Jewelers for Children awards $10000 to CASA of New Hampshire
CASA OF NH NEWS — (Jan 29, 2009) —
Abused and Neglected Children Will Benefit from Jewelers for Children Grant to CASA of New Hampshire
If there is any good news to be found in the ongoing economic downturn, it is people’s willingness—often eagerness—to help others. CASA of New Hampshire has recently benefited from one industry’s commitment to children. Our CASA program was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from Jewelers for Children (JFC)—the giving arm of the jewelry industry—to increase the number of volunteers who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. The award to CASA of NH is part of a $ 1 million grant that JFC made to the National CASA Association, of which we are a member.
Jewelers for Children, composed of jewelry retailers, manufacturers, watch companies and trade associations, has been National CASA’s largest private supporter since 2003. According to David Rocha, the executive director of Jewelers for Children, the organization was forced to take a hard look at its funding commitments when its trustees met earlier this year.
"Members of the jewelry industry are facing the same challenges as other retailers, as people limit their spending in the face of economic uncertainty. But we remain committed to providing funding where the needs—and the results—are greatest. We are maintaining our support of CASA programs because we know that they are an efficient, effective way to help the children who need it the most."
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in a group or foster home. They stay with each case until it is closed, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence—the one adult who cares only for them.
Last year, nearly 60,000 CASA volunteers served more than 240,000 abused and neglected children through 954 program offices throughout the country.
In New Hampshire, volunteers helped 1195 find safe, permanent homes. But that is only 75 % of the NH’s children who enter our foster care system each year. We are always seeking new volunteers in its effort to provide a voice to every abused and neglected child.
"Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can’t—or won’t—take care of you," says Marcia Sink, President and CEO. Now, into these children’s lives come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, therapists, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more. Hopefully, one of these strangers is a CASA volunteer. Funding from Jewelers for Children will help us recruit and train additional volunteers and serve more of New Hampshire’s children."
To find out how you can help CASA of New Hampshire as a donor or a volunteer, please call 800-626-0622, e-mail us at speakup@casanh.org or make an Online Donation Now.
