Story of Hope: Valerie Vara


Advocate Valerie Vara became a beacon of stability for three siblings—Ariel, Anna, and Aaron—living with their maternal grandmother. Each child carried their own burdens, but with Valerie’s unwavering support, they began to find their voices and regain a sense of security and normalcy. Valerie not only provided guidance but also served as a constant presence in their lives, making a profound difference during a turbulent time.


One of Valerie's most significant contributions was advocating for the children to attend therapy. Recognizing their need to process their emotions and experiences, she ensured they received the professional help necessary to navigate their feelings. For Aaron, who was particularly struggling with his relationship with their father, Valerie became a trusted ally. When he voiced his hesitation about visiting, she listened attentively and respected his feelings, reassuring him that it was okay to set boundaries. This validation was invaluable for Aaron, who often felt unheard in his family dynamics.


The gratitude expressed by the children, especially Aaron, was a testament to the trust they placed in Valerie. He often told her how much he appreciated her willingness to listen and understand, allowing him to feel safe sharing his fears. As the therapy sessions progressed, the children began to flourish, revealing their bright personalities and newfound confidence. The three siblings thrived and started doing much better academically. Anna was diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed meditation, which helped her tremendously in school.


At trial, the parents maintained their possessory rights and maternal grandmother was given primary conservatorship. Valerie advocated for the parents to provide child support to the grandmother and it was granted. Valerie’s commitment to the children have been nothing short of inspiring. By advocating for their needs and providing emotional support, she has helped them build resilience and hope for the future.


The bond they share is a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on the lives of others. 

A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination

By bfines • April 25, 2025
A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination On April 24, 2025, the National CASA/GAL Association announced that its federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been terminated. As a result, National CASA is suspending subaward disbursements, training programs, and technical assistance. The organization is actively appealing the decision and assessing what services it can continue to provide during this transition. Info from National CASA can be found here. We understand that this announcement may raise concerns in the community, and we want to provide reassurance and clarity regarding how this news affects Child Advocates San Antonio. First and foremost: There is no impact to our organization or our services. We are fully operational and remain committed to serving the children and families in our community with the same excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment we have always shown. Here are key facts we want our supporters and the public to know: Our funding remains secure. Child Advocates San Antonio has a diverse and stable funding base that includes a healthy mix of public and private funding. No one funding stream exceeds 50% of our budget. You can access our recent financials HERE. Our stability comes from strong state support and our dedicated Bexar County community, which keeps Child Advocates San Antonio resilient and focused on serving children. We do not receive subawards from National CASA. The suspension of subaward disbursements has no bearing on our funding or ability to operate. Our training programs continue without interruption. Our comprehensive and high-quality Advocate training programs are fully intact. We do not require technical assistance from National CASA. Our team is experienced, well-resourced, and prepared to continue all programming. No cuts, no hiring freezes, no changes to our operations. We remain fully staffed and actively engaged in our mission to advocate for children in foster care. Our commitment to advocating for children in foster care is unwavering, and our services continue as usual. We want to be clear: Child Advocates San Antonio is strong, stable, and here to stay. CASA programs in Texas are strong, independent, and fully committed to children in foster care. While we’re aware of the situation with National CASA/GAL, it doesn’t impact the critical advocacy happening here. Our commitment is clear: we will stand with the children we serve—until they are safe, their voices are heard, and their futures are secure. Our focus, as always, is on advocating for the best interests of children and ensuring they have a voice in court. Public support at all levels, including individuals, ensures we remain strong, regardless of national developments. No matter what, our mission stays the same – every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and have their voice heard. CASA’s mission is as important as ever— children in foster care need advocates who will stand by them. Start your Advocate Journey today!

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 11, 2025
Brittany Coppage
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