Family Connection-Communities In Schools of Effingham County awarded two mini-grants of $500 each to the Project SEARCH Program Effingham County School system and to the CASA Program for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit Inc.
The recipients were announced on Sept. 12 at the Family Connection-Communities In Schools collaborative meeting.
These grants are made possible through direct donor designated pledges made during the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s annual campaign. The grant for Project SEARCH will be used to take two interns to state Project SEARCH conferences and meetings quarterly and annually. CASA will be using these funds to raise awareness for the need of new volunteers through the Superhero SK 11 mile run to be held on Nov. 2.
ABOUT PROJECT SEARCH
To enable students with disabilities to participate in work experiences that will increase the likelihood of their future employment based on mutually agreed upon job goals. The goals should be consistent with the intern’s abilities and capabilities, so they can earn income, status and respect. To provide students with disabilities and their family members, the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the transition to adult living in all aspects of life: health care, employment, income production and community living. To provide the host business site with valued work performed in an acceptable manner.
ABOUT CASA
CASA’s objective is to have volunteers who, after successfully completing 40 hours of training and courtroom observation, develop a relationship with the children and gather information on all their pertinent relationships, thereby being able to make recommendations to the juvenile court on behalf of the children’s best interests. Their goal is to ensure that each child has a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. A community partner with the Division of Family and Children Services, a CASA volunteer increases the deprived child’s access to services, promotes safety and advocates for timeliness and permanency. CASA currently serves approximately 60 of the children in Effingham County; our ultimate goal is to serve 100 of the children involved in juvenile court deprivation hearings, giving every child a voice in court.
TARGET GROUP
Abused and neglected children from 0-18 years old in the foster care system in Effingham County.