Advocate Spotlight: Peggy Peterson
November Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been an Advocate for 6 years. I retired from North East ISD after more than 30 years as an educator and soon realized that something was missing in my life. Keeping my eyes open for ways to become involved in San Antonio I kept encountering the CASA banner hanging over varied streets. Honestly, it seemed to be stalking me! I checked out the website, but something held me back. Then one day as I was facilitating a parent education session, I met a woman who was raising her grandchild. As we chatted, she told me of her long time association with CASA. That was it! I drove
over to CASA that day and followed up with my application. I cherish the opportunity to be associated with this amazing program and to be a small part of the big work being done everyday for the children of San Antonio.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The KIDS! Having the opportunity to know, love, and be present in the lives of some very special children is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate. Each child and case is unique. To be the voice of the child not only in court, but also in many aspects of their life is a daunting task, but it is a role that can fill your heart with love!
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Never give up! Find an opportunity in every stumble! Build positive relationships with your supervisor because they are wise mentors, with all adults involved in the case to ensure good communication, and especially with your children. I have a rule to never say a case is easy or coming quickly to an end because surely there will be a bump in the road. It’s important to take those bumps in stride, to regroup and plan next steps with all the helpers you have acquired along the way. Most importantly, always keep your CASA child at the center of all decisions and actions. This journey, while frustrating at times, can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
Emily Benedict: Championing College Dreams for Youth in Care Emily Benedict has always believed deeply in the power of higher education and has a passion for making college access a reality—especially for youth in foster care. When she expressed interest in taking on a second CASA case, she was clear about her goal: she wanted to work with a youth on the college docket, helping them navigate the complex path toward applying to and enrolling in college. In August of last year, Emily was matched with a 16-year-old youth living at Connections in New Braunfels. The teen had spent several years in care, with her parents’ rights terminated and a previous kinship placement having broken down. Though she had two siblings, she was no longer in contact with them. From their first meeting, a strong connection grew between Emily and her youth—especially during a Clifton Strengths event hosted at CASA. As the school year kicked off, Emily quickly stepped in to advocate for her youth’s education. She connected with school counselors, began tracking her youth’s grades and attendance, and stepped up when she learned the teen was failing two classes due to a lack of access to technology. Emily secured a Chromebook and printer through CASA, ensuring her youth had the tools to succeed. With weekly check-ins, academic encouragement, and consistent support, her youth turned things around—eventually getting back on track to graduate a year early . Knowing college was the goal, Emily helped prepare her youth for the journey ahead. She shared opportunities for SAT prep, researched application deadlines, supported her through the FAFSA process, and made sure every college application was submitted on time. She also enrolled her in the PAL program, arranged campus tours, and even ensured she had the required immunizations for enrollment. Emily didn’t stop there—she helped her youth open a bank account and advocated tirelessly with the caseworker to get her into a driver’s ed program. Throughout the year, Emily also supported her youth emotionally. She helped her process complex feelings about being separated from her siblings and successfully facilitated a visit—opening the door to renewed phone and virtual contact. Just weeks before graduation, the youth’s placement at her residential facility fell through, and she began couch-surfing with friends. Emily didn’t miss a beat. She stayed in close contact with the youth’s support team—including her caseworker, attorney, and college docket facilitators—keeping everyone updated and focused on solutions. She explored housing options, called multiple facilities, and even reached out to colleges to see if the teen could move into a dorm early. Though dorms were restricted to 18+, Emily remained determined. She arranged a meeting between the teen and Judge Montemayor, who encouraged her to finish her final week of school and graduate—assuring her of continued support while placement was pending. Soon after, Emily discovered Lifeworks in Austin, a program offering housing, counseling, education, and workforce support. She helped secure a spot, drove her youth around town to collect belongings, and personally transported her on move-in day—returning the next day to check in. Emily proudly attended the teen’s graduation at the end of May. She is now helping her enroll in an online course for the fall semester, giving her a head start on college before she turns 18 in November and transitions into a Supervised Independent Living (SIL) dorm. Through every setback and success, Emily has remained a steady, empowering force—amplifying her youth’s voice, championing her goals, and proving the life-changing impact of one dedicated CASA volunteer.
Sherri Lee Boos
