Three months ago, Mateo was found crying in his apartment building's stairwell, alone, with his arms visibly bruised. Substance use and addiction had made it increasingly difficult for Mateo’s mother to care for and keep him safe, and a neighbor ultimately called 911. That day, Mateo was placed in foster care.

Mateo and children just like him need your help!

Since that day, Mateo's life has been in chaos with everything and everyone new and frequently changing—strange foods, strange smells, strange people. This holiday season Mateo will be missing everything familiar to him.

Fortunately for Mateo, within days of entering care, Susan was assigned as his Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). A volunteer advocate for several years, she understands the complexities of loss, fear, and trauma that accompany each displaced child. Susan knows this is a long commitment to see Mateo through to a safe permanent home.

Susan has reached out to everyone in Mateo’s life, positioning herself to gather information and advocate for his best interests. Already, Susan has ensured Mateo’s vaccinations have been made current, and he soon begins occupational therapy thanks to her advocacy.

Mateo is one of more than 500 children in Passaic and Union counties this year whose safety and stability have been threatened by abuse and neglect. Each day, more children enter care due to concerns so severe there is no choice but to remove them from home.

These children need your help.

Your support this holiday season helps prevent every child like Mateo from falling through the cracks of an overburdened system and gives the gift of a consistent, caring adult in their corner. Each child needs their own Susan to ensure a path to safety, stability, and permanency. Please give.

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*Names and images have been changed to protect privacy.