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.”

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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