When I became a Passaic County CASA advocate, I really had no idea what I was getting into. Not until I was assigned my first case, got to know the children involved, and had a glimpse into their lives did the pieces fall into place. The volunteer experience at CASA is very different from any volunteer activity I have done before. The time commitment required to do the job is serious but the rewards are boundless. I am so grateful to the team at CASA for their guidance, support and patience as I have learned to navigate this role. The team at CASA is tireless in their commitment to children in the child welfare system. It is a professional, focused organization with a very large heart. More than anything, I am grateful to the children I have met who have taught me so much about real life.
Dealing with child welfare system can be extremely frustrating and they don't tell you that. They tell you you'll be on a case for about a year. There are delays in closing cases because of low expectations for biological parents in the family court system. If you work full-time being a volunteer here is hard. The court report writing alone takes a lot of time. It is completely unnecessary because volunteers have to log everything they do electronically. The supervisors should be doing that. The excuse is the system they use doesn't allow for it. The staff are friendly in the beginning but definitely do not stay that way. You have a sense you are talked about behind your back and they are not shy about scolding volunteers. Unfortunately they don't do a great job of appreciating the volunteers in meaningful ways and think a lot of themselves. Its like having a teacher who plays favorites. They are very focused on raising money (to pay their salaries). Have heard more than one story of how there is no follow up after a case is finished. Sometimes not even a proper thank you. They are VERY concerned about how they look on paper and deadlines. The executive director is so aloof its disturbing. Have seen her walk right by volunteers without making eye contact or even acknowledging them. There is a board. They seem to be held to higher regard than the grunts (volunteers) that do all the work that make them look good.
I was a Board member for Passaic County CASA for over ten years. The stories from the volunteer advocates telling of the real difference they make in the lives of the foster children they help are moving and compelling. And the organization is amazingly well run by the most talented and dedicated staff. Every dollar is put in work in furtherance of the mission.
Passaic County CASA is a well organized and extremely efficient non-profit organization. They take the cause of helping at risk youth very seriously and do their very best to recruit the most qualified volunteers and staff. Their fund raising efforts go above and beyond and I have personally attended many of them over the years. A truly worthy cause and a truly worthy organization.
Passaic County CASA is amazing! Advocates have a profound impact on children in foster care, providing support and consistency through a time of so much loss and trauma for a child. If you want to make a difference and change a child's life for the better, this is the place to volunteer. Advocates make a difference in small and large ways, every day.
Everything the organization does is for the child. I am very impressed with their use of resources, even through the pandemic, innovative ways were thought of to advocate for the child and so that the child knew their CASA was still connected to them until socially distanced visits could resume in July.
The CASA volunteers at Passaic County CASA are truly and exception group of volunteers. CASA volunteers are screened, trained adn supported by Passaic County CASA to advocate for a child in the foster care system. The volunteer spends months building a relationship with the child to get a full picture of the case. The admistrative staff at Passaic County CASA is committed to supporting, training, and appreciating those volunteers
This is a terrific organization that fills a necessary void for all children in the welfare system. I have been honored to work with them on various volunteer activities. They are well run, committed and extremely caring. I am a brand new board member that has worked with the group for the past 3-4 years. Everything they do is professional and most of all dedicated to the children they serve.
Passaic County CASA is filled with volunteers who are advocates for children in the foster care program. They selflessly give up their time to advocate for the children with an end goal of getting them into a permanent safe home.
I have been affiliated with Passaic County CASA for 2 years! They really do all possible for the children and advocate for the most positive outcome possible!
Passaic County CASA is a great organization on every level. I am a long-time donor and volunteer, and, more recently, a staff member. CASA make a real difference in the lives of abused and neglected children, one child at a time. They are a well-run, effective, and efficient organization that makes a significant contribution to the community. Involvement at any level is hugely gratifying. Everyone involved is deeply committed to giving every child a safe and loving home to grow up in with family who cares about them.