With the press of a button, N.J. organization brings joy to children in need

Jerseysbest.com, December 7, 2021

Thanks to One Simple Wish, a nonprofit that grants wishes to children involved with the foster care system, Washington can give her grandson the things every child deserves.

“They have helped me so much over the past years,’’ said Washington, who was connected to the program through the Center for Child and Family Achievement in Trenton. “They gave Joseph a winter coat one year, and I was like ‘Thank you, Jesus’ because he didn’t have one and it was starting to get cold. They bought Halloween costumes for Joseph and his siblings, and they gave us a party. It was truly beautiful. I thank God for putting these people in our path. They have blessed us.’’

The concept is, well, simple. Children who are or have been involved with the foster care system can, through the adults in their lives, post wishes to onesimplewish.org. Those wishes are sent out to the world. Then, generous strangers grant the children’s wishes. Last year alone, 25,000 wishes were granted to children in New Jersey and across the nation.…

“The thing we find unique about One Simple Wish is that we are able to focus right in on a specific need for a child,’’ said Michelle Schaefer, director of strategy and impact, Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which helps safeguard children in foster care. “We get many gifts donated to the office, but they tend to be more general.’’

Schaefer remembers one nonverbal, autistic child who relied on an iPad to not only learn but to communicate basic needs — like hunger. When the child’s iPad broke, CASA was able to quickly replace it through the generosity of One Simple Wish donors.

“We have helped college-bound youth with buying laptops so they can focus on their academics and not worry about running to the library every time they need to use a computer for school,’’ Schaefer added. “These youth have so many things to worry about. It’s wonderful to see them focus on their education and not what they don’t have.’’ …

“One of the things we really value about One Simple Wish is they prioritize normalcy for kids in foster care just like we do at Passaic County CASA,’’ said Jessica Mickley, director of outreach and training. “We believe that kids in foster care should have normal experiences.’’ 

Passaic County CASA for Children, which recruits volunteers to advocate for boys and girls placed in foster homes, is now trying to recover tens of thousands of dollars' worth of damaged computers, desks and other furniture

Erica Fischer-Kaslander, the nonprofit's executive director, said she wept when she saw water cascading onto the floor of the industrial building.

"Like a waterfall," she recalled during a walk-through of the gutted office space.

Offices of Wayne-Based Passaic County CASA Damaged Extensively from Broken Sprinkler Pipe

TapInto Wayne, July 11, 2021

WAYNE, NJ — The offices of non-profit Passaic County CASA received extensive water damage when a sprinkler pipe was broken at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Because the pipe was in the drop-ceiling, water flowed downward covering desks, computers, paperwork and ruining approximately $10,000 to $15,000 in donations such as diapers, school supplies and kids clothing.

“I had to throw out cases and cases of diapers this morning, because they were sopping wet and ruined,” said CASA Executive Director Erica Fisher-Kaslander. You could hear the sadness in her voice when she spoke.

CASA’s award-winning tricky tray is back!

TapInto Wayne, May 22, 2021

WAYNE TWP. – The venue may have changed, but the prizes are better than ever.

After a year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Tricky Tray is officially back. Passaic County CASA is a Wayne-based nonprofit organization dedicated to championing the best interests of every child who is involved with the child welfare and foster care system of Passaic County. Proceeds from this famous Tricky Tray go directly to support child victims of abuse and neglect.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., outside of the Passaic County CASA Office, located at 415 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite D2 in Wayne. The new open-air, walk-through format includes assigned timeslots, social distancing, and mask requirements.

“The Tricky Tray was really missed last year,” Passaic County CASA Executive Director Erica Fischer-Kaslander said. “It’s a favorite event at CASA and among the whole Passaic County community. It’s truly a fun event, with incredible prizes, that raises significant funds to support our mission of advocating on behalf of every child in the county foster care system.”

Passaic County CASA Program Director Gina Cetta serves as the Tricky Tray emcee, calling out the winning ticket numbers for the past 10 years.

“This year’s Tricky Tray will certainly be different, but two important components remain the same: the prizes are awesome and all the funds raised go to a wonderful cause,” Cetta said.

Entry tickets are $55 each person and include an assigned time slot and a basic ticket package of 1 sheet of regular prize tickets, two sheets of large prize tickets and two super grand prize tickets. Entry tickets will not be available the day of the event; they must be purchased beforehand. Each time slot will be limited to 60 participants.

This year’s baskets and prizes include gift cards, appliances, travel-stays, sports memorabilia, jewelry, electronics, and a variety of theme baskets.

To purchase admission, visit https://www.passaiccountycasa.org/trickytray2021. Additional prize tickets are also available online. All proceeds from the event will go to advocating for children in foster care in Passaic County.

If you have questions, please e-mail pam@passaiccountycasa.org or call 973-832-4002.

Columbia Bank Foundation Awards Nearly $450,000 to Local Organizations

New Jersey Business Magazine, Feb. 11, 2021

The Columbia Bank Foundation has recently awarded six charitable organizations a total of $450,000 to complete significant projects.

“As one of the largest private foundations in New Jersey, we are proud to help support such meaningful initiatives that positively impact the health and well-being of our local communities.” said Thomas J. Kemly, president of the Columbia Bank Foundation.

Recipients of the special grants included:

Family Promise of Gloucester County:  Received $100,000 to expand the Student Transportation Program, which provides school-aged homeless children transportation to their original school district while in shelters.

Passaic County CASA for Children: Received $100,000 to support a new initiative, the Open Door Store.  The store’s goal is to bring dignity and normalcy to children in the foster care system by providing a personal clothing and essential items shopping experience, both virtually and in person.

Positano Restaurant and Pizzeria holds “empty table toy drive”

CBS New York, Dec. 16, 2020

A pizza shop in Passaic County is finding innovative ways to fill its tables, but not how you may expect.

CBS2’s Meg Baker reports on their good deeds.

Positano Restaurant and Pizzeria on Berden Avenue in Wayne is overflowing with gifts for children.

“Fill up these tables with toys. Do something with them. We don’t want to look at them empty!” said owner Steven Catalano.

The pandemic has been a difficult time for the restaurant business, but the Catalano’s aren’t letting that ruin their Christmas spirit. Their restaurant has turned into a donation center.

“Make other kids happy,” said Nicholas Hanselman, 7.

Other media about the “Empty Table Toy Drive”

News 12, The Bronx: NJ restaurant reserves indoor dining tables for toy donations

NorthJersey.com: Wayne pizzeria was running at 25% capacity. Now it's filled with toys

ABC 7 NY: New Jersey restaurant takes advantage of limited capacity for toy drive

COVID plagues Paterson charity groups’ holiday toy drives

Paterson Press, Dec. 4, 2020

PATERSON — Social service groups are struggling to carry on their annual toy drives and holiday parties for poor children amid the challenges and complications created by the COVID-19 crisis.

Agency officials say the pandemic has sidetracked some of their regular ways of collecting toy donations, created logistical problems for distributing the gifts and changed the needs of the families getting the presents.

Several organizations said the health crisis has forced them to get gifts for fewer children, cut back the number of presents provided to each child or cancel their traditional parties for youngsters.

Passaic County CASA to Implement First-Ever Infant-Toddler Court Team in New Jersey

TAPInto Wayne, Oct. 9, 2020

WAYNE, NJ – With a grant of $425,000 Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), will create new infant-toddler court teams in Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties. These teams will serve children from birth to three years old in foster care or at risk of removal of their families.  Passaic County CASA will lead the program in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, and the Turrell Fund.

The grant comes from ZERO TO THREE’s National Resource Center and will fund these new programs which are based on the Safe Babies Court Team™ approach, according to a statement released by CASA.

“The ZERO TO THREE Safe Babies Court Team model has a strong reputation for reducing the duration of child welfare intervention with at-risk families and providing supports that promote healthy child/family development,” said Carmen Diaz Petti, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Spanish-speaking volunteers urgently needed for children in foster care

TAPinto Wayne, Sept. 2, 2020

WAYNE, NJ — More than fifty percent of children in the Passaic County foster care system identify as Hispanic. Unfortunately, there is a serious shortage of bilingual English/Spanish volunteers to advocate for their rights.

When a child enters foster care, he or she is assigned a dedicated, trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer from Passaic County CASA. The child’s advocate ensures that their individual needs remain priority while they move through the child welfare system and the family court. CASAs work one-on-one with the abused or neglected child, gathering information from the family, caretakers, teachers, doctors, and caseworkers in order to make informed recommendations to the family court about the child’s future.

Foster Children Need Help: The New Wayne Chamber of Commerce Responds

TAPinto Wayne, Aug. 16, 2020

WAYNE, NJ – The new Wayne Chamber of Commerce has not yet officially launched as an organization, but this hasn’t stopped founder Christian Sees of Integrus Financial from forging ahead.  He has been interviewing Wayne business leaders on the WCC Facebook page on a regular basis. This week, Courtney Como, the Director of Development at the Passaic County CASA was the guest on his show and their conversation was about CASA’s Back-To-School Donation Drive.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. “Our organization primarily trains, recruits and empowers individuals to serve as volunteers to be advocates,” explained Como during her interview. “Advocates work for the best interest of children in Passaic County foster care or the child welfare system.”

Willowbrook Mall Spotify Advertisement

Spotify, July 2020

On Hope Avenue, a family of nine dreams big. COVID-19 threatens to destroy it all

NorthJersey.com, July 3, 2020

Infants in Passaic County desperately need formula, diapers

TAPinto Wayne, May 30, 2020

WAYNE, NJ - The COVID-19 pandemic has left infants, particularly those from low-income and at-risk communities, without necessities like formula, diapers, and baby wipes. Panic buying, unemployment or underemployment, and social distancing has made it nearly impossible for many Passaic County residents to provide these essentials for their families.

CASA designs, sells signs to help continue its fight for child welfare through pandemic

NorthJersey.com and MSN.com, May 27, 2020

Red, white and blue signs with the words “Thank You to all the heroes among us” have been popping up in yards since mid-April.

The message is a show of support to everyone that has helped their community in any way during this unprecedented time. And the creators of the signs, workers at the organization CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are doing their best to help their communities, as well.

Passaic County Pandemic Partnership Set to Provide Meals and Essential Services to Nearly 210,000 County Residents

TAPinto Paterson, May 20, 2020

PATERSON, NJ -  Signalling an expanded effort to share resources, coordinate strategy and planning, and establish a mutual aid network to provide homebound and at-risk populations with food and other essential needs, six Passaic County-based non-profits have joined together under the umbrella banner of the “Passaic County Pandemic Partnership” (PCPP).

According to a statement by the coalition that consists of The Boys and Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, CUMAC, Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children, Passaic County CASA, Paterson Habitat for Humanity, and Star of Hope Ministries, the partnership has been established to ensure that families in need continue to have uninterrupted access to crucial services while minimizing community spread of COVID-19. The PCPP’s main focus is home delivery of meals, groceries, and services for the elderly, homebound residents, those involved with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, as well as food insecure patients due for discharge from St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center.

Passaic County nonprofits join forces to provide pandemic relief

ROI-NJ, May 19, 2020

A half-dozen Passaic County nonprofits have teamed up to create the “Passaic County Pandemic Partnership,” with a goal of sharing resources and coordinating strategy to provide homebound and at-risk populations with food and other essential needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

The six organizations in the new coalition are:

• The Boys and Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic;

• CUMAC;

• Oasis — A Haven for Women and Children;

• Passaic County CASA;

• Paterson Habitat for Humanity; and

• Star of Hope Ministries.

The six aim to ensure that families in need continue to have uninterrupted access to vital services while minimizing community spread of the coronavirus. The coalition’s main focus is home delivery of meals and groceries, as well as services for the elderly, homebound and those involved in child protective services. The group also intends to aid food-insecure patients due for discharge from St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center.

Wayne Residents Volunteer to Advocate for Children

TAPinto Wayne, May 3, 2020

WAYNE, NJ – Five Wayne residents are among the newest class of volunteers to be the voice for children in the Passaic County foster care system. Husband and Wife, Reid and Jenny Paul, Julie Ritsema, Jessica Slider and Susan White were a part of a group of thirteen who were the first court appointed advocates sworn-in virtually via a Zoom meeting earlier this month. 

Passaic County CASA Swears in New Volunteer Advocates Virtually

TAPinto Paterson, April 27, 2020

WAYNE, NJ - While the COVID-19 public heath crisis has shut down much of our day-to-day lives it hasn't brought a halt  to child abuse, Erica Fischer-Kaslander, Executive Director of Passaic County CASA, lamented. "In fact," she said, "studies show that instances of abuse and neglect rise when there’s increased financial stress on a family and when victims are sequestered at home with an abuser."

In an effort to continue their work of providing critical services to Passaic County children removed from home due to abuse or neglect, Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held its first-ever virtual swearing in ceremony for 13 new volunteer advocates via Zoom earlier this month. The ceremony was presided over by Passaic County Family Court Judge Imre Karaszegi, Jr. 

“This has been a difficult period of adjustment for those of us in the child advocacy community and our work has never been more critical," Fischer-Kaslander said of efforts to minimize the disurption to the organization' by moving its work online and continuing to recruit, train, and supervise volunteer advocates to work one-on-one with children involved in the foster care and child welfare systems. 

Preventing A Second Pandemic: Child Protection During Social Distancing

Thrive Global, April 23, 2020

Recently, we worked quickly to locate and drop 4 large duffle bags on the front porch of a row house in a large urban city in Northern New Jersey. As my staff member left the bags, without going into the house, 4 little faces peered out of the window waving and knocking. That was the closest they could get.

The duffle bags were essential because these 4 children were moving into 2 separate homes later that day. During “normal times,” though in different homes, they would still be able to visit with each other weekly, visit with their parents, go to the same school, keep seeing the same therapist, the same caseworker, and the same Court Appointed Special Advocate. But this is child welfare during a pandemic and nothing is normal. 

In the 13 years I have served as Executive Director of Passaic County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), I don’t know that I have ever seen so many seemingly insurmountable challenges to the way we do our work as I have in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we fight this global pandemic, we fear that a pandemic of child abuse may follow if the needs of our most vulnerable children and families are not met during this time. I know for certain that I have never been more concerned about child welfare and safety. There is a perfect storm brewing in many homes right now. It is a combination of a rise in circumstances that often lead to child abuse and the decrease in the availability of the child welfare staff, therapy, and supportive interventions that prevent and reduce the likelihood of that exact abuse. 

Mayor’s Coronavirus Update: Starting on a Positive Note

TAPinto Wayne, April 20, 2020

WAYNE, NJ – Before Wayne Mayor Chris Vergano began his daily announcement of coronavirus numbers for the Township, he said: “I want to start today on a positive note.”  

“On behalf of the 54,711 residents of Wayne Township, I want to wish longtime Wayne resident Celeste Gardner a very happy 103rd birthday.” Gardner has been a Wayne resident for over sixty-five years, she has nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren,” said the Mayor.

Vergano then made a correction to yesterday’s announcements where he mentioned an outdoor wedding he performed over the weekend. “I think I was having a senior moment,” he said before telling the township that he announced the wrong names. “I want to correct myself and congratulate the real couple Seth and Lindsey on their wedding.”

The Passaic County CASA sign hanging on the mayor’s podium was mentioned next. The sign read: Thank you to All the Heroes Among Us.

“CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates,” Vergano explained. “They are a great group of people that do a lot of work with young people in Passaic County.”  These signs are for sale on the CASA website and the money raised will go to fund their organization.  To purchase a sign, go to: https://www.PassaicCountyCASA.org

N.J. ministry shifts mission to distribute food to needy during coronavirus pandemic

NJ.com, April 15, 2020

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the state, the needs of New Jersey residents have in turn continued to grow and change.

So, an historic New Jersey ministry decided to change with them.

Star of Hope Ministries, located in Paterson and established in 1913, has shifted its focus from improving the lives of community members through pursuits including church networking and professional development to coordinating food distribution efforts to feed those in need.

Since March 17, the organization has connected with over 70 churches and organizations throughout the state to distribute over 1,000 boxes of perishable and non-perishable foods and over 20,000 meals throughout the greater Paterson area, as well as throughout Newark and South Jersey.

Nonprofit organizations that Star of Hopes Ministries has coordinated with include CUMAC in Paterson, Oasis in Paterson, Boys and Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, Paterson Habitat for Humanity, and CASA For Children in Passaic County.

What to Do if You're Isolated With an Abuser During the Coronavirus Crisis

Teen Vogue, April 2, 2020

As we practice social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, many young people have suddenly found themselves isolated with an abuser. Schools have closed, college students have been sent home, and millions of Americans are either working from home or have recently lost their jobs due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Without a chance to prepare, you may be spending every waking hour in an abusive parent or partner's presence.

Unsurprisingly, domestic violence organizations report that phone calls for help have increased over the past two weeks. Although official data isn’t yet available, Erica Fischer-Kaslander, executive director of Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates, tells Teen Vogue she’s observed an increase in her county of new domestic violence cases. Shelley DeVito, a survivor of domestic violence and group facilitator and supervisor at Haven Hills domestic violence shelter and treatment center, estimates that their calls have doubled since “shelter in place” rules went into effect. So if you’re isolated with an abuser, the most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and help is still available.

It’s never easy to leave an abuser, and the current national emergency has made it more difficult than ever. Although shelters are doing their best to remain open and continue operating, Fischer-Kaslander says many have reduced capacity in order to comply with social distancing. “In the current situation, shelters aren’t the best option,” she says. “It probably wouldn’t be my first recommendation today because of the health risk, but it also wouldn’t be my last.”

Joint Statement from a Coalition of Passaic County Non-Profits on the Action Steps They’ve Undertaken to Adapt and Meet the Needs of Our Most Vulnerable Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

TAPinto Paterson, March 23, 2020

We’re in the midst of an uncertain and unprecedented period of time. However, our number one priority is to continue to meet the needs of Passaic County’s most vulnerable residents while protecting the health and safety of our clients, staff, and volunteers. In keeping with this commitment, we have joined forces to increase our impact and each of our organizations has adjusted our operations in accordance with the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.

This pandemic is causing increased financial strain and other hardships on many families and individuals and consequently, more people will be in need of the services that our organizations provide. Moreover, the communities that we already serve are at even greater risk during this crisis. To this end, we are working together to ensure that we have the capacity and a comprehensive strategy to accommodate all affected Passaic County families during this challenging time. We believe that with collective action, we will get through this together.

Our organizations could not do this work without our generous supporters who have donated to us over the years. However, this public health crisis is straining our existing resources and could pose a threat to our operations should the situation worsen. Please consider making a donation to our organizations so we can continue to provide for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Registration opens for daytime child advocacy training

My Life Publications, March 8, 2020

Not a night owl, but eager to help children in foster care?

Join Passaic County CASA’s recently scheduled daytime volunteer advocacy training, which begins on Thursday, March 26 at 10 a.m.  This condensed training turns participants into Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers for children in foster care in just three weeks. 

Nearly 500 children in Passaic County spent time in foster care last year, and hundreds more were at risk of entering foster care.  

 “These kids need a voice and aren’t able to speak for themselves,” said Michelle Schaefer of West Milford, who has been a CASA volunteer for more than five years. 

The Effects of the opioid epidemic on Foster care

NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams, Dec. 18, 2019

NJTV News came to the CASA office to interview Wendy Camacho, a foster parent to an infant whose mother is addicted to opioids.

“As the number of people abusing drugs increases, so does the number of children being taken from their homes and placed into the state’s child welfare system, putting added pressure on the foster care system,” says Mary Alice Williams.

The infant under Camacho’s care is just one of the many infants in the child welfare system that CASA serves due to parental drug abuse. “There’s an even greater need for urgent services,” says Executive Director Erica Fischer-Kaslander. As the number of infants being removed from their homes due to parental drug addiction increases, Camacho and people like her are needed now more than ever to serve as foster parents and CASAs in Passaic County.

Volunteers Wrap Hundreds of Gifts for Foster Children via Passaic County CASA

TAPinto Wayne, Dec. 18, 2019

WAYNE, NJ – The Passaic County CASA’s office is stuffed with approximately 1,600 donated holiday gifts for children in the foster care system. This week, volunteer individuals and organizations showed up to donate their time wrapping the presents that are destined to be found on Christmas morning under Christmas trees throughout Passaic County.

“Usually by the time we are all done at the end of the year, it’s about four-hundred children in the foster care/child welfare system that we provide gifts for,” said Erica Kaslander, Executive Director of the Passaic County CASA. “What’s different about our holiday drive compared to other holiday toy drives, is that our advocates collect specific wishes.”

This is part of their normalcy program: CASA’s goal is to give as normal a childhood as possible to children in the foster care system. “Just because they are in foster care doesn’t mean that they should have a childhood that’s any different than anyone else,” said Kaslander. “My kids make a wish list for Santa, and we believe a child in foster care should have the same capacity.”

Two town residents become court advocates for foster children

West Milford Messenger, Dec. 10, 2019

WEST MILFORD-Jennifer McIntyre and Meredith Nicholls, both of West Milford, took an oath last month to provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Passaic County, organization officials said in a press release.

On Friday, Nov. 15, McIntyre and Nicholls, along with 12 others, became Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers (CASAs) for children in foster care. Passaic County Superior Court Judge Imre Karaszegi, Jr. presided over the swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson. Family, friends, and CASA staff watched as the new advocates pledged their oath of service and received their certificates.

Passaic CASA Welcomes 3 New Wayne Volunteers

Wayne Patch, Dec. 4, 2019

The volunteers will work with local children who have been placed into foster care.

Three Wayne residents sworn in as court-appointed advocates for children in foster care

Tap Into Wayne, Dec. 5, 2019

WAYNE, NJ - Donna Hamway, Susan McHugh, and Kamala Anupindi, all of Wayne, took an oath to provide a voice for abused and neglected children in Passaic County.

On Friday, Nov. 15, Hamway, McHugh, and Anupindi, along with 11 others, became Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers (CASAs) for children in foster care. Passaic County Superior Court Judge Imre Karaszegi, Jr. presided over the swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson. Family, friends, and CASA staff watched as the new advocates pledged their oath of service and received their certificates.

“We are proud to welcome these new volunteers to the CASA family and we look forward to working with them and seeing the difference they will make in a child’s life,” said Passaic County CASA Executive Director, Erica Fischer-Kaslander.

More children are entering foster care in NJ And CASA says you can help

NJ.com, Nov. 28, 2019

At first, Laura Zacharyczuk was a resource teacher in Clifton with a foster child in her classroom. Then, she became a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Passaic County and then a foster parent. And finally, she became Tyshawn’s mom.

"I did not plan on adopting him but the stars aligned. We had some challenges but right now he’s in 10th grade and on the honor roll. I can’t imagine my life without him,” Zacharyczuk says today.

Laura and Tyshawn were lucky, but for many foster children, finding a permanent home remains out of reach. According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, as of 2017, there are 2,479 children waiting to be adopted in the New Jersey foster care system. Twenty-five percent of those waiting to be adopted are teenagers.

Passaic County CASA Launches Holiday Drive For Foster Kids

Wayne Patch, Nov. 23, 2019

WAYNE, NJ – Passaic County CASA for Children is collecting toys to help make the holiday season brighter for local children in foster care.

The Wayne-based non-profit is seeking unwrapped toys and gifts for children of all ages. With the support of the community, the drive will be able to provide gifts to more than 600 children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect.

"The holiday drive helps the children have a positive holiday experience, despite being in foster care," Program Manager Gina Cetta said. "They deserve a normal childhood, which includes presents at the holidays."

Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s Hosted a “Celebration of Beauty” Event at Willowbrook Mall Recognizing Passaic County CASA

Tap Into Wayne, Nov. 23, 2019

WAYNE, NJ - On Saturday, November 16, 2019, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s hosted a “Celebration of Beauty” event highlighting beauty inside and out with Passaic County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The special event, commemorating National Adoption Month, featured complimentary makeovers at the department stores in Willowbrook Mall. Additionally, during the event, store managers from Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s donated a total $3,500 to Passaic County CASA in support of the organization’s mission to provide an advocate for every child in the Passaic County foster care system.

Children in foster care “shop” at CASA’s inaugural School Supply Pop Up Event

My Life Publications, Oct. 1, 2019

Passaic County CASA opened its doors for the organization’s first-ever School Supply Pop Up Shop on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The store, which was set up at the CASA Office in Wayne, gave children in foster care and foster parents the ability to “shop” for school supplies in a friendly, retail-like atmosphere. The shop was open for children who have been removed from home because of abuse or neglect, with the goal of making sure that all children living in foster care in Passaic County can start off the school year on the right foot. More than 400 children benefited from Passaic County CASA’s School Supply Drive and Pop Up Shop.

Passaic CASA Helping to Make School Transitions Easier for Foster Children

Tap Into Wayne, Sept. 5, 2019

WAYNE – Back to school can be daunting for many kids, but for foster children entering new schools, it can be even more challenging. “For the nearly 500 children in the Passaic County foster care system, the end of summer doesn’t mean back-to-school shopping with mom and dad; more often, it means the uncertainty of possibly enrolling in a new school and having to make new friends,” said Passaic County CASA Executive Director Erica Fischer-Kaslander.

For children who have been removed from home because of abuse or neglect, CASA wanted to make sure that those living in foster care in Passaic County can start off the school year on the right foot.

On August 20, CASA opened its doors for the organization’s first-ever School Supply Pop-Up Shop which gave children in foster care and foster parents the ability to “shop” for school supplies in a friendly, retail-like atmosphere, without the financial burden. Every child who attended was given the opportunity to choose their own backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, etc., all according to their personal taste and style, while CASA volunteers helped make sure they checked off every item on their shopping list.

Passaic county CASA Annual Gala Raises $219,000

The Walkers served as foster parents for 26 children and adopted four.

Additionally, Charles was a Passaic County CASA volunteer for five years, and during this time, he served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for nine children in foster care.

Passaic County CASA Campaign Yields $100K In Donations

Wayne Patch, Aug. 4, 2019

WAYNE, N.J. - A large donation to Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates doubled the amount the organization has received during a recent fundraiser, making it possible for the non-profit to serve even more children in foster care.

The Pamela and Craig Goldman Charitable Foundation recently gave $100,000 to CASA to match funds received during the "An Advocate For Every Child" campaign, according to a press release from CASA.

The donation was provided to match the funds received during the fundraiser, dollar for dollar, and it will help recruit, train and supervise volunteers to work with foster kids.

Kids in foster care among increasing casualties from opioid crisis

PIX11, May 17, 2019

"The number of children in foster care has not necessarily risen but the type of case that we have in the system has changed," said Erica Fischer-Kaslander, executive director of Passaic County CASA, a non-profit that works with foster children.

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, currently serves about 250 children per year in Passaic County. About half of them have parents who are addicted.

Green wound up in county jail. Visits from her daughter empowered her to change her life.

Court-appointed special advocates are in midst of fundraiser

ROI-NJ, May 13, 2019, page 38

Committed to Advocating for Children, Passaic County CASA Celebrates Opening of New Headquarters

TAPinto Paterson, May 7, 2019

WAYNE, NJ - Child advocates, elected officials, and others gathered Saturday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Passaic County CASA’s new headquarters in Wayne. The significantly larger space, according to a statement, will allow the organization to train a greater number of volunteers in order to meet its ambitious goal of providing an advocate for every child in the county foster care system.