CASA of Jefferson County

  • Posted: August 20, 2024 @ 10:23 am

Whitney Hodge joins Big Jake's show to discuss the importance of CASA to Jefferson County as well as their upcoming Fried Chicken Dinner Fundraiser this weekend. Learn more about CASA and how you can become an advocate for foster children in Jefferson County via this interview!

 

We are in serious need of foster parents in this area! However, just because fostering may not be the right fit for you, doesn't mean there aren't other ways to help!

As of 7/31/24, there are 176 Jefferson County children in foster care. Only 92 of those children have a CASA Advocate. The #1 reason that we are not serving 100% of the children is due to a lack of volunteers.

Our volunteers spend an average of 5-10 hours per month advocating for a foster child or set of siblings. Those hours would include meeting with the child monthly, maintaining contact with the caseworker, service providers and CASA supervisor and attending court hearings and case meetings when needed. The CASA advocate is the eyes and the ears for the judge outside of the courtroom and the voice for the child in the courtroom. A New Advocate Training class will begin in October!

 

More Episodes

United We Stand: A Weekend of Unity, Culture, and Community Connection

Mark your calendars for August 8th and 9th as United Way of South Central Illinois proudly presents United We Stand, a two-day celebration dedicated to embracing diversity, building bridges of understanding, and strengthening the bonds that tie our community together.

Friday, August 8 – United We Stand

A Meal with Meaning

(Centralia)

Free tickets are now available! Click here to reserve your spot

Begin the weekend with a moving community gathering at the United We Stand Dinner in Centralia.

 Featured Speakers:

  • Alex Kor, son of Holocaust survivors Mickey and Eva Kor, will share his family’s powerful story and speak about compassion, remembrance, and the importance of standing united in the face of injustice.

  • Dr. Linda & Carl Flowers, respected community leaders and educators, will offer insight on the importance of connection, understanding, and resilience in building a stronger Southern Illinois.

 Dinner Provided By:

Chammies Food for the Soul — enjoy a delicious soul-filled meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

 This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited - ticket required - click here for ticket.

Saturday, August 9 – United We Stand Cultural Festival (Mt. Vernon)

The celebration continues Saturday at the brand-new Commons Park in Mt. Vernon with a full day of global flavors, local artists, music, and cultural exploration.

 Speaker: Alex Kor

Alex will speak with a heartfelt message about healing, resilience, and the power of shared history.

 Featured Artists:

  • Brandy Mount

  • Cortez Hodges

  • Robbie Edwards

  • Janis Steury

  • Vanessa Thomas

 Live Entertainment:

  • Performances by Center Stage

  • Local talents throughout the day.

 Food Vendors:

  • Chammies Food for The Soul – Southern cuisine

  • Joe's Pizza – Local favorite

  • Jee Family – Representing Canada

  • Papa Knocks – Comfort food & soul favorites

  • Crazy Asian Eats – Asian fusion flavors

吝 Family Fun:

A fun and educational way to explore the world!

 Free and open to the public — bring the whole family!

Why It Matters

In a time when connection matters more than ever, United We Stand is an opportunity to share stories, build bridges, and create lasting memories with neighbors near and far. Let’s come together to celebrate who we are — and who we can become — side by side.

 Save the Dates:

  • Friday, August 8 – United We Stand Dinner (Centralia)

  • Saturday, August 9 – United We Stand Cultural Festival (Mt. Vernon Commons)

 
...

Heather and Angela joined Big Jake this morning to chat about this weekend's PawFest & Market Days combo fun.

 
...

Angela Schrum & Jason Hulbert stopped by the show to discuss Friday's Food & Art Fest every week this summer in downtown Mt. Vernon and the upcoming Mt. Vernon Brewers Festival. enjoymtvernon.com to learn more after the interview, find their Facebook page @mtvfestivals for event info and ticket link information too!

 

 

https://beerfests.com/events/mt-vernon-homebrewers-festival?fbclid=IwY2xjawKtRwhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVbUxTV1F5WDNOdUk5QjVnAR5dV-5xe3uopEBOFyFIo4kRsuz0VM8fUHS_xHhVKSkZ5iJCxKG_SZ5bLjYXEQ_aem_CqBO3EUlCNnaHK1lBwzF6A

 

https://enjoymtvernon.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKtRrpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVbUxTV1F5WDNOdUk5QjVnAR66e4xHLMB04bLGR3YzDRt7aWWauQqxBzWrdnZ9EprNKtZP8bHc47enSe4EWg_aem_WwlFdbfyNYe-JMU-dDntgA

 
...

View all The Big Jake Show episodes