Did you know that CASA receives funding from the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services? This money goes through Michigan CASA, our state organization, and flows to local programs to help them grow. In 2022, Michigan CASA received $1 million from the State. CASA of Kent County’s portion enabled us to add a part-time advocate supervisor, making it possible for more CASA volunteers to advocate for more children.
Spring is the time when state legislators work on the next year’s budget. In May, CASA of Kent County’s executive director, Stephanie, and development coordinator, Sam, gathered in Lansing with individuals from other CASA programs across Michigan to advocate for continued inclusion in the State budget. CASA employees and volunteers met with state senators and representatives from their districts. Stephanie and Sam met with those who represent Kent County to express gratitude for CASA’s inclusion in last year’s budget, share how vital state funding is for our program, and request their support for continued funding.
After meetings with legislators, Stephanie and Sam also got to explore the Capitol Building, network with other CASA staff and volunteers, and learn about CASA’s impact in counties across the State! Thank you, Michigan CASA, for organizing a great and impactful event and thank you, Kent County legislators, for taking the time to meet with us!
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.
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.
Since 2019, Lisa McNeilley and Ingrid Fournier have poured their hearts into Mom Always Says, an annual event honoring motherhood in all its forms – stories of nurturing mothers, complicated maternal relationships, and women who played a “mom” role.
Mom Always Says is a live storytelling event that explores the many dimensions of motherhood: the funny, the heartbreaking, the joyful, the complex. Whether you’re a mom, have a mom, miss your mom, or are still figuring it all out, you belong in the room.
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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