Help Us Help a Child

	At 17, Malika is a child twice rejected by parents. First, by her birth parents and then, unbelievably, by her adoptive mother – a woman seeking iron control with little love to give in exchange. When that adoption came undone, Malika was returned to foster care. At this point, CASA became involved in Malika’s life in the form of Donna, a volunteer advocate and teen mentor. Through Donna’s gentle but persistent attention, Malika’s self-confidence and self-esteem are slowly being rebuilt. Malika is determined to finish high school and attend college. Through CASA’s Family Search & Connect initiative, Malika’s long-lost biological brother was located in another state and is back in her life. Where before she had none, now she has a family. This is the awesome healing power that a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) can bring into the life of a foster child! It's not too late to make a New Year's resolution to remember the hundreds of foster children, just like Malika, who struggle everyday with the physical and psychological trauma that is the legacy of abuse, neglect and abandonment. By supporting Essex County CASA and giving every child a "Voice in Court,” you can help to change one life forever. Your gift this year will reach beyond the calendar, bringing hope and permanency to abused and neglected children in our community. Without your support we may not reach every child who needs us. Please…Help Us Help a Child! Click here to make a tax deductible secure online donation through Pay Pal.

** In FY2010, 255 Essex CASA volunteers brought help and healing into the lives of more than 600 abused and neglected children in foster care. Without your support, we couldn’t have done it. Won’t you please take a moment to reaffirm your commitment to CASA’s important work by making a year-end, tax deductible gift to support our advocacy work for children in foster care?