Story of Hope: Kimberly Sims

Kimberly Sims sworn in as an Advocate on March 10, 2017. She signed onto her second case February of 2020. This case had 5 children and only recently closed out. One child, John, aged out of care and 3 of the children were adopted by relatives. That left Adrianna. Adrianna entered care at the age of 15 and was placed with her older brother John and a relative. Adrianna expressed from the moment she entered care that she had dreams of going to college and study marine biology. Kim vowed to ensure that Adrianna would get everything she needed to for that dream to come true.


Adrianna was referred to the college docket at the age of 16. The plan was for her to be adopted by her Aunt and Uncle. They became licensed and started the process. Adrianna completed PALS and had a circle of support. Kimberly questioned what benefits she would receive with adoption versus aging out. The department only provided what benefits she would qualify for if adopted. Kim went to work researching and meeting with her Advocate Supervisor. If Adrianna wanted to be adopted, she was in full support but because she wanted to attend college and that college would be out of town, she wanted to ensure Adrianna would be able attend school without major cost like housing.


Kimberly and her supervisor met with the placement and Olivia and discussed adoption benefits, extended care, and aging out benefits. After about a week, Adrianna decided that she wanted to enter extended care and go to college. With the help of college docket staff, Kimberly advocated fiercely at every hearing to ensure that Adrianna would remain care. The department continually asked to dismiss but the Judge agreed with Kimberly and the Ad Litem.


Adrianna stayed focused on her studies and working. Adrianna soon turned 18 and still was in high school. Kimberly remain a support to her and the family. She checked in often and ensured that Adrianna was staying on top of her studies. Adrianna graduated high school May of 2022. Adrianna applied to several schools and got into all of them.


Adrianna was so excited because she was accepted into her dream school. Kimberly started to collect items that Adrianna would need for her dorm and helped prepare her for graduation and moving off to college. Kimberly was the person that Adrianna asked to take her and her Uncle to the school to help her move in. She also asked Kimberly to be the person who attend the parent portion of the freshman orientation.


Kimberly never gave up and pushed to ensure that Adrianna received all of her benefits so she could pursue her dreams. Kimberly is a true example of an amazing Advocate and Adrianna is successfully completing her first semester of college!

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate Stephanie

By bfines • April 14, 2026
In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 14, 2026
Joy Varner
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