August Advocate Spotlight

Joshua Antwon Merrills

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

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

“I have been a CASA Advocate for approximately 1 ½ years. I knew I wanted to become an Advocate when I recognized the need for advocates but also the responsibility and case involvement that Advocates have on each case. I believe that Advocates play a unique role in each child and family’s life that is very crucial to permanency, safety, and wellbeing.”


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

“The most rewarding part about being an advocate is helping the youth grow, thrive, and excel. Also being able to be a voice for them in spaces that they may not have voice or are able to articulate their needs.”


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

“I would encourage them to practice patience with each case and family. I would also encourage them to suspend judgment and meet youth and families were they are. I would encourage them to expect the unexpected and not take anything personal.”

Community Partnership Spotlight: Stronger Together for Children and Youth - Jogs with Jesus

By bfines • March 23, 2026
At CASA, our goal is to serve 100% of the children and families in need experiencing foster care and strong community partnerships help make that possible.

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.
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