October Advocate Spotlight

Mary Young

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

1. How long have you been an Advocate?

“It's been an incredible journey serving as a CASA Advocate for nearly a year now.”


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

“The most rewarding aspect of being a CASA Advocate is witnessing transformation in the children we serve. There's so much joy in seeing these young souls flourish in environments where they feel genuinely loved and secure. It touches me to see the weight of stress lifting from their shoulders - stress no child should bear - as they no longer have to worry about their basic needs being met. Watching them rediscover the simple pleasure of just being a kid, is a privilege that never fails to warm my heart.”

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

”To incoming advocates, I would say this: embrace the support network around you. Your CASA supervisor and CPS caseworker are not just colleagues; they're invaluable allies in this emotional journey. Don't hesitate to lean on them. They have a wealth of experience and understanding, particularly when it comes to the complex feelings you'll encounter regarding your kids' situations. There will inevitably be moments when your heart will break because of what these children have endured. In those times, remember that you're not alone. The support and guidance from your team will not only help you navigate these challenges but will also inspire you to continue being a beacon of hope and a source of practical solutions for the families you serve. Your role is crucial, and with this support, you'll find the strength to make a lasting difference in these children's lives.”

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.

March Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • March 9, 2026
Johnathan Cobb
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