OCEAN COUNTY – Volunteers across the county were thanked for their dedication to children who are in a very difficult time of their life.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ocean County advocate on the behalf of a child who is in foster care. They spend time with the child to learn what they need and then make recommendations to the family court.
“Our incredible volunteers work tirelessly to make sure the foster children we serve are receiving the services and programs they need. CASA volunteers are a steady, consistent presence in the life of a child. We want children to know they are valued – children in the foster care system and beyond. We are always seeking to change a child’s story for the better,” said Ariane Yazdan, Executive Director of CASA of Ocean County.
CASA is an independent nonprofit that has recruited, trained, and supported compassionate citizens to advocate for the best interests of foster children since 2006. These dedicated CASA volunteers ensure children’s voices are heard in the courtroom and in the community. CASA volunteers help secure the educational foundation, emotional support, and medical attention that these abused and neglected foster children of Ocean County need and deserve, Yazdan said.
A recent reception at the Toms River Yacht Club served as a way to give back to these volunteers and raise awareness of the plight of children. It was co-hosted by Steven Doyle, mayor of Island Heights, and Bernadette Doyle, CASA advocate. Mayors gave proclamations to residents of their towns who volunteer.
Brick Mayor Lisa Crate, who attended the reception, noted that the volunteers meet with the child’s family members, doctors, teachers and foster parents to ensure the judge in the family court system has all the facts to make the best determination for the child’s future. She presented proclamations to six Brick residents who were honored for their hard work.
Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione and the Township Council thanked all of the volunteers for their generosity and serving as a voice for our children in the community.
“I had the distinct pleasure of honoring four Lacey residents for their above and beyond efforts for their work and advocacy with our kids,” said Lacey Mayor Peter Curatolo. Award recipients from Lacey included Deidre Callaghan, Linda Downing, Paul Stephens, Kathie Mandra, and Anne McCrystal.
“Our residents opened more than their doors to young people in need, they really opened their lives and they are all in on the success of these young people. It is very special to see that nowadays,” he said.
