Advocate Spotlight: JoAnn & Benny

July Advocate Interview

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
We became Advocates May 2017. We had been discussing volunteering for an organization since the Fall of 2016. After attending an information session in early 2017 and finding it very positive, we left realizing we decided to make a commitment to volunteer for CASA.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The most rewarding aspect as an Advocate has been making a real connection with the children, establishing a trusting relationship and offering our support. As our relationships developed, we discovered how important our role is in the lives of these children who have experienced so much trauma in their lives.

3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Our words of encouragement to any Advocate would be for them to remember that they should never feel as if they are alone throughout their journey as volunteers. We would stress that CASA has many resources to assist them in resolving issues that may come up as they work their case(s). Their CASA Supervisor is always their primary resource. Supervisors are very responsive and always have or can find answers to questions or concerns involving all aspects of the cases. Their guidance and support is always just a phone call away.

Story of Hope: Brennan Holland

By bfines • February 13, 2025
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.

February Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • February 13, 2025
Emily White
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