FEBRUARY 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!
ADELA LOW, CASA BOARD MEMBER
“I felt an immediate connection to CASA’s purpose.”
Adela’s personal and professional experiences have always centered around creating pathways to empowerment. Having worked with nonprofits and organizations, she has seen how impactful advocacy and support can be. Adela’s accounting career has led her to develop a deep appreciation for the intersection of financial expertise and community impact.
“Volunteering for an organization that amplifies the voices of vulnerable children felt like a natural extension of my values and skills.”
Adela first became involved with Wayne County CASA after learning about its mission to advocate for children in foster care. Her dedication to empowering individuals to reach their full potential is evident in her passion for mentoring, career coaching, supporting mission-driven organizations and being a trusted source of advice and encouragement.
“As a CASA Board Member, I bring not only my professional expertise but also a deep personal commitment to ensuring that every child’s story matters and that they have the resources to build their future.”
With an already extensive background in accounting, education and leadership, Adela’s dedication to supporting others has led her to pursue a master’s degree in Mental Health.
“CASA provides more than just advocacy; it offers hope and the foundation for a brighter future.”
CASA’s mission has deeply resonated with Adela’s heartfelt belief that “children represent our future, and our support is vital in helping them thrive, especially those facing challenging circumstances.”
LYNDA MCGHEE, WAYNE COUNTY ATTORNEY/GUARDIAN AD LITEM
Lynda grew up in Wayne County. From Cass Tech to Wayne State University Law School, Lynda is a true Detroiter.
Helping children has always been something she treasures. Her early days as a schoolteacher, her role as a co-director of Michigan Children’s Law Center and her work as an attorney who represents children in both delinquency and neglect/abuse cases are a testament of that.
“I suppose helping children has been in my blood for a long time.”
Lynda has shown her commitment to Wayne County CASA’s mission through her active involvement as an Attorney/Guardian Ad Litem where she requests CASA volunteers to be appointed to the cases of the children she represents. Over the years, we have also had the pleasure of having her as a speaker at CASA graduation ceremonies and a volunteer at our Christmas/holiday celebrations.
One simple prompt and Lynda had no trouble listing some of her most memorable CASA experiences. She recalls seeing the great joy that the Christmas/Holiday gift giving brought to the children. Lynda also shared how working with a CASA volunteer assigned to the case of two of her teen clients provided a valuable set of “extra eyes and support” as well as someone who “brings an objective viewpoint.” Lynda went on to describe the many ways on which this CASA volunteer’s involvement plays a critical role in better understanding the needs of her clients.
“He/[CASA volunteer] monitors the whole case (including the father’s involvement). He reports on the family’s needs and successes, attends family team meetings with the foster care workers and case managers…He even attended the graduation ceremony for one of the girls. Having a CASA has had a wonderful impact on this case.”
