June Advocate Spotlight
Michelle Ward
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I completed my Advocate training in January and signed onto my first case towards the end of March 2021. I love to help people and knew that I wanted to do some meaningful volunteering. So, I put a lot of thought into considering which population could most benefit from my help and this led me to CASA.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
So far, the most meaningful aspect of CASA is being able to help the kids on my case in whatever way I can; based on what they need. The way to do that is by communicating with them, the caregiver, caseworker, and CASA Supervisor. I have teenagers in my case, and they like to text, so that is easier and quicker. However, it’s also important that you call and speak to them as well because it’s important to have a more through conversation sometimes. Needs will vary and being willing to follow up and follow through to get them what they need is important for their well-being. I’ve worked on issues like getting an eyeglass prescription changed with no additional cost, getting them new computers they can keep through CASA. I’ve spoken with sports coaches, school counselors, and other agencies to get support for my girls. When funding dried up, I wrote a letter requesting funding that was still needed for one of my kids to participate in an activity to give them a healthy outlet. Also, if you get a family with more than one child, it’s important that you develop a relationship with all of the kids on your case because all of them may have different needs, wants, and goals.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
To our advocate family and potential members, I would encourage them to firstly always remember why they became an Advocate or want to be an Advocate. Secondly, keep the kids on their case and their needs and wants in mind with every communication and decision made on their behalf. Thirdly, be sure to establish expectations, boundaries, and limitations with your kids and their caregivers as soon as possible and ALWAYS keep your word. Fourthly, make sure that you document everything—keep it factual, detailed, focused, and keep the emotion out of it. Lastly, communicate with the caseworker on a regular basis to get updates on the case. Communicate often with your CASA Supervisor; ask questions and vent if needed.
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.
Johnathan Cobb
