b'VOLUNTEER, OUTREACH & AWA R E N ESS E V E N T SVOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENINGApril is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we celebrate our 200 plus CASA/GALs and their guests with a dinner, years of service award and an evening of recognition. These incredible difference makers, give so much of their time and are the consistency that our kids need. Thank YOU for going over and beyond for our youth.HANDS AROUND THE COURTHOUSEThis annual April event brings together our caring community at the Kane County historical courthouse rotunda to raise the much needed awareness of child abuse and neglect. Together we are making a difference and increasing the knowledge and education of what is needed to help our most vulnerable youth. SUPER HEROES LUNCHEONEvery year we host an inspirational speaker luncheon that brings in new friends and energizes our supporters to better serve our great mission. We welcomed Beth Mooncotch, friend and former foster youth and Chris Norton, author of The Seven Longest Yards where he tells his unforgettable love story of how he and his wife have battled unbelievable odds with faithful determination to discover that lifes lowest moments can be our greatest gifts. Both speakers brought together adversity, strength and resilience. HOW YOUR DOLLARSSupp\x17tPERMANENCY FOR YOUTHAssure that all options are fully exploredincludingRemind others that the clock is ticking for the child.maternal and paternal relatives, fictive kin or symbolicBe aware that a permanent placement is not the end relatives, godparents, teachers and church members.of the process.CASA/GAL volunteers can be very Keep the focus on permanency agreements and finalhelpful in providing on-going support during a childs orders, ask questions and voice concerns. adjustment upon return to their biological family or placement in a pre-adoptive home.2019 CASA KANE COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT 9'