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Court Appointed Specials Advocates

GRAND RAPIDS Mich. (WOOD) - Court Appointed Specials Advocates (CASA) is 1of 8 Connecting with Community Awards Finalist. Watch the video to see how their partnership connects to their community.

Congratulations to Michigan CASA Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Ricky Goodman

Michigan Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is very proud to congratulate Ricky Goodman, recipient of the 2011 Michigan CASA Patricia Wagner CASA Volunteer of the Year Award. This Michigan CASA award, awarded annually by the Board of Directors, was presented to Ricky Goodman on Saturday, November 12 at the 2011 Michigan CASA Conference held in Lansing, Michigan.

Ricky Goodman has been a volunteer with CASA of Kent County for 12 years and has advocated for 37 children in 13 cases. Ricky has consistently impressed the Family Court judges with her diligence, dedication to children, tenacity and indefatigable energy. Whether she is managing eight children placed in three separate homes or a newborn, intervening for education resources or better placements, tracking down a mother in a local bar or watching for a parent on a dark street, Ricky works to make certain that every child she advocates for is safe from harm, provided resources to help heal, and given every opportunity for growth, success and happiness. Her heart is large, her love is genuine, and she has met and exceeded every expectation that comes with being a CASA volunteer.

The Patricia Wagner CASA Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding CASA volunteer who has made a significant contribution in helping abused and neglected children in Michigan. [Read More]

CASA Welcomes New Faces to Committees

We're grateful to the following people for their help on various CASA committees. These work groups contribute to making CASA a successful organization and new members are always welcome. Contact Patty Sabin if you're interested.

Andy Rent: Communications Committee
Jennifer Pascua: Communications Committee
Heidi Hendricks: Event Planning Committee

Meet Friends of CASA

Friends of CASA is a new group composed of volunteers who support CASA and our mission. Members are passionate about children and their well being, and are dedicated to making a difference for CASA’s children. Friends of CASA will create awareness, advocate for families and children at the state level, and support our fundraising and recruiting efforts. For more information, please email: Friends.of.CASA.KentCo@gmail.com.

In Print

Making a Difference: Carolyn Guyton

By The Grand Rapids Press, April 12, 2009
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Making a Difference" profiles someone whose good works make our community a better place.

As the mother of eight children, Carolyn Guyton is a natural advocate for kids... [Read More]

Making a Difference: Marion Haight

By The Grand Rapids Press, September 16, 2007
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Making a Difference" profiles someone whose good works make our community a better place.

Some of the things Marion Haight saw and learned during training to be a court-appointed special advocate were overwhelm... [Read More]

Making a Difference: Chris Resau

By The Grand Rapids Press, February 11, 2007
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Making a Difference" profiles someone whose good works make our community a better place.

When Chris Resau saw a special on television more than 10 years ago about a CASA volunteer, she saw her future... [Read More]