November Advocate Spotlight

Matt McGlothlin

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



I have been an Advocate for just over four years now. Many years ago my employer at the time was a really big supporter of CASA. We had easels set up in the lobby of our building with pictures of kids that had benefitted from having an Advocate. It took several years and a volunteer fair at my church before I finally convinced myself to take the plunge. 


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


The most rewarding thing about being an Advocate is knowing that I am actually making a difference in someone’s life. I have always wanted to know that when I leave this world that someone aside from my family benefitted from my being here. With CASA, I can tangibly see the impact I am making. I also enjoy fighting for my kid, even when the odds seem against him. 


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


Mainly just “Never Give Up”. This can take on two forms. 


• Never give up on your kid. Ever. I have been with my current kid over 2 ½ years now. There were times when I felt like just stepping away. It took almost 9 months just to earn his trust. There were times he refused to see me. Sometimes his behavior was just terrible. But then I would tell myself that most of the adults in his life had walked away from him, and I was determined not to be another. I have made it a point to visit him whenever he is moved, regardless of where that is. Today we have a great relationship and he trusts me completely.


• Never give up fighting for your kid. There have been multiple times when just about everyone except my supervisor disagreed with my recommendations, even though I knew in my heart I was acting in his best interests. I have gone against CPS, his ad litem, case workers, and therapists. I listen to what they have to say but then I have to weigh what they are recommending with what is best for him. 


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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