COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN
(CASA OF NEW JERSEY), INC.

CASA of NJ provides a voice for abused and neglected children by empowering a statewide network of local CASA programs serving all 21 counties of NJ. Dedicated community volunteers advocate in Family Court for the best interests of children in foster care to ensure their safety and well-being, and ultimately, their placement in nurturing, permanent homes with loving families.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CASA

• CASA of NJ is a STATEWIDE organization serving children and youth in all 21 counties;
• Nearly 1,900 volunteer child advocates served 3,866 children in foster care this past year;
• Children served by a CASA volunteer while in foster care are placed in permanent homes faster than children without a CASA volunteer;
• Volunteers’ donated services to children are currently valued at over $5 million per year;
• CASA services to children save the State of NJ and taxpayers over $7 million per year;
• CASA programs must rely on donations for more than 50% of their budgets each year;
• CASA is unique – it is the only non-profit organization approved by state statute to advocate for children in Family Court; and
• CASA staff and advocates are available statewide to provide presentations to Women’s Clubs.

609-695-9400

Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey 

Prevent Child Abuse – NJ is the New Jersey Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, a network of chapters in all 50 states. Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, in all forms, for all New Jersey children. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children.

103 Church Street, Suite 210


New Brunswick, NJ 08901

1-800-CHILDREN

www.preventchildabusenj.org 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness NJ

(NAMI NJ)

NAMI Bergen County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals who suffer from serious mental illnesses and their families. They work in coalition with the NAMI national organization, and NAMI NJ, its state affiliate.

Its mission is accomplished through support, education and advocacy activities on the national, state and local levels. On the state and local levels, they seek to partner with existing programs and agencies to help its community of families receive maximum benefit from services available.

www.namibergen.com                          

Gilda's Club:

The mission of Gilda’s Club is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer - men, women, teens and children - along with their families and friends. Its innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities. 

On July 23^rd, the Woman’s Club of Rutherford (WCR) and the Junior Woman's Club of Rutherford (JWCR) held a Jewels by Park Lane fundraiser to benefit their State Projects: Autism NJ and Foster & Adoptive Family Services (FAFS).  Each organization raised $285 for their State Project.

Autism New Jersey (formerly "COSAC") works to help improve the lives of individuals with autism, and provide their families with compassionate support.  In New Jersey, 1 in every 94 children is diagnosed with Autism.

FAFS supports the more than 11,000 children in foster care in New Jersey.  It also provides contracted services to the more than 5,600 families who care for these children. 

~ Understanding Autism ~

IMAGINE waking up in a world where you have no way of communicating with the people   

around you.  How would you express that you’re scared, tired, hurt, hungry or need help?

·        1 in 94 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in NJ.

·        This year more children will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

·        Caring for and meeting the needs of an individual with autism spectrum disorder can cost as much as $3.2 million during a lifetime.  Medical costs and behavioral therapies can cost more than $29,000 per individual per year.  Non-medical costs such as special education and child care can cost more than $38,000 per year.

Common Characteristics of Autism

Difficulty with Social Interactions

·        Little to no eye contact

·        Few initiations to interact with others

Difficulty with Communication

·        Delayed development of spoken language

·        Difficulty understanding body language and facial expressions

Unusual Behaviors

·        Inappropriate laughing or crying

·        Repetitive behavior such as hand flapping, rocking or spinning

Autism New Jersey is a non-profit agency providing information, support and advocacy,

family and professional education, and consultation to NJ’s autism community since 1965.