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.
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In November 2025, Child Protective Services received a referral involving two sisters, ages 13 and 14, who were found caring for themselves. Following the death of their father, the girls experienced ongoing abuse and neglect. They were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, frequently left alone without adequate food, functioning plumbing, or consistent supervision, and were exposed to strangers regularly coming in and out of the home. Shortly after removal, Tameka Woolfolk was appointed as the Advocate on the case. From the very beginning, Tameka became one of the few consistent and reliable adults in the girls’ lives. The children experienced and continue to endure placement changes. These frequent transitions created ongoing instability and further complicated the girls’ ability to heal and adjust. Throughout each move, Tameka remained steadily involved, working diligently to ensure that the children’s services and support continued without interruption. She supports the girls not only emotionally, but physically as well helping pack their belongings at each move, accompanying them during school tours, and remaining readily available whenever they need support. Neither child was initially aware that they had the right to speak directly with the judge. Tameka recognized the importance of their voices being heard and with the support of the Ad Litem, helped to facilitate their presence at court, requesting that the judge meet with the girls in a breakout room, so they could personally express their wishes, all with the department, CASA and the Ad Litem by their side. In addition, this case was referred to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE). During CASA’s ongoing exploration for family connections alongside the Department, Tameka discovered the children’s father’s obituary. Through this discovery, it was learned that the girls’ father had served in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and later worked for 30 years in civil service. Tameka took the initiative to request documentation, including VA records and a death certificate, to determine whether the children might be eligible for survivor benefits. The obituary also revealed that the girls are two of fourteen siblings. While many of the siblings were unable to provide support, CASA and the Department were able to establish contact with one brother. Through Tameka’s strong collaborative relationship with the Department and the Attorney Ad Litem, a thoughtful and appropriate plan was developed to allow the girls to begin visits with their brother, his wife, and their cousins. Although this story is still unfolding, both girls know one unwavering belief, that no matter what comes next, they know that Miss Tameka will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
