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. The event creates space for voices often left unheard. For Lisa, it’s more than a project – it’s personal.
A writer, teacher, wife, and mother, Lisa finds joy in life’s quiet pleasures, hiking trails with her husband, cooking for friends and family, and most of all, reading. “If I could get a job where they just paid me to read all day, that would be my dream,” she laughs. For now, teaching writing at Grand Valley State University fuels her soul. “I really feel like writing is what I’m meant to do.”
Her connection with Ingrid began when Lisa’s son landed in Ingrid’s elementary classroom. Knowing Lisa’s love of writing, Ingrid invited her to share with the class. A simple gesture blossomed into a lasting friendship and collaboration. Together, they shaped Mom Always Says into something deeply meaningful – and charitable. In recent years, all proceeds have gone to CASA of Kent County, supporting children in the foster care system.
Lisa strives to use her love of reading and writing to build community. She leads a book group that’s become a lifeline of connection and support. “Not only do we read books and talk together, but we all support each other.” Many members now attend her event, a full-circle moment that speaks to the power of shared stories.
Motherhood, in all its complexity, is central to Lisa’s heart. She speaks lovingly of her own mom: “She always put family first and made us feel like we were the most important people in the world.” Lisa strives to pass on that legacy to her own adult children. She shares that they are both devoted to work that uplifts others. “It’s not just what they do, though. It’s who they are. They’re intelligent and compassionate.”
Her support for CASA began with helping a friend write a grant, but quickly became something deeper. Through her own experience as a daughter and a mother, Lisa knows just how powerful it is for a child to feel seen and valued. “Every kid deserves that,” she says quietly.
Through stories, Lisa builds bridges – between mothers and children, writers and readers, hearts and homes.
Check back next week to read Ingrid’s story.
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.
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.
Music has always been part of Trudi Huizenga’s life. It shaped her career, her outlook, and—perhaps most importantly—her service to others.
For Heart of CASA, the annual fundraising dinner and award ceremony, the CASA team decided to take the opportunity of having the CASA community gathered to feature some of the Humans of CASA – in person. Thus, this year’s theme was born: Meet the humans. Feel the heart.
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