The Power of Consistent Partnership

At CASA Essex, we know that meaningful impact does not come from one-time moments of generosity—it comes from relationships that are built, nurtured, and sustained over time. For children and youth navigating foster care, consistency matters. And the same is true for the partnerships that support them.

One such partnership is the longstanding relationship between CASA Essex and the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1233. Over the past 10 years, ILA 1233 has demonstrated what it means to be a true partner—one that shows up again and again, responding to evolving needs with care, commitment, and action.

Their support has taken many forms. From active involvement in CASA Essex’s annual golf outing, to meaningful contributions to our Aging Out Program, to providing gift cards that help young people transitioning out of foster care meet essential needs. ILA 1233 has consistently stepped forward when it mattered most. Each act of support reflects an understanding that advocacy extends beyond the courtroom and into a young person’s ability to move forward with dignity, stability, and hope.

“The work we do fuels economic stability, and that stability creates stronger, healthier communities. That connection is at the heart of ILA Local 1233.” Victor Thomas, Treasurer

For youth aging out of foster care, the transition to adulthood can be especially challenging. Reliable partnerships like this one help bridge critical gaps—offering not only financial support, but also the reassurance that a broader community believes in their potential. This sense of connection reinforces what CASA advocates strive to provide every day: stability in a system often defined by change.

As CASA Essex celebrates 40 years of advocacy, partnerships like the one we share with ILA 1233 remind us why longevity matters. When organizations commit for the long haul, their impact deepens, trust grows, and together we are able to create stronger outcomes for the children and youth we serve.

We are grateful for partners who understand that showing up once is generous—but showing up consistently is transformative.