Story of Hope: Lisa
May Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Lisa's Advocate Supervisor
This is a story of how just one person can make a huge impact on a family even during the Covid-19 crisis. CASA advocate, Lisa Fernandez-Poirier, was sworn in as a new CASA advocate at the end of September 2018. She immediately selected a complicated case with five children in two different placements. The children had been removed from their home due to allegations of physical abuse as well as domestic violence in the home.
Lisa has been a constant for these kids since October 2018, but in this story I wanted to highlight the amazing work that she has been doing now, and how she has been able to continue advocating for the children and their needs, even though her advocacy looks a bit different now.
She quickly realized that the boys did not have the computers that they needed to do their school work.
The two oldest boys have been placed with their great-grandmother since they were removed. Lisa has done a great job meeting their basic needs, however distance learning has been a challenge. She quickly realized that the boys did not have the computers that they needed to do their school work. She contacted the school and found out that all the computers had already been given out. She was assured that more computers had been ordered and as soon as they were in they would email the great-grandmother and let her know.
Lisa soon realized that there was a communication barrier between the school and the great-grandmother as she did not use email, and definitely did not have the Class Dojo app needed for lessons. Lisa was able to work out a better communication system for the great-grandmother. The school and the boys now have their computers, and are able to complete their assignments. The computers also allow them to attend their visits virtually. Lisa has also been able to ensure that they understand their lessons, and that they are able to continue to make academic progress.
Visitation was also an immediate concern as the great-grandmother was considered “high risk” and she was worried about having to leave the home to take the boys to visits. The foster parents also expressed similar concerns noting that one of the children in their home was also high risk for COVID-19. Lisa contacted the CPS worker and the children’s attorney, and ultimately it was acknowledged that virtual visits would be in the children’s best interest at this time. Lisa has been able to continue to observe parent/child visits virtually at this time. She continues to document her concerns during virtual visits and reports it back to all parties. She is also visiting the kids through Zoom and ensuring that they are doing well with their school work. She has also been able to confirm that therapeutic services will start virtually as well.
Lisa was also able to submit a request form to CASA to pick up some much needed items for her CASA kids and do a porch drop off. The children were so happy to know that CASA is still advocating for them and looking out for their best interest even now. The kids send her a sweet video expressing their gratitude.
This case is still far from over, there is now a criminal case pending due to the physical abuse as well as new child abuse allegations that have been made and are currently being investigated. Trial is set to continue this summer and Lisa will be there ready to testify on what she thinks is in the children’s best interest. Lisa has been there for these kids for 18 months now. She has seen the kids grow and thrive and she has also seen them struggle with the complicated feelings that come from being in the system. Lisa has been with them every step of the way ensuring that they will not fall through the cracks and that they will soon have permanency.
Help us provide more Advocates like Lisa 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
Pictured, left to right, JoAnn, Yvonne, Lorena, Mackenzie, Michelle, Stephanie, and Dan At CASA, our vision is to serve every child in foster care with a dedicated advocate. While an incredible volunteer serves most children, our new team of Staff Advocates helps expand our capacity to serve children with extremely challenging cases. Staff Advocates help fill critical gaps by taking on cases that often require more intensive coordination and support. These may include larger sibling groups, children with multiple placements, cases connected to specialty courts, or youth placed outside of Bexar County, sometimes even in other cities or states. By supporting these more complex situations, Staff Advocates ensure that children still receive consistent advocacy and attention when additional time or specialized support is needed. Our team includes six Staff Advocates and one Team Lead, all trained employees who work directly with children and families involved in the child welfare system. Thanks to funding from Bexar County and the John R. & Greli N. Less Charitable Trust , the Staff Advocate program has served 126 children in the past year who might not otherwise have had CASA’s brand of consistent, caring advocacy. We are also delighted to announce funding from National CASA/GAL Association to partially support the program in the coming year. In addition to their casework, our Staff Advocates support the Recruitment Department by helping raise awareness about advocacy opportunities in the community. Because they work directly with children and the court system, they bring valuable, real-life insight into what advocacy truly looks like. Staff Advocates have joined the recruitment team at several community events, including Coffee Shop Info Sessions, Comic Con, Faith-based markets, and National Night Out. At these events, they answer questions, share their experiences, and help potential volunteers better understand what it means to advocate for a child in foster care. They bring a firsthand perspective full of authenticity and impact for those considering becoming CASA volunteers. Impact in the Community During our past fiscal year starting July 2025, our Staff Advocates have served 126 children, including 23 children who were placed outside of Bexar County. Since its inception in January 2025, the team’s work has contributed to several meaningful outcomes for children and youth, including: 6 successful reunifications with parents , impacting 16 children 2 adoptions , providing permanent homes for 4 children 2 permanency placements for long-term care , supporting 4 children 1 successful transition into adulthood , where a young person is now attending college, employed, and living independently in her own apartment 6 college-bound students supported These outcomes reflect the dedication and commitment our Staff Advocates bring to every case they serve. Thank you, Staff Advocate Team! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA advocate or attending an upcoming information session, we invite you to connect with our Recruitment Team and discover how you can make a difference in a child’s life.
Harrison came into care in January 2021 due to abuse and neglect in the home. The department attempted to implement a few safety plans but to no avail. Ultimately, the parents were unable and unwilling to provide him with a safe and stable home environment, and Harrison was placed into foster care. In June 2025, Staff Advocate, Michelle, was assigned to the case, and he was living with his aunt in Laredo, TX. From day one, Michelle has been dedicated to getting to know Harrison, establishing rapport, and building trust. She would take the time to listen to him and get to know his likes and interests. When she first met him, he was timid and shy but as he gained confidence and became more comfortable, he started to open up to Michelle. He started advocating for himself, asking for a new charger for his laptop to do his schoolwork and started to disclose more important topics such as sensitive issues he was facing with his family. In October 2025, while Michelle was heading to Laredo to visit Harrison, he called her to let her know that he was no longer allowed back into his aunt’s home. There was a placement breakdown happening due to a verbal/physical altercation with his aunt and other family members, and his aunt gave notice to the department that day. Upon arrival at Laredo, Michelle immediately called Harrison’s case worker and attorney to let them know what had just transpired. Due to Harrison being 18 and not officially in extended care, Michelle was met with some pushbacks; however, she persevered and asked what his options were, if any, and how we could help him. Harrison’s team worked together and was able to get the extended care paperwork drafted and completed and Michelle was able to brainstorm with Harrison to find him a temporary home with a close friend until his caseworker could bring him back to San Antonio. Michelle took Harrison to his aunt’s so he could pack his belongings and stay with his friend temporarily. Michelle was so thankful that she could be there for him in his time of need. A few days later, Harrison was back in San Antonio. Harrison is currently thriving in his Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placement and is on track to graduate high school in May. He has plans to attend college for Cosmetology. He has had a tremendous change in his overall mood and is coming into his own as a confident young adult. When asked by Michelle how he feels being at his current placement, his response was “safe” and that’s all Michelle needed to hear to know she was making a positive impact.
