June 14, 2022- Macon County Casa held an informational night at SugaFix, located on 158 E. William Street in downtown Decatur. The community was invited to attend, support Decatur’s newest small business owners by ordering some sweet treats, and socialize with Casa employees and volunteers to learn how to be a Casa advocate.
“With 630 children in foster care, we need more volunteers,” Julia Livingston, executive director of Casa said. “We have just about 56 percent of those kiddos covered with advocacy, and the rest are waiting for a Casa advocate. So, we need people to step up and figure out how to fit the eight hours a month into their time so they can be a Casa advocate.”
Livingston is a strong supporter of small businesses and the Decatur Macon County community, so it only seemed right to partner with a small business for an important cause.
“Well, you know me, I love small businesses and I love my community,” Livingston said. “I have known Mesha [Mesha Fields, owner of SugaFix] for quite a long time, had seen her business, and come down here. It is just such a great feel in this venue, and I just felt we needed to help get people here. And we needed help as well, so why not help each other. Mesha was very gracious to partner with us, and she believes in our Casa mission, which is really important. So I am excited for the brand new venue and the partnership with Casa.”
Another small business was featured. Ohhh Snap. It is a brand new business. It is a selfie booth that you can rent out. The booth is in the shape of a camera, inside it lights up, and there is a selfie ring where you can place your phone in it and take a selfie.
For those interested in renting out the Ohhh Snap selfie booth, email ohhhsnapselfieboothrental@gmail.com or call (217) 454-8089
Livingston is hopeful that people will be motivated to become an advocate, by hearing first hand from volunteers. She also wants to make sure the volunteers feel appreciated for all that they do.
“It is one thing for me as a person who works for Casa to be pitching it to you,” Livingston said. “When you hear straight from a volunteer, I think that is a very different glimpse. It allows us to engage with those volunteers as well, appreciate them for the hard work they do, and the heart that they give to our kids.”
To learn more about Casa, visit their website. Or call 217-428-8424
