CASA OC And ECOS Celebrate Earth Day With Fun

Science Experiments and Sustainability Event

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 5th, aimed at inspiring and educating youth in the foster care system who are served by the CASA program.

(Center) ECOS CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks with ECOS staff.

The event, held at ECOS’ facilities in Cypress, was attended by 60 people including youth in foster care, ranging from ages 5-18, alongside 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 the cabbage pH experiment where they learned about the unique challenges working with plant-based products.

CASA Youth creating room spray

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.

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.”

(L) ECOS CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks welcoming youth to ECOS, (R), Kelly with (L) CASA Board Member Lindsey J. Poker, and CASA CEO Regan Dean Phillips (R)

CASA Community Partnership Coordinator Misty Webb said, “I had the opportunity to join the older youth tour. They were moved by Kelly’s powerful family story and inspired by ECOS team members who shared their own career journeys. Kelly also introduced them to various job and career pathways, including exciting internship opportunities that really sparked interest among many of the youth.”

The day concluded with a catered lunch and dessert bar. Every participant left with an ECOS gift bag containing an assortment of plant-based, environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

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

ECOS products 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, click here. For information on becoming a CASA volunteer, click here.