(Stanton, MI) – Crystal resident Shannon Borton, a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, has been named a 2026 Michigan Community Action Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional service to children involved in the foster care system. Borton was honored during a recognition luncheon and award ceremony at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on May 20, 2026.
Each year, Michigan Community Action honors individuals and organizations who go above and beyond in their volunteerism and philanthropy. The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates those whose commitment to service strengthens Michigan’s communities and transforms lives.
Michigan Community Action is the statewide association representing Michigan’s 27 Community Action Agencies and is part of a national network of more than 1,000 local organizations working to help individuals and families move from poverty to economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Borton has served as a Montcalm CASA volunteer for seven and a half years, advocating on behalf of children involved in abuse and neglect cases. Since being sworn in as a CASA volunteer in August 2018, she has contributed more than 633 volunteer hours, consistently accepting new case assignments whenever they become available and building meaningful, trusting relationships with the children and families connected to her cases. Her role is to ensure that children, removed from their homes through no fault of their own, have a consistent, compassionate adult advocating for their best interests throughout the court process.
“We visit with the children to build trust and understand their needs,” said Borton. “We gather information from teachers, therapists, lawyers, case workers, parents and foster parents. We prepare a report for the court not only about our findings, but what we feel is in the best interest of the children. We attend court hearings and advocate for the children. The best part of being a CASA volunteer is teaching these children they can trust, love and be heard.”
Jamie Gorby, Program Coordinator for Montcalm CASA, praised Borton for her dedication and commitment to the children and families she serves.
“Shannon encompasses the type of CASA volunteer we strive to have on our team,” said Gorby. “She takes her position very seriously, visiting regularly and often with the intention to help and support in any way she can. She has donated 633 hours to the program since becoming a volunteer and has consistently devoted her time and energy to the children she serves while balancing the responsibilities of her professional career. Shannon attends nearly every training opportunity offered to her, engaging thoughtfully and embracing new perspectives as a true lifelong learner. She is non-judgmental and has an innate ability to see people’s struggles and meet them where they are, extending a helping hand to offer hope and services. Shannon is a compassionate and empathetic volunteer, and I am so grateful and proud to have her as part of our CASA program.”
Montcalm CASA is a program of EightCAP, Inc. The CASA program trains and supports volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children involved in the Montcalm County Juvenile Court system. CASA volunteers stay with each case until it is resolved, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home, often serving as the one consistent adult in a child’s life during an incredibly uncertain time.
To learn more about the Montcalm CASA program, becoming a volunteer, or supporting its mission, please contact Jamie Gorby at (989) 831-3561 or montcalmcasa@8cap.org.
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Photo Caption: Crystal resident Shannon Borton (center) was recognized as a 2026 Michigan Community Action Volunteer of the Year during a ceremony at the Michigan State Capitol on May 20. Pictured with Borton are Susan Harding (left), CEO of Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) and Board President of Michigan Community Action, and Brian McGrain (right), Executive Director of Michigan Community Action. Borton was honored for her dedicated service as a volunteer advocate with EightCAP’s Montcalm CASA.