Story of Hope: Cindy
June Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Cindy's Advocate Supervisor
Cindy Lacey has been a CASA advocate since June 2019. She was already working a case with two children, when her supervisor came across a new case that she thought would be perfect for Cindy. Knowing that this child needed an advocate with the time, energy, heart, and passion to put into this case, she recommended Cindy.
Melissa (13) had special needs, including not being able to walk or talk. Her mother was no longer willing or able to care for Melissa and that is how she came into CPS custody. The mother indicated that she wanted to relinquish her rights after moving out of state.
When Melissa came into care, there were not many records about what her medical needs were. She was also in a wheelchair that was at least 5 years old, and not meeting her needs. That was the first thing Cindy noticed and quickly began to work on to find a solution.
On a Thursday, Cindy, her CASA supervisor, and the caseworker all had a meeting via Zoom. During that meeting Cindy was provided information about “Project Mend”, a local organization that helps provide wheelchairs and other medical supplies to the community. Within 2 days, Cindy was able to secure a brand new wheelchair for Melissa, one that was upgraded to meet her needs, complete with a headrest that provided Melissa’s head much needed support. She then picked up the new wheelchair and drove it out to Kerrville for a porch drop-off. Cindy alone was responsible for making all the contacts and coordinating all of the logistics to get Melissa this much needed upgrade.
Cindy has been on this case less than a month, and has already made a huge medical impact for Melissa and has greatly improved her quality of life. I look forward to the other impacts she will be able to make on this case moving forward.
Help us provide more Advocates like Cindy who are willing to go above and beyond even in the midst of crisis to provide a voice for children in foster care.
Fund Their Hope
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
