Speakers

Our guest Orly Amor will discuss Human Trafficking. Orly is the Founder and Trustee of the You Are My Light Foundation (YAML) & Trust. YAML is a 2021 nonprofit, non-governmental faith-based organization dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking, sex, and labor slavery to reclaim their God-given right to life, freedom, education, and autonomy. 

YAML's mission is building safe, healing, and rehabilitation centers for rescued victims of sex and labor slavery. With their help, survivors will learn life skills, receive an education, and reclaim their honor, dignity, and God-Given right to life, freedom, and autonomy.   

The You Are My Light Foundation and Trust vision and purpose comes from Orly, who overcame abuse herself, and as a self-made entrepreneur and social influencer, understands the plight of this community both in heart and mind.

In the next 10 years, the You Are My Light Foundation & Trust is the rehabilitation frontrunner assisting untold survivors of human and sex trafficking through various secure healing centers and learning infrastructure primarily throughout America, restoring freedom, fulfillment, and autonomy to thousands. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This will be a hybrid meeting - - you can attend in-person at Matterhorn Conference Center or virtually on Zoom at noon: 

..more details to come

The January 10 Noon Division meeting program will be Caitlin Cataldo, CASA Director at CAPS, who will talk about the CASA Program in Elkhart County. 

CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates

What is a CASA?
When a child is in the juvenile court system due to abuse or neglect, a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer represents the best interest of the child in court hearings and many other areas of the child’s life. The purpose of CASA is to be the child’s voice in court, making sure children are safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive.  Without a CASA, children may find themselves trapped in the court and child welfare system, spending their entire childhood moving from one temporary placement to another.

How does the CASA model work?
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need. Volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child.

What does a CASA volunteer do?
As a CASA volunteer, you will form a one-on-one relationship with a child to get a full picture of the case. A CASA volunteer’s work with children is one-on-one, but they do not work alone. Each volunteer is trained and supported by highly qualified CAPS staff member.

How can I become a CASA volunteer?
To change a child’s life for the better, click the volunteer link below. You’ll be trained and supported every step of the way.

Learn more at https://capselkhart.org/our-programs/#casa

A Little About Caitlin: 
Born and raised in Goshen, IN, Caitlin is one of six children. Her family is best known for owning/operating Antonio's Italian Ristorante in Elkhart, IN. Caitlin has an undergraduate degree in Studies in War and Peace and a masters in Criminal Justice, both from Norwich University, Military College of Vermont. She has worked in child welfare her entire career - in a residential setting at Bashor Children's Home, as an investigator for the Indiana Department of Child Services, and most recently as the Director of Elkhart County CASA at CAPS.  Caitlin is a proud Maple City Kiwanian and encouraged by local organizations that strive to make life better for kids every day.