Advocate Spotlight: Donna Anguiano
October Advocate Spotlight
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I was sworn in as a CASA Volunteer on Feb. 15, 2019. I first started thinking I would like to volunteer about a year earlier when I heard about CASA on the radio. The commercial tugged at my heart and mind. I am a momma to 6 kids and have 9 beautiful and active grandchildren! I had such a hectic schedule and wondered if I could add CASA to the mix. It took several months of thinking about if I could make the time, I felt I would need, to dedicate to CASA kids. I really wanted to. I’m grateful the CASA commercials never stopped! I finally decided to go for it and am so glad that I did.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
I think the most rewarding thing has been seeing how I’ve been able to make a positive difference in the lives of my two CASA boys. I am still on my first case and have worked with the boys and their gramma, who is their Kinship caregiver, since March 2019. One of the boys has recently been adopted by Gramma and the other one should be soon! I have enjoyed working with their gramma too and helping her maneuver the many things she has had to do to reach the point of being able to adopt her grandsons. There have been many bumps in the road for Gramma and the boys during this past 18-19 months and it has filled my heart with joy when we’ve been able to work through the rough patches together. The absolute happiest days for me have been the ones where I get to see my boys truly happy and smiling.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
I think the very first word of advice would be to remember you have a supervisor!!! The second is to not be afraid to ask questions. I have a wonderful supervisor who has been a tremendous help to me. I have always known I could ask her anything and if she did not know the answer, she would certainly find it! Also, as an Advocate, there are many happy times, along with some frustrating and sad ones. Don’t get discouraged by the yucky stuff. Remember that you CAN make a huge difference in the life of a child.
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
