On the third Monday of every January, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and through the MLK Day of Service – a national call to action that invites everyone to give back to their communities – we can each do our part to bring to fruition Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community” built on the pillars of justice, equality, and compassion.

What better way to uphold these values than by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer with Child Focus NJ?

Why CASA?

Child Focus NJ is dedicated to supporting children in foster care by ensuring their voice in court while also having a caring, consistent adult by their side. CASA volunteers are everyday people trained to stand up for the best interests of vulnerable children, helping them find safe, permanent homes, and ensuring their time in foster care doesn’t exacerbate trauma already experienced. By dedicating your time – the greatest gift we can give others – you can profoundly impact a child’s life and help build the compassionate community imagined by Dr. King. Spoiler alert: You’ll change your life, too.

MLK Day: A Time to Act

MLK Day is more than a day off; it’s a day on. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how to actively contribute to our community. For Child Focus, this day reminds us of the urgent need for volunteer advocates to champion the rights of children in foster care, and help change their life trajectories. While there are myriad ways to serve on MLK Day, becoming a CASA volunteer is a commitment that creates change that lasts – not just one day, but for a lifetime.

What Does It Take to Be a CASA Volunteer?

Becoming a CASA volunteer doesn’t require a legal or social work background. What matters most is your compassion, commitment, and willingness to be a stable presence in a child’s life. Child Focus offers comprehensive training, ensuring volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference. CASA volunteers dedicate about 10-15 hours per month, and the rewards are immeasurable.

How to Get Started

This MLK Day, take the first step toward transforming a child’s life. Visit our website to learn more about the CASA program, hear stories from current volunteers, and apply to join our mission. Child Focus serves both Passaic and Union counties and we’re always in need of new advocates ready to make a meaningful impact.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?’ ” Become a CASA volunteer and answer that question in a most powerful way.

Together let’s create the Beloved Community envisioned by Dr. King: Take the first step by RSVP’ing for an upcoming information session here to learn the ins and outs of being a CASA volunteer.