Hillsdale CASA, INC. - Child Advocates

06/12/2026

Make sure to come out to this free event! CASA will be there among many other organizations and businesses!

06/08/2026

Age-Appropriate Discipline for a 2-Year-Old

The goal of discipline for a 2-year-old is not punishment—it is teaching, guiding, and supporting development.

Toddlers are still learning how to manage emotions, handle frustration, and communicate their needs.

Their brains are not yet developed enough for strong impulse control or emotional regulation.

Because of this, discipline should focus on connection, safety, and consistent boundaries.

Simple, clear expectations help toddlers understand what is being asked of them.

Instead of long explanations, short phrases like “gentle hands” or “feet stay on the floor” work best.

At this age, children learn through repetition and co-regulation, not fear or shame.

Redirecting behavior, offering choices, and staying calm are often more effective than punishment.

Natural consequences and modeling appropriate behavior help toddlers connect actions with outcomes over time.

It’s also important to remember that tantrums and big emotions are developmentally normal at this stage.

A calm, supportive adult helps toddlers feel safe enough to learn from difficult moments.

Discipline during the toddler years is about building skills, trust, and emotional security—not demanding perfection.



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06/08/2026

We're Looking for New Youth Advisory Council Members!

The Hillsdale County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is seeking enthusiastic students who want to make a difference in their community!

We currently have openings for:
✅ One homeschool student (age 14, 15, or 16)
✅ One freshman or sophomore student from North Adams-Jerome High School

As a YAC member, you'll help award grants, organize community service projects, develop leadership skills, and work alongside students from across Hillsdale County to create positive change.

If you're interested in serving your community and building valuable leadership experience, we'd love to hear from you!

📄 Applications can be downloaded from our website. www.abouthccf.org
📅 Apply today and become a voice for youth in Hillsdale County!

06/06/2026

Come see CASA, CAPA, and DHHS at the story walk on the courthouse lawn. Here today until noon!

06/06/2026

we will be here this morning! Come say hi while you’re at the farmers market!

06/04/2026

GUESS WHAT?! It’s CASA fundraiser time! We have highly requested dog bandannas! As well as cups and various tops! All orders and payment due by June 30th.

To pay- visit our website at www.hillsdalecasa.org and select the donation button. In the notes make sure to include size, color, and item. If you need to pay a different way please message this page or text Heather at 517 425 4145.

Please share share share! Thanks so much!

05/29/2026

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05/29/2026

Carlos and Michigan CASA President & CEO Susanna just came and spent the day at Hillsdale CASA! We had such a nice visit that we forgot to take a picture so this will have to do 😂 Welcome Carlos!

Meet Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, our new Partner Engagement Manager!
Carlos brings a background in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and values-aligned partnership-building to his role at Michigan CASA — with experience spanning organizations like Camp Blodgett, the Grand Rapids Chamber, Cherry Health Foundation, and Broadway Grand Rapids. His exposure to Family Court and child-welfare-adjacent experiences deepened his belief that every child deserves a consistent, trained adult in their corner. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education with a Fine Arts minor from Grand Valley State University.
When he is not at work, you can find him adventuring with his hubby (Disney, especially), exploring the map, and enjoying life in Michigan with his family and sassy fur kid, Chai Foster. Oh, and he spent his senior year of high school in Finland — so he brings a truly global perspective to West Michigan.
We are so glad he is part of the team. 💙

05/22/2026

New this year, Camp Courage has opened up registration to children in foster care! Contact Hospice for more information!

Our Annual Camp Courage is upon us! Join us Saturday, June 20th, from 9am-6pm, for our children's day camp at Camp Michindoh. This camp is FREE, open to the public, and eligible for children ages 6-14 that have experienced loss.

For more information and/or to get registered, please contact our office at 517-437-5252!

05/22/2026