Honorees are Jewish Family Services and Robinson family
Jewish Family Services (JFS) and the Robinson family are being honored for their roles in an innovative program that has helped hundreds of abused and neglected children stay in their foster care placements, avoiding the trauma of being moved. The Light of Hope Award will be presented during Jackson County CASA’s live virtual Light of Hope breakfast, which begins at 7:30 a.m. on April 14.
In 2012, Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) — which began as an NCJW program — recognized a small amount of flexible emergency assistance could make a huge difference in keeping foster children in their placements.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to cases where children most need an advocate as they navigate the foster care and court systems. Saving these vulnerable children additional trauma sometimes could be avoided with just a few hundred dollars of emergency assistance to pay overdue rent, utility bills, or make car repairs needed to retain jobs.
Turning to JFS, the nonprofits agreed to work together and jointly sought funding. The Robinson family provided seed money and has continued to support the collaboration between Jackson County CASA and JFS.
“I think it’s great when nonprofits work together,” said Irv Robinson, whose family decided to fund the program through its Robinson Family Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation. “The idea that JFS and CASA came together was something that we value.”
Irv Robinson, wife Ellen, daughter Ashlee, son Michael and his wife Carrie say the program matches their mission of helping underserved, at-risk children and youth.
“We thought that’s where we could make the most difference in society as a whole,” said Ashlee Robinson. “The fact that this program was connected through JFS made it that much better for us because there was also a Jewish component to it. Of all the different charities we’ve given to, CASA is one of our favorites.”
CASA data
To date, 220 children and 83 families served by Jackson County CASA have received emergency assistance. In addition, many were introduced to additional JFS services such as its food bank.
Carrie Robinson said it feels good knowing exactly how her family’s funds are impacting those helped by the emergency assistance fund. “A small thing like a car seat for a grandma to be able to take in her grandkids will keep that family together. It’s just a little bit goes a long way.”
Michael Robinson likes that he can clearly see how their donations have made a difference.
“The thing I like about CASA is, sometimes they come to us with a direct request, and we know exactly how the money is going to impact someone. Larger organizations do great work, but you don’t exactly know where your funds are going. I think it’s really fulfilling to know exactly how you’re impacting someone.”
In addition to reporting to the Robinsons stories of how children served by CASA benefit from their donations, Jackson County CASA passes along notes occasionally received from families helped by the emergency assistance program.
‘So blessed’
“We’re so blessed that we can have our funds support families that can’t afford things,” Ellen Robinson said. “It warms our hearts. We’re all touched by knowing that our resources are making a difference. Not just on a big level but on a day to day level. Because we pledge funds, their lives are easier for it and we love hearing when they send us the update of what the money was used for. It’s one of the sweet spots in our funding to know how our fund has impacted families.”
This year, Jackson County CASA volunteers will advocate on behalf of about 1,250 children removed from their homes for their safety. That’s only about half the children under court protection in Jackson County.
Through contact with the child, family members, and other interested parties, a CASA volunteer provides the court with information to help them make the best possible decisions regarding where the child should live and what medical, therapeutic, and educational services they need. Sometimes, volunteers recognize that emergency assistance would allow a placement or keep a child in a safe placement.
The Light of Hope Award is presented annually to a special community partner. Angie Blumel, president and CEO of Jackson County CASA, said there are numerous stories of how JFS’ partnership made a difference for the children they serve.
In one case, a father recently reunified with his children, after they were removed for neglect, was doing a great job caring for his family. Then, his car broke down, he couldn’t get to his job, and was at risk of losing his children. When CASA asked JFS for emergency assistance to fix his car, JFS recognized that the repair shop’s $1,000 price was inflated, identified a respected repair shop and paid about $500 for the repair. The father was able to work again and retained custody.
Aunt gets necessities
In another case, an aunt wanted to take in her nieces and nephews who had just been removed from their homes for their safety. But approval of funding to provide necessities for them would take time and she didn’t have the means to immediately provide beds, dressers, car seats, and a highchair. Emergency assistance allowed her to take in the children without their having to first go into other housing while they waited for services to be approved. The children only had to move once — into their aunt’s home — which became permanent when she adopted them.
The Light of Hope will be live from Jackson County CASA’s website, www.jacksoncountycasa-mo.org, and rebroadcast throughout the day on its Facebook page and YouTube channel. For information about Jackson County CASA or to register for Light of Hope, please visit the website or call 816-984-8200.
