PRESS RELEASE

Contact: 

Matthew Wadlinger

Chief Strategy Officer

714-619-0646

YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AND LEARN OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PARTNERSHIP EVENT WITH ECOS!

Orange County, Calif. (May 01, 2024) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County, in collaboration with ECOS, an Orange County-based manufacturer of plant-powered cleaning products, hosted an Earth Day activity event on Saturday, April 27 aimed at inspiring and educating youth in the foster care system who are served by the CASA program.

CASA Staff and Board Members with ECOS CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

The event, held at ECOS’ facilities in Cypress, was attended by over 30 youth and their CASAs, who are trained volunteers serving as mentors and advocates. The group was divided into two distinct tours tailored by age. Older kids embarked on an insightful journey through the factory, where they participated in hands-on activities and learned about career opportunities. Meanwhile, younger children explored various educational stations, including a recycling game, soap science demonstration, and learning experiences like the cabbage pH experiment and elephant toothpaste demonstration.

Both groups had the opportunity to learn about ECOS’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They toured key areas of the facility, including the Coco room where coconut oil is stored, and the Solar Gardens, where they discovered the company’s carbon-neutral, water-neutral, and zero-waste initiatives. The staff’s dedication to eco-conscious practices sparked meaningful conversations among the youth, fostering a deeper understanding of the positive impacts of sustainability.

CASA Youth creating room spray

Highlighting the event was the participation of ECOS President & CEO and CASA Board Member Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks. Kelly’s personal journey, shaped in part by her mother's experience in the foster care system, inspires her passion for supporting CASA’s mission. Kelly shared, “My mom’s story drives me to ensure that every child in the foster care system has someone advocating for them. Partnering with CASA allows us to empower these youth to see a future career path while also fostering an understanding of environmental stewardship.”

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks leading an inspiring and engaging tour for teens served by CASA

Following the Earth Day event, ECOS hosted an informational session for over 50 members of its diverse Orange County staff to learn more about the volunteer opportunities at CASA. Kelly actively encourages her team to engage with CASA, recognizing the opportunity to recruit diverse volunteers, many of whom are fluent in Spanish, who can make a meaningful impact on the lives of local youth in foster care. Her hope is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in green science and sustainable manufacturing. 

(L) ECOS CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks welcoming youth to ECOS, (R), Kelly with CASA CEO Regan Dean Phillips and Volunteer Recruitment & DEIB Manager Norma Mendoza.

CASA volunteer Anne-Marie said her youth had an “awesome” time making a room spray with peppermint oil, adding, “He especially loved when Ricardo in the lab told his story about how he started in the warehouse and now he works in the lab. He also really liked meeting the other boys.” Michelle, another CASA attendee, said, “My youth and I had a great time and we talked about it the whole way home. It truly was an impactful day for everyone with so many stories of hard work, dedication, motivation, and thoughtfulness in all that ECOS does!”

The partnership between CASA of Orange County and ECOS represents a powerful collaboration in advancing sustainability, education and advocacy for youth in foster care. Through events like these, both organizations are working towards a brighter, more inclusive future for Orange County’s youth.

About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA OC) provides a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. CASA volunteers provide critical support and important advocacy that focuses on the child's safety, the efficiency of placement in permanent homes, their educational needs and the child’s overall health and wellbeing. A CASA volunteer is often the only consistent adult in a child or youth’s life who is not paid to support and advocate for them. The CEO of CASA OC since 2017 is Regan Dean Phillips, Esq., MSW. Chair of the Board of Directors is Michael Wong, CEO & President of Genea. CASA is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.  It is a member of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children. Please visit casaoc.org to learn more.

About ECOS®  

Family-owned and operated since 1967, ECOS makes plant-powered laundry detergents and cleaners that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. ECOS products are made in the USA using global ingredients without dyes, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, parabens, phthalates, or optical brighteners. A women-owned and minority-owned company, ECOS is Climate Positive and restores 110% of its carbon, water, and energy use back to the earth. ECOS has won many awards for sustainability and green chemistry, including U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year. ECOS, ECOS for Pets, and ECOS PRO cleaners are available at major club and grocery retailers and natural foods stores throughout the U.S., internationally, and online. For more information and retail locations, visit ecos.com.