CASA Kane County, a local nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children, was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used to recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers who serve as the Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian ad Litem for children who have been abused or neglected in the Kane County Juvenile Court system.

The organization already has served more than 560 children in 2014, which is 50 more than served last year. In order to meet the growing demands of the 16th Judicial Court system, CASA Kane County relies on funds from grantors as well as donations from local businesses and individuals this holiday season.

CASA Kane County Executive Director Gloria Bunce said the organization is extremely thankful for the support of UPS.

“The need was especially great this year, as we hired an additional advocate supervisor to support the CASA/GAL’s on the cases for our additional children,” she said.

The UPS Foundation was established in 1951 and is based in Atlanta, GA. The foundation’s focus is on nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety, and environmental sustainability, said Ed Martinez, president of the UPS Foundation.

“Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community,” Martinez said.

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. CASA has been training CASA volunteers since 1988. These CASA volunteers are appointed by the judge to represent the best interests of children who are in the court system due to abuse, neglect, or guardianship issues. All volunteers complete a 40-hour training program before accepting a position.

To learn more about the CASA Kane County program, please visit the organization’s new website at www.casakanecounty.org.

SOURCE: CASA Kane County press release