October Advocate Spotlight
Laura and Simeon Sutton
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
We became advocates in February 2019. We experienced some things in our extended family that made us re-evaluate how we were spending our time. As we considered our values, there was no question that CASA was the right organization for our volunteer commitment. Simeon filled out the volunteer application the same night he discovered CASA. We simply could not stand by when confronted with the needs of vulnerable children right here in our city.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
We experienced the power and love of CASA while holding our CASA children during their moments of pain and fear. We held them when they cried at the end of parent visit, we held them when they were transported to a shelter, we held them when they were alone at the shelter, and we held them when they lashed out hitting and screaming. It has been an honor to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable children in our community.
As a result of our advocacy, our CASA children avoided placement in another shelter and were instead placed with their grandmother who loved and cared for them. Our case had a happy ending with reunification with the children’s’ family.
During our most recent case, we did our best to locate our CASA baby’s biological mom and dad who were missing since the baby’s birth. We discovered contacts and placement options that CPS didn’t have the time or resources to find. In the end, our CASA baby was placed with a loving foster family, but knowing we left no stone unturned gave a level of comfort that every family option was pursued.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Very few organizations give you the opportunity to volunteer on the front line like CASA does. As an advocate, we directly interact with many of San Antonio’s most vulnerable and precious children.
As our city returns to “normal” life after COVID, the need in Bexar County has never been greater. Many children’s shelters have closed, and children struggle to find placement. As CASA advocates, we stand in the gap for these children and youth so they do not fall through the cracks. We give them a voice, look them in the eye and tell them they are seen and loved.
Also know that CASA is a first-class operation. Their relationship with the Court and the larger community is stellar. You are joining a highly respected organization in the city.
Being new to the world of social work and foster care, the CASA training was overwhelming – but excellent preparation for our role as advocates. The support from our advocate supervisor was above and beyond our expectations. Our supervisor was on call late at night and on the weekends to offer support and advice. Know that your supervisor is there to support you and that you are not alone.
