Story of Hope: Brenda Rodriguez

Brenda Rodriguez has found through a previous case that she has a lot of holistic support to offer young adults in College Docket. After completing her first College docket case, Brenda was requested by College Docket court staff to be assigned to Yari due to Brenda’s demonstration of Educational Advocacy and her strength of being a supportive person who is able to connect with our participants’ entire support network.


Upon assignment to her case, Brenda was aware that the children were frequently tardy or absent from school, setting them behind their peers. Yari was missing many days of school and subsequently was missing many assignments needed to graduate high school on time. Brenda maintained consistent contact with Yari for self-reports on progress and in order to encourage Yari to complete her work. Brenda also connected with Yari’s guidance counselor and teachers to create an education plan to graduate on time and double-check that all assignments were submitted. We were truly down to the wire, and Brenda’s ability to be supportive to the youth and school created an opportunity for Yari to not fall behind her peers.


During this chaotic time, Brenda was also able to push ahead with ordering Yari’s class ring, ordering graduation cap and gown, and scheduling senior portraits with the assistance of College Docket and PEARLS court. Rather than putting the cart before the horse, this further encouraged and solidified to the youth that graduation was possible!

We are happy to say that Yari has graduated from High School and has been accepted into Alamo Colleges to pursue a career in Cosmetology. With the college docket team, Brenda has been at the forefront to ensure Yari has her tuition benefits, supportive housing, and any items needed to furnish her future apartment through the THRU project. So, Yari is prepared for her transition to adulthood and higher education, Brenda has also made diligent efforts to ensure Yari is connected to therapy and community supports.


Brenda’s compassion and advocacy has directly impacted Yari’s current and future successes. Brenda’s compassionate understanding of the need for holistic approaches to higher education and advocacy has directly contributed to Yari’s High School graduation and future in college.

Story of Hope: Nanette Hall

By bfines • November 20, 2025
During their TMC case, Nanette was assigned to two young ladies who shared a deep and loving bond with their toddler brother, who had been removed under a separate case. Recognizing that these young ladies had taken on caretaker roles for their brother, Nan wanted their visits to be safe, joyful, and centered around sibling connection rather than responsibility. Understanding the importance of preserving this relationship, Nan amplified the girls’ voices and advocated for consistent, meaningful visits while separate permanency options were being explored. She collaborated closely with the younger brother’s adoptive placement, the girls’ group home, and later their foster placement to create opportunities for the siblings to spend quality time together. When Nan was later assigned to the younger brother’s case during PMC, she was finally able to personally ensure that all three children shared visits outside of the CPS office—providing natural, family-centered experiences that strengthened their bond. Despite the children being on different permanency tracks, living in three separate placements, and facing numerous setbacks, Nan’s commitment to maintaining their connection never wavered. Eventually, the youngest child was adopted. Thanks to the strong, trusting relationship Nan had built with his adoptive family, she was able to continue arranging sibling visits even after his adoption was finalized. Nan coordinated fun, family-oriented outings where the children could enjoy time together and simply be siblings. Soon after, the middle child was also adopted. Nan ensured that all siblings were present to celebrate these important milestones in each other’s lives. She continues to organize opportunities for the siblings to connect and advocates for the oldest youth, who plans to transition out of foster care when they are older. Nan’s focus has always been on the well-being of the children. Despite challenges and complex case dynamics, she remained steadfast in ensuring that the children’s needs and wishes guided every decision. Her dedication to preserving the sibling bond demonstrates her deep understanding of how essential family connection is to achieve true permanency and emotional stability.

November Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • November 20, 2025
Natalie Rodriguez
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