Summer 2024

Hello friends, 

The Casa Connection returns with a new design and exciting updates we are eager to share. In May we hosted our CASA Golf Classic, sold out for the first time, we welcomed 2016 golfers and a record number of sponsors!  Thanks to an anonymous donor, who stepped up during the evening program to match donations, we raised over $50,000 during our inspirational raise-the-paddle fundraising efforts. Many of our guests enthusiastically donated to give gift cards to CASA children who graduated in May. 

I want to take a moment to acknowledge CASA Senior Advocate Supervisor, Tammy Cetina, who recently received the Liberty Bell Award from the DuPage County Bar Association.  Congratulations Tammy!

We express our appreciation to those who support DuPage CASA and our vision that every child deserves a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.  

With gratitude,

 Suzanne

 Suzanne Skala                                                                                   Executive Director 

CASA of DuPage County received a $25,000 grant through DuPage Foundation's Community Impact grant program, which helps support our efforts to connect DuPage children who are victims of abuse with a stable adult to advocate for their best interests in the court and in the community. DuPage Foundation awarded nearly $940,000 to  52 DuPage County nonprofit organizations, and DuPage CASA is thankful to have been one of them!

(Pictured from left to right are DuPage CASA's Development Director, Lisa Spaeth, DuPage CASA's Executive Director, Suzanne Skala, and DuPage Foundation's Vice President for Programs, Barb Szczepaniak.)    

On May 3, DuPage CASA Senior Advocate Supervisor Tammy Cetina, received the Liberty Bell Award from the DuPage County Bar Association. This award is given to an individual who does not practice law and has significantly served the legal community. Congratulations Tammy!

(Pictured from left to right are DuPage County Attorney, Angel Traub, DuPage CASA Senior Advocate Supervisor, Tammy Cetina, and Juvenile Court Judge, Chantelle Porter.)

Last year, DuPage CASA piloted a Family Engagement Mediation program in partnership with the DuPage County Court System.  On June 10, this Family Mediation Program received a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award. The 18th Judicial Circuit Court Guardianship Family Engagement Mediation Program provides families involved in a minor guardianship case, who cannot afford attorneys, with a professional mediator. These mediators, provided by CASA, help the parties involved reach agreements with the children's best interests in mind.  

On May 16, CASA hosted the 2024 CASA Golf Classic, which sold out for the first time and raised more than $193,000 for children who are victims of abuse and neglect.  We are profoundly grateful to our sponsors, golfers, guests and volunteers who contributed to making this event successful.

Please save the date for Monday, May 19, 2025, when we will host our CASA Golf Classic at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville.  We hope to see you there!

“I am lucky enough to be an advocate for two teenagers. My primary focus is to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met within the foster care system. Collaborating with the court, I advocated tirelessly to secure therapy sessions for both teenagers, recognizing the importance of mental health support during such a critical time in their lives. Additionally, I worked diligently to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring they had access to the medical assistance they required. With their guardian, I’ve facilitated opportunities for them to directly address the judge about their placement preferences, empowering them to play an active role in decisions affecting their lives. 

Becoming a CASA advocate is not merely a volunteer opportunity; it is a profound commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children. As a CASA advocate, you will serve as a consistent and compassionate presence in a child's life during a time of upheaval and uncertainty. You will be their voice in the courtroom, advocating for their needs and wishes with unwavering dedication. You will forge meaningful connections with the child, their family, and other key stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for the child's future. Your time, your passion, and your commitment have the power to change lives in ways you never thought possible.”

(Pictured above are the fall 2023 advocates with Honorable Demetrios Panoushis.) 

CASA of DuPage County advocates for children who are abused and neglected by recruiting, training and supporting volunteer advocates to represent each 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!

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CASA of DuPage County
505 N County Farm Road – 3C

Wheaton, IL 60187

Phone 630.221.0889