November Advocate Spotlight

Joseph Zlotkowski

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

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

It will be four years as an advocate come December 2022. I realized I wanted to be an advocate when I learned about CASA from a co-worker. I did some research on the CASA website. I prayed about this and came to realize I should try to be a CASA.



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

This is difficult as my cases have not always turned out well. I continue to reach out to my children to see how they are doing, but there are very few replies. I continue in this work because it allows me to help give the kids a better chance in life. It is so easy for them to fall between the cracks. I find myself working with the various agencies and staff to coordinate their efforts and make sure the kids have the best chance possible. 


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

Be persistent. Be present. Your work is making a difference. It may be years before your kids realize how much of a difference you made in their lives. They may find someone else to be their mentor and you will know you helped connect them with that person. You are helping fill the cracks in their lives and giving them hope.

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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