Advocate Spotlight: Cynthia Lacey
May Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been an Advocate since June of 2019. I realized that I wanted to be an advocate while researching various volunteer options after retirement. I wanted to do something where I felt I could really make a difference, and when I read about CASA, it seemed perfect. What could be more fulfilling than speaking out for a child?
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
It’s hard to choose just one; every aspect of being an advocate is so rewarding! At the top of the list, however, is the knowledge that I’ve helped change a child’s future - and the smile on their faces when they see me…well, it doesn’t get any better than that!
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
There will be frustrations, but don’t give up. There is almost always another way to accomplish your goal. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is work that will fill up your soul, light up your life, and feel so much better than anything else you’ve ever done!
Brennan Holland was assigned to Sarah in December 2022. Sarah entered foster care with a history of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, yet she remains incredibly resilient. Throughout her time in care, she has experienced multiple placements. Brennan quickly learned that Sarah has a strong passion for neuroscience and dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Determined to pursue her goal, she graduated early from high school and is now enrolled in the College Bound Docket program, attending her school of choice—UTSA. However, the path to achieving her dream has not been without challenges.\ Sarah received a discharge notice from her current placement and was denied Supervised Independent Living (SIL) until she turned 18. It felt as though no one was giving her a real chance. CASA stepped in to advocate for Sarah’s independence, pushing for her to live in a dorm on her own. Not everyone on her team supported this idea due to concerns about her age, limited independent living experience, and fears that she might run away, be influenced by older peers, or engage in risky behavior. CASA, however, continued to stand by Sarah, even offering financial assistance to help her move into a dorm until she became eligible for SIL. At Sarah’s next court hearing on January 24, 2025, her attorney ad litem filed a motion for her to live in a dorm at UTSA. CASA once again advocated for the court to approve this plan. The judge, quoting Brennan’s court report, stated, “Brennan said it correctly: You are going to succeed or fail based on your decisions.” Ultimately, the judge authorized Sarah to live in the dorms on campus and ordered CPS to cover the cost of SIL. CASA recently assisted Sarah in moving into her very first dorm room, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her. Since being placed on campus, she has built a strong network of supportive adults to help her thrive. The impact of CASA facilitating these vital connections is crucial in ensuring that young adults like Sarah have the support they need to successfully transition into adulthood.
Emily White
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