Heidi Hendricks walked into Starbucks with a warm smile and cheerful wave, radiating the same welcoming energy she brings to CASA. Over coffee, she shared her journey with CASA and the deep personal connections that have shaped her commitment to the organization.
Family and community are at the heart of who Heidi is, and this passion is what brought her to CASA twelve years ago. When her father passed away unexpectedly, it was a profound loss for her family and the community he cared so much about. Heidi was honored to be invited to fill his seat on CASA’s board—a role that allowed her to continue the legacy of giving back that her parents instilled in her.
“It wasn’t really about me so much as about my dad and how much he cared about CASA,” Heidi reflected. “What started as a way to honor his legacy became an enormous part of my life. It’s been such a funny, fulfilling, amazing journey.”
Over the years, Heidi has witnessed CASA’s growth firsthand—from serving more children and engaging more volunteers to building greater community awareness. Despite her busy schedule, which revolves around raising her kids, cheering them on at soccer games, and running a family business with her husband, Paul, CASA has remained a central part of her life.
For Heidi, the work CASA does is deeply personal. Her role on the board connects to her commitment to family—not just her own, but also the children CASA serves. “CASA has been a meaningful way to honor my dad, but it’s also become so much more. It’s a journey that has been amazing, and I’m so grateful for all of it.”
This post is part of our 2025 Humans of CASA of Kent County campaign. Click here to check out the campaign webpage and read more featured stories.
For Chad Kirkpatrick, service has never been a pastime—it’s what guides every part of his life. As the VP of Operations at Broadway Grand Rapids, he calls his role his “dream job,” not for the title, but because nonprofit work feeds a part of him nothing else ever has. His commitment to community extends beyond his job, reflected in the many ways he invests his time in volunteer roles.
Music has always been part of Trudi Huizenga’s life. It shaped her career, her outlook, and—perhaps most importantly—her service to others.
Patty Sabin’s journey into advocacy began long before she ever volunteered with CASA. It started at home, helping her two children navigate school with their own unique learning styles. Supporting them through those challenging years taught her how to speak up, ask questions, and persist—skills that would become the foundation of her life’s work.
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