Lake Co. Exchange Clubs give grants to prevent child abuse

A foundation formed by several Lake County Exchange Clubs recently awarded $15,000 in grants to organizations working to prevent child abuse.

The Exchange Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Lake County, supported by Exchange Clubs in Gurnee, Round Lake and Waukegan, chose five groups for their 2010 awards.

Michael Oster, the foundation president, said programs chosen for support this year focus on promoting parent education and public information that directly prevents child abuse and neglect.

Grants of $3,000 each were awarded to One Hope United, Catholic Charities, the Christian Youth Network, Nicasa and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Organizations interested in applying for future grants from the foundation are encouraged to contact its executive director, Adam Krieger, at akrieger@warrentownship.net.

CASA grant

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois recently recognized Lake County Court Appointed Special Advocates for its efforts to expand health care access for abused and neglected children.

CASA collected $8,850 from the health care giant for the group's work in promoting healthy behavioral changes.

The nearly 250 volunteers from CASA work with juvenile court judges to find safe, permanent homes for abused children, while monitoring the many medical, emotional, educational and other needs they may have.

CASA volunteers are advocating for more than 535 children involved in the court system.

Learn more about the group at casalakecounty.com.