Kay Bylenga became a CASA volunteer in 2004. In the 19 years since then, she has filled many essential supportive roles within the program: CASA volunteer, training coordinator, board member, sponsor, and donor. Kay has dedicated much of her life to supporting child advocacy and continues to champion CASA’s mission in the community.
Kay’s advocate supervisor, Amy, shared “It’s not possible to encapsulate how extraordinary Kay Bylenga is with a sentence or two. She’s spent her adult life championing the rights of children in many ways. She’s truly one of a kind, and I’m grateful to be a part of her work.”
This year, for her 70th birthday, Kay wanted to do something special. She decided that in lieu of gifts, she wanted loved ones to contribute to a cause close to her heart: advocacy for children in foster care. Kay requested that all gifts at her party be donations to CASA of Kent County; she even invited the staff to attend! The CASA of Kent County staff enjoyed a wonderful celebration of a dedicated advocate and supporter. Thank you, Kay for your generosity and commitment to CASA’s mission!
This article is part of the Summer 2023 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
Emily Schichtel is a West Michigan girl through and through. Growing up in the area, attending Grand Valley State University, and being deeply rooted in the community she loves, it was a natural decision to dedicate her career to serving this region.
Following nearly two years of service to CASA of Kent County, our Administrative Coordinator, Melissa Ronquist, has retired. Please join us in thanking Melissa for her generous dedication to CASA and wishing her well in this new stage of her life!
This month, we shared Courtney, Steven, and Julie’s stories. They each fill different roles for CASA of Kent County, but they all make an invaluable impact with their support. Read more about their respective CASA journeys below!
Being an informed community member will better equip you to advocate for vulnerable children in our community. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on CASA of Kent County news, stories, events, and more. We promise not to overwhelm you with too many emails!
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2025 Annual Luncheon | April 25, 2025
