Story of Hope: Shirley Bratton

Advocate Impact Story


I moved to San Antonio in 2015 and became a CASA almost immediately upon arriving. I completed my first case and it successfully ended in adoption. I decided I was ready for my next case and discussed this with my supervisor. I had a feeling or a sense from God that I would be helping 5 children (and to be honest I thought that was a crazy idea!). I told my supervisor what I had envisioned and she stated “Do you know we just received a special request from the judge requesting a CASA for 5 children!?” And so the journey began with The Five Little Angels.


I signed onto the case on October 19, 2020 to advocate for Jacob (16), Jack (15), Sandra (14), Grace (13), and Katie (12). They were PMC to the state and their parents’ rights had been terminated. Two were in a shelter, two in a foster home, and one in an RTC. The goal was adoption (and of course to keep them together) but I also knew it was difficult to get teenagers adopted (much less five) but I did not want them to age out of the system before they got the love and support they deserved. After speaking with the children and getting to know them individually, I learned that being adopted together was not what they wanted. 


This case was referred to be a Collaborative Family Engagement case, the goal of CFE is to work together with CPS to find families or friends so that children can connect and form lifelong healthy relationships with them. During these CFE meetings we discussed how the children were doing and what the barriers to adoption were. I spoke with my CASA Supervisor and expressed that I did not feel it was in their best interest for them to be adopted together. I communicated this information with the CPS worker as well, whom I had and have a fantastic working relationship with. I was a little hesitant to articulate this to the CFE team as this would be contrary to what we all believed to be the goal. To my surprise everyone was on board and agreed this would be in their best interest and would allow them to flourish in a home where they can get one on one attention. I continued to make sure the children stayed connected, while helping to see if any family members could be found to play an active role in the children’s life. This was a lot of work, time, effort and energy but I was dedicated to doing that work. 


Fast forward to May of 2021 Jacob and Jack were now placed in a foster to adopt home with a wonderful family. They were thriving and I was able to see what love and care can do for a person. Grace and Katie were also in a foster to adopt home but Sandra expressed to me that she was not ready to be adopted and Grace was. I was so proud of both children for knowing what they wanted and speaking up for their desires. This just goes to show how, as a team, we created an environment where the children felt safe to share their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.



I believe my purpose on this case was to keep the children connected and to be their voice. On September 10, 2021 Jacob and Jack were officially adopted and on November 10, 2021, just two months later, Grace was adopted by her foster family! What a success, 3 out of the 5 children found their forever home. I am still working diligently to achieve permanency for the other two. Katie is currently in a foster to adopt home and is doing very well. Sandra still has some challenges but I continue to provide love and support until they too achieve adoption. These children are resilient and I know their experiences of trauma and neglect will require continuous healing. I thank God for using me as a vessel to help The Five Little Angels move from harm’s way to safety and for organizations like CASA. We will continue to advocate for the lives of children! 

Story of Hope: Tameka Woolfolk

By bfines • January 21, 2026
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.

January Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • January 21, 2026
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
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