Inaugural Edition – March 2022
Letter from our Executive Director
Hello Friends,

Welcome to Bergen County CASA’s inaugural newsletter: "The Bergen CASA Bulletin." In this first edition, I would like to reacquaint and update our new and longstanding supporters regarding our Advocates, foster children, new programs, and how we have fared during the pandemic.

I am very proud to say that since March 2020 we never closed our doors!
Lucy Rosen
Executive Director
Bergen County CASA
Here are some highlights:
  • An Advocate was appointed to every child who was placed in foster care for more than a brief transitory period
  • 133 children were advocated for in 2021
  • 105 advocates served 5,945 hours on their cases
  • Over 90% of foster children were placed in permanent homes
Kundert Volvo
2022 Bergen CASA Platinum Sponsor
Kundert Volvo, out of Hasbrouck Heights, is Bergen CASA’s Platinum Sponsor for 2022. This philanthropic dealership has been well-known as a community dealership and friend to Bergen County for years. Their kindness and generosity will be put to excellent use. Thank you so much, Kundert Volvo. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Bergen CASA family!
Who is a CASA?
Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, are your neighbor, friend, or family member. They come from all walks of life. They can be teachers, lawyers, doctors, experienced parents, or just straight-forward, caring people.   
Who is a foster child?
A foster child could be any child from birth to 21 years old. They can be girls or boys or identify as LGBTQIA+. They are every race and ethnicity. Some have siblings, and some are only children. Some foster children struggle with mental health issues, some have chronic medical conditions, and some are healthy. Foster children come from every socioeconomic group and from every town in Bergen County. 
Baby supply drive
With COVID numbers decreasing, local DCP&P (Department of Child Protection and Permanency), offices have begun to reopen and host visitations. One of our teen mothers has requested help from CASA because she’s having a difficult time finding a formula that her WIC (NJ supplemental nutrition plan for Women, Infants, and Children), subsidies pay for. Add to that a steady uptick in the number of babies that are being referred to us and you have the perfect recipe for an increased need in simple baby basics.
Thanks to the incredible response to our Amazon Wish List, we are now helping both our CASA teens’ babies, new foster parents, and division-referred babies with all their needs. We have collected a variety of diapers, wipes, basic clothing, crib sheets, and even diaper bags!
2022 CASA Golf Event Honoring Gail Gordon, Prominent NJ Attorney
Mark your calendar, for July 11. We are hosting our second, “Fore the Kids,” golf event at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ. This year we are honoring Gail Gordon, for her incredibly generous support throughout the years. Gail has served on the Bergen CASA Advisory Council and supports many other non-profits throughout NJ.
“Gail Gordon is well-recognized for her work in government, community relations, and crisis management as well as for her political, hospital and non-profit, fundraising expertise,” said Zonie LeSane, Bergen County CASA Board President. "We are so thrilled to be honoring such a supportive member of the Bergen County CASA family".
Plan on a summer day filled with contests, giveaways, raffles, incredible food, and drinks too! And of course, the return of our tempting silent auction showcasing all sorts of exciting items and possibilities to bid on. With a 9 am shotgun start, this year will be an all-day affair!
A large part of making sure this event is a success is through your continued support. Please consider becoming a sponsor or donating an in-demand item to our silent auction.
If you have any questions about the golf outing, donating, or becoming a sponsor for this exciting event, contact Jaime Wisz at jaime@bergencasa.org.
How You Can Help
The success of Bergen County CASA is reliant upon the generosity and kindness of our supporters. At any time, there are several ways you can help us become even stronger. 
Monetary donations help us deliver hours of CASA training, operating expenses, and allow for us to make a difference in the lives of so many children. Donations can be made at any time, in honor of someone special, periodically, or just one time. All generosity is valued.
Amazon Smile made easy
AmazonSmile is a way customers can support their favorite charitable organization every time they shop with Amazon, at no additional cost. Sign up for Amazon Smile and designate Bergen CASA as your charity. Thank you!
Bergen CASA thanks our sponsors