Cassopolis, Michigan, October 10, 2025 – Since 1992, the Michigan Family Support Council (MFSC) has honored individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and service to Michigan’s domestic relations field through its annual awards program. The Friend of the Court (FOC) Supervisor Award recognizes an FOC staff leader who exemplifies outstanding leadership and fosters a positive and inclusive work environment.
We are proud to announce that on October 10, 2025, Cass County Friend of the Court Director Sarah Mathews was selected as the 2025 recipient of this prestigious award at the MFSC Fall Conference.
FOC staff, with strong support from Cass County’s Chief Judge Carol M. Bealor, submitted the following nomination highlighting Director Mathews’ exemplary leadership and commitment:
Sarah Mathews has dedicated the past eight years to serving in the Friend of the Court (FOC), where she has worn many hats, including Deputy FOC and now Director. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have made her an essential pillar of support within the office. Before her time at the FOC, she spent nearly a decade as an attorney, both in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and in private practice, where she tirelessly advocated for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Beyond her legal expertise, Sarah is a mentor and coach to court staff in our county. Always approachable and generous with her time, she willingly shares her knowledge and guidance, helping others grow professionally and personally. Her collaborative nature and dedication have significantly impacted the quality of service we provide.
In alignment with our FOC mission, “serving and empowering families to improve the lives of children,” Sarah works to ensure staff have the tools, processes, and support needed to fulfill this vision. Thanks to her, systems are not only more efficient but also more compassionate and family focused. She has been instrumental in refining office procedures and creating sustainable practices that benefit both staff and the families we serve.
Her commitment doesn't stop at our county lines. She is always ready to share successful strategies and tools with other counties, helping them build the same capacity for excellence. Her belief in continuous improvement and collective growth speaks volumes about her character and leadership.
Perhaps most importantly, she has long championed the importance of a positive office culture. Her efforts to foster an environment of respect, support, and collaboration often go unrecognized, yet they are felt daily by all who work alongside her. For these reasons and more, she deserves recognition for her exceptional contributions and the quiet, consistent impact she makes every day.
A roster of all categories and past recipients can be accessed online at: https://mifsc.org/awards-program/