January - Inspirational Moments
Dream to Advocate like Dr. King
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,
‘What are you doing for others?”
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known throughout history as one of the most influential civil rights leaders. A Baptist minister advocating for nonviolent means to end racial segregation, he sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and all victims of injustice through peaceful protests.
He, much like our advocates and our mission, are engaged in their community and providing a voice for those facing disparities. In 2019 African American children in Bexar County represented about 13% of the general population, and about 22% of the children in foster care. Facing disproportionality on top of the trauma that comes from entering the foster care system, these kids desire a person who will speak up for them, just like many longed for someone like Dr. King.
Not only has the COVID 19 crisis disproportionately impacted communities of color, but it has also brought a heightened awareness to ensure our children in foster care have an advocate that provides a powerful voice. We all have seen the world change in front of our eyes, at times with an unclear path. As CASA Volunteers we often deal with similar feelings on our cases, put in situations we have never experienced.
The passion and dedication demonstrated by each Volunteer truly is the heart of our agency. Always working to maintain the child’s best interest. Though this year our visits and court hearings may look different, our mission has not changed. Our Volunteers have worked harder than ever to make impacts while navigating their cases with love and empathy.
This year, without a doubt, is historical and CASA continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy by recruiting and training a diverse group of advocates in order to mirror the diverse group of kids we serve. Our goal is to fill the void of disproportionality and support each advocate as they become a part of changing the lives of children who have faced child abuse and neglect.
In December 2024, the Department requested TMC for a youth, Zoe, who was found to be homeless after both parents refused to accept parental responsibility. The mother had an extensive CPS history, and the alleged father had CPS history and a criminal history. While in care, life became challenging as Zoe made decisions that jeopardized placement; choosing to skip school, run away from placement, and get arrested for a misdemeanor charge. As a result of these behaviors, the Department placed Zoe in a facility out of state. In August 2025, Staff Advocate, Yvonne, accepted the Crossover Court Case involving Zoe. During the initial Zoom meeting between Yvonne and Zoe, the youth shared her love for sketching, singing, and making people smile. Zoe further shared her hopes and dreams with Yvonne; stating that if parental rights were terminated, she hopes to be adopted by a loving family and wants to pursue her dream of having a career in law enforcement. Recently, Yvonne had the opportunity to visit Zoe at her out-of-state placement, where their conversations were not limited by time on a video call. When Yvonne met Zoe in person, she shared that she couldn’t sleep the morning of Yvonne’s arrival because she feared that Yvonne would be another adult who did not show up for her. Yvonne was able to lay that worry to rest by simply keeping her word, a small act that means the world to the children CASA serves. During the visit, Zoe shared that she wanted to make her CASA proud by improving her school grades, staying out of trouble with peers at placement, and staying busy with extracurricular activities. Yvonne was happy to hear Zoe share her aspirations and encouraged Zoe to continue on this positive path. The conversations about Zoe’s day-to-day happenings in life led her to share the more traumatic events with Yvonne. Yvonne listened and provided a space for Zoe to share what she was comfortable with. Yvonne encouraged Zoe to continue processing her trauma and grief with her therapist and find peace, past the pain of being estranged from her family and individuals whom she trusted. Despite the setbacks Zoe has endured in efforts to restore family connections, Yvonne continues to show up and support Zoe in self-advocating for her educational and placement needs as she approaches adulthood. Zoe’s educational goal is to attend her senior prom and walk across the stage at a public high school to receive her diploma. Most importantly, Zoe hopes to be placed in a Texas foster home where she will be protected, loved, and trusted. Regardless of where life and the case takes Zoe, Yvonne will be there at every turn.
Maquisha Nunn
