Alex & Ani In Westfield ‘Charms’ Union County Foster Kids
An unexpected collaboration may just rescue throngs of spouses and significant others from what-to-give-my-love woes this Valentine’s Day. Breathe easy, folks: CASA of Union County and jeweler Alex & Ani in Westfield have a way for you to woo — and help foster children in your own community at the same time. If that doesn’t score bonus points with your one-and-only, what will?
CASA of Union County, a non-profit that recruits, trains, supervises and supports community members to advocate for abused, neglected or abandoned children in foster care, will receive 15 percent of sales between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2016, at a “Charmed by Charity” soiree in the popular jeweler’s Westfield shop at 200 East Broad Street. Shoppers enjoy light refreshments and Alex & Ani’s (+) energy punch, while CASA staffers on hand can offer more about the CASA experience and the need in our own community. Known for its made-in-the-USA, stackable bangle bracelets with meaningful charms, customers are encouraged to bring friends and loved ones along, and each find just the right combination of sentimental arm candy to gift to loved ones, teachers and graduates in June, birthdays and anniversaries anytime or, of course, simply keep and enjoy themselves. (Shhh. We won’t tell.)
There are nearly 600 Union County children in foster care through no fault of their own, and each has a case pending in family court in Elizabeth. After completion of 30 hours of training in Westfield, CASAs are sworn in by a Union County judge and empowered by court order to speak to all parties in the child’s life – foster parents, teachers, doctors, therapists and more. CASAs meet with their foster youth regularly and participate in quarterly court hearings to ensure the youth’s needs are met and their best interests remain priority.
CASA currently has volunteers to serve just approximately one-quarter of the county’s foster youth; its goal is to provide one advocate for every foster child. There are myriad ways to help make that a reality, and bringing friends, family and colleagues to shop the Alex & Ani event is an easy way, as all proceeds go toward funding trainings for members of the community to become sworn advocates and the voice for a foster child. For event information, contact Gretchen at (908) 527-7047 or gboger@casaofunioncounty.org.
For details on becoming a CASA, contact Lisa at lporis@casaofunioncounty.org or (908) 527-7048.
