Mortgage bankers support Office of Child Advocate

The Delaware Mortgage Bankers Association recently presented a check for $6,372 to the state Office of the Child Advocate, an agency dedicated to ensuring that dependent, neglected and abused children receive proper legal representation in Delaware's court system.

"We recognize the challenges these children face as they try to develop into productive members of society, and we appreciate the fine work by members of the Office of Child Advocate to meet the needs of these children, not only in the courtroom but in all aspects of their lives," said Kevin Jornlin, president of the Delaware Mortgage Bankers Association.

The association's gift will be used to provide children in foster care with desired items and services that are beyond the means of foster families and cannot be covered through the office's state budget, said Kelly Ensslin, deputy child advocate. Typical expenditures include computers, music lessons, athletic programs and summer camps.

"It takes a little extra to provide these children with many things that their peers take for granted, and we have seen how that little extra can go a long way toward these children maturing into successful adults," Ensslin said.

The funds were raised through the association's annual Holiday Jingle fundraiser.