December Advocate Spotlight

Leti Diaz

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

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

I have been an advocate for over a year and a half. I first heard about CASA back in the early ‘90s and knew a woman at work who was a CASA advocate. I knew then I wanted to be a CASA Advocate one day, but for me working, children, caring for an elderly parent, etc. kept me from doing this until I retired. My daughter wanted to become a CASA Advocate and wanted me to sign up with her, and this is how it all started.


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

Being an advocate is rewarding in many ways. First, you hope your work on your case has you being a part of the solution and not part of the problem regardless of which agency/institution you are working with. Watching the progress and development of the children during this process is very inspirational, that in spite of all the obstacles presented to these children, they are resilient and thrive in a safe, loving environment. Being an advocate brings personal growth in humanity. These children don’t know you, don’t know if they can trust you, don’t know if you really care for them. But in time, they know they can count on you, that they know you love them, and that they can trust you to come back to be with them.


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

Be yourself, know that you are making a difference in the children’s lives and in the caregiver’s life, even if they don’t realize or acknowledge it at times. Trust your instinct in how to handle situations, you will gain information and knowledge about the children when you pick them up and spend time with them. Even though there might be some setbacks with the whole situation with the children, be patient and non-judgmental of the different agencies/institutions that are involved in the whole process, yet do speak up as necessary. Be patient with the caregivers as they have a lot on their plate and may not put the same sense of urgency on certain things as you would, but you know they still have the children’s best interest at the forefront.

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate Stephanie

By bfines • April 14, 2026
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.

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 14, 2026
Joy Varner
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