Advocate Impact: Benny Soto & JoAnn Herring
July Story of Hope
Written By: Benny and JoAnn's Advocate Supervisor
Christina (8), and Anna (7), were brought into care for neglectful supervision, physical abuse and allegations of sexual abuse by mom’s boyfriend. The girls were also found dirty and hungry. Even though the girls were only a year apart, Christina assumed the parental role and protected Anna in any way she could. When they were removed they were placed in an emergency shelter until a maternal aunt was located for placement. Around the 6 month mark of the case the maternal aunt was going back and forth with CPS on if she was going to be able to care for the girls’ long term. JoAnn and Benny assured them that no matter where they were placed their CASA’s would be with them every step of the way. The next month CPS got the call that the aunt could no longer care for them and for the caseworker to go pick up the girls up as soon as possible. At this point in the case there had already been 4 different caseworkers and it was not looking like permanency for these girls was an option. Finally, a foster to adopt placement was identified and the girls were placed almost immediately. CASA made a placement visit to see how the girls were adjusting and they both stated they could see that there was an instant bond between the four of them.
JoAnn and Benny assured them that no matter where they were placed their CASA’s would be with them every step of the way.
Everything seemed to be going great for a few months and the case was nearing the 10-month mark when another Great Aunt, whom the children had never met, came forward and wanted to be considered for placement. When the children got wind of the possibility of being moved again their anxiety went through the roof and they were constantly worried about being ripped out of yet another home and placed with strangers. They had also just gotten over the fact that their previous Aunt did not want them and could no longer care for them. To make matters worse, the case was transferred yet again to another caseworker. Benny and JoAnn remained the one constant on this case and were able to give a bit of background to the new caseworker.
The new caseworker did a preliminary home assessment on the Great Aunt but felt it would be in their best interest if the children stayed with their current foster parents. The CASA’s also expressed that these girls needed permanency as soon as possible and they did not feel it was in their best interest to drag this case on longer that it already had. In the end, the parents’ rights were terminated and the foster family was able to
successfully adopt the girls. Christina was assured that she would no longer have to take care of her sister and that she could just be a kid again.
This family along with Benny and JoAnn will be featured in this year’s
Gallery of Hope.
JoAnn and Benny have successfully completed two cases and are currently working two special requests cases, totaling 6 children all together.
Advocates like JoAnn and Benny are able to make a considerable difference in children's lives through the training and support they receive through CASA. Your gifts make it possible for more compassionate volunteers to be trained. Please consider making a gift
today as we try to ensure that every child who needs an advocate will get one!
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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!
Brittany Coppage
