July Advocate Spotlight

Constance Kirk

 1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I’ve been an Advocate for 3 1/2 years. I was encouraged by some friends who were Advocates to become a CASA after my 3 children left home for college. I realized I missed being around children and wanted to assist those most in need of attention.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate? 
The most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate is seeing a child’s eyes light up when you visit, and knowing you’ve made their day a little brighter. And, of course, at the end of a case it is especially rewarding if reunification occurs, and the children are thrilled to be back in their parents’ home. It’s a good feeling to know that CASA has helped that family through a very difficult time. 

3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Remember that you may be the person who makes a difference in the lives of children who are going through an extremely stressful, confusing experience. Your attention to details may help a child get medical or psychological care that he needs, or even a tablet to allow him to participate in online classes. Try to take it a week at a time, and, at the end of the case you will know that you did all that you could for those children and, hopefully, helped pave the way to a brighter future for them. 

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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