Patty Sabin’s journey into advocacy began long before she ever volunteered with CASA. It started at home, helping her two children navigate school with their own unique learning styles. Supporting them through those challenging years taught her how to speak up, ask questions, and persist—skills that would become the foundation of her life’s work.
In the midst of a particularly challenging week, Patty spotted a small newspaper ad seeking CASA volunteers and felt an immediate pull. Answering this ad twenty-three years ago, Patty stepped into the world of child welfare and never looked back. In her years of volunteering, she served five families and thirteen children, offering each one the same patience and hope she gave her own kids. To Patty, it all connected back to a simple truth she carries with her: “Healthy children make for a healthy community.”
Balancing her growing involvement in CASA with family life, Patty also returned to college—graduating the same year her son graduated from high school. That milestone captured her spirit: steady, determined, and always moving forward.
Patty joined CASA staff as an advocate supervisor and later became the executive director in Kent County. Her impact expanded even further when she moved to Michigan CASA, where she helped grow the state organization from a $65,000 budget to more than $3 million and was instrumental in securing state-funded support for CASA programs. Working at the state level gave her a bird’s-eye view of the countless children whose lives were strengthened by volunteers. These volunteers, in Patty’s words, “Are the heart and soul of what CASA does for children.”
Patty’s values trace back to growing up in Jenison, where her mother—a single mom and an RN—raised four children on her own. “She had an incredible work ethic and moral compass,” Patty states, echoing the impact her mother has had on her.
One of Patty’s greatest joys is seeing how her mom’s legacy has taken root in her own family. Her children have, as she says, “a strong social-justice antenna” – they are aware, empathetic, and committed to doing good. For Patty, that awareness is something she’s most proud of.
As she steps into retirement, Patty reflects, “I’ve had an amazing career. I can’t believe how blessed I’ve been.” But many blessings are still ahead. Patty looks forward to sunshine in Florida, her daughter’s upcoming wedding, a long-awaited trip to Ireland, and hopefully more time spent helping children in whatever way she can.
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.
Susie Rent has lived in the Grand Rapids area her entire life, building a life grounded in family, community, and service.
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!
"*" indicates required fields