January - Inspirational Moments
Dream to Advocate like Dr. King
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is,
‘What are you doing for others?”
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known throughout history as one of the most influential civil rights leaders. A Baptist minister advocating for nonviolent means to end racial segregation, he sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and all victims of injustice through peaceful protests.
He, much like our advocates and our mission, are engaged in their community and providing a voice for those facing disparities. In 2019 African American children in Bexar County represented about 13% of the general population, and about 22% of the children in foster care. Facing disproportionality on top of the trauma that comes from entering the foster care system, these kids desire a person who will speak up for them, just like many longed for someone like Dr. King.
Not only has the COVID 19 crisis disproportionately impacted communities of color, but it has also brought a heightened awareness to ensure our children in foster care have an advocate that provides a powerful voice. We all have seen the world change in front of our eyes, at times with an unclear path. As CASA Volunteers we often deal with similar feelings on our cases, put in situations we have never experienced.
The passion and dedication demonstrated by each Volunteer truly is the heart of our agency. Always working to maintain the child’s best interest. Though this year our visits and court hearings may look different, our mission has not changed. Our Volunteers have worked harder than ever to make impacts while navigating their cases with love and empathy.
This year, without a doubt, is historical and CASA continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy by recruiting and training a diverse group of advocates in order to mirror the diverse group of kids we serve. Our goal is to fill the void of disproportionality and support each advocate as they become a part of changing the lives of children who have faced child abuse and neglect.
A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination On April 24, 2025, the National CASA/GAL Association announced that its federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been terminated. As a result, National CASA is suspending subaward disbursements, training programs, and technical assistance. The organization is actively appealing the decision and assessing what services it can continue to provide during this transition. Info from National CASA can be found here. We understand that this announcement may raise concerns in the community, and we want to provide reassurance and clarity regarding how this news affects Child Advocates San Antonio. First and foremost: There is no impact to our organization or our services. We are fully operational and remain committed to serving the children and families in our community with the same excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment we have always shown. Here are key facts we want our supporters and the public to know: Our funding remains secure. Child Advocates San Antonio has a diverse and stable funding base that includes a healthy mix of public and private funding. No one funding stream exceeds 50% of our budget. You can access our recent financials HERE. Our stability comes from strong state support and our dedicated Bexar County community, which keeps Child Advocates San Antonio resilient and focused on serving children. We do not receive subawards from National CASA. The suspension of subaward disbursements has no bearing on our funding or ability to operate. Our training programs continue without interruption. Our comprehensive and high-quality Advocate training programs are fully intact. We do not require technical assistance from National CASA. Our team is experienced, well-resourced, and prepared to continue all programming. No cuts, no hiring freezes, no changes to our operations. We remain fully staffed and actively engaged in our mission to advocate for children in foster care. Our commitment to advocating for children in foster care is unwavering, and our services continue as usual. We want to be clear: Child Advocates San Antonio is strong, stable, and here to stay. CASA programs in Texas are strong, independent, and fully committed to children in foster care. While we’re aware of the situation with National CASA/GAL, it doesn’t impact the critical advocacy happening here. Our commitment is clear: we will stand with the children we serve—until they are safe, their voices are heard, and their futures are secure. Our focus, as always, is on advocating for the best interests of children and ensuring they have a voice in court. Public support at all levels, including individuals, ensures we remain strong, regardless of national developments. No matter what, our mission stays the same – every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and have their voice heard. CASA’s mission is as important as ever— children in foster care need advocates who will stand by them. Start your Advocate Journey today!
Brittany Coppage
