February Advocate Spotlight

Maquisha Nunn 

Advocate: Deborah Hom

Maquisha Nunn has been a CASA Advocate for almost a year and half. On her first case she advocated for two children ages 10 and 11. The siblings were placed together in a foster home. After allegations were reported on the home the children were moved to two separate respite homes in Feb. 2025. Maquisha visited with the children right away to be a friendly face and ensure they were doing well. Shortly after her visit they were moved to different respite homes again. Although respite homes were an hour away from each other she ensured the children saw each other and arranged and conducted regular sibling visits every month. Maquisha has been a strong advocate for having the children placed together but no homes could be found for both. The children have been moved 4 times into separate foster homes but due to the continued wishes of the children, she continues to advocate for their placement together and continues to conduct monthly sibling visits.




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

“I completed training and was sworn in as an Advocate on September 20, 2024. Early on, I had considered becoming a foster parent, but as I prayerfully reflected, I realized that while my heart was deeply moved by the need, advocacy was the way I could best serve in this season. Knowing how important it is for children to have a consistent voice, someone to listen to them, respect their boundaries, and speak up for them in spaces where critical decisions about their lives are being made helped confirm that becoming an Advocate was where I could make meaningful impact.”


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

“The most rewarding aspect of advocacy is seeing growth in trust and connection over time. One moment that stands out for me involved a child I advocate for who was initially very guarded. Early on, I asked him what his preferred method of greeting or touch was—whether that be a handshake, fist bump, or hug—and he clearly shared that he preferred fist bumps. I made it a priority to respect that boundary, and that remained our consistent greeting.


At his recent birthday celebration I attended, he unexpectedly ran up to me and gave me a hug—and later, another one the same day. That moment meant a great deal to me because it reflected the progress, comfort, and trust that had been built over time. Seeing the children want me to participate with them, include me in their activities, and feel safe enough to express joy so freely is a powerful reminder of why advocacy matters.”


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

“Remember that your presence matters more than perfection. Advocacy can be challenging, but consistency, compassion, and integrity go a long way. Stay grounded in your purpose, lean on your support system, and trust that even the smallest efforts can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.”

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.
By bfines April 14, 2026
Joy Varner
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