Whitney Hodge joins Big Jake's show to discuss the importance of CASA to Jefferson County as well as their upcoming Fried Chicken Dinner Fundraiser this weekend. Learn more about CASA and how you can become an advocate for foster children in Jefferson County via this interview!

 

We are in serious need of foster parents in this area! However, just because fostering may not be the right fit for you, doesn't mean there aren't other ways to help!

As of 7/31/24, there are 176 Jefferson County children in foster care. Only 92 of those children have a CASA Advocate. The #1 reason that we are not serving 100% of the children is due to a lack of volunteers.

Our volunteers spend an average of 5-10 hours per month advocating for a foster child or set of siblings. Those hours would include meeting with the child monthly, maintaining contact with the caseworker, service providers and CASA supervisor and attending court hearings and case meetings when needed. The CASA advocate is the eyes and the ears for the judge outside of the courtroom and the voice for the child in the courtroom. A New Advocate Training class will begin in October!

 

Gary & Greg join Big Jake's show today as the Gaetti Sports Academy on Thursday, March 27th from 6pm to 9pm will celebrate their 5th Anniversary and Gary Gaetti Day AND it's on opening day of baseball! Enjoy the crawfish boil prepared by Gary with all proceeds going to benefit the Dream Come True Prom!

Participate in the fun activities with prizes including the Home Run contest as well as the Longest Drive contest on our new golf simulator.

Watch as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Minnesota Twins. And enjoy the Gary Gaetti latte (hot or iced) at the Rail RAIL Coffee Room all week. See you on Thursday!

 
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It’s time for Market Days at Veterans Park in Mt. Vernon! Market Days is the second Saturday of May, June, August and September from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join LoLo for our live broadcast this Saturday starting at 9am as we kick off the first weekend of Mt. Vernon Market Days with a radio party. Enjoy indoor and outdoor vendors with crafts, specialty items, flea market finds and more. Get your fair food fix from a variety of food vendors and have fun with a different theme each month! In May we celebrate Mother’s Day! The first 200 ladies to stop by the information tent receive a special gift. Visit enjoymtvernon.com for more information.  

 
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Tricia Higgins, Marketing Director with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, stops by to discuss how they've started their annual Girl Scout Cookie Program. Not only is the Cookie Program the largest girl led entrepreneurial program in the world, it is also a catalyst to fueling all of the adventures of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Customers aren’t simply purchasing cookies – they are empowering girls. Every purchase stays local and provides girls opportunities like camping, travel, robotics, and so much more. gsofsi.org/findcookies to search out a cookie booth nearest you!

 
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