Advocate Spotlight: Cecilia Grainger
April Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been a CASA advocate for exactly one year. In college, I had a professor who was a CASA advocate and she would talk about CASA and the impact they have on children in the foster care system. I also heard different stories from Carrie Bond, a friend from church, who was a CASA advocate at the time. However, I was in nursing school and didn’t have enough time to adequately devote to the children in a case. So, when I moved back to San Antonio after I graduated, I started looking into it. At the beginning of 2019, I was set on becoming an advocate. The more I looked into CASA, the more I desired to volunteer and have an impact in the lives of these sweet children, so I decided that it was time! I took classes in April and became an advocate. It has been such a great year! I just finished my first case and I am looking forward to taking on more.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
To me, the most rewarding aspect of being an advocate is knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of children who have been a part of unfortunate circumstances. When my two children from my first case saw me for our visits, they would get so excited, and they were only 1 and 2 years old. It was so fun to just play with them and get to love on them. You know you are doing a good job at being an advocate when one of your kiddos tells you “I love you” and gives you a great big hug at the end of each visit.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
My words of encouragement to my fellow advocates would be this: love your children and make them feel special. No matter their age, they will love you back. You may only be making a difference for one child in your case, but it can be a world of difference to that child. You may be the only thing standing between them and a threatening situation. Also, I was initially worried about taking on a case with younger children because I wondered how difficult it would be to communicate with them. However, on our first visit, we were already the best of buds. Don’t be discouraged by the age of the child or their current circumstances. Instead, get onto their level and there will be no barriers.
Cecilia is also a registered nurse, and we want to give her a very special thank you for being part of the team of health heroes who are diligently serving our community during this time.
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.
Joy Varner
