August 2023

"I think what it takes is just an open heart and a willingness to try."
 ~ Karen
CASA Advocate

"My CASA was like family, or like what I always dreamed family would be."
  ~ Melissa, Former Foster Care Youth

Hello Friends,

2023 is a landmark year for CASA of DuPage County, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary of child advocacy.  We have been looking back at insightful and deeply moving remarks from volunteer advocates and from children who have experienced abuse. The wisdom of their words is remarkable. 

Traditionally, the 30th anniversary is represented as the Pearl Anniversary.  We are referring to these remarks as CASA’s Pearls of Wisdom.  We plan on sharing them with you on our website as well as at our Pearl Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 21 at the Lisle Sheraton Hotel.  If you have “Pearls of Wisdom” about your CASA experience, or from a child in care, we would be delighted to hear from you.  You can share your thoughts by clicking here.  

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a CASA Advocate, there is an abused child in DuPage County who needs you, who needs your stability, and your voice.  We have two training classes scheduled for the fall, and we would be most grateful to have your participation. 

In closing, we express our most sincere gratitude to the 80+ CASA volunteers who came out to help us at the Wheaton Brew & Seltzer Fest earlier this month.  We appreciate your time!  As always, thank you for all you do to support the children represented by DuPage CASA!

With appreciation,

Suzanne Skala
Executive Director

You are cordially invited to the CASA of DuPage County 30th Anniversary Pearl Gala.  We hope you will join us on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Sheraton in Lisle for an elegant evening of glamour and enchantment, as we celebrate 30 years of child advocacy.

Co-Chairs of the Gala Event Committee, Veronica Corirossi and Katie May Yoder are asking for your help to sponsor, purchase ads, donate live and silent auction items and purchase tickets to help make this event a success for CASA.  The event site is now live and registration is open.  Click below for more information and to support the event. 

Anything you can do is appreciated and we hope to see you there!  

Kevin Shirley
Kevin became a CASA advocate seven years ago.  He recently closed his last case as an advocate and has begun a new journey as a CASA board member.  Kevin is an adoptee himself and has a strong passion for the mission of advocating for abused and neglected children in the DuPage community.  He is a devoted single father of 2 young sons.  In his career, Kevin leads a team of sales executives as a Sales Manager at an IT hardware, software, and solutions provider.  Kevin is an enthusiastic volunteer for his church, and for CASA. 

Sean Sullivan
Sean’s work as an attorney for the past 13 years led him to see firsthand the benefit CASA provides to the children of DuPage County.  As a partner at SBK Law Group LLP in Lombard, he focuses his practice primarily on family law and business litigation.  Sean grew up in Naperville and was eager to become involved  with CASA of DuPage serving the community where he lives.  Sean looks forward to contributing by lending his knowledge and expertise as a member of the CASA Board. 

Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who helped setup, sell merchandise, check in volunteers, hand out glasses, and pour at this year's Wheaton Brew & Seltzer Fest in Memorial Park!

The rain did not keep away the nearly 1,000 guests who attended the Wheaton Brew & Seltzer Fest on Saturday, August 5th with more than 60 tasting opportunities while dancing to the music of 80s tribute band, The Breakfast Club.  

CASA of DuPage County gives special thanks to the Wheaton Park District for partnering with us and sharing the proceeds of this annual community event.   

We hope to see you next year!

CASA of DuPage County advocates for the best interests of vulnerable and abused children in the court system by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer advocates to represent the child’s best interests in the court and in the community. 

CASA’s vision is that every child deserves a safe, permanent, nurturing home.

Visit our website at dupagecasa.org to learn more!