Every child in the foster care system deserves someone in their corner — and for Emily Grant, that belief has shaped both her personal and professional life. A longtime Lawrence resident and law professor, Emily became involved with Douglas County CASA after serving as a foster parent and seeing firsthand the difference consistent advocacy can make.
As she wraps up her three-year term on the Board of Directors, Emily reflects on her time with CASA, what she’s learned about effective advocacy, and how the entire community can play a part in helping children thrive.
How did you first get connected with Douglas County CASA, and what drew you to join the board?
I first learned about Douglas County CASA while I was a licensed foster parent. Through that experience, I came to really appreciate the consistency CASA advocates bring to children in the system. Having the same volunteer work with a child over time — someone who truly has that child’s best interests at heart — makes such a difference. It also supports foster parents like me, because you know there’s another adult in the process who you can trust and who’s advocating for the kiddo.
When I later learned more about the organization’s mission, it felt like a natural fit. I’ve always been interested in supporting children in the system, and I also enjoy the administrative and structural side of things — making sure systems actually work for people. Serving on the board brought those two worlds together in a really meaningful way.
What inspired you to become a foster parent, and what did that experience teach you?
I’ve always been drawn to caring for small children. At the same time, I’m good at the logistical side of things, and foster care comes with a lot of logistics: paperwork, appointments, checklists, regulations. Those two skill sets just seemed to fit together.
From the beginning, I knew adoption wasn’t my calling. I entered foster care with a focus on reunification — on providing a safe, stable place for kids during a difficult time and helping them get where they needed to go next. I think that clarity made the experience a little easier, because I understood my role. I was the way station, and that was exactly where I wanted to be.
What was your experience like serving on Douglas County CASA’s board?
Serving on the board has been such a valuable experience. It’s a really dynamic group of people with a wide range of professional backgrounds and levels of connection to the foster care system, from social work to law to community organizing. That mix makes for great conversations and a lot of creative problem-solving.
Most of our work centers on supporting the executive director and staff with big-picture strategy, budget planning, and policy development. It’s not glamorous work — mostly meetings and brainstorming sessions — but it’s meaningful. I’ve been continually impressed by the leadership team, especially Erick, the Executive Director, and Katie, the Development Director. They run a strong, thoughtful organization that’s both mission-driven and incredibly well managed.
What have you found most rewarding about being part of Douglas County CASA?
This was really my first experience serving on a community board, and I’ve found it deeply rewarding to see up close how well the organization operates. As a board member, I’ve worked most closely with Erick and Katie, and they’re both extraordinary at what they do. They lead with passion, but also with professionalism and care — qualities that have created a strong, cohesive team focused entirely on the well-being of kids in our community.
I think that’s what’s impressed me most: Douglas County CASA isn’t just doing good work; it’s doing it really well. It’s a well-run, mission-driven organization that balances heart with effectiveness, and being part of that has been truly inspiring.
Why do you believe Douglas County CASA’s work is so vital for children and families in our community?
Children in the system are often facing enormous challenges at a really young age, and they have so much potential. When we can support them during what’s likely one of the most difficult and confusing times in their lives, we’re not only helping them in that moment — we’re helping them grow into strong, capable adults who can give back to the community in the future.
That’s what Douglas County CASA does so well: It provides consistency, care, and advocacy at a time when everything else may feel unstable. And when we support children, we’re also supporting their families — our neighbors, coworkers, and fellow community members. Each act of advocacy strengthens the fabric of the whole community.
How has your time on the board shaped the way you think about advocacy or community involvement?
I’ve learned that running a nonprofit service organization takes far more than good intentions — it requires strategy, efficiency, and persistence. Having a heart for kids is essential, but translating that passion into sustainable, effective work is a complex challenge. It’s about balancing mission with practicality.
Watching how Douglas County CASA operates has really deepened my respect for that balance. The organization pairs passion with professionalism — telling the story, inspiring people to care, and then following through with the systems and structure that make real impact possible. It’s a reminder that meaningful advocacy takes both heart and hard work.
What are your hopes for Douglas County CASA’s future — and how can the community support that vision?
Douglas County CASA’s ongoing goal has always been to ensure that every child in our community who’s in the system has a dedicated advocate, and we’re not there yet. My hope is that the organization continues to grow in a sustainable way, expanding its reach while maintaining the thoughtful, well-managed approach that makes it so effective.
For the community, support can take many forms. Not everyone can be an advocate, but everyone can help in some way — by becoming a financial partner, by attending events, or simply by talking about Douglas County CASA and helping more people understand what it does. Every new connection strengthens the network of care around these kids and helps the organization move closer to that vision of an advocate for every child.
