CASA of Kent County

Exciting things are happening at CASA of Kent County! ?? Huge thanks to Casey Jankoska and Express Employment Professionals - Grand Rapids, MI for inviting our Executive Director, Stephanie Sheler, to an event focused on partnerships between businesses and nonprofits. Express has been an incredible supporter of our mission, and we’re thrilled to share that they are CASA’s first-ever Corporate Impact Partner! ?? While we’ll be rolling out more details soon, this is a great example of how businesses can make a lasting difference for children in foster care. We’re grateful for Express’s commitment to our community and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership! Stay tuned for more! ?? #CASAofKentCounty #CorporateImpact #CommunityPartnership #ExpressEmployment #FosterCareAdvocacy

We welcomed some new faces to our board of directors during 2024, and we'd like to introduce them. Meet Christina Burr! Christina L. Burr, MBA, MAEd, CPA, is a seasoned financial executive dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations through financial growth and strategic planning. As a client manager at Your Part-Time Controller, Christina oversees accounting operations for over 30 nonprofits on an outsourced basis. Previously, she served as chief financial officer at North Community Counseling Centers, managing a $9 million -plus budget and leading financial initiatives. Her background also includes roles as chief audit executive and corporate controller, highlighting her expertise in board communications, risk management, and grant compliance. Christina holds a master’s in education from The University of Akron, an MBA in Healthcare Management from Walsh University, and a bachelor’s in accounting from The University of Akron. She has also worked as a visiting lecturer at the University of Akron teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in financial accounting and risk management. We're happy to have you on the CASA board, Christina! ???

?? YOU would make a great CASA. ?? Do you know someone who would make an excellent advocate for a child in foster care? Now, you can nominate them directly through our website. Visit casakentco.org/nominate to make your first nomination today! Being a CASA volunteer is a big decision. Knowing that you believe in them could be the inspiration someone needs to begin their CASA journey. PS - This is NOT a commitment to volunteer work! We'll simply reach out to your nominee to let them know you thought they’d be great and to offer them the opportunity to pursue next steps.

Hey, CASA community! ?? We are looking for sponsors for our 2025 Annual Luncheon event! CASA of Kent County would love to partner with YOU to raise money and awareness to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. If you're interested in learning more about this year's sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Samantha Johnson at [email protected] or 616-632-5230, or DM us here!

We welcomed some new faces to our board of directors during 2024, and we'd like to introduce them. Meet Angie Mason-Maranda! Since earning dual master’s degrees in social work and public administration with a focus on nonprofit management and leadership in 2014, Angie has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various mental health settings, including inpatient, partial hospital, and outpatient therapy. Currently, she serves as assistant clinical director of a private practice. Angie’s approach centers on providing clients of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations with a safe, nonjudgmental space to build strengths, explore growth, and develop resilience for future challenges. Witnessing the struggles of children facing complex family issues has been a core part of her experience. After becoming a CASA volunteer in 2010, Angie was inspired by CASA’s impact in Kent County and across Michigan, which ultimately guided her career toward fostering resilience in individuals and families. Having completed a summer internship with the previous Executive Director of CASA of Kent County, she is passionate about CASA’s mission and values her role on the board alongside other dedicated community leaders. Outside of work, Angie enjoys time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and family, especially hiking the scenic trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes in Northern Michigan. We're happy to have you on the CASA board, Angie! ???

"You would make a great CASA volunteer" We hear again and again from our volunteers that someone told them this. Then, they took the first step and applied! Being a CASA volunteer is a big decision. Knowing that you believe in them could be the inspiration someone needs to begin their CASA journey. Is there someone in your life who you think would make an excellent advocate for a child in foster care? Now, you can nominate them directly through our website. Visit casakentco.org/nominate to make your first nomination today! PS - This is NOT a commitment to volunteer work! We'll simply reach out to your nominee to let them know you thought they’d be great and to offer them the opportunity to pursue next steps.

Riiinggggg Riinngggg! CASA is calling. That's right, friends - #PhoneAFriendFebruary is back! ???? ?? This February, will you phone a friend (or text, email, grab coffee, etc.) to share about CASA? People become CASA volunteers when someone close to them recommends our program. The work of volunteers is the core of our advocacy model. With 28 children currently waiting for a CASA volunteer to be their voice in court, we need more volunteers to meet that need. A short conversation with a friend could cause a ripple effect that positively changes a child's story. Will you take five minutes to share our mission with a friend? Direct them to our learn more at casakentco.org/how-to-help or nominate them at casakentco.org/nominate. We can't wait to hear from you! Share our hashtag #PhoneAFriendFebruary to spread the word on social media!

February is here and so is your monthly event roundup! ?? This month, we are excited to feature several opportunities to get involved and learn more about CASA. Check them out below! 1?? Attend our virtual information session on 2/4 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM 2?? Attend our volunteer interest mixer at Orchard House Cafe from 4:30 - 6:00 PM 3?? Attend our virtual information session on 2/18 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Details and event registration links for each of these events are available at casakentco.org/events. We hope to see you there!

“You would make a great CASA.” These words stuck with Marni Vyn, though at the time, being busy with her young family kept her from getting involved. The importance of volunteering was ingrained in her thanks to her mother’s example of service and her father’s supportive involvement. When her children were small, Marni served on several non-profit boards. As her sons grew older, she felt ready for something more hands-on and impactful. Two years ago, Marni went through training to become a CASA volunteer. In those two years, she’s worked on one case, serving as a steady presence for a child navigating multiple foster homes, schools, and caseworkers. “I adore this child,” Marni shared, beaming. She emphasized the commitment CASA requires, saying, “I don’t like to do things halfway. And certainly, with CASA, you cannot do it halfway.” Marni does recognize that as tumultuous and change ridden as this case has been, the case is currently in a steady place. She credits this to Courtney, the most recent caseworker. “Courtney is doing her job amazingly and keeping all of the pieces of the case – all the balls – in the air.” Marni praised Courtney for her exceptional handling of the case’s complexities. Their collaborative relationship, built on mutual respect and open communication, allows them to better advocate for the child. While they may not always agree, their teamwork has been instrumental in creating a stable environment. Marni’s work as a CASA has brought fulfillment and pride to her family. “My husband and my kids are so proud of me. They’re super supportive.” Marni hopes to pass on the example of service her parents modeled. The impact of the words that first inspired her continue to motivate her – to advocate for her CASA child and to share those words with others. Check out more stories at #HumansOfCASAOfKentCounty or #HumansOfMICASA. Learn more and get involved at casakentco.org/humans

#CASA1000 ????? Thank you SO MUCH for your support of our mission! It means the world to our team that more than 1,000 people are now following along on Instagram. Together, we will continue in pursuit of our vision of a voice for every child in Kent County.