H-E-B Partners Support CASA
H-E-B Partners step up to support San Antonio Community with Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA)
Renowned for its deep-rooted support for the San Antonio community, H-E-B is one of our city’s biggest donors and supporters of families in need. Throughout our community, H-E-B Partners have excelled in their commitment to give back during these unprecedented times - including as CASA Volunteers! Thank You!
CASA Advocates are community volunteers who are assigned to a child (or children) recently removed from their family, due to abuse or neglect, and placed into the foster care system. The CASA Advocate acts as the one constant in that child’s life until they are placed within a permanent family home.
After one month of training, and being sworn in by a judge, CASA Advocates begin their role of advocating for that child. They watchfully ensure that the child is cared for and does not fall through the cracks of an overburdened system. CASA Advocates make monthly visits to children and build trusting relationships with the child(ren). Volunteers make informed recommendations to the judge regarding the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Their Advocate becomes their constant, and most importantly, they bring hope during a dark and scary time.
Karen Schiffmacher, an H-E-B partner for 23 years, has also been a CASA Advocate for over 2 years. She takes pride in the impact she has made for the 3 children on her case, most recently helping her CASA child get accepted into the city’s new college initiative program. “H-E-B has been extremely flexible in allowing me the time I need to attend court dates, meet with other support members, and even pick up the children from school on occasion.” says Karen. “H-E-B also has asked what they can do to help and what items they can provide to my CASA children and their foster homes. They are pretty amazing!”
Karen encourages other H-E-B Partners to become CASA Advocates. “It is a great way to give back, but also to influence, and change a child’s life! We are not only advocates, but also role models for these children. When we advocate, through our own experiences, we allow the children to see there is more to life, and we can connect them to resources to figure out their future path and achieve all of their dreams.”
We love that H-E-B and their Partners have been inspiring supporters of CASA, and we encourage others to consider becoming a CASA Advocate. The only thing required of you is your time. This opportunity not only gives back to the children you work with but will also impact your own life forever. Learn how you can get involved by joining an upcoming information session or training class. For more information, visit www.casa-satx.org or call (210) 225-7070.
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
