October Advocate Spotlight

Mary Young

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

1. How long have you been an Advocate?

“It's been an incredible journey serving as a CASA Advocate for nearly a year now.”


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

“The most rewarding aspect of being a CASA Advocate is witnessing transformation in the children we serve. There's so much joy in seeing these young souls flourish in environments where they feel genuinely loved and secure. It touches me to see the weight of stress lifting from their shoulders - stress no child should bear - as they no longer have to worry about their basic needs being met. Watching them rediscover the simple pleasure of just being a kid, is a privilege that never fails to warm my heart.”

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

”To incoming advocates, I would say this: embrace the support network around you. Your CASA supervisor and CPS caseworker are not just colleagues; they're invaluable allies in this emotional journey. Don't hesitate to lean on them. They have a wealth of experience and understanding, particularly when it comes to the complex feelings you'll encounter regarding your kids' situations. There will inevitably be moments when your heart will break because of what these children have endured. In those times, remember that you're not alone. The support and guidance from your team will not only help you navigate these challenges but will also inspire you to continue being a beacon of hope and a source of practical solutions for the families you serve. Your role is crucial, and with this support, you'll find the strength to make a lasting difference in these children's lives.”

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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