Peoria-Area Community Impact Guide 2022-2023

COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tenth Judicial Circuit is to ensure that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is placed in a safe and permanent home, by utilizing specially trained community volunteers who advocate for children abused or neglected going through the court system.

324 Main Street, Room 215 Peoria, IL 61602 Phone: (309) 669-2939 Fax: (309) 672-6957 Email: casa@peoriacounty.org Website : casaofthetenth.org Facebook : @CASAoftheTenth Twitter : @CASAoftheTenth

Instagram : @casaofthetenthjudicialcircuit YouTube : @casaofthetenthjudicialcircuit KEY STAFF: Pamela Perrilles, Executive Director Lisa Norwood, Program Director Ryan Lacerna, Tazewell County Coordinator Cathy Dare, Training Coordinator Mike Murphy, Recruitment Coordinator

volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA Volunteers:  Learn about the child and the child’s family and life.  Engage the child during regular visits.  Advocate for the child’s best interests.  Collaborate with others to ensure that necessary services are provided.  Report what is learned and observed to the court. DID YOU KNOW? A child assigned a CASA Volunteer:  will spend less time in foster care.  will be more likely to find a safe, perma nent home.  will be significantly less likely to re-enter foster care. Last fiscal year CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit:  served 756 children through 213 CASA Volunteers.  helped close cases for 255 children. SIGNATURE EVENTS Sip, Savor, Smoke

BOARD MEMBERS: Amy Moore-McKee, President James Kemper, Vice-President Wendy Dawson, Secretary Mark Mason, Treasurer Dave Templin, Asst. Treasurer

Andrew Barra Greg Birkland

Kari Burg Teri Cook Dr. Phillis Dewitt Julia Gray Bob McCullum Valerie Moehle Scott Ostericher Mark Plunkett, MD Love Ugorji

VISION CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit’s vision is that every childwho has experienced abuse or neglect is placed in a safe permanent home as quickly as possible. VALUES We believe that all children have the right to a safe, permanent home and deserve the support and involvement of their community to make this possible. WHAT WE DO CASA helps children in the Tenth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Abuse and Neglect court system (Peoria, Tazewell, Marshall, Putnamand Stark Counties) achieve permanent homes and reduces the likelihood of future court involvement. To accomplish this, CASA recruits, trains, and supervises community

HOW TO HELP There are over 2,000 pending child abuse and neglect cases in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. To reach the goal of serving 40%of the children in need of a CASA volunteer, we aim to recruit 100 new volunteers. Help Change a Child’s Story™by becoming aCourt Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for achildwhohasexperienced abuse or neglect. To find out more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity contact Mike Murphy, Recruitment Coordinator at mmurphy@peoriacounty.org or 309-981-5162. The cost to advocate for each child, excluding in-kind contributions, is approximately $1,500 per year. To support CASAwith your donation or through participation in a fundraising event, visit our website or contact us.

Spring 2022 June 9, 2022 Par 3 Challenge & $1-Million Shootout Fall 2022 To Be Annouced CASAblanca: Dancing with the Local Stars November 5, 2022

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