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 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.
Johnathan Cobb
