Posts by Susan Swift
Special Education CASA Alison Greene: An Extra-Special Resource and Advocate
With a Master’s degree, specialized CASA training as a special education advocate, and rich professional practical experience throughout Massachusetts, Alison Greene was first motivated to become a CASA after her…
Read MoreSharing Victories: A New CASA Volunteer’s Perspective
For privacy, we do not name our volunteers. What drew you to the CASA program? I adopted my son through the Massachusetts Foster to Adoption Program. He was three days…
Read MoreSupport Extracurriculars for Foster Children Through Kathie’s Fund
Created in 2021 in memory of powerhouse CASA volunteer Kathie Stewart, Kathie’s Fund covers expenses for the extracurricular activities that make life full and normal for foster children. The more…
Read MoreCelebrating 30 Years of CASA at Friends of Children
What is CASA? The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, a national grassroots movement, provides investigation into the long-term well-being needs of children and youth involved in the Juvenile Court…
Read MoreVolunteer Advocacy – One Child at a Time
From Executive Director Jane Lyons Helping children drawn into the complex child welfare system to not merely survive but to thrive requires the dedicated efforts of significant adult advocates. In…
Read MoreThis is what your impact looks like: The stories of Sam & Jennifer
Sam’s Story: a young person supported by CASA At age 15, Sam was referred to CASA by the Juvenile Court in order to help their parents obtain supportive educational services.…
Read MoreWelcome Dametria!
We welcome Dametria (pictured with her daughter Zay’Ahnna) to the FOCUS family. When asked what she would like to share about herself, Dametria said ” I am a young mother…
Read MoreIn Their Own Words
In these two pieces we hear from a young adult and a mentor who are both part of our program and share what FOCUS means to them. From a FOCUS…
Read MoreA Gift Of Love: Quilts for our FOCUS young adults
Sunday, September 25th, quilts made by members of Edwards Church in Northampton were blessed and given to Friends of Children to be given to our FOCUS young adults. Two baby…
Read MoreFocused on making a difference
Some children don’t have safe and loving homes that they can call their own. For whatever reason, the parents of these children are not able to provide for them and…
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