CASA of Kent County

06/15/2026

Every child has a story. Help them speak up❤️

Through the advocacy of volunteers and support of donors, CASA of Kent County provides a voice for abused and neglected children. This summer, we invite you to help us continue to amplify their voices and ensure that every child is heard.

Your generous gift can make a lasting impact - please consider donating today to help continue our vital work. Visit the link below (and in bio).

tiny.cc/BeTheirVoice

06/12/2026

Last month, Development & Marketing Manager Sam attended Michigan CASA's annual gala along with volunteers, staff, and supporters from across the state of Michigan. This was a powerful reminder of the impact of collaboration.

It takes all of us to support advocacy for children and families! 💙

06/11/2026

Check it out! CASA's latest newsletter is here!

In this edition of CASA Connect:
⛱The story of a CASA child being affirmed and accepted as they are.
⛱Executive Director Stephanie Sheler's note on "word of mouth" marketing
⛱CASA's recent adventures around the community
⛱How volunteer Molly Merillat went from doomscrolling to advocating
⛱Highlights from the 2026 Annual Luncheon: Ripple Effect
⛱A spotlight on CASA donor Plante Moran

Check out these stories at casakentco.org/blog

06/10/2026

Separation of families is traumatic, and it is in the best interest of children to return to their families of origin whenever safely possible. CASA volunteers often advocate for services with the goal of facilitating reunification. Some recommendations CASAs have made include:

-increasing parental visits and/or shifting from supervised to unsupervised visits

-trauma-informed parenting classes

-anger management classes

-participation in substance abuse treatment programs

-training on how to care for their child's physical or mental health needs

-compliance with the Parent Agency Treatment Plan (goals and desired outcomes set by the foster care agency)

Families deserve to be supported in their journey to reunification, and CASA volunteers help to ensure vital resources don't get missed.

06/09/2026

Recently, a volunteer shared a photo* of a pile of items and reflected on her CASA child moving placements for the 16th time:

"This pile represents one youth.

Sixteen placements in 2½ years.

What you see here are garbage bags, donated totes, backpacks filled with dirty clothes, blankets, broken toys, personal items, and the few possessions they have managed to keep through move after move after move.

What I see is something else.

I see broken dreams.

I see instability.

I see a child who has had to pack up their entire life sixteen different times before they were old enough to drive.

This should not happen. Yet it happens every day in foster care systems across our country.

It is not my role as a CASA volunteer to transport belongings. But our caseworkers are carrying impossible caseloads, and I was happy to help. I’ll also be happy to sort through these bags, wash the clothes and blankets, fold them, organize them, and care for them. Not because it is my responsibility, but because every child deserves dignity and care.

Every bag tells a story. Every move leaves a mark.

Children in foster care deserve more than surviving. They deserve stability. They deserve consistency. They deserve a place where they can unpack and stay.

No child should have their entire childhood reduced to a pile of garbage bags and donated totes.

These kids deserve better.

If advocacy is tugging at your heart, now is the time to explore how you can help."

If you're interested in learning more about how to help a child in foster care, visit casakentco.org
*Photo has been changed for confidentiality.

06/08/2026

Every child deserves a safe, permanent, loving home❤️

30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+. Many were removed from their homes for abuse or neglect directly related to their identity.

All children deserve the support of stable, affirming adults. Thank you to all of the CASA volunteers creating safe spaces, support systems, and hopeful futures for children in foster care.

06/05/2026

Heart of West Michigan United Way's vision, "a thriving community for all," captures the impact that CASA of Kent County is working to create in partnership with other community organizations.

We're honored to once again be a Heart of West Michigan United Way partner agency for the '26-'29 community investment cycle. Together, we can make a lasting impact for children and families in our community! 💙💛

06/03/2026

June is National Reunification Month- a time to recognize the importance of reuniting families whenever safely possible.

While removal due to abuse or neglect can be a necessary step for a child's safety, the displacement is traumatic. We recognize that it is in the best interest of a child to return to their family whenever possible. Families often need extra support to overcome the challenges that led to an unsafe environment for their children. CASA volunteers advocate for this support until and unless it is clear that reunification is not safely possible.

We're grateful for everyone who works tirelessly to make reunification a possibility. Let's continue being part of the solution together and putting families first.💙

06/02/2026

Hi CASA community! We're excited to invite you to our upcoming "Men at the Mitten" event!

Half of the children in foster care are boys, but less than 20% of CASA volunteers are men. We're always looking to reach more men in the community to advocate for boys who have experienced abuse or neglect.

This will be an opportunity to connect with other men in the CASA community and learn about what it means to be a court appointed special advocate!

This event is intended for men who are prospective CASA volunteers, current volunteers, or ambassadors of our mission. However, we encourage anyone to attend and bring along a male friend, family member, or colleague who would make a great CASA volunteer!

Event details:
✨Wednesday, June 24th from 5:00-7:00pm
✨The Mitten Brewing Company (527 Leonard St NW)
✨Pizza and drinks will be provided
✨View more details and RSVP at https://casakentco.org/event/men-at-the-mitten-6-24/

Are you a current male CASA volunteer, or interested in becoming one? You're invited to join us for an evening of conversation at Mitten Brewing to share your experiences or learn more about what it means to be a court appointed special advocate.

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈❤️

In recognition and celebration of Pride Month, we're sharing a few quotes from leaders in the LGBTQ+ community:

❤️ "When you put love out in the world it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected."- Laverne Cox

🧡 "Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts."- Barbara Gittings

💛 "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."- Audre Lorde