Honoring 40 Years of Advocacy: Proclamations from Our Communities

As CASA for Children of Essex County celebrates its 40th anniversary, we are deeply honored to be recognized with proclamations from the Township of Montclair, the Township of Livingston, the Township of Irvington, and the Village of South Orange. These proclamations are more than symbolic—they are a powerful acknowledgment of the thousands of children and youth whose lives have been touched by CASA volunteers over the past four decades.

For 40 years, CASA Essex has promoted the welfare of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by providing a safety net of advocacy, mentorship, and support through trained courtroom advocates. Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure every child’s voice is heard and that their best interests are represented in court and beyond.

We are especially proud to have dedicated CASA volunteers and board members who call these communities home, where their time, energy, and expertise have strengthened our mission and uplifted the voices of Essex County’s most vulnerable youth. These proclamations highlight not just CASA Essex’s legacy, but also the commitment of our neighbors who make this work possible.

Receiving these proclamations reminds us that our mission is not ours alone, it belongs to the broader community. When towns like Montclair, Livingston, Irvington, and South Orange stand with CASA Essex, they affirm the importance of ensuring that every child in foster care has the stability, advocacy, and hope they deserve.

As we continue our year-long anniversary celebration, we are grateful to all of our community partners, supporters, and volunteers who have carried this mission forward. Together, we honor our past while building a stronger future for the children who need us most.