CASA Kane County puts $25,000 grant to work for kids

CASA Kane County, a local nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children, was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS.

The grant will be used to recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers who serve as the Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian ad Litem for children who have been abused or neglected in the Kane County juvenile court system. The organization has already served more than 560 children in 2014, which is 50 more than served last year. In order to meet the growing demands of the 16th Judicial Court system, CASA Kane County relies on funds from grants as well as donations from local businesses and individuals this holiday season.

Gloria Bunce, executive director of CASA Kane County, states, "We are so thankful for the support of UPS. The need was especially great this year, as we hired an additional Advocate Supervisor to support the CASA/GAL's on the cases for our additional children."

CASA Kane County is extremely grateful to the UPS Foundation for funding its important program for children. The UPS Foundation was established in 1951 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their focus is on nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety, and environmental sustainability.

Ed Martinez, president of the UPS Foundation, states, "Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community."

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. CASA has been training CASA volunteers since 1988.

These CASA volunteers are appointed by the judge to represent the best interests of children who are in the court system due to abuse, neglect, or guardianship issues. All volunteers complete a 40-hour training program before accepting a case.

To learn more about the CASA Kane County program, visit the organization's new website at www.casakanecounty.org.