MARCH 2025
This month, we introduced an exciting yearlong campaign we’re participating in—Humans of CASA. Our goal is to spotlight the stories of the people that invest their time, heart and energy to carry out our mission. Adela and Lynda’s stories gave us insights of what it means to champion advocacy for children in foster care. Read more about their inspiring CASA journeys below!
MARY DROUILLARD, CASA VOLUNTEER
Mary and her husband Joe live in the Detroit area where they have raised three children and fostered over 50 children who were experiencing foster care.
Mary’s life serves as a testament to the power of purpose found in selfless service to others. At the core of every life decision, it’s her profound passion for advocacy, to speak up for all those who can’t speak for themselves. From going back to grad school to earn her Master of Social Work from Wayne State University to her extensive list of philanthropic endeavors in the community she lives and loves—Mary is an advocate at heart.
As an experienced foster parent, Mary felt the limitations of the system, “Foster parents are a paper cup in the system, but CASAs have the ability to influence court decisions that impact children for the rest of their lives.”
Mary has advocated for children as a National CASA member, long before there was a local CASA chapter. “Navigating the court system is complicated, children need an advocate to get to permanency faster so they can thrive.”
When putting into words the personal impact of her involvement as a CASA volunteer, Mary describes her experience, as one where she has seen “the terrible destructive impact of racism, classism, poverty and lack of housing and opportunity—these are my brothers and my sisters.” This continues to fuel her desire and hope “to never grow weary of this work.”
MARY DROUILLARD, CASA VOLUNTEER
Elena first became involved with CASA as a Juvenile Court Administrator of the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan in Wayne County.
A loyal supporter of our mission, Elena has fond memories of participating at various Wayne County CASA events. Her most notable experiences include sharing time at Christmas time events with CASA children, gathering backpacks with friends at Quicken Loans, and fundraising in the company of people invested in CASA’s mission.
“I believe that by working together, we can make a difference in a child’s life. A CASA volunteer is one more advocate for the best interest of our minor children.”
Elena became a Board Member after working closely with Wayne County CASA in multiple projects. Seeing child advocacy at work through the instrumental contributions of a CASA volunteers to reunite families and finding safe and stable homes for children created a personal connection.
As a retired court administrator, Elena enjoys the love of her beautiful grandchildren, trying out new recipes and traveling.
