“Getting A Grip” is a brand new show for Michigan Business Network, hosted by long-time MBN contributor Michael Maddox. Presented below is Episode 15!
In this weekly program Mike’s interview, covers how Hope is a transformational business adviser, Hope serves both the private and public sector to formulate creative solutions that lead to expanded service capacity and operational efficiencies. A strong believer in community development, Hope is an advocate for social enterprises that serve the greater good; In this episode of “Getting a GRIP”
This episode’s guest: Rachel Swedburg.
Watch Rachel and Mike discuss how CASA for Kids strengthens advocacy for foster-care youth across Barry, Eaton & Ingham counties using EOS-driven leadership and more in the SoundCloud PodCast shared below!
More about Rachel, and her organization:
Rachel Swedburg, Executive Director & Visionary/Integrator, CASA for Kids Barry, Eaton, and Ingham Counties in Michigan.
www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-swedburg-2aa6a221a/
www.linkedin.com/company/casa-for…ts/?feedView=all
www.casaforkidsinc.org/our-staff–board.html
www.casaforkidsinc.org/about.html
In this episode of Getting A Grip, Rachel Swedburg shares the inspired arc of her career—from youth services leadership to spinning into the Executive Director role at CASA for Kids covering Barry, Eaton, and Ingham Counties. She delves into using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework to build organizational clarity, align her team around a shared “Why,” and scale advocacy efforts for foster-care youth in central Michigan.
Swedburg also shines a spotlight on how CASA for Kids mobilizes volunteer advocates, partners with local businesses and agencies, and leverages data-driven strategies to give voice to children in the foster system. She underscores that while the mission is deeply personal, the results are measurable: increased permanency rates, stronger community engagement, and sustainable funding models that empower every local partner to play a role.
About CASA
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Our mission is to provide volunteer advocacy within the court system and the community on behalf of children in the foster care system who have experienced abuse and neglect. We are committed to serving every child we can, regardless of race, background, or identity, because we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive, and permanent home where they can thrive.
Our volunteers undergo extensive training on trauma, child development, child welfare, advocacy, DEI, and the court system. Volunteers are matched with a supervisory staff who provides ongoing mentorship and support. They are then sworn in as court officers and intentionally matched with a child or sibling group, whom they meet weekly for the entire court case. Volunteers receive a court order that gives them access to all information pertaining to the child. This is unique to this position, as no other role entrusts volunteers or paid individuals outside of the child welfare system.
Show music: “On Top”
Grace McCoy
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