February Stories: Humans of CASA of Kent County

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!

Courtney Brown, Foster Care Caseworker

Foster care casework is challenging and demands focus, organization, and emotional resilience. Courtney Brown, a caseworker with a sincere passion for helping children, demonstrates all of these traits. Her collaboration with CASA volunteer Marni Vyn highlights the power of effective teamwork, even in the face of a difficult case.

Their shared case was anything but easy. The child had faced significant instability, and both Courtney and Marni were navigating unfamiliar territory. Marni, newer to her CASA role, was learning the complexities of the child welfare system, while Courtney was adjusting to Kent County’s court processes. Despite differing perspectives at times, their communication became the foundation of their success.

Courtney recalls, “We didn’t always agree. One time after court, Marni and I just didn’t see the case from the same perspective. We came back a week later and we both said, ‘I just couldn’t see it from your perspective,’ but it was what it was.” This open dialogue was crucial for tacking the case’s challenges together.

For Courtney, the children are the heart of her work. “It’s putting out fires every day. But then, a year later, a child will share something, and I’ll think, ‘Wow, look what that kid achieved!'” She believes in celebrating even the smallest victories, and with Marni, she witnessed gradual progress in their case.

By focusing on the child’s best interests, Courtney and Marni helped her find stability and hope for the future. Their story is a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the profound impact of prioritizing a child’s well-being.

Steven Smith, CASA Donor

Steven Smith is an easy guy to talk to. He has a big smile, and his sense of humor is evident right away. He says yes without hesitation, especially when it’s for a cause like CASA. Steven doesn’t have kids of his own. “Taking care of my cat is all I can handle,” he jokes. But he cares deeply about kids, which is why he supports CASA of Kent County. “Kids need help. It’s that simple.”

Steven, who works at West Michigan Community Bank, discovered CASA by chance. When Executive Director Stephanie Sheler visited his bank seeking assistance, she was sent to Steven, though he wasn’t the right contact. Their chat led to an invitation to CASA’s Spring Luncheon – and a life-changing connection.

“How often do you go to lunch, planning to return to work, and end up sobbing?” Steven recalls. The stories he heard resonated deeply, stirring memories of his own childhood.

Steven grew up an hour north of Grand Rapids in a home that, in his words, “wasn’t idyllic.” Turmoil marked his teen years, and his parents weren’t equipped to support him. Thankfully, caring adults stepped in – neighbors, friends, and parents of peers. They offered him a sense of community, taught him how to process his experiences, and helped him find stability.

That experience shaped Steven’s perspective. He sees CASA volunteers as playing the same vital role for kids that those adults played for him. He realizes that many children lack the support he was fortunate to receive.

“I got lucky,” Steven said, thinking back. He understands the need for CASA in the community. “How could you not give to this cause?” he says. “I don’t have a ton to give, but I’m happy to give what I can. If everyone did that, imagine the difference we could make.”

Julie Johnson, CASA Volunteer

“Hey bud, can I get a fist bump?” That’s how Julie Johnson greets Jared, her CASA child, every week. Jared, a teenager with severe autism, may not speak, but that doesn’t stop them from forming a special bond. “He’s smart, sneaky, and full of jokes.” Julie adds, holding up her pinky with a smile, “He’s got me wrapped around his finger.”

Julie visits Jared every week. She brings little trinkets for him to play with, and they often play sensory games together. Julie has taught him some sign language and has helped him to make eye contact with her – small but meaningful milestones. Not every visit is easy, though. “Jared sometimes gets really upset,” she admits, “but I think I have a calming effect on him.” Her experience working with children with autism has been invaluable in understanding and supporting him.

As a CASA volunteer, Julie is Jared’s voice in court, advocating for his well-being when he cannot speak for himself. “This isn’t right. He’s not thriving here,” she’s had to say on his behalf. Julie has gone above and beyond in her role, even building a relationship with Jared’s mother, though they don’t always see eye to eye.

Julie has known about CASA for a long while, having family and friends who have been involved. It was at a Heart of CASA dinner, though, where he heard stories that resonated deeply. Having grown up in a home that fostered children, she felt called to volunteer – and has never regretted it.

“Jared has shown me that life’s too short not to make an impact,” she says. “At the end of the day, that’s what really matters. He’s been a true gift in my life.”

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.