Worcester Business Journal

18 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Center children and youth in every decision, advancing safety, stability, well-being, and lifelong opportunity. 2. Recruit, train, and support additional passionate volunteer advocates and community champions with diverse perspectives, credentials, and demo- graphics, comprehensively representing our service area. 3. Strengthen partnerships across schools, courts, child welfare agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofits, busi- nesses, and local government to better support children and families. 4. Leverage data, research, and efficient processes to guide strategy, improve outcomes, and strengthen our impact. 5. Elevate the voices and perspectives of youth and individuals with lived experience to help shape programs, partnerships, and advocacy. 6. Advance community understand- ing of the importance of family stability, proactive support, and trauma-informed approaches that help children thrive. 7. Expand public awareness of CASA's mission while cultivating meaningful relationships with volunteers, donors, and community partners who will sustain our work for generations. 8. Serve as a trusted leader and collab- orative partner in strengthening sys- CASA Project Worcester County CASA Project Worcester County 100 Grove Street, Suite 403 Worcester, MA 01605 Phone: (508) 757-9877 www.thecasaproject.org Employees: 16 Annual revenues: $1,725,179 Year founded: 1981 MISSION STATEMENT To advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, and vulnerable children, amplify their voices in court, and support them on their paths toward a permanent home SERVICE AREA Worcester County – from the New Hampshire border to the Rhode Island and Connecticut borders, including all 60 towns and cities within the Central Massachusetts region. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 38%: Foundations 25%: Government Grants & Contracts 13%: Individual donors tems that improve the lives of children and families throughout Worcester County and the Commonwealth. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES As we mark our 45th anniversary, we do so with renewed focus, deep grati- tude for our partners and supporters, and a shared sense of purpose. While there is much to celebrate, the need remains urgent. Our annual Champions for Children signature fundraising event will be held on ursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Polar Park in Worcester. Named Best Nonprofit Fundraiser Event by the Worcester Business Journal for three consecutive years, this celebration will feature a diverse selection of multicul- tural cuisine from local restaurants, an inspiring awards ceremony, an exciting Online Auction, and more. Spon- sorship, auction donation, and ticket purchase information can be found at www.thecasaproject.org/events. Upcoming community partner events include volunteering at the WooSox concessions stand, Cocktails for CASA sponsored by Love, Tito's, Pasta Making Masterclasses at Volturno, and Santa Crawl sponsored by the Canal Dis- trict Alliance, along with other events throughout the year. We are continually seeking creative partnership opportuni- ties to elevate both small, locally owned businesses and our mission. Please follow us on Facebook, Insta- gram, and LinkedIn for updates on these campaigns and more! GIVING OPPORTUNITIES You can sponsor advocacy for a child for just $100 per month. Donations are gratefully accepted year-round at www.thecasaproject.org/donate. To inquire about sponsoring our Volun- teer Appreciation Event, Champions for Children celebration, or National Adoption Day, please contact giving@ thecasaproject.org. If you would like to be added to our direct mail or email list, please contact communications@ thecasaproject.org. Our Annual Backpack Drive is in full swing as we collect individualized grade- and development-appropriate educa- tional supplies for the youth we serve. Our Annual Holiday Drive is around the corner and runs through the fall/early winter to ensure all children on our cases will have a bright holiday season. We accept hygiene, haircare, and period products, books for all reading levels, and new toys and games year-round. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will be provided with all necessary tools, training, and support. We strive to connect CASA children with volunteers who can best relate to, represent, and connect with them including those who are multilin- gual, BIPOC, and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Once matched with a Juvenile Court case, volunteer advocate responsibilities include investigating the facts of the case, interviewing children and other key stakeholders in their lives, moni- toring their well-being through regular visits, reporting their findings back to the court, making recommendations for services and resources, and most importantly, advocating diligently for the child's best interests. Learn more and ap- ply at www.thecasaproject.org/volunteer/. We are also seeking Advisory Com- mittee members for opportunities including our Legislative Advocacy Committee, Development Committee, and Program Committee, in addition to Steering Committee members and Event Volunteers for our annual fund- raisers. "Many organizations are making a positive difference, but CASA stands apart because its impact is deeply rooted in our local community and focused on some of our most vulnerable children. Supporting Central Massachusetts youth who have experienced instability and trauma is both a profound responsibility and a meaningful opportunity to create lasting change. Every child deserves someone who will listen, advocate, and ensure their voice is heard during a difficult time. Being part of an organization that provides that vital support is incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful to contribute to a mission that strengthens the future of our community." - Jim Gentile, Board Chair Julie Bowditch Executive Director Jim Gentile Fallon Health, Board Chair BOARD MEMBERS Jim Gentile, Fallon Health, President Erin Jansky, Webster First Federal Credit Union, Vice President Steve Ploof, AMARAY (retired), Treasurer Lorna Kogon, UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center, Clerk Jena Adams, Center for Health Impact John Cleary, Bank of America McKenzie Davis-Martin, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Liz Estabrooks, Jax Seafood Renee Falconer, RKD Group W. Peter Metz, MD, UMass Chan Medical School (retired) Stefanie Silva, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Janelle Tanenbaum, SederLaw

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