Press release:
A $2,500 grant that provides extracurricular activities for abused and neglected youngsters has been given to GC CASA for Children for the second year in a row.
The donation announcement was made this afternoon. The Kelly for Kids Foundation presented the check to CASA for Children Executive Director Ashley Hausfelder last month.
Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a 501 c (3) nonprofit organization that trains members of the community to become volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children that come before the attention of family court.
“While advocating for these children’s most basic needs, CASA volunteers have quickly found that these children need so much more than that," Hausfelder said. "These children all lack self-esteem and a feeling of belonging. Some have not known where their next meal would be coming from and quickly had to learn how to be a parent to their younger siblings. Genesee County CASA would like to give these children a chance to be kids, a chance to feel like they belong in this world and a chance to feel pride."
Last year was a successful one for the children who received services from CASA because of the Kelly for Kids Foundation grant.
“In 2014, our program was able to provide family memberships to the YMCA, karate lessons, dance classes, soccer camp expenses, a trumpet for a child to play in his school band, as well as the purchase of swimming lessons, etc.," Hausfelder said. "Thankfully, in 2015, we will be able to do the same, if not more."
For more information about the Court Appointed Special Advocate program or to become a volunteer you can visit the Web site at www.geneseecountycasa.org <http://www.geneseecountycasa.org/> or contact Ashley Hausfelder, executive director, by phone at (585)-815-7809.
