DuPage County Bar Foundation
Presents $5,500 in Grants to Four Community Groups
Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council, CASA of DuPage,
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform and
World Relief DuPage/Aurora recognized for public service
WHEATON, Illinois - The DuPage County
Bar Foundation presented grants to the Three Fires Council of the Boy
Scouts of America; CASA of DuPage County; DuPage Federation on Human Services
Reform; and World Relief DuPage/Aurora in recognition of these organizations'
efforts to improve the administration of justice in DuPage County. The
presentations were made at Pheasant Run Resort, Friday, Dec. 5, during
the DuPage County Bar Association's holiday party.
DCBF President Donald J. Ramsell said, "The
DuPage Bar's 2,000 member attorneys feel it is essential to publicly recognize
and support local groups producing tangible results that benefit the community
in unique and valuable ways. Each of these four groups works tirelessly
-- often behind the scenes and in a volunteer capacity -- to effectively
address issues of vital concern to the public and our legal system."
The Foundation presented a grant of $2,500
to Diversion Executive Eric Gardner of the Boy Scouts of America Three
Fires Council for the Juvenile Diversion Program. Coordinated by the Three
Fires Council and in partnership with DuPage County government and leadership
volunteers from the DuPage Bar, more than 250 teens ages 13-17 have been
instructed on how to avoid becoming repeat offenders by helping them build
key life skills through real-life experiences and volunteer service. DuPage
County estimates that each youth who successfully completes the program
saves taxpayers up to $35,000 in court, probation and detention costs.
Board of Directors President Linda Bowen
accepted a grant of $1,500 on behalf of CASA of DuPage, Inc. CASA was
founded ten years ago with the mission to advocate for the best interests
of abused and neglected children in DuPage County's juvenile and family
court systems. CASA provides specialized advocacy services to assist the
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in making critically important decisions about
the welfare and permanency needs of abused and neglected children living
in DuPage County.
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
Executive Director Candace McCarthy King accepted a grant of $750 for
the organization's child support enforcement initiative. Established in
1995, this is the only organization in the western suburbs performing
policy analysis and advocacy to improve services for vulnerable populations.
The Federation's mission is to promote an efficient and effective human
services system through leadership in collaboration, advocacy and planning.
The final grant of $750 was presented to
Jeremy Mains, Director of Program Development for World Relief DuPage/Aurora,
a not-for-profit agency serving immigrants and refugees in the western
suburbs. Since 1979, this organization has helped thousands of immigrants
and refugees begin a new life in and around DuPage County. World Relief's
Legal Services Department focuses on helping clients attain and understand
the rights and responsibilities of living in the United States.
About the DCBF -- The DuPage County Bar Foundation
(DCBF) is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization primarily funded by DuPage
Bar members and supporters. Its mission is to assist DuPage County Bar
Association members and their families, as well as preserve and promote
the integrity of the legal profession for the public benefit.
