April Advocate Spotlight

Brittany Coppage

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?

I began my advocate journey back in 2019. I remember seeing a commercial for CASA, and it really interested me given its unique opportunity to not only be able to be hands-on with the children who are in the foster care system, but also in the legal system to advocate on their behalf. I think all of us have been touched or saddened by a foster care story that's been presented in the news or knowing someone personally who has gone through the system. Once I found out about this opportunity, I could no longer sit idly by without doing something. Children are vulnerable and deserve to be taken care of. I became an advocate so I could have the opportunity to help just one child. If I could just help one, then I feel like I did my very small part to make this system better for our community's children. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to serve more than one- which makes it even sweeter!


2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an advocate?

The most rewarding aspect of being a CASA advocate is absolutely developing the special bond with the children I have the pleasure to advocate for. Nothing is better than getting a huge hug and seeing that they are happy and healthy! To know that I am on their team, and that I can help provide the important advocacy for their well-being and safety is a really amazing feeling.


3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?

If I were to offer some words of encouragement to anyone who is or who is becoming an advocate, I'd tell them that this is such a unique experience that will make a difference in a child's life. It may seem overwhelming at times but trust your supervisor to guide you throughout your case. From understanding the process of a case, the legal system, working with attorneys and CPS caseworkers - this is truly an amazing opportunity to learn and expand your mind, especially in complicated situations. Each case will be different and offer opportunities for you as an advocate to develop your skills and become even better for the children you will be helping. It is a huge responsibility. You may have to juggle a career, your own family, and whatever life throws at you while you work on your case, so be ready to just keep going! The reward of helping a child will make the hard work with it and knowing you can make a difference in our community is an amazing superpower to have.

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate JoAnn

By bfines • March 9, 2026
In March 2025, Child Protective Services removed four young children, just 7, 4, 2, and 3 months old, from their mother’s care. This difficult step followed ongoing concerns about neglect, largely connected to the mother’s struggle with substance use, even during her most recent pregnancy. Although CPS offered support through Family Based Safety Services, the mother was unable to engage in the help provided. The children’s father was also unable to support them due to his own substance abuse and his incarceration in Bexar County Jail. Before removal, the children’s basic medical and educational needs were going unmet. They had been moved repeatedly between their mother and other relatives, leaving them without the stability, routine, and nurturing supervision every child deserves.  When CASA Staff Advocate, JoAnn Herring, was assigned the case in April 2025, she immediately reached out to both kinship caregivers to understand the children’s needs and how to best support the families stepping in to care for them. JoAnn quickly learned that the paternal grandmother, who lovingly took in some of the children, was struggling financially and facing barriers due to limited English proficiency. To ensure she wasn’t facing these challenges alone, JoAnn submitted a CFE (Collaborative Family Engagement) referral and personally provided translation support so the grandmother could access services with dignity and understanding. Throughout the case, JoAnn has witnessed moments where cultural sensitivity was lacking, and personal biases influenced important decisions; often at the expense of what was best for the children. Despite these obstacles, she continues to advocate steadfastly and compassionately for the children to remain with the kinship caregivers who have opened their homes and hearts to provide safety, consistency, and love. Although the case is not yet over, Joann’s story demonstrates that CASA’s advocacy reaches beyond the children themselves, strengthening the village of care and support surrounding them, because CASA wants children to be safe, to thrive, and to have their overall well-being protected.

March Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • March 9, 2026
Johnathan Cobb
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