The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center, often referred to as The Amy Center, is partnering with eight Southern Illinois small businesses to host the “Sweet Treat Saturday” fundraising event on August 3rd. The local ice cream shoppes throughout The Amy Center coverage area teaming up to donate money to the child advocacy center while inviting people to enjoy a cool, sweet treat are Dairy Mart in Salem, Yellin’ Helen’s in Dix, Fat Dad’s in Louisville, Hometown Swirls in McLeansboro, C-Town Twist in Centralia, Scoops in Belle Rive, Dairy King in Breese, and the newly opened Twisted Twins in Woodlawn. People are encouraged to support these local eateries, and by doing so, will be helping to raise funds for The Amy Center.

The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center serves seven Southern Illinois counties by providing a first responding safe place for child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse, neglect, as well as children who have witnessed trauma such as a domestic violence situation.

For more information on this event and The Amy Center’s mission, visit Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center on Facebook or call 618-244-2100.

 

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!

 
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Cord McCoy, the man with a rodeo plan, joins Big Jake's show to get you hyped for rowdy, rodeo action happening Friday, March 22nd & Saturday, March 23rd in Du Quoin at the Southern Illinois Center. It's all presented by Wolfe Cattle Company and Southern Illinois Waste. Your stage entertainment is thanks to Withers Broadcasting and Du Quoin Chevrolet-Buick. Get your VIP tickets at wolfecattlecompany.com!

 
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Big Jake invites Paul Shield with Allstate Insurance in Mt. Vernon to come sit in on his chat with Elijah & Nicole Adkins. This month you can save on insurance, win some prizes, and help a local family in need. Nolan Adkins is a 4-year-old from our area that is winning, but still recovering from, his fight with cancer. Obviously costs add up and still to this day since being diagnosed, the family is dealing with the costs of care. During the month of March, txt the name "NOLAN" to the Paul Shields, Allstate Insurance text line at 618-242-0094 to get a link for an insurance quote. For every new quote, Paul will donate $20 to the Adkins Family and there is no obligation to you to donate nor agree to switch insurance providers. Paul just wants the chance to potentially help you but for sure, this local family. By participating, you'll also be in the drawing for a jumbo adult Easter egg containing a $100 Visa gift cart, free food gift certificates, chocolate, some Allstate swag, and so much more!

 
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