2023 Highlights: A CASA Holiday Letter

AS THE YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together in 2023. Let’s revisit the highlights of each month!

ON JANUARY 1, OUR YEAR BEGAN with 26 children awaiting a court appointed special advocate. We focused on recruiting volunteers and raising funds. We also held an in-service on unconscious bias, empowering our volunteers to be even more effective in their advocacy roles.

FEBRUARY SAW THE LAUNCH OF OUR FIRST “PHONE A FRIEND” CAMPAIGN, encouraging all CASA stakeholders to spread the word. Together, we reached out via calls, texts, and emails, asking folks to get involved!

MARCH WAS A MONTH OF OUTREACH. We shared our mission with a family law class at Godwin Heights High School and the Women United group at United Way. Additionally, we welcomed a new staff member, Melissa, to our team.

APRIL WAS RECORD-SETTING! Our annual luncheon brought together an unprecedented 340 guests, 37 of whom expressed interest in becoming CASA volunteers. Two volunteer in-services focused on advocacy for CASA children in the LGBTQ+ community.

MAY 4 MARKED CASA DAY AT THE CAPITOL IN LANSING, where CASA programs from across Michigan advocated for funding. We celebrated a special birthday with a volunteer who requested donations to CASA instead of gifts, and shared our mission with the United Way’s Emerging Leaders United group.

IN JUNE, EIGHT NEW VOLUNTEERS WERE SWORN IN as CASA advocates. “Men at the Mitten” aimed to recruit more male volunteers for boys in foster care. Our participation in EHTC’s Chipping for Charity Golf Outing resulted in a generous donation of $22,000!

JULY WAS A BUSTLING MONTH for both program and marketing teams. Ten waiting children were matched to advocates, and our new CASA website was unveiled!

IN AUGUST, WE WELCOMED TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS, Kathleen and Amanda, and held our annual volunteer appreciation celebration! By month-end, we learned of 27 more children in need of a CASA advocate.

SEPTEMBER BROUGHT EXCITEMENT as we welcomed five new board members during our inaugural board/staff retreat. We explored cultural values, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

OCTOBER MARKED A BITTERSWEET TRANSITION as we celebrated the retirements of longtime staff members Rose and Deb. We hosted 240 guests for Heart of CASA, focusing on building “human towers” to support vulnerable children. Eleven new advocates joined our cause.

IN NOVEMEBER, WE LAUNCHED THE “BE THEIR HOPE” CAMPAIGN, inviting the CASA village to support our mission with year-end gifts. We also attended the Michigan CASA conference, gaining insights and building connections.

AS WE ENTER DECEMBER, we look forward to six more individuals becoming CASA volunteers. This year has been nothing short of amazing, thanks to your unwavering support. In total, 97 volunteers advocated for 170 children.

Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey. May your holidays be filled with the warmth of community and the knowledge that together we are making a lasting impact on the lives of children in need.