Impact100 South Jersey’s 2024 core mission grantee, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties and its trained volunteers, advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system. Through collaborative efforts, CASA ensures children receive the individual attention and support they need to thrive. (See more photos and Maria’s Story below.)
CASA was awarded our $100,000 grant to expand their presence in Camden County. The grant was used to increase visibility and improve access for children they serve and volunteers that fulfill their mission by securing a Camden-area office. They also recruited more CASA volunteers to support children as they travel through the court system
Through a robust marketing campaign, funded by the grant, CASA increased volunteer advocate applications by 30% in the first half of 2025. The marketing campaign included printing and mailing postcards, social media campaigns, their presence at community events, hosting 12 volunteer info sessions, and presentations to South Jersey business associations and corporations to recruit volunteer advocates. These efforts resulted in the placement of 118 advocates with children.
CASA’s ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Camden County office, also funded by the grant was held August 26, 2025 in Westmont, NJ. According to a CASA representative, “Funding allowed us to secure a three-year lease on a 2,422 sq ft office in the Sentry Office Plaza on Haddon Avenue in Westmont, N.J. It is a bright and functional space with accessible free parking. An additional bonus is that the office is located across from the PATCO station, which allows easy travel into Camden City for court hearings and gives volunteers a public transportation option when visiting the office for meetings and training. This office is bigger and much more conducive to hosting in-person meetings, volunteer trainings, and Board functions, as well as private space for volunteer meetings when confidential conversations are necessary.”
In addition to Impact100 members, John Gamel, husband of member Beth Gamel joined the CASA Team for the celebration. John became a CASA volunteer after learning about the organization from his wife.
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Maria’s Story
Thanks to Impact100 South Jersey members and our core mission grant, more stories like “Maria’s” will be possible in Camden County.
Maria was placed in the custody, care, and supervision of DCP&P due to concerns of medical neglect, parental substance use, and mental health concerns for both parents. CASA Jiun was appointed in September 2024 to help facilitate permanency. Maria was placed with her grandmother, and CASA Jiun worked quickly to establish rapport with Maria, her parents and grandmother. Maria is mostly non-verbal and awaiting a diagnosis of autism from her doctors. This diagnosis process can be complex and can takes months for results but CASA
Jiun did research on possible other medical facilities and doctors that could evaluate Maria sooner. CASA Jiun worked diligently to advocate for Maria’s medical, dental, and developmental needs, and attended physical and occupational therapies with Maria and her parents. CASA Jiun was even present when Maria was fitted with two leg braces.
In addition to advocating for Maria’s medical needs, CASA Jiun contacted her educational team to understand Maria’s needs and ensure that accommodations for her education were in place. Maria was receiving many services in school including speech therapy and CASA Jiun made visits to school, therapies, and the home and provided support and encouragement to Maria and her family.
In spite of her challenges, Maria plays well with other kids and is meeting all the milestones pertaining to her Individual Educational Plan. CASA Jiun noticed that both of Maria’s parents were involved and supportive of Maria. They were visiting regularly and attending all necessary services. Maria’s grandmother was very involved with Maria’s schooling and medical needs, and was supportive of her parents as they overcame their challenges. When Maria’s grandmother opened her home to both of her parents, reunification became a real possibility and CASA Jiun advocated for the family to be reunited. Thankfully, Maria will be meeting all of her next milestones with her grandmother, her parents, and extended family, including CASA Jiun, at her side.