Sunshine and goodwill join forces
Charity run raises $500 to support services for abused children Vernon On a beautiful Sunday morning at Maple Grange Park, the Vernon community turned out to participate in Break Their Power: Run for Sexual Abuse a 1.2-mile charity run to raise awareness of children who are victims of abuse. The event was organized by Nathalie Mahoney of Highland Lakes and sponsored by the Vernon Township Recreation Department. Proceeds were donated to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. (CASA), an organization that recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Much like a difficult running course, Nathalie Mahoney’s life experiences have occurred on a long and winding road with many life-changing obstacles thrown into her path. Her passion to help other child victims of sexual abuse gave her the courage to share her story and organize the Charity Run. Vernon’s Mayor Sally Rinker opened the event with remarks in support of the work of the CASA organization. Strong support from Vernon Township officials, members of the Recreation Department and the community for this cause was evident. The following ran or walked the course: Rinker; Deputy Mayor Harry Shortway, who is also the coach of the Vernon Boys Lacrosse Team; Police Chief Roy Wherry; Pat Segar, Vernon’s Director of Community Affairs; Sherry Shortway, coach of the Girls Lacrosse Team; Mary Bradley, Mary Ellen Vichiconti and Jon Rosenberg from the Vernon Recreation Board, members of the lacrosse team and neighbors from the community. About the program The bright sunshine, smiling runners and walkers and the compassionate community spirit raised over $500 to support CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties (CASA). Lisa Barsky Firkser, CASA’s executive director, was on hand to speak with participants and answer questions about CASA’s program and mission. Nearly 10,000 New Jersey children victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect have been removed from their homes and currently live in foster care, group homes or residential treatment facilities. CASA programs and their court-appointed volunteers step in to help protect the safety and welfare of these children, as their advocates in both the judicial and child welfare systems. Working with the Family Court in both counties, CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties trains volunteers to work one-on-one with an abused or neglected child, advocating for each child’s best interests. Essentially, CASA volunteers speak up for these children in the court and child welfare systems, making sure they are safe and well-cared for, are getting the services they need and are placed in a permanent, safe, nurturing home as quickly as possible. In 2009, more than 400 children in Morris and Sussex Counties were removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. CASA volunteers worked on behalf of these children to be their champion, provide them with a voice in court and to serve as a positive, consistent, caring adult role model.
Find out more
Visit: www.casa-mc.org
Call: 973-656-4330
E-mail: info@casa-mc.org
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/casamsc