Center in Genesee assists children and their families through family court system
Provided photos: Jennifer Metz, executive director of CASA for Children, speaks during the organization’s fundraiser on Sept. 30 at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. Metz, a Medina resident, leads the organization that serves children in Genesee as well as some in Orleans County.
Press Release, CASA for Children
BATAVIA – Close to 80 guests gathered at Terry Hills Banquet Facility on Sept. 30 for the 11th Annual CASAblanca Casino Fundraiser put on by the Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children.
“It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support such an important cause,” said Jennifer Metz, Executive Director of Genesee County CASA. “The evening was filled with laughter, basket raffles, a silent auction, and Las Vegas-style casino games provided by Upstate Vegas Events out of Rochester.”
She praised the guest speaker who was very familiar with the work that Genesee County CASA for Children does. Her name is Madi Coniglio and she spoke about her experience with CASA and how CASA helped to change the trajectory of her life.
Madi Coniglio served as guest speaker and thanked CASA for its assistance.
“When I first started with CASA my hope and stability returned,” Madi said. “My voice was heard, and I was listened to for once. In a life full of doubt, I knew I never needed to doubt CASA’s ability to make sure I would be safe and loved.”
Other speakers included Pamela Wentworth, member of the Board of Directors and a volunteer advocate, and the Honorable Thomas Williams, Genesee County Family Court judge.
“The guests had a great time playing games, enjoying the delicious meal catered by the wonderful staff at Terry Hills, and socializing with each other,” Metz said. “I’m sure it was a night to remember for everyone who attended. The event was a huge success, and those funds will go to support the important work of CASA for Children throughout the community. Overall, it was a fantastic evening for a great cause.”
Genesee County CASA is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to train and supervise a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected.
The family court system appoints cases to CASA and we then assign them to our volunteer advocates. The children appointed to us are at risk of being removed from their homes or they have already been placed into the foster care system.
CASA’s goal is to ensure that all of these children have safe and permanent homes as quickly as possible. A child who has a CASA advocate has significantly fewer placements than a child without one. The involvement of a CASA advocate helps to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child.
“We are always recruiting new advocates,” Metz said.
If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or would like more information about the program, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Metz at 585-815-7809 or send an email to director@geneseecountycasa.org.
She also thanked the many sponsors of the event, and those that donated baskets for a raffle, gift certificates and silent auction items.
This photo includes many members of the board of directors and other key members of CASA for Children. Front row, from left: Deb Davis, Carla Franklin and Bev Hoy. Back row: Michelle Dills, Pamela Wentworth, Patricia Wormley, Executive Director Jennifer Metz, Christine Belongia (volunteer coordinator and advocate), Nicole Kresock and Christine Ditzel. Missing from photo: Barbara Hale, Kristie DeFreze, Rachel Hale, Erica Smith, Michael Vickner and Cathy Contant.
The guests play casino-style games at Terry Hills.
