CASA Kane County hosts Community Summit on Youth, Recovery & Reform
CASA Kane County invites the community members, child welfare professionals, and advocates to attend the 2025 Community Educational Conference, “Shaping the Future: Community Summit on Youth, Recovery & Reform,” on Thursday, Oct. 16. It will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elgin Community College’s Building E Seigle Auditorium, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m.
This annual conference is a powerful gathering designed to elevate youth voices, build resilience, and drive systemic reform in child welfare. Attendees will experience dynamic keynote presentations, an impactful youth panel, and interactive conversations with state leadership, as well as connect with a wide range of community resources.
This year’s program will open with keynote speaker Joshua Wayne, who will share his personal story of transformation from a struggling teen to a nationally recognized advocate for youth, illustrating the life-changing impact that just one caring adult can have.
Gary Pate of YouthCare Illinois will follow with a session focused on helping children and youth strengthen their resilience, exploring practical tools and strategies to recover from adversity and thrive. Later, attendees will hear directly from young people with lived experience in foster care during the Voices of Resilience youth panel, offering a powerful and inspiring perspective on both challenges and hopes for the future.
The day will conclude with a candid conversation with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Heidi Mueller, who will discuss the agency’s vision, current challenges, and opportunities for collaboration with CASA volunteers and the broader community.
“This conference is a powerful reminder that when we join together as a community, we can create meaningful change,” says Jim Di Ciaula, executive director of CASA Kane County. “Our goal is to give a platform to youth voices, who have lived experiences, equip participants with actionable tools, and inspire collective action that benefits children in foster care.”
Between 10:45 a.m. and noon, participants will also have access to the Resource Expo, featuring local organizations and agencies that offer vital tools and support for children, youth, and families. A continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and afternoon refreshments are included with registration.
Registration is open now at casakanecounty.org and closes Thursday, Oct. 9, at noon. Tickets are $25 each.
By attending the Community Educational Conference, participants can help shape a brighter future for children in foster care, strengthen collaboration among community partners, and take meaningful steps toward reform and recovery. CASA Kane County encourages everyone with a heart for children to attend and be part of this important conversation.
For more information about the conference or to learn how to get involved with CASA Kane County, visit casakanecounty.org or call (630) 232-4484.
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the best interests of children in foster care through the advocacy of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. Supporting nearly 700 children annually, CASA Kane County ensures every child’s voice is heard.