Proudly donating to CASA of Franklin & Hamilton County
ABOUT
WHO ARE WE?
"Baked from the Hart"
Jody Hart has been making an impact on our community for years. Living in Benton, Jody is a retired Professor from John A. Logan College who now enjoys spending her time swimming, playing tennis and most importantly baking and creating delicious treats for a great cause - CASA of Franklin and Hamilton County.
Jody has all of her up-to-date food licenses and makes everything by hand from scratch in her home professional kitchen. Not only does Jody donate her time and all of "Baked from the Hart" proceeds to CASA, but her husband Murphy, who is an attorney in Benton, and her late father-in-law Richard, have served and given their time on the CASA board for many years.
After being retired for a few years Jody wanted to find something, not only to stay busy, but also something she could do to give back to the community as well. That's when Jody decided to take her love for baking and join her husband Murphy in supporting this amazing organization, still helping impact children in our community.
Jody only uses the freshest ingredients in her cookies and sweet treats! From hand grated Ghirardelli chocolate and Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste to eggs fresh off Andros Acres farm in Tunnel Hill, IL, these cookies do not contain any preservatives. Jody takes the term "made with love" to a whole different level. She truly has a heart for CASA, and her dedication to children is so important. You can enjoy these "Sweet Treats" and help this amazing organization at the same time. Try everything from "Baked from the Hart" - you will be hooked after the first bite!
"CASA of Franklin & Hamilton Counties"
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are community volunteers, just like you, who stand up & speak out to help abused & neglected children. Every day in this country, 1,900 children become victims of abuse or neglect, & four of them will die.
CASA recruits, trains & supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused & neglected children in courtrooms & communities. Volunteer advocates—empowered directly by the courts—offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights & needs are being attended to while in foster care. Each year, more than 200 children in Franklin & Hamilton counties find themselves involved in juvenile court due to abuse & neglect at the hands of those who are entrusted with their care, love, & guidance.
Volunteers stay with children until they are placed in loving permanent homes & for many abused children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant adult presence in their lives.
With a CASA volunteer, children:
-
are more likely to find a safe, permanent home
-
are more likely to be adopted
-
are half as likely to re-enter foster care
-
are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care
-
are more likely to have a plan for permanency, especially children of color
-
receive more attention & services while in care
-
are more likely to have a consistent, responsible adult presence
-
spend less time in foster care
-
receive improved representation in court
-
do better in school performance
-
are more likely to pass all courses
-
are less likely to have poor conduct in school