A longtime community service organization and a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities were recognized for their lasting impact on local families during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Each year, LACASA Center’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council and Great Start/Help Me Grow Livingston invite community nominations for the Champions for Children awards. A selection committee reviews submissions and honors those making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
“Children today are navigating a world of increasingly complex challenges, but compassionate adults can make a profound difference in the course of their lives,” said LACASA Director of Family Prevention and Education Holly Naylor. “Our Champions for Children are stepping up in powerful ways, modeling inclusion and offering encouragement, consistency, and a place where every child feels they truly belong.”
This year’s winners, who were recognized at the annual Pinwheels for Prevention event at the Howell Carnegie District Library, are:
Kasey Hilton
A family advocate with The Arc Livingston County, Kasey Hilton supports families of children with intellectual and physical disabilities by helping them navigate complex systems and connecting them with critical resources. She serves as a bridge between schools, service providers, and caregivers, ensuring families feel informed and supported. Drawing from her own experience as a parent of a child with disabilities, Hilton recently authored a book inspired by her son’s journey to help children facing surgery feel more prepared and empowered. A former educator and swim coach, she has also helped connect the University of Michigan’s adaptive sports programs with Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. Hilton’s dedication extends throughout her community, where she serves as president of the Southwest Elementary School PTO and leads the school’s yearbook program.
Brighton Optimist Club
The Brighton Optimist Club has spent nearly 50 years supporting children and families across Livingston County through meaningful programs, events, and charitable giving. Their signature traditions, including the annual Fishing Derby at Brighton Mill Pond, now in its 40th year, and the bike decorating contest and safety ride in the Fourth of July Parade, bring generations of families together each year. Beyond these events, the club supports youth through scholarships and partnerships with local organizations. Through monthly euchre tournaments alone, they have raised more than $37,000 since 2021 for nonprofits serving children and families. Their lasting impact continues to strengthen the community and create opportunities for young people to thrive.
The event included performances by the Voyager Elementary School fifth-grade choir, and remarks from guest speaker Nicole Lusk of Hartland Consolidated Schools who shared the impact the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) training has had on her district. After receiving the HOPE training from LACASA, Lusk has gone on to train dozens of staff members in Hartland.
LACASA’s Canine Advocate Ember was on hand for the event, and the agency also unveiled a painting by local artist Susan Pominville honoring Ember’s predecessor, Penny, who died in 2024. According to Pominville, the piece reflects Penny’s impact on the children she comforted.
“Her name rests across her body, joined by the names of other animals – each representing a family who supported this project,” Pominville said. “Together, they add a layer of meaning, reflecting the comfort, loyalty, and steady presence animals bring into our lives.”
The painting will be displayed in LACASA’s Children’s Advocacy Center.
To learn more about LACASA’s CAP Council and the different trainings and workshops offered in April and throughout the year, click HERE.
