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.

 

Valerie Densler & Brittany Fuqua with Special Olympics of Southern Illinois join Big Jake to talk about this year's Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge. plungeillinois.com for more details! Join the fun at Touch of Nature in Carbondale on 2/24 or Rend Lake's South Sandusky Beach on 3/2.

 
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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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The longest running light aircraft show makes it's home in Mt. Vernon, IL and in 2024 they are celebrating 16 years at the Outland Airport! Director Chris Collins joins Big Jake's show to discuss how important this expo is to the city as well as all the history and aviation advancement that will be on display September 5th-7th.

 
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