Child Advocacy / CASA
- CASA volunteers are specially trained individuals who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children throughout Essex County in the Lawrence, Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn Juvenile Courts. CASA volunteers visit with the children, gather information from everyone who touches their lives, advocates for their best interests, and puts all of this information into a court report, so that the judge can make informed decisions about the child’s future.
- All volunteers must complete a 40-hour pre-service training.
- For additional information and for upcoming training dates, please contact CASA Director at 978-327-6615 or complete the form below.
Community Based Mentoring
- Family Services operates a variety of mentoring programs that match caring adults with children who could benefit from a positive adult role model.
- All mentors are required to commit to at least one year. Weekly or monthly time requirements vary by program. All mentors must complete a pre-service training and maintain ongoing contact with their mentoring supervisor.
- For additional information and for upcoming training dates, please contact Mentoring Director at 978-327-6640 or complete the form below.
To inquire about volunteering, complete this form:
Child Advocacy / CASA
- CASA volunteers are specially trained individuals who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children throughout Essex County in the Lawrence, Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn Juvenile Courts. CASA volunteers visit with the children, gather information from everyone who touches their lives, advocates for their best interests, and puts all of this information into a court report, so that the judge can make informed decisions about the child’s future.
- All volunteers must complete a 40-hour pre-service training.
- For additional information and for upcoming training dates, please contact CASA Director at 978-327-6615 or complete the form below.
Making a Difference
Today, Jenifer is thriving. She’s pursuing a nursing degree and is surrounded by people championing her goals. What made the difference?
People Like You!
In grade 9, Jenifer joined Family Services’ Stand & Deliver mentoring program and was matched with a mentor, Karen (shown above). Stand & Deliver provides academic mentors to Lawrence students, supporting them with their schoolwork and providing a window into career success. Most importantly, mentors guide them through the difficulty of being an adolescent in a disadvantaged community. Immediately after being matched with Karen, Jenifer recognized the value of that relationship. “She made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to” she said.
As her confidence grew, Jenifer started to envision a future that included college. With Karen’s support, Jenifer made a plan to get there. Karen helped with school work, facilitated scholarship applications, and helped Jenifer network with other college students and professionals.
Jenifer is now a sophomore at Northern Essex Community College and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. As she graduated from the program, Jenifer reflected that “Family Services has done so much for me. They helped me to improve my English, guided me through the process of choosing a college…I am so grateful.”We hope Jenifer’s story will inspire you to make this transformation possible for even more young people. Consider a contribution to Family Services so that we can continue to support Jenifer and more students like her. Thank you!