Art & Soul: Artistic Expression for Kids in Foster Care
Last Friday we coordinated with local artist
Gio Dizurita and our Volunteer Advocates to host this year's Art & Soul event for our CASA kids. This initiative focuses on offering an environment of free expression for CASA youth who may not have access to art supplies during their time in Foster Care.
There were no restrictions on what they could create, and Gio demonstrated and encouraged the children to use different techniques and tools such as sticks, brushes, water, and their hands.
Guest Artist: Gio Dizurita
Gio is a local visual artist who helped host our 2018 Art & Soul event at her gallery, where she created one large collaborative painting with the kids. This year her art shows have kept her very busy, but we were very happy when she agreed to make time and volunteer with CASA again.
Gio's very open approach to artistic expression formed a unique environment for these children to feel both confident and courageous about what they could create. There were no wrong answers or methods, and you could see the positive impact this had as the kids quickly broke out of their shells, eager to get their hands dirty to create multiple pieces of art.
Moments from Art & Soul
It was such a joy to see so much artistic talent demonstrated! We are keeping the final masterpieces private for now as the kids have graciously donated some of their work to display at our upcoming Gallery of Hope event this October! You can visit our events
page to save your spot so you don't miss seeing these creations as well as the photo unveiling of children impacted by CASA who have found permanent homes this last year.
In the meantime, please enjoy these captured moments.
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Interested in continuing our mission to provide more unique experiences for our youth in Foster Care? You can Donate to our cause or learn how you can
become a CASA Volunteer today!
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
