit nurtures move-in and school-year experiences at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) thanks to volunteers, sponsors, and donors, and provides dorm room makeovers and supplies to those who’ve “aged out of foster care, are unsheltered, or have little to no financial support.” The more than 100 U.S. schools identified as HBCUs have produced 80 percent of black judges, 50 percent of black doctors, 40 percent of black engineers, and 50 percent of black attorneys in America. MIDM provides move-in day volunteers, and students receive a television, flash drives, bedding, towels, cutlery, snacks, cleaning products, hygiene items, refrigerator and microwave. Care packages (and love!) are sent during the year, too. Good luck to all 39 incoming MIDM freshman this year!

On August 10, 2022, The Move-In Day Mafia descended upon Paul Quinn College in Dallas Texas to surprise 13 deserving freshmen with dorm room makeovers. CBS N...

08/08/2023

Today is International Cat Day (or, as we're calling it, Cats of CASA)! As the saying goes, “Cats are connoisseurs of comfort” and we agree! Celebrating our furry friends today; what about you?

08/04/2023

As we head into weekend mode, a friendly reminder that August is National Family Fun Month. Got plans? There's lots of fun and even free things to do, and if there's a child in your life that might not otherwise have the chance to get in on such fun, invite them along! Here's some ways to make memories that last a lifetime:

Pizza and movie in the backyard - Family walk or bike ride - Explore a local zoo - Check out a library museum pass and get cultured - Head out for a hike - Paint happy rocks and hide 'em in your neighborhood for others to find - Break out the sidewalk chalk and go wild - Picnic in the park - Make-your-own talent show - Cook a meal together, or eat one without utensils - Brave-your-own karaoke night - Listen to an audiobook and have family book club!

07/30/2023

The United Nations first declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship, and we are here for it! Life is tough, and a good belly laugh or an "I've got your back" nod reminds us of the tremendous value in having, and being, a friend. Whether one to one or globally, connection, kindness and bridge-building fuel the best of things. For children removed from home and placed in foster care, connection to a caring adult in their corner goes a long way. Who are you lifting up?