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 December 2024, CPS received a referral reporting that Demitri and Maria were living under a bridge along with their three children, Santiago, Mary, and Jose. The Department sought removal of the siblings due to numerous concerns including substance use by all members of the family unit, unsanitary living conditions, malnourishment, and other safety risks. It was later discovered that the children had a significant gap in their education and medical care, and that the two oldest children had juvenile justice involvement. The parents also had an extensive history with CPS. A few months after removal, CASA Advocates, Alejandro Trevino and Lauren Wise, were appointed to the case, quickly becoming a consistent and trusted presence in the lives of the Santiago (16), Mary (15), and Jose (13). During their first meeting, the siblings expressed a deep desire to stay together and eventually reunite with their parents, emphasizing that they had always been together as a family. Unfortunately, shortly after that initial encounter, Santiago and Mary were placed in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) located hours away from Jose. Multiple placement changes followed, creating ongoing instability that further complicated their healing process. From the beginning, the CASA Advocates have worked tirelessly to ensure that the children’s services remain uninterrupted despite the frequent transitions. They continue to collaborate with CPS, the children’s attorney ad litem, and various placements to ensure the siblings’ voices are heard and their best interests prioritized. Alejandro and Lauren attend every staffing, court hearing, service plan meeting, and Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) meeting while always advocating for stability, connection, and permanency. Understanding the critical importance of sibling relationships, the advocates made it their mission to preserve the children’s bond. They arranged for regular sibling contact, both virtually and in-person, overcoming logistical challenges caused by distance and restrictive placement protocols. At one point, Alejandro and Lauren personally facilitated a sibling visit, traveling a total of 638 miles to ensure the children could spend the time together. It was a powerful act of care, giving the siblings a moment of normalcy and joy in an otherwise turbulent time. For nearly the entirety of the case, the children have been separated from one another and far from their hometown. In the face of prolonged separation, instability, and emotional distress, Alejandro and Lauren’s efforts have played a key role in preserving the siblings’ emotional connection and sense of family. Because of their unwavering commitment, the siblings are now living in the same city again and are showing improvement in their academics and health. While the future remains uncertain and family reunification is still unclear, the advocates continue to hold hope that the siblings can at least be reunited with one another and return to San Antonio. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tremendous challenges, the love between siblings and the dedication of caring advocates can foster hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter future.
Deborah Hom
