February Advocate Spotlight
Emily White
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been an advocate for about 6 months. I had been interested in volunteering with foster youth for a few years, and decided to become involved with CASA after moving to San Antonio.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an advocate?
The opportunity to invest in my CASA kid and the important people in her life has been so rewarding. It’s awesome to see her & her support system grow.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Keep an open mind! When we assume that everyone is doing their best, it is so much easier to work as a team with our kids, their families, caseworkers, etc.
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.
From January 2022 to November 2024, Michelle Custard profoundly impacted the lives of three siblings navigating the challenges of the foster care system. These children endured heartbreaking instability, including the pain of a failed adoption after a year and repeated returns to Group Homes. Each setback deepened their sense of uncertainty, but Michelle became a steadfast presence in their lives. As their CASA advocate, Michelle worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard and their needs were prioritized. She championed their right to stay together as a sibling group, safeguarded their emotional well-being, and continuously fought for their Best Interests in court. Her unwavering support gave them hope during a tumultuous time. When a cousin from another state expressed a desire to adopt the siblings, Michelle's role expanded even further. She facilitated communication between state agencies, provided much-needed emotional support to the children, and guided the cousin through the intricate and often daunting adoption requirements. The journey was anything but easy. The cousin faced numerous legal and logistical hurdles, but their determination never wavered. Thanks to Michelle’s persistence and dedication, the cousin successfully navigated the system, demonstrating their readiness to provide a loving and stable home. In the end, the siblings were united with family, beginning a new chapter filled with the stability and security they had long deserved. Michelle's advocacy not only reunited them with their kin but also changed the trajectory of their lives, ensuring they could grow and thrive together in a nurturing environment.
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