Chad Kirkpatrick: Human of CASA

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.

Three years ago, Chad made a decision that would shape him even more deeply. A close friend invited him to a CASA luncheon, and as he listened to stories of children navigating the child welfare system, something shifted. The need was undeniable. The impact was real. The next morning, he filled out his volunteer application. “I’m the type of person who, if there’s a need somewhere and I have the skills, time, or ability to help, it’s hard for me to say no,” he says. He began training in May and accepted his first case in June.

He’s still on that same case today.

Now 13 and 15, the two boys he advocates for have lived through seventeen placements and worked with at least eight caseworkers. Through every move, every new home, every rotating professional, one person has remained: Chad. “It’s exactly what they teach you in training,” he says. “You are their only constant.”

There have definitely been challenges. Chad entered this work knowing little about the child welfare system, learning as he went. “But CASA provided the support and resources I needed.” Over time, he has learned to stand firm and advocate fiercely for what the boys truly need.

Chad also finds joy in the small wins: an A on a school assignment, a moment of laughter with teammates, a glimpse of childhood emerging where trauma once loomed. “These things really fill my heart,” he says.
Chad’s steadfastness runs deep. Growing up in Ohio, he spent summers on his grandmother’s farm—days shaped by compassion, hard work, and lessons about what it means to show up for others. That foundation grew into a lifelong commitment to serve. “I’ve never stopped giving of myself,” he says. “I don’t think that will ever change.”

In a world where so much feels temporary, Chad offers something rare: a steady presence for children who desperately need someone to stay.

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.