Happy 4th of July from Advocates for Children! As we enter the second half of the year, we're excited to share our recent work. We continue to serve every single child in Bartholomew, Decatur, and Jennings County. Thank you volunteers, friends, and donors for enabling us to brighten the futures of hundreds of children in our community.
“Every time a child is saved from the dark side of life, every time one of us makes the effort to make a difference in a child’s life, we add light and healing to our own lives.” -Oprah Winfrey
Zach, now 14 years old, has not always had what most would consider an “easy” or “normal” childhood. In fact, both of Zach’s parents struggled with substance abuse, and at just 6 years old, Zach and his sibling were often left alone in vacant buildings with no food and no adult supervision. At 6 years old, Zach became involved with the Department of Child Services and was appointed a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Because he had been exposed to so much trauma in his short life, Zach struggled with every placement the department found for him. After 8 years, and 46 placements later, Zach has finally found the stability he has lacked almost all his life. Zach is now placed with a family member who has adopted his younger sister and is willing to adopt him as well! While this case is not ideal in achieving timely permanency, as it took 8 years and numerous changes in placement, we are thankful that Zach’s CASA volunteer was able to be that one consistent presence for Zach when he had nothing and no one else to depend on. While Zach was desperately seeking stability, love, and safety, his CASA volunteer was by his side throughout those entire 8 years, being his voice, and advocating for not only Zach’s best interest, but his permanency in a loving, safe home as well.
CASA Volunteer Training Our next virtual training session to become a CASA volunteer is scheduled to begin in July. For more information, head over to our website, www.apowerfulvoice.org/volunteer.
For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, please join us for our upcoming virtual CASA volunteer information sessions: July 7th at 12:00 pm August 19th at 12:00 pm September 22nd at 12:00 pm October 15th at 12:00 pm To sign up for our virtual information sessions, head over to our Facebook page, and click 'events' to register.
Dash-O-Lantern 5k Run/Walk Grab your running shoes and mark your calendars for Saturday, October 16, 2021! Advocates for Children is happy to announce that the annual Dash O Lantern 5K Run/Walk is back and we're ready to get moving. More information and race registration link coming soon. Crooners for CASA Take your seat for the annual Crooners for CASA on November 5, 2021. We welcome you for a fun-filled night to bring the community together and support child advocacy. Click here to learn more or to become a sponsor. We look forward to seeing you there!
One Simple Wish You may have heard about One Simple Wish going viral following a Reddit thread which started a movement to grant every single child’s wish. This movement was so successful that the organization’s website crashed. One Simple Wish helps grant the wishes of thousands of children every year. CASA/GAL Supervisor Jaime Greathouse collects wishes of the children we serve at Advocates for Children, and donors from around the world make those wishes come true via One Simple Wish. Because of One Simple Wish, our advocates, and many generous donors, children we serve have received pool passes, new bikes to ride this summer, and chances to explore the Indianapolis Zoo!
Don't forget about your chance to double your impact on a child's life today! Throughout 2021, all new monthly gifts will be matched by a generous donor. Monthly gifts are the perfect way to help support our imperative work advocating for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect without breaking the bank. Visit our website to become a monthly donor or to learn more. As the local and global situation continues to change, our needs may also change over the coming days and weeks. However, our priorities will remain the same. We will continue to communicate with you during this time. Thank you for your continued support in our mission. Thank you for being an advocate. Our Contact Information |