A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As we navigate this Season of Gratitude, my heart is full. This year, our 40th anniversary celebration is not just a look back at four decades of history; it is a profound expression of thanks for the community that makes our mission possible.

In this edition of our newsletter, you will see exactly what your support creates. You will meet Courtney, a remarkable young woman whose story of "the climb" moved us all. We are deeply grateful to Courtney for her courage in sharing her journey—from the uncertainty of foster care to the joy of motherhood and nursing school. Her life is a testament to what happens when a young person has a steady, caring presence like her CASA, Joy, in their corner.

We give thanks for the "Steady Flames" among us. Whether it is a veteran advocate like Sarah Olson, who has spent over a decade lighting the way for sixteen different children, or the fourteen new advocates who just raised their hands to serve—your commitment is the greatest gift our youth can receive.

We are also profoundly grateful for partners like ILA Local 1233, whose ten years of consistent support remind us that advocacy extends far beyond the courtroom. Because of them, and because of every one of you who contributed to our Holiday Gift Drive, the youth we serve are entering the New Year knowing they are seen, valued, and remembered.

For 40 years, your generosity has been the constant in an ever-changing world for Essex County’s children. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in "the climb," and for keeping the light of hope burning bright.

Marla Higginbotham, Executive Director