Did you know CASA of Kent County receives vital funding through the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services? This support flows through Michigan CASA—our state-level organization—to help local programs like ours grow and thrive.
Last budget year, Michigan CASA secured $2.25 million in funding to support CASA of Kent County and our counterparts in other counties across the state of Michigan. Additionally, advocacy from the Michigan CASA network led to the passing of House Bill 5429 of 2024, which established Michigan CASA in state law, prescribing the duties and responsibilities of the organization. This important milestone will help ensure the sustainability and success of statewide CASA programs for years to come.
Each spring, as the Michigan Legislature works on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, CASA programs from across the state come together to advocate for continued support. In April, CASA of Kent County Executive Director Stephanie Sheler and Development & Marketing Specialist Sam Johnson traveled to Lansing to join colleagues from across Michigan in making our case to lawmakers.
Stephanie and Sam met with state senators and representatives from the Kent County delegation to express gratitude for CASA’s previous inclusion in the state budget and to share how that funding has directly benefited local children. They also asked for continued support to ensure our advocacy can reach even more young people in the future.
Beyond legislative meetings, Stephanie and Sam had the opportunity to explore the historic Michigan State Capitol, connect with other CASA staff and volunteers, and learn more about the incredible work happening in communities across the state.
A big thank-you to Michigan CASA for organizing such a meaningful event—and to our Kent County legislators for taking the time to meet with us and champion the needs of vulnerable children.
This story is featured in the Summer 2025 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
The CASA of Kent County team had the privilege of attending Reunification Day, an annual celebration hosted by West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC), at John Ball Zoo.
CASA of Kent County’s executive director, Stephanie, recently had the honor of presenting at Pediatric Grand Rounds hosted by Corewell Health.
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