Story of Hope: Sylvia Reyna

 In the heart of San Antonio, a story of resilience and hope unfolds, illustrating the profound impact of a CASA advocate on the lives of children navigating the complexities of the child protective services system. This story centers on two siblings, a brother (14) and a sister (16), living in circumstances no child should ever face. They endured years of neglect and physical abuse while under the care of their elderly grandparents and delinquent parents, their young lives clouded by despair, uncertainty, and unspeakable trauma—including their mother's death and father's incarceration when CPS assumed custody.


Enter CASA, a beacon of hope and advocacy in a tumultuous time as they navigated life in unfamiliar home and school surroundings, countless rules and regulations, investigative personnel, doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, lawyers, and court appearances. A CASA volunteer was appointed to the siblings' case, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the children and everyone involved in their path to healing and stability.


The children's CASA advocate profoundly understood that trust is the cornerstone of recovery for children. As such, the advocate approached the siblings gently and consistently, offering them a sense of safety and predictability they had long been missing. Through regular visits, attentive listening, and the simple act of being there, she slowly but surely began rebuilding the trust their previous experiences had shattered.


One of the advocate's primary goals was to ensure that the siblings were placed in a stable, nurturing home environment where they could thrive. The advocate worked tirelessly to advocate for their placement in a home that met their physical needs and provided a loving, supportive atmosphere. The advocate's strategic interventions and persistent advocacy in court were instrumental in their kinship placement with their uncle. He served as a lifeline and accepted the challenge of helping raise two teenagers when he had already raised three of his children. The home situation, however, was not without its share of difficulties. It was clear that the sister's prolonged childhood trauma proved to be a challenge. Upon her 18th birthday, she decided to leave the state's care and, subsequently, her uncle's home, determined to make it independently without support services. Within two and a half months, the sister requested extended care services from the state because she had no educational skills or means of support and had lost custody of her baby due to false reports made by the grandparents. She was lost and needed help. After a long and arduous journey to find housing for the sister, the CASA advocate rallied with the children's ad litem to secure a spot for her at Seton Home. She has since reunified with her two-year-old daughter, and both are thriving.


School can be a sanctuary for children facing turmoil at home, offering structure, normalcy, and the opportunity for achievement. Unfortunately, the children's educational career was often interrupted or even derailed because of their involved trauma, which led to numerous absences, missed credits, and a general aversion to school. The CASA advocate collaborated closely with educators and school counselors to ensure the siblings received the needed academic and emotional support. This included individualized education plans to address learning gaps, counseling services to help them process their experiences, and extracurricular activities to foster their talents and interests. Through these efforts, the young man is thriving in a new school, and his sister is on her way to completing her GED. The dramatic change in their approach to schooling will ensure a future filled with possibilities.


Perhaps the most profound role of the CASA advocate was that of an unwavering source of support—a shoulder to lean on during life's inevitable ups and downs. Whether celebrating academic achievements, offering encouragement through setbacks, or simply being a compassionate listener, the advocate was a constant presence in the siblings' lives, embodying the essence of hope and resilience.


The journey of these siblings, the brother now 16 and the sister now 19, is a testament to the transformative power of strategic, compassionate advocacy. As they continue to heal and grow, their story serves as a beacon of hope for countless other children navigating childhood trauma. It underscores the critical importance of CASA volunteers and the indelible impact they can have on the lives of vulnerable children.


In a world where despair can easily overshadow hope, these siblings' stories remind us of the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the power of dedicated individuals to ignite change. These children were given a chance at a better life and became a symbol of hope and perseverance for others in similar situations.


As I share this story, please join me in celebrating the courage of these remarkable siblings and the CASA program's unwavering mission to ensure every child can thrive in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. This story is a call to action, a reminder of the difference one person can make in a child's life, and an invitation to become a part of this life-changing journey.



I am proud of my two CASA children—theirs is a story of hope.

Sylvia R. Reyna, Ph.D.

By bfines April 25, 2025
A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination On April 24, 2025, the National CASA/GAL Association announced that its federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been terminated. As a result, National CASA is suspending subaward disbursements, training programs, and technical assistance. The organization is actively appealing the decision and assessing what services it can continue to provide during this transition. Info from National CASA can be found here. We understand that this announcement may raise concerns in the community, and we want to provide reassurance and clarity regarding how this news affects Child Advocates San Antonio. First and foremost: There is no impact to our organization or our services. We are fully operational and remain committed to serving the children and families in our community with the same excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment we have always shown. Here are key facts we want our supporters and the public to know: Our funding remains secure. Child Advocates San Antonio has a diverse and stable funding base that includes a healthy mix of public and private funding. No one funding stream exceeds 50% of our budget. You can access our recent financials HERE. Our stability comes from strong state support and our dedicated Bexar County community, which keeps Child Advocates San Antonio resilient and focused on serving children. We do not receive subawards from National CASA. The suspension of subaward disbursements has no bearing on our funding or ability to operate. Our training programs continue without interruption. Our comprehensive and high-quality Advocate training programs are fully intact. We do not require technical assistance from National CASA. Our team is experienced, well-resourced, and prepared to continue all programming. No cuts, no hiring freezes, no changes to our operations. We remain fully staffed and actively engaged in our mission to advocate for children in foster care. Our commitment to advocating for children in foster care is unwavering, and our services continue as usual. We want to be clear: Child Advocates San Antonio is strong, stable, and here to stay. CASA programs in Texas are strong, independent, and fully committed to children in foster care. While we’re aware of the situation with National CASA/GAL, it doesn’t impact the critical advocacy happening here. Our commitment is clear: we will stand with the children we serve—until they are safe, their voices are heard, and their futures are secure. Our focus, as always, is on advocating for the best interests of children and ensuring they have a voice in court. Public support at all levels, including individuals, ensures we remain strong, regardless of national developments. No matter what, our mission stays the same – every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and have their voice heard. CASA’s mission is as important as ever— children in foster care need advocates who will stand by them. Start your Advocate Journey today!
By bfines April 11, 2025
Brittany Coppage
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