Your Michigan CASA at work!
The new year is a good time to reflect on past accomplishments as we set our goals for the future. We have been in our new office for a little over 18 months now and we're working hard every day to make our State a shining example. Here are a few of the ways we hope we've made your job a little easier!
- trained three new program directors in 2016
- Developed state specific radio and TV PSAs (Public Service Announcements) available to all county programs
- secured VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding for five programs and hope to make it available to all in 2017
- hosted our best-attended State Conference in Lansing last November
- increased CASA awareness at our first annual fundraiser with nationally acclaimed speaker, Matt Sandusky
- Secured funding to pay for a data management system for the entire state. (more info to come).
- Communicating with three counties to add new programming
There is much more to come in 2017. We are always looking for your input, so
let us know how we can help you and THANK YOU for being the MVPs on our team!
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Meet Nate Brink
Michigan CASA's New Board Member
Michigan CASA is thrilled to have Nate Brink join our Board. Originally from Holland, Nate graduated from the University of Michigan and was a Defensive Lineman for the Wolverines football team, where he contributed in 16 games. (Go Blue!) Nate spent the next four years with two national insurance brokerage and consulting firms, NFP and USI. His primary roles were to bring his clients solutions that delivered a cost-efficient, compliant and comprehensive employee benefits portfolio.
This past January, Nate started a new role by joining Midwest Energy Group. With MEG, Nate helps companies and organizations lower and manage their energy costs so they can operate more efficiently and focus on their core business. All of these skills will translate well in helping Michigan CASA operate more efficiently too.
If his last name sounds familiar, that's because his mother, Sheryl Brink, is our Program Director in Ottawa County. Shortly after relocating back to Michigan in Spring 2016, Nate felt called to do his part for CASA too. "Having grown up in a home with two very supportive parents I felt like it was important I get involved with Michigan CASA in their pursuit to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect."
Nate is one of three new Board members. Rob Jamula and Kathleen Brach have also recently joined the team. Look for them to be featured in future newsletters. Welcome all!
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SAVE THE DATE! Michigan CASA's Fundraiser
"Cherish Every Child"
May 23, 2107
5:00 - 8:30 pm
Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave., GR, MI 49503
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Still Time to Register for the 2017 National CASA Conference
This year's theme is "Building Brighter Futures for America's Abused and Neglected Children."
Saturday, March 11 - Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Sheraton Seattle Hotel in Seattle, Washington.
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Jim Ward to retire as Director of Cass County
Michigan CASA is losing a valued member of its family! Cass County Director Jim Ward has decided to retire this June - for the second time. Jim has been a source of strength, stability and support to many of our new directors, including myself. He always seems to answer the call when he's needed, which is how he began his second career at Cass County CASA. He also served on the Michigan CASA Board of Directors during a time of great transition.
Please join me
in wishing Jim a happy, well-deserved second retirement. Jim, we miss you already!
Patty Sabin
Executive Director
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MCPAT Meeting
Thanks to all who were able to attend our MCPAT meeting this month. We had two excellent presentations from Janet Snyder, Executive Director of Michigan Federation for Children and Families, and Renee Gonzales from MDHHS. If you were unable to attend, please see the recap circulating in the Google group.
I look forward to seeing everyone again in May!
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Emily Santellan Joins Oceana County
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Dan Babin, Chairman
David DeBoer, Treasurer
Peter Alle
Kathleen Brach
Nathan Brink
Robert Dean
Kyleen Gee
Robert Jamula
Kristi Jeffrey
Raymond Kennedy
Kelly Kucinich
Kelly Schafer
Kathleen Vogelsang
Patty Sabin, Executive Director
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Michigan CASA Welcomes Three New Directors
Please give a warm Michigan welcome to our newest county program directors:
- Laurie Miller - Genesee County
- Stephanie Carlton - Monroe County
- Emily Santellan - Oceana County
We look forward to a personal welcome at the MCPAT meeting!
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Clinton County
March 15
Join Us! Wednesday, March 15th from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
at the St. Johns Big Boy
to kick off our 2017
Superhero 5K
with a fabulous Pasta and Salad Buffett.
Tickets available at our office and the day of the event.
Will YOUR cape be ready?
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Kent County
March 22
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Volunteer Info Session - Learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate and the application and training process.
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Grand Rapids Community Foundation, 185 Oak St. SW, GR, MI. No RSVP needed
April 17-28
- Pinwheel Garden honoring Kent County children on foster care: St. Mark's Episcopal Church - 134 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids
April 18
- CASA of Kent County Spring New Volunteer Training Course begins. To learn more about volunteering, contact
April 19
- CASA of Kent County Annual Luncheon: Noon, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. No cost to attend, please RSVP to
angela.brown@kentcountymi.gov
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