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!

 

WMIX and Allstate Insurance Agent in Mt. Vernon, Paul Shields are giving you 2 separate opportunities to go to the CMA awards November 20th in Nashville. First, you can text c-m-a to the Paul Shields Allstate Insurance text line, 618-242-0094 and follow the instructions.

Your other chance to win is also your chance to help some local kids in Jefferson County have a great Christmas this year through the Jefferson County Toys for Kids. Go to the Jefferson County Toys for Kids Facebook page or to jeffcotoysforkids.org and bid on two lower level seats to country music’s biggest night. All the proceeds from the auction go to benefit the Toys for Kids…just in time for Christmas!

Two great opportunities from Jefferson County Toys for Kids, Paul Shields at Allstate Insurance in Mt. Vernon, and your COMMUNITY LEADER in SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, 94.1FM, WMIX!

 
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Courtney Beal with the U of I Extension (Bond-Clinton-Jefferson-Marion-and Washington Counties) sits down with Big Jake to discuss their current canned food drive going on that will see a big push during the Mt. Vernon Rams game on Saturday, 2/8.

 
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Tricia Higgins, Marketing Director with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, stops by to discuss how they've started their annual Girl Scout Cookie Program. Not only is the Cookie Program the largest girl led entrepreneurial program in the world, it is also a catalyst to fueling all of the adventures of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Customers aren’t simply purchasing cookies – they are empowering girls. Every purchase stays local and provides girls opportunities like camping, travel, robotics, and so much more. gsofsi.org/findcookies to search out a cookie booth nearest you!

 
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