The Court Appointed Advocate Program of Southwest Michigan has announced the appointment of Kathleen Rendell as Executive Director. Rendell, a native of Southwest Michigan, comes from CASA of Kent County where she was a CASA Advocate Supervisor.
Beginning in 2019, Kathleen was a dedicated CASA Volunteer advocate, serving foster youth in Berrien County for 5 years. Rendell will replace outgoing Executive Director, Jamie Brooks.
“Kathleen’s dedication and passion for serving youth in foster care is evident and her experience, both with local CASA programs and several other organizations statewide make her a perfect fit for this role. We are excited to bring her energy and vision to our program and know that youth will be well-served while she is at the helm,” Jamie Brooks commented about her successor.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer advocates in the community and courtroom for the best interests of foster children in Berrien County and St. Joseph County (MI). The program is always seeking caring volunteers with a passion for children to join the CASA team . All training (over 30 hours—part independently and part online via zoom) will be provided.
Last year, CASA volunteers advocated for 156 children in foster care, helping to identify services and supports in their best interests. Studies show that children with a CASA volunteer by their side have much better outcomes and receive more appropriate, tailored services than those that do not.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our work, they engage regularly with children in care and are often the only consistent adult that child has while in foster care. They are truly respected in the courtroom and community for their selfless service” said Jamie Brooks, outgoing Executive Director of CASA SWMI.
To learn more, please contact: Kathleen Rendell: director@CASASWMI.org or 269-934-3707.
For more information about CASA visit www.CASASWMI.org .
