CASA SHaW announces grant from Atlantic Health System

Lebanon, NJ (September 9) – Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) has announced they have been selected as a grant recipient from Atlantic Health System to provide community education in the form of trauma informed care trainings. Broad exposure to these concepts will inevitably help children by building a healthier community.

“Community partnerships mean so much to not only our CASA program, but especially to the children and families we serve,” said Tracey Heisler, Executive Director of CASA SHaW.  “Atlantic Health has been a tremendous partner with us, and we greatly appreciate their dedication to healthier communities, especially with the objective of reducing childhood trauma.  When we work together, the foundation of child abuse prevention is infused within our community,” said Heisler.

CASA has been at the forefront of speaking up for children who are living in foster care in our region and for those touched by trauma.  At CASA, professionally trained community advocates ensure that the wishes and needs of children living in foster care are not overlooked by the many competing interests at play. CASA’s goal is to ensure that every child served has a safe, permanent home and the resources and services needed to thrive and not just survive adverse childhood experiences. CASA is committed to educating the community about the causes and impacts of child abuse and neglect, the need for equity in a disproportionate system, and how to best advocate for and meet the needs of children in foster care in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties.

CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to “Speak Up for a Child” removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. To find a local CASA program in your county, visit www.casaofnj.org.