Story of Hope: Melissa
April Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Melissa's Advocate Supervisor
This story highlights the dedication of one of our newest CASA advocates. Melissa Arzola was sworn in as a new volunteer on February 14th. She was quickly assigned to a case with two boys, Trey 9, and Leo, 7 (names changed for confidentiality). Trey and Leo were removed from their homes due to numerous concerns. The children were showing up to school unkempt, dirty and hungry, their home did not have running water or electricity, and the floors were covered in dirty clothes and trash. There were also concerns about domestic violence in the home as well as drug use. The children were removed and placed in the foster care system.
Melissa quickly got to work and contacted the caseworker to read the case file and to introduce herself. She learned that the children had been placed with a paternal relative and that visits were scheduled with the mother. She was also able to get in touch with the caregiver to introduce herself and to see how the boys were doing. The caregiver reported the kids were doing well, and that they seemed to have adjusted to their home, new schedule, and routine. The caregiver had some questions about required appointments and after school resources and Melissa promised to check with CPS for any updates.
On March 9th, Melissa was notified that the mother on the case had passed away. She immediately ensured that the rest of the parties had been notified, and also spoke with the caseworker to see what resources would be available for the boys. She also contacted the Bereavement Center to see if the boys could receive services, and then reached out to the relative to offer her condolences and support for the family. She learned that unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus concerns, the family was not able to travel out of state for the funeral service. The family reported that the boys are doing ok under the current circumstances.
Melissa wanted "to let them know that even though she can’t visit them right now, she is still thinking about them."
At the end of the month, Melissa was able to participate in the court hearing by phone and ensure that her recommendations and concerns were addressed by the court. During this time, she sent a care package to the boys on her case to let them know that even though she can’t visit them right now, she is still thinking about them. She sent some activity books, personalized journals, and “The Memory Book”, which is a grief journal designed for children and families.
Melissa will continue to advocate for her CASA kids and be that stability for them, even during this time of uncertainty.
Help us provide more Advocates like Melissa 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
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
