June Advocate Spotlight

Jennifer Fuller

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


I’ve been an Advocate for only a few months now; went through online training before being sworn in February of this year. I first heard about CASA from a college professor two years ago who suggested I look into volunteering because they knew I wanted to work directly with children once graduating. After completing my bachelors in Criminal Justice and Criminology from UTA and relocating to San Antonio, I reached out to CASA’s recruitment team to sign up for the next available training class. 


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


Since becoming an Advocate and accepting my first case, this whole experience has given me such an overwhelming sense of purpose when it comes to advocating for what is in the best interest of the child. It is not always easy considering the trauma some children endure, but with a little love, support, and consistency, I hope to be one positive figure in their lives. 


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


I heard a phrase from a guest during one of my training course say this and I would love to share; “observe, don’t absorb.” Open your mind, your heart, and be willing to meet your CASA where they’re at. It may take one, two, or more visits for your youth to be comfortable enough to open up to you, but give them time and a safe space to express themselves at their own pace. 

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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