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 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
