This year has brought uncertainty for nonprofits in Kent County and across the nation. Federal funding shifts and economic challenges have sparked urgent conversations about how organizations like CASA can sustain their mission long term.
In response, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Rep. Hillary Scholten, and Michigan CASA representatives came together this summer to discuss the impact of federal funding changes and strategies for building sustainability.
Reflecting on the roundtable, Executive Director Stephanie Sheler shared:
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to bring CASA organizations together for a meaningful conversation with Congresswoman Scholten and Attorney General Nessel. CASA programs help fill critical gaps in the child welfare system by providing best-interest advocacy for children who need it most.”
She added, “Last year, 180 Kent County children benefited from CASA advocacy—but still, more than 400 children navigated foster care without a CASA volunteer. Sustained support at the federal, state, and local levels is essential to change that reality.”
Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations in West Michigan, CASA of Kent County is not dependent on federal funding or National CASA for operations. However, strong national oversight and consistent funding are vital to ensure children in foster care have the advocacy they deserve. Collaboration with leaders like Congresswoman Scholten and Attorney General Nessel amplifies our message about the importance of CASA’s program.
While the future of federal and state funding remains uncertain, CASA of Kent County remains focused on ensuring children in foster care have the advocacy they need. Community support, combined with strong national oversight and consistent funding, will be key to pursuing the vision of a voice for every child.
This story is featured in the Fall 2025 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
For Heart of CASA, the annual fundraising dinner and award ceremony, the CASA team decided to take the opportunity of having the CASA community gathered to feature some of the Humans of CASA – in person. Thus, this year’s theme was born: Meet the humans. Feel the heart.
A month or so ago, I was reminded in the sweetest way of how lasting a CASA’s impact can be. While I was meeting with a prospective board member at a local coffee shop, a woman approached me and said, “We’ve never met, but my son, Peter, remembers you. He had a CASA — Miss Cindy.”
Hope is not a strategy—or so I’ve been told more than once.
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