MAY 2023

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CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT

BOARD MEMBER ZENELL BROWN!

Zenell Brown, a highly respected and accomplished attorney, recently retired from the Wayne County Third Circuit Court in Detroit Michigan. During her distinguished career, she served as the Executive Court Administrator and worked in various positions, including as an attorney, director, and mediator at Friend of the Court. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in courts, public policy, family law, alternative dispute resolution, and public speaking, Zenell made significant contributions to the legal community.

Zenell's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond was evident throughout her career. As a Detroit Bar Association member, she actively participated in various programs that aimed to increase diversity and promote equal access to justice. She also served as the Diversity and Inclusion Co-Chair of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, where she worked to create a more inclusive environment for women lawyers. Zenell is also the incoming President of the Detroit Bar Association and the author of Coffee and Conversations: Inclusion and Belonging.

In addition to her legal work, Zenell serves as a Michigan CASA board member, where she continues to help raise awareness about children in foster care and the need for adult volunteers to assist courts in making decisions that reflect the best interest of the child. Her commitment to serving the community and her expertise in family law and alternative dispute resolution makes her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Zenell's retirement from the Wayne County Third Circuit Court marks the end of an era in Michigan's legal community. Her legacy as an accomplished attorney, a dedicated community leader, and a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers and legal professionals. Her contributions to promoting awareness of children in foster care and the need for adult volunteers to assist courts in these matters will also leave a lasting impact on Michigan's legal system.

Happy Retirement Zenell!

WELCOME!

Michigan CASA

Director of Training

Janice Fonger

Janice Fonger has enjoyed a long and inspiring career in the nonprofit sector. She has been a front-line service provider, a coordinator of philanthropic activities, a relationship and community builder, a coach, facilitator, and trainer; a manager of organizational operations, an executive director; and a board member and leader. Janice’s first introduction to CASA came in the early 2000s as Executive Director at Adoptive Family Support Network. In 2017, Janice was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Kent County. Janice was a fierce advocate and loyal and passionate voice on behalf of her first two cases: a teen, and an infant. These were more than just "cases" to Janice. She remains in contact with both girls/families. Janice and her husband Lindsay are blessed to have a beautiful daughter Celia and new son-in-law Nick.

“Advocating on behalf of children has always been my passion. They are the future. As such, I believe we are obligated as a community to meet their basic needs, nurture and support their growth and development, and ensure that they feel loved and cared for.”

CASA Day at the Capitol!

On May 4, the Michigan CASA network including executive directors, staff and CASA volunteers from all over the state had face-to-face meetings with their legislative representatives to spread the word about CASA and to raise awareness about challenges facing the child welfare system.

Watch our website, social media and e-newsletter for Michigan CASA news & updates.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are everyday people who are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children living within the foster care system. A CASA volunteer advocates for one child's case until he/she is placed into a safe, permanent and loving home.