b'Congratulations to these new CASA/GAL Volunteers who were sworn in and are ready to \x1fnd #homesweethope for foster children in need! Thank you, Volunteers!EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO BE HEARD.Congratulations to these new CASA/GAL Volunteers who were sworn in and are ready to \x1fnd #homesweethope for foster children in need! Thank you, Volunteers!EDUCATIONALADVOCACYWhile many things have continued to change and CASA has needed toUPDATESadjust, the ability to meet virtually remained a normal practice throughout much of 2021. The volunteers of CASA Kane County are noThe last several months have seen some changes in our advocacy stranger to participating in trainings offered virtually and continue toefforts including the retirement of Deb McQuaid, a twenty-one year engage in educational opportunities at an increased level versus priorhailed staff member of CASA Kane County and the hiring of more years. In fact, the number of training hours logged by volunteers thisAdvocate Supervisors. The need has never been greater for year increased by 40%! Weve heard volunteers express that theyvolunteers as well as staff with the increase in cases that our appreciate the ability to discuss their case in a safe and supportivecourts have seen. This increase has coincided with an increase in environment with fellow volunteers and staff. resources as the community has gathered around the abused and neglected children of Kane County.TRAINING HOURS 75 This year we held one of our largest Pre-Service classes, INCREASED BY swearing in thirty-one volunteers in late June 2021. The 40% NEW VOLUNTEERS outpouring of interested constituents that have come alongside CASA Kane County to serve the mission in some WERE SWORN IN meaningful way continues to be inspiring and encouraging to the entire CASA family. Additionally, we reinstituted a CASA mentoring system through the CASA Advocacy Team, a group of seasoned volunteers committed to providing support to our Many classes feature topics that are critical to increasing our childchild-serving efforts in the form of mentoring new volunteers, welfare knowledge and have been presented by industry leadinggoing on child visits and assisting in other programming needs.speakers. Some of these classes include:Finally, we hope you are keeping your finger on the pulse of all Domestic Violence 101 with Robin Greer-Jogun, Sr. Clinical Domesticthings CASA Kane County through social media and news Violence Specialist, DCFS letters including the latest happenings in our organization, Back to the Basics Series: TPR Hearings presented by Nydia Molina,court and child welfare community.CASA Sr. Staff/GAL AttorneyNever stop Garbage Bag Suitcase book discussion with author Shenandoa Chefalo Getting Through the Educational Gatekeeper with Deanna Oliver, Kane County ROE Assistant Regional Superintendent learning, Our gratitude for the gift of time that these individuals offered cannot bebecause life overstated. We are in full swing with our recruitment efforts for 2022 with new strategies that will allow us to match every CASA/GAL volunteer to every case and child to better serve our mission! never stops For information on becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer contactteaching. Sandie, Director of Education & Training, at sandiec@casakanecounty.org or (630) 444-3131.7'