CASA of Ocean County has been awarded $10,000 for the Aging Out Youth in Foster Care program by OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River. The grant will provide at-risk teenagers in foster care, who have been victims of abuse and neglect, with an advocate to educate them on available resources and options for life after foster care.

With more than 103 aging out of foster care youth in Ocean County, a CASA volunteer will not only speak for them in the court room but also smooth the transition from foster care into adulthood. They are at a challenging age for adoption, and educationally, years behind their peers.

Executive Director of CASA of Ocean County said, “OceanFirst Foundation has gifted our CASA youth with hope, and there is nothing more powerful than confidence in a brighter future.”

Aging out youth are highly vulnerable to teen pregnancies, homelessness, dropping out of high school, drug and alcohol abuse, and being arrested. With a dedicated and caring CASA volunteer guiding their decisions, they are more likely to flourish after foster care.

Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central New Jersey meet their financial needs has spanned several generations reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst market area. In 2011, OceanFirst Foundation contributed approximately $1 million to community initiatives and since its inception has contributed more than $22 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties

About CASA of Ocean County - CASA of Ocean County is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to be a voice for a child in court, who is removed from home due to abuse or neglect. Visit casaofoceancounty.org or call (732) 797-0590.
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