The Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust Gives CASA of MSC a New Home

"The Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust created through the vision and generosity of the late Margaret A. Darrin, is well known for providing transformative funding to organizations whose missions support the basic needs of the local community. In line with this mission, the Trust, recently provided the necessary funding to allow Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris and Sussex Counties to purchase an office condo for their new “home” in Cedar Knolls.

Over the organization’s 35 year history it has expanded from its origin in the basement of the first Executive Director’s home to receiving this extraordinary gift to move them into offices with a training room, conference room, offices for all ten staff, and ample space to house in-kind donations of new books, clothes, games, bicycles, stuffed animals, and school supplies to be distributed to the children and families they serve. “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. This is truly what I dreamed of.” said Dr. Lisa Barsky Firkser, CASA’s Executive Director.

CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties’ mission aligns with that of The Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust seeking to empower and positively transform the lives of children and youth who have experienced severe trauma under adverse circumstances.

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.

“Helping those facing significant adversity is among the most important priorities of The Margaret A Darrin Charitable Trust. We can think of no group more worthy of our assistance than the unfortunate children who have been placed in the foster care system. CASA of Morris and Sussex has a long history of providing the necessary resources to bring stability to the lives of these children. We are proud to partner with CASA in this important work.” Said Michael Hanifan, Co-Trustee of The Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust