Brodie's Day at the Ballpark
This past Sunday, boys served by CASA experienced the excitement of a baseball game, thanks to the generosity of Deb Brodie and her late husband Mike, who founded the event. The boys had a great time watching the game, meeting the players, and spending quality time with their Advocates during the annual Brodie's Day at the Ballpark event.
Mike's legacy at CASA is one of compassion, caring and love.
Mike Brodie
Mike and Deb started working with CASA as Volunteers in 2007. Together, they made the CASA difference Advocating over about seven cases for the children involved. Deb recalls how Mike "loved the kids and felt a sense of accomplishment when we could be helpful in getting the kids where they needed to be." She also told us how good he was with them and how they would "open up to him and really talk to him."
Mike passed away in 2015, but his legacy has continued, thanks to Deb's efforts. In honor of his love of all sports, especially Baseball, "Mike's Day at the Ballpark" was created. Through the event, Deb hopes to pass on Mike's love of the game and give the boys an opportunity to interact with the players. She hopes that a day at the ballpark is "really exciting for them during a not so exciting time in their lives."
Moments from the Ballpark
Thanks to the Brodie family, our CASA boys had an absolute blast! Here are a few moments from the event so you can see for yourself. At CASA, we believe that every child deserves happy moments like these and will continue to do everything we can to Advocate and Be the Difference in their lives. You can also join in our mission by donating
or finding out more about becoming an Advocate.
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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
