February Advocate Spotlight
Cynthia Catlin-Gaskins
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
Since 2010 or 2011? I had been involved with several volunteer activities helping groups of children for a one-time event for many years. While I knew I was helping meet a need with the organization and indirectly the children, I wanted to be more involved directly with smaller groups or individual children and families to really help make a lasting difference in their lives. When my youngest son started driving, I knew it was time to take this step to become a CASA and I have never regretted it.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
For me, those “moments” when you can say to yourself “this is why I was needed for this specific case, for these children, this family.” In every one of my cases, from the most simple to the very complex, there has always been those moments, and that very first moment in any case is especially rewarding.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
You are giving an incredible gift of your time, your expertise and most of all your dedication as you make a difference in the lives of children and families that helps shape their future. Also, remember that your supervisor is also on the CASA journey with you and it’s important to reach out to him/her when you start to feel frustrated or disillusioned as they can help remind you of the bigger picture.
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
