WALKING FORWARD TOGETHER

Our 40th Anniversary Walk was more than the closing celebration of a milestone year; it was a powerful reminder of what makes CASA Essex strong: a community united on behalf of children placed in foster care.

Advocates, board members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, families, and friends gathered at the Reservoir in West Orange to celebrate four decades of advocacy while looking ahead to the work that continues. Every step taken symbolized our shared commitment to ensuring every child has someone to stand beside them, speak up for them, and remind them they matter.

Under bright blue skies, the reservoir came alive with celebration. DJ Rich Williams kept the energy high as workplace teams, advocates, and community supporters walked together, old friends reconnected, new friendships were formed, and laughter filled the morning. It was a joyful reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Neil and Jane Yaris, Maher Terminals, McCarter & English, PSE&G, Scarlett Blooms, and YogaSix Livingston for investing in brighter futures for children in foster care. Your partnership helps recruit, train, and support the volunteer advocates who make a lasting difference every day.

While the walk marked the culmination of our 40th anniversary celebration, it also reaffirmed our vision for the future. The road ahead is filled with opportunity—to reach more children, recruit more advocates, strengthen more partnerships, and ensure every child in foster care has a consistent voice.

One Walk. One Community. The Road Forward.

Together, we are building the next chapter of CASA Essex: one child, one advocate, at a time.