CASA SHaW and Family Promise Work Together for Kids

Aug 19, 2011 by WRNJ Radio

(Washington, NJ) – Everyone knows that the economy has been rough on everyone, but one particularly hard-hit sector has been non-profits.  Two local organizations, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) and Family Promise of Warren County, are joining forces to bring a “Be a Superhero for Kids” 5k and 1-mile fun run to Meadow Breeze Park in Washington on October 30^th.  CASA SHaW offers a corps of trained and supervised volunteers to provide free court advocacy services to children living in foster care.  Family Promise of Warren County and their program, the Interfaith Hospitality Network, provides homeless families with shelter and support services to help families get back on their feet and into safe and affordable housing.

The executive directors of each respective organization, Tracey Heisler and Bob Frankenfield, share common concerns for the most vulnerable population they jointly serve – children in crisis.  They decided to collaborate and planned this 5k event, with the assistance of CASA’s Americorps VISTA volunteer Jade Bryant and Family Promise’s Case Manager, Deanna Mangieri, to not only raise much needed funds but also to raise public awareness of the needs of children in the community.  According to Heisler, “There is such a need for services in our community, and Bob, Jade, Deanna and I felt this would be a good way to dually provide for these kids, both in terms of supporting our individual programs but also to help make people aware that in our towns we have children who are homeless, children who have been abused or neglected, and children who need our help.  We truly believe that together we can make a difference for them.”

 

The race is sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association.  Runners and their families are encouraged to dress in superhero costumes, minus masks or long capes for safety reasons, to show their support for children in crisis by being a superhero for them.  Those who wish to support this event may register at either organization’s websites, www.casashaw.org or www.wcfamilypromise.org.  Registration is $15 until October 14^th and $20 through race day.  Sponsorship opportunities also exist.  For more information, contact either Tracey or Bob at tracey@casashaw.org or bobf@wcihn.org.