Story of Hope: Danya McCree

Danya McCree was sworn in as a CASA advocate in September of 2022. During her exit interview, she mentioned that she preferred to work with younger children but would consider wherever there was a need. The case I presented to her was that of a 17-year-old boy named Ryan. Danya read his history and learned that he was severely neglected and had sustained physical abuse. She stated that she had been praying about the case she would receive and knew that it would be a teen.


She was more than ready for the case. She met with Ryan for the first time, and he was pretty withdrawn and had a hard time expressing himself to her. She expressed to her supervisor having trouble getting him to open up. While she understood his history, she knew that there was a lot that he was not expressing. It was not until a car ride to grab dinner that she discovered his absolute love for 80’s music and classic rock. She was amazed at how this music allowed him to open up and express himself. Ryan stated that there were times that he was left alone and the only thing he had was music, so he learned to allow the music to speak for him. This love for music would strengthen the relationship between the two. They planned weekly car rides just to talk and listen to music. They even dressed up in their favorite 80’s attire for Halloween. It was a true joy to see these two and their connection.

 

Due to Ryan’s history, he was very behind in school and required a lot of dental work. Between Dayna, the CPS caseworker and a very involved ad litem, he was back on track educationally and with a brand-new smile. In the beginning of the case, Ryan did not even think that he would graduate. Now, he is on the College Docket and has plans to attend college and possibly join the military.

 

This is no longer the quiet and withdrawn boy that everyone once knew. He has found his voice, he is on track to graduate, he is working, and he constantly thanks his advocate Dayna for simply showing up and playing the music. I know that it is not always easy to advocate for our older youth but sometimes they just need someone to listen and speak their language, which in this case was MUSIC!

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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