At CASA of CGS, our advocates mean the world to us! They selflessly dedicate their time to be a voice for abused and/or neglected children without ever asking for or seeking recognition in any way. Each advocate has a reason as to why they decided to join the fight against child abuse and be on the front line. Their compassion is incredible. We want to recognize them for their efforts and give our CASA of CGS family an opportunity to meet some of the superheroes we are so fortunate to have as part of our team!
Meet Nancy Mossop!
Born and raised in Woodbury, N.J., Nancy graduated from Woodbury High in 1951, and married her husband that year, too. She adopted a son and gave birth to another son and two daughters. After the children were raised, her husband retired from the NJ State Police and she graduated from Gloucester County Vo-Tech with a degree as an LPN. Quite an accomplishment at the age of 50! After her husband’s retirement, she lived in Jim Thorpe, Pa., and became the co-owner of a bridal shop, utilizing her sewing expertise.
She began looking for something else in her life and loved volunteering, so she joined the CPR Board of Vicinage XV in 2005. While on the board, she saw a presentation which aimed her in the direction of CASA.
That’s when Nancy’s interest in CASA took flight. She says, “While I was engaged in that one Wednesday morning a month CPR Board responsibility, I attended an invitation to a presentation on a new program covering Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties called CASA! I was intrigued and took the training in 2006 AND here we are! (I’m) feeling a more whole person for the good job I do.”
As an advocate she hopes she can be, “a good advocate for children in precarious situations and make their life better and more meaningful.”
In her free time, she is a seamstress. All of her sewing money goes into a can. Why, you ask? Most people save for something special to purchase for their own good. Her goal is selfless and admirable. She is “saving for my pet project, using it to pay tuition for 5 students in Uganda, Africa. I visited them a year ago. One of them has graduated and another one will graduate this November. I have recruited other sponsors to help more children get an education. As a group of sponsors, we are currently providing an education for 16 children.”
Nancy also enjoys working with disadvantaged children and adults.
Of her favorite past times with family members, she says, “My husband and I have traveled extensively and now are down to day bus trips. We have 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and enjoy being a part of their lives.”
When asked if she could pinpoint a person who changed her life, she said, “Since my interests are with children, my involvement with “my kids” in Africa has given me more purpose in my life and gives me the drive to do my sewing projects to facilitate paying their tuition. During my trip to Uganda, I saw gross poverty there and no “Help Programs” to aid anybody. That experience has certainly played a role in changing my outlook on life.”
A quote that means the most to her is, “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.” – Abraham Lincoln
Thank you for sharing your story, Nancy! You have been a part of the CASA of CGS family for such a long period of time that you have seen the worst of situations and the best. We are so proud to have you as part of our team. Your gracious efforts and longterm commitment are what gives CASA a solid foundation as a voice for the abused and neglected children of our counties. For that, we can’t thank you enough! Thank you for all that you do, not only for CASA of CGS, but for the children we service as well.
Cumberland County ranked last place in Child Welfare in New Jersey. Let’s stand up for our children and do something about it! Visit www.wespeakupforchildren.org for more information and follow us on Facebook for daily updates and information.