Community Programs
Essex County CASA
is proud to announce a new initiative to provide mentoring to Essex
County teens in foster care -- teens with little hope of ever finding
safe, permanent homes.
We need mentors. And we need your help to get the word out.
We are hoping to reach as many people as possible through outstanding
network of volunteers and friends. If you know someone who might
be interested in making a difference with teens at a critical time in
their lives, please forward this email.
Here is a snapshot of some of the children already receiving mentoring
services:
"C", 17, in care for the past 18 months. Is shy, loves reading, writing
and music. A straight-A student who is getting help finding financial
and academic resources for college. "A", 16, in care for over 5
years. Shy, lonely but a great mechanic. Loves video games and figuring
out how things work. Has a mentor who is helping him plan for his
vocational and educational future. "C", 17, in care for almost 3 years
after a failed adoption. Since receiving a mentor, has since brought all
her grades up and is looking to go to college. Would like to be a
veterinary technician. "S", 17, in care since almost birth.
Frustrated, disillusioned and trying to stay on the right path without
any real support. Living in a shelter and needs faith restored and
someone to help point the way and help clear tough obstacles. Has a real
desire to go to college. Just assigned a CASA mentor.
There are currently nearly 643 children between the ages of 15 and 22 in
foster care in Essex County. Nearly 260 will "age out" before the end of
2009. The prospects for these young adults are grim, as they leave "the
system" without family support, financial support, basic life skills, or
even a plan. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, one in four adults
who age out will be incarcerated within two years, and one in five will
become homeless after turning 18. Only 57% have a high school diploma
at 19and fewer than 3% earn a college degree by 25.
We can change this, one child at a time. CASA is ready to help. The
next training class for volunteers begins on September 26th. For more
information, please go to
www.casaessex.org
and click “Teen Mentoring Program” or contact Catherine Wilson at (973)
648-3310.
Thank you so much for your continued support for Essex County CASA. You
make a difference in a child's life every day.
