CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties Celebrates 35 Years of Service

This year Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris and Sussex Counties is celebrating 35 years of Changing Children’s Stories. Since its inception, CASA has recruited, screened, trained, and supervised over 1,600 community volunteers to advocate and mentor over 7,000 children who were abused, neglected, and abandoned and placed in the foster care system. A celebration Open House was held at the new CASA offices in Cedar Knolls, which was made possible by a generous donation by The Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust. In attendance were current and past board members, volunteers, staff, and community supporters.

“The Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust has provided CASA with a place for our volunteers, staff, and board to gather and collaborate as we carry out our vital mission. We are able to expand our programs and offer needed services. This is truly a dream come true!” said Dr. Lisa Barsky Firkser, CASA’s Executive Director.

CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties’ 35 year history has forever changed numerous children’s lives and given them the chance to see beyond their circumstances and envision a future filled with opportunity and hope because of the dedication and advocacy of CASA volunteers. The organization serves every child in the foster care system in Morris and Sussex Counties and has a strong commitment to continue this work until the time when all children are protected from harm, live in a permanent and stable family environment, and receive the services that will meet their developmental, educational, physical, and mental health needs.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a Family Court Judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. CASA volunteers advocate for children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They work as facilitators to secure resources and services such as therapeutic evaluations for a child and family, tutoring services, educational resources, medical services, etc. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other professionals who change throughout the case, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure and provides continuity for the child.

"I have seen amazing things from CASA volunteers and staff that are so compelling that it would bring a tear to your eye. Their commitment and dedication is inspiring." said a Family Court Judge in Morris County.

About CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties

CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, nonprofit programs that recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers to “Change a Child’s Story.” These children have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one‐on‐one with children, ensuring that each one receives the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. Visit casamsc.org or call 973-998-7590 for more information about CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties.