Story of Hope: Jeff & Janice Ivey
November Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Jeff & Janice's Advocate Supervisor
In May 2019, a month after Jeff and Janice Ivey became CASA Advocates, they met with their supervisor to discuss what their first case would be. After expressing interest in advocating for a large sibling group, they were placed on a case with six children, ages ranging from 1-13 years old.
Jeff and Janice hit the ground running and immediately began to gather information. At this time, the children were in two different placements. Five were placed at the Children’s Shelter, and one was with his biological father. The Ivey’s visited the children regularly and quickly built a bond with each of them. They maintained contact with the CPS Caseworker, the kids’ Case Manager, the parents, and others who could offer insight to what the children had experienced. Additionally, they obtained all medical, dental, and educational records to review and determine the best way to assist these children.
[Jeff and Janice] maintained contact with the CPS Caseworker, the kids’ Case Manager, the parents, and others who could offer insight to what the children had experienced.
Jeff and Janice recognized the importance of both individual outings with the children as well as smaller sibling visits to allow the children an opportunity to bond with them and with each other. Approximately one month into the case, the CPS Caseworker sent an email to their CASA Supervisor describing the positive impacts they had already made, and what a pleasure it had been to work with Jeff and Janice.
During one visit, Jeff noticed that the little boy living with his father was complaining of back pain. Jeff inquired and soon discovered that the boy did not have a mattress. He had been sleeping on a box spring with a few pillows. Jeff immediately called his CASA Supervisor and together went into action. Within the same week, they were able to find and deliver a gently used twin sized bed with brand new sheets for the boy to sleep on. Jeff was beaming with excitement when he told his Supervisor how thankful the little boy was when he received the bed and expressed how he had “never had a real bed before.” The father of the young boy was equally as thankful. He stated that he was doing the best he could for his son, but that the bed was something that he had not been able to afford.
Jeff inquired and soon discovered that the boy did not have a mattress. He had been sleeping on a box spring with a few pillows.
Meanwhile, the other five children, who had been at the shelter, were now placed in two different foster homes. Jeff and Janice observed that the older girls were drastically behind in their education, and so made sure to provide special care and attention when it was time for the children to attend school. They accompanied all the children when they were being registered at their individual schools, and made it a priority to advocate and secure tutoring for the children. Janice even takes the time to transport the oldest child back and forth each day to the school she was in before entering foster care so she can maintain some normality in her life. They continue to be present at every parent / teacher conference and parental visitation to ensure that the children are never alone.
Jeff and Janice have encouraged these children and have given them hope. The parents have even asked them if they would remain in contact with the family, once permanency has been determined. We are grateful for Jeff and Janice and all they have done and continue to do on behalf of their CASA kids!
Help us provide more Advocates like Jeff and Janice who are willing to go above and beyond to provide a voice for children in foster care.
Fund a Hope
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
