Community Outreach Is Ongoing At The Rice Lake Elks Lodge #1441

BARRON COUNTY, WI -- The Rice Lake Elks Lodge #1441 recently donated $1,500 to CASA of Western Wisconsin-office located in Barron, WI.

The donation was made possible by receiving a grant from the Elks organization. The Local Lodge qualified for the grant by members contributions. The grant application was completed by Rice Lake Elks Grant Coordinator-Marla Gygli.

The Elks National Foundation awards grants to local Elks Lodges to help the Elks strengthen their communities. This year, the Elks National Foundation will award $6.5 million in grants to benefit Elks communities.

To get involved with this or other Elks Lodge projects, email Project Manager Marla Gygli at gygli@yahoo.com.

CASA of Western Wisconsin is affiliated with both the Wisconsin CASA association and the national CASA association. CASA of Western Wisconsin is a local organization that serves Barron County in Western Wisconsin with plans to expand services to additional neighboring counties as we grow. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA of Western Wisconsin recruits, trains and supports volunteer advocates who are assigned by the court to serve as the voice of children in the foster care system, many of which have suffered abuse and/or neglect.

CASA volunteers complete training provided by CASA of Western Wisconsin and are assigned to a child in need. Advocates commit to spend a minimum of one hour per week with the child they advocate on behalf of. Advocates are empowered to provide information to the Court, advocating for the child's best interest.

[Photo (L to R): Marla Gygli-Rice Lake Elks Secretary/Grant Coordinator; Peter Olson-Rice Lake Elks, Elks Officer and CASA Board Member; Michelle Ladehoff-CASA Executive Director]