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San Antonio, TX 78222

February Advocate Spotlight

Cynthia Catlin-Gaskins

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?

Since 2010 or 2011? I had been involved with several volunteer activities helping groups of children for a one-time event for many years. While I knew I was helping meet a need with the organization and indirectly the children, I wanted to be more involved directly with smaller groups or individual children and families to really help make a lasting difference in their lives. When my youngest son started driving, I knew it was time to take this step to become a CASA and I have never regretted it.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?

For me, those “moments” when you can say to yourself “this is why I was needed for this specific case, for these children, this family.” In every one of my cases, from the most simple to the very complex, there has always been those moments, and that very first moment in any case is especially rewarding.

3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?

You are giving an incredible gift of your time, your expertise and most of all your dedication as you make a difference in the lives of children and families that helps shape their future. Also, remember that your supervisor is also on the CASA journey with you and it’s important to reach out to him/her when you start to feel frustrated or disillusioned as they can help remind you of the bigger picture.

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Become a CASA Volunteer Advocate

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.