Several years ago, Kym Matthews met former CASA volunteer and current Michigan CASA employee, Janice Fonger at a networking “power lunch” hosted by WGVU radio host Shelley Irwin. For Kym, this was the introduction into a community she is now passionate about. Janice invited Kym to attend CASA of Kent County’s annual luncheon with her, and Kym was moved by CASA’s mission to advocate for abused and neglected children. She noted how impactful it was that “a judge saw that kids needed someone to be comfortable around” during their time in the child welfare system. As a mother, Kym was struck by the importance of advocacy, drawing on her personal experience of advocating for her own children. She said, “I love that it’s everyday people” advocating for children in our community.
After her first CASA luncheon, Kym wanted to contribute in any way she could. She felt that volunteering wasn’t the right fit, so she donated what she could manage and told everyone about CASA’s program. As a small-business owner and community member, Kym has established a network of friends, colleagues, and clients with whom she discusses the topics she’s passionate about – like CASA. Each year, Kym has attended the CASA luncheon and brought a friend. One year, she brought along her neighbor, who became a CASA volunteer and took a case advocating for two children. Kym continued to pursue her goal of raising awareness for CASA’s mission, saying “If I can’t donate regularly, I can bring people.”
Before the 2023 luncheon, Kym reached out to CASA of Kent County staff and graciously volunteered to host a table of her friends. She brought members of her community with her to learn about how they can be involved in supporting CASA’s mission. Kym also decided to become a monthly donor, a goal that she has been working toward. Kym expressed her gratitude for CASA’s presence in the community, saying, “I’m so glad I get to be a small part of this organization and let people know how cool it is… It’s an important mission. Kids are our future.”
Thank you, Kym, for your continued support of CASA as both a donor and an ambassador!
This article is part of the Fall 2023 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
Emily Schichtel is a West Michigan girl through and through. Growing up in the area, attending Grand Valley State University, and being deeply rooted in the community she loves, it was a natural decision to dedicate her career to serving this region.
Following nearly two years of service to CASA of Kent County, our Administrative Coordinator, Melissa Ronquist, has retired. Please join us in thanking Melissa for her generous dedication to CASA and wishing her well in this new stage of her life!
This month, we shared Courtney, Steven, and Julie’s stories. They each fill different roles for CASA of Kent County, but they all make an invaluable impact with their support. Read more about their respective CASA journeys below!
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2025 Annual Luncheon | April 25, 2025
