Story of Hope: Louis Lendman

Story of Hope: Louis Lendman

Louis Lendman is currently advocating for a teen in care, Elliott, and has been an incredible asset to his case thus far. Louis has only been assigned to this case for a short time, but has already had to testify in court, be present for multiple staffing’s, and attend last-minute meetings. Before signing onto the case, Louis was aware of a few obstacles that needed to be overcome; including multiple behavioral incidents, placement disruptions, and pending juvenile charges, but Louis did not let these obstacles deter him from taking on the case. Louis has been this child’s voice on several occasions and confidently expresses Elliott’s wants and needs. This case has needed more attention and advocacy than most, but with Louis’ determination, commitment, and empathy, he is a perfect fit for this role. 


Due to the distance of placement, Louis is only required to see Elliott every other month. However, since Elliott was having several behavioral incidents, not engaging in treatment, and has minimal familial support, Louis has gone above and beyond visiting Elliott every month to ensure that Elliott knows he is not alone. During his visits, he actively listens to Elliott and provides support and guidance when needed. Louis has had to have very candid conversations with Elliott and has to explain the potential consequences of misbehaving and not engaging in therapy. Elliott is receptive to Louis’ guidance, and even if Elliot’s behaviors improve only for a short time, Louis continues to show Elliott empathy and highlights Elliott’s strengths to hopefully motivate Elliott to make these behavioral improvements more long-term. After each visit with Elliott, Louis provides a summary of how his visit went and ensures that I, the caseworker, and Elliott’s ad litem have the most up-to-date information along with any improvements or concerns. With Louis’ exceptionally detailed documentation, we all feel as if we were present for his visits with Elliott.


Unfortunately, Elliott’s family has not been able to provide him with consistent support; missing family days, missing phone calls, and not engaging in family therapy. This has been discouraging to Elliott, but Louis and I have had many conversations on how to broaden his support network. This case has been referred to our Collaborative Family Engagement Team and we have had meetings where Louis is able to articulate Elliott’s needs empathetically and professionally, and Louis does not hesitate to provide possible solutions or ideas that can assist Elliott while he is in care.

   

Due to Elliott’s behaviors and lack of engagement, his placement has given him a 30-day notice. In an attempt to salvage this placement, several placement disruption meetings have been held, and Louis provided pertinent information that he has gathered from his visits and conversations with Elliot, placement staff, therapists, and Elliott’s parents. In the initial meeting, we agreed that the following week an in-person meeting would be held with Elliott to hopefully encourage Elliott to make necessary changes in order to remain at his current placement. Louis, without hesitation, cleared his schedule and was present for that meeting. Also in attendance were Elliott’s probation officer, the facility’s program director, Elliot’s ad litem, the CPS Caseworker, and Elliot’s mother, father, and stepmother. The CASA supervisor was also able to attend this meeting and witnessed firsthand the rapport and supportive relationship Louis has established with Elliott. 


Even though the placement is proceeding with discharging Elliott, the CASA supervisor is confident that Louis will adapt and continue showing up for Elliott in order to ensure this transition will be as smooth as possible. CASA is so grateful for all Louis has done, is doing, and will do. However, more importantly, Elliott is equally, if not more, grateful for Louis and his constant support thus far.

Story of Hope: Tameka Woolfolk

By bfines • January 21, 2026
In November 2025, Child Protective Services received a referral involving two sisters, ages 13 and 14, who were found caring for themselves. Following the death of their father, the girls experienced ongoing abuse and neglect. They were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, frequently left alone without adequate food, functioning plumbing, or consistent supervision, and were exposed to strangers regularly coming in and out of the home. Shortly after removal, Tameka Woolfolk was appointed as the Advocate on the case. From the very beginning, Tameka became one of the few consistent and reliable adults in the girls’ lives. The children experienced and continue to endure placement changes. These frequent transitions created ongoing instability and further complicated the girls’ ability to heal and adjust. Throughout each move, Tameka remained steadily involved, working diligently to ensure that the children’s services and support continued without interruption. She supports the girls not only emotionally, but physically as well helping pack their belongings at each move, accompanying them during school tours, and remaining readily available whenever they need support. Neither child was initially aware that they had the right to speak directly with the judge. Tameka recognized the importance of their voices being heard and with the support of the Ad Litem, helped to facilitate their presence at court, requesting that the judge meet with the girls in a breakout room, so they could personally express their wishes, all with the department, CASA and the Ad Litem by their side. In addition, this case was referred to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE). During CASA’s ongoing exploration for family connections alongside the Department, Tameka discovered the children’s father’s obituary. Through this discovery, it was learned that the girls’ father had served in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and later worked for 30 years in civil service. Tameka took the initiative to request documentation, including VA records and a death certificate, to determine whether the children might be eligible for survivor benefits. The obituary also revealed that the girls are two of fourteen siblings. While many of the siblings were unable to provide support, CASA and the Department were able to establish contact with one brother. Through Tameka’s strong collaborative relationship with the Department and the Attorney Ad Litem, a thoughtful and appropriate plan was developed to allow the girls to begin visits with their brother, his wife, and their cousins. Although this story is still unfolding, both girls know one unwavering belief, that no matter what comes next, they know that Miss Tameka will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.

January Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • January 21, 2026
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
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