Submitted by Eileen Ryan
The Thursday Morning Club of Madison is proud to present Lisa Firkser, Ph.D., Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. as the keynote speaker for their “Wise, Wonderful Women” Lectures Series scheduled on Thursday, May 17, 2018 beginning at 11 a.m.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) provides a trained court appointed special advocate to speak up for the best interests of all children in the Morris/Sussex County court system so that they may find permanent, safe, and nurturing homes as well as have access to all programs to which they are entitled. Their mission is to be a strong voice for the best interests of vulnerable children who have been removed from their homes or are under court supervision for abuse neglect or abandonment. CASA recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers to be advocates, mentors and champions for each child on his or her journey to a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.
CASA of Morris County started as a project of the National Council of Jewish Women in 1987. It was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1991 and granted 501(c)(3) status in 1992. At the request of the Family Court, the organization expanded into Sussex County in 1996. They are a member of the National CASA Association and an affiliate of CASA of New Jersey, the statewide organization supporting local New Jersey programs.
Dr. Firkser joined the CASA staff in March 2009 after a 25 + year career in healthcare, as a leader in pediatric outpatient care for children with special needs. Lisa has spearheaded several new programs and she has also helped to establish non-profit organizations and pediatric clinics. Lisa earned a doctorate degree from New York University in Rehabilitation and has a Masters degree in Audiology and an undergraduate degree in Special Education. She has published numerous articles and presented workshops and seminars around the United States and in Canada. Lisa’s work is truly a labor of love. She is motivated by the CASA motto that “every child deserves a safe, loving, permanent home.”
Our “Wise, Wonderful Women” lecture series is open to the general public. Admission is $35. Lunch, following the lecture, is included. Reservations are requested by May 14 with checks payable to TMC, Wise Wonderful Women, PO Box 345, Madison NJ 07940. Proceeds from the program will benefit the Madison Community House, which is owned and operated by the Thursday Morning Club along with its Community House Nursery School and Before and After School Child Care program. Organized in 1896, the club is a member of both the New Jersey State and General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The club offers programs and services to support the community, and its Community House provides a home for a number of sports, recreation and civic groups.
For information about the Thursday Morning Club or membership, call the Community House at 973-377-0244 or visit TMCMCH.org.
