Jewelers for Children (JFC), the leading charity of the US jewelry industry, is helping Advocates for Children reach out to more abused and neglected kids in Elbert County with an $8,500 grant to help recruit more CASA volunteers. “Our program helps make sure each child victim of abuse and neglect has a voice in court and ultimately finds a safe, permanent home,” explains Advocates’ executive director, Peggy Rudden. “And with this generous grant from the JFC, we will be able to recruit, train and support ten new volunteers to serve 20 more children in Elbert County.” Although Advocates for Children serves over 700 children in the 18th Judicial District each year, at least another 700 victims go without a CASA because of a volunteer shortage.

“JFC’s unwavering support will provide critical advocacy services to children forced to navigate the child protection system this year,” says Michael Piraino, National CASA Association CEO. “Through this national partnership, the jewelry industry’s commitment has led to safe and permanent homes to thousands of child victims.”

Since 2003, JFC has funded advocacy services for abused and neglected children in over 300 communities nationwide. More than 70 local CASA programs will receive funds this year from a $1,000,000 national grant by Jewelers for Children, administered by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. “The industry with a heart is truly making a difference and creating brighter futures for children in foster care,” says David Rocha, the Executive Director of Jewelers for Children. “On behalf of the jewelry retailers, manufacturers, watch companies and trade associations who contribute every year to this effort, it’s an honor to recognize Advocates for Children with this grant and for making a difference in your community.” Since 1999, JFC has invested more than $28 million in special programs to reach children whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect. For more information on JFC, visit www.jewelersforchildren.org.