Advocate Spotlight: Andy Ulsher
August Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
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.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
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.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
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.
In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.
Joy Varner
