Advocate Spotlight: Andy Ulsher

I realized I was interested in becoming a CASA volunteer after listening to CASA commercials on TV and the radio. I investigated the organization further and decided it was definitely a worthwhile organization that made a huge impact on children in foster care. I attended the CASA orientation class and was sold on becoming an Advocate. I had the time to volunteer and thought my military background would be beneficial in guiding foster children. I wanted to be part of the solution and help children in need.

Making a difference! No doubt, making a difference in the life of my CASA kids is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate. Sometimes it’s just something small, but when you see you’ve made their life better, it’s very rewarding. I’ll never forget meeting a 3-year old boy (this was before COVID-19 protocols) for the first time at his caregivers. They told him a “man” was coming to visit him. From then on whenever I visited “John” he would always come running up to me calling me “the man, the man!” He was well adjusted and always ready to give me hug or hold my hand. Wow, talk about rewarding and impacting my life just as much as I did his! Thankfully, it appears he’ll be reunited with his mother soon, and hopefully continues to thrive.  

I have another case with three brothers: 15, 16 and 17 years old. Recently, the oldest graduated from high school and enrolled in Texas A & M University – San Antonio. I got all three enrolled in the College Docket pilot program, and they’re doing great. Mentoring the oldest and preparing him for college was very rewarding. He just moved into the dorm this past weekend. Providing guidance and mentoring his 24-year-old brother and his wife, their caregivers, has also been rewarding. Talk about an act of kindness and generosity for a 24-year old brother, his wife and their two kids to foster three younger brothers! They live in somewhat austere conditions, but the older brother had been trying to care for his brothers for three years. The State moved them around to other relatives and finally approved him. I worked hard to get them approved as a Foster Family, and once approved, it was most rewarding. All of them are doing well and thriving.  

Start with an easier case and work your way into more complicated cases as you gain experience as an Advocate. There’s so much to learn as a new Advocate. Rely on your CASA supervisor for guidance and help. Once we get past the COVID-19 issue, reach out to other Advocates and network with them. Learn from them and their cases. Attend the monthly training and events offered by CASA. Remember you are there to “act in the best interest of the children” and that might not be what the caseworker, ad litem, caregiver or others want. Stand up for what you think it right. You get to testify before the Judge on your case and he or she values your opinion. If you’re doing your Advocacy right, you’ve most likely spent more time with the children and know them even better than their caseworker.