"I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake."
-George Bernard Shaw
 
Najera is a child who was served by a CASA SHaW advocate.  She has given us permission to print her poems in the hope that another child in a similar situation will not feel so alone.
 
NEW BEGINNING
By Najera
Rock bottom puts us in a new position.
We’re all scared lonely, and lost.
We try to exclude the world as if everybody is fiction.
We face these crazy challenges and pay the cost.
Help is needed but we never ask.
Everything in my head, I want to say,
But instead I say, leave me alone and get out of my face
Only because everybody turns out to be fake.
So let’s get away and face the world.
Let’s live our life and smile
But then we fake these smiles and our cheeks are sore.
And then we’re walking miles.
Walking to find some kind of guidance.
Look up to God and say what you need to say
And his Son gives all his love to you and you’ll find it.
Tomorrow will be a brighter day
Your pain will soon be finished.
Then we all will say,
Today is my new beginning.

Ways in Which You Can Help Make a Difference             

  • Become an advocate 
  • Become a board member 
  • Attend fundraising events 
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Designate CASA SHaW as your charity of choice for matching donations with your company.
  • Urge your friends and family to reach out and help support the needs of children in foster care by being a mentor, a foster parent, and a friend.  Every child needs a caring adult in his or her life.
  • Become educated about child abuse and neglect in your community.
  • Call the hotline if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected - 877-NJABUSE; 877-652-2873.
  • Donate your unwanted vehicle to CASA SHaW through www.866helpcharity.com or www.vehiclemanagementservices.com.
  • Make a donation to CASA in honor of a loved one's birthday, holiday, graduation, etc. and we'll send them a card to celebrate your gift.
  • Consider a memorial or bequest gift to CASA.
  • Volunteer with child-centric organizations like CASA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or a local school.
  • Sponsor a child to go to camp this summer.
  • Donate your gently used children's clothing, books, and toys to local children's organizations.
  • Contribute to CASA SHaW by making a tax deductible charitable donation online. 
You CAN make a difference in the life of a child in need.
For more information about how you can help, contact Tracey Heisler at 908/689-5515 or by email at tracey@casashaw.org.
 
 
A huge "thank you!" to the Dombal-Vogel Foundation for its grant of $5,000 to the Connie Fund.  You found a way to help and did it.  We are very grateful!