Manley to Host CASA Event, Honor Retiring Judge

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — As a fierce advocate for children in Will County and across Illinois, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, will emcee CASA of River Valley’s Have a Heart for the Child Gala the evening of March 25 at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

“I am so honored to emcee CASA of River Valley’s Have a Heart for the Children Gala to help raise funds for this outstanding organization. Our children are our future, and it’s up to us to make sure they can grow up safe, nurtured, and happy,” Manley said. “As a state legislator and community leader, I will always fight for policies that benefit youth in care, and I am grateful to CASA for their hard work protecting and advocating for the children of Will County.”

CASA, also known as Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, serves children involved in the foster care system through no fault of their own. The organization is the only group in the community that trains volunteers to be Guardians ad Litem, responsible for reducing the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social impacts of abuse and neglect experienced by children in care in Will and Grundy Counties. At the gala, Manley will also recognize retiring Judge Paula A. Gomora of the Twelfth Circuit Court in Joliet. Throughout her career, Judge Gomora ruled on cases involving child welfare and children in care.

“For her entire career, Judge Gomora has served with honor and integrity, and Will County is undoubtedly better thanks to her work,” Manley said. “Though we are sad to see her leave the bench, we are grateful for her years of service and look forward to celebrating her at the gala.”