CASA 2021 Gallery of Hope Commemorative Photo Book

Gallery of Hope

2021

EVERY CHILD HAS A CHANCE, IT’S YOU ®

Gallery of Hope

2021

Title page text to explain what this book is all about.

GALLERY OF HOPE COMMITTEE

Erika Prosper, Gallery of Hope Chair Lorien Whyte, Board Committee Chair Jessie Bakke Courtney Balsam John Carlson Shirley Crandall Ellen Copeland Mayra Farret Carmen Gellhausen Kathryn Goertz Sandra Gonzalez CeCe Frost Griffin Marian McGrath Sarah McLornan Jessica Mewborne Jennifer Mitchell Margaret Pape Juanita Pelaez-Prada

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Juanita Pelaez-Prada, Board Chair Matthew Barnfield Gabriela Black John Carlson Guy Clumpner Lucie Frost Carmen Gellhausen Kathryn Goertz Sandra Gonzalez Priscilla Ingle Hon. Yvonne Katz, Ed.D Amanda Lara Christina Lecholop Kevin Moore Joe Ramos Krishna Reddy Matt Turner Lorien Whyte

Angela White, President/CEO

Might also add info about photographers and special thanks to people.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

“Inspirational quote here?”

“We thought she was deaf, but it turned out, she had just been so neglected, she had given up.”

W

When Jeff and Janice Ivey first met Adelyn, 3, and Anthony, 5, Adelyn barely made any sounds and showed no expressions.

“We thought she was deaf,” Jeff says. “But, it turned out, she had just been so neglected, she had given up.”

Jeff and Janice met the children at a shelter where they were placed after entering foster care due to neglect and domestic violence. As a baby in a neglectful situation, Adelyn had learned that her cries would not get her the care she needed.

Over the next 19 months, Jeff and Janice visited the children wherever they were and helped them transition from the shelter to a foster home. When they realized Anthony needed speech therapy and both children would benefit from play therapy, they made those recommendations to the court so the judge could order the services. They took the children to the park and on trips to the museum, regularly checked in a day care, and, eventually, recommended to court that the children be adopted by their foster mom, Lindsay.

“Seeing Anthony and Adelyn’s progress and development has been amazing,” Jeff and Janice said. “The first time Adelyn smiled at us was huge! And seeing Anthony transform into a stable child has been astonishing.”

“We are CASA Advocates. But the children are our heroes.”

Photography by Katie Paige Photography

#makeadifferenc

W

When CASA Advocates Roger and Andrica Dickerson met Amaya, Michael, and Justice, they could see that the children needed what they had to offer: strong role models in a healthy, committed relationship, who were constantly there for them, every step of the way.

The children were removed due to concerns about substance use in the home, and they were placed with a relative when Roger and Andrica first met them. On one of their first visits, they noticed the baby wasn’t mobile or verbal, missing key developmental milestones. Through communication with the caseworker and dedicated follow-up, the Dickersons made sure he got the therapeutic services needed.

The Dickersons spent time taking the children on outings of their choosing - usually for pizza!

When the children moved to a foster home in Plano, the Dickersons made visits to stay connected and reassure the children that their CASA Advocates were still there for them. The Dickersons also helped serve as an open line of communication between the foster family and the CPS caseworker.

The children went through yet another move after allegations of abuse in the foster home. Again, the Dickersons stayed in close contact with the children. The Dickersons continued to visit, providing a sense of continuity and stability when the children were placed in yet another foster home.

Photography by Bryant Huang

Knowing how important it is for siblings to stay together, the Dickersons formally recommended to the judge that the children be placed and adopted together.

Roger and Andrica never missed the opportunity to bring the kids birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, Valentine’s Day cards, Easter baskets, and Halloween costumes, ensuring the children got to experience the normalcy of the holidays.

The children were eventually adopted and are now all together in their forever home!

Throughout the case, the Dickersons dedicated themselves to ensuring the children received the services they needed, the “extras” every child wants, and that the best interests of the children were considered every step of the way.

We are CASA Advocates, and we helped keep siblings together.

W

When I met Isabella (9) she was in a foster home and didn’t have any major behavioral issues that needed addressing. She did however, require counseling.

Isabella was one of six children who had been removed from her home because of neglect and possible substance abuse.

As her advocate, I maintained contact with her, showed her love and compassion and advocated for counseling and sibling contact. I provided transportation to visits with her mom and her 5 siblings, so she wouldn’t feel alone or forgotten.

After parental rights were terminated for all six children, five of the six siblings were adopted by different families. Her oldest brother remains in a

residential treatment center (RTC). I still advocate for him and continue to ensure they remain in contact and visit him.

I encouraged the families to continue contact with all the siblings. As a result, Isabella can see her siblings for birthdays, special events, and family gatherings on a regular basis. Isabella has grown and is thriving. She enjoys riding her bike, playing basketball, playing with her friends, collecting rocks, and spending time with her family.

I made sure Isabella maintained a relationship with her other siblings. I am Heidi Gildersleeve.

I am a CASA Advocate.

Photography by CASA Volunteer Ron Smith

W

When 9-year-old Ernest and 7-year-old Ezeikel got iguanas as pets recently, they knew just who they needed to tell – their CASA Advocate Robert Downey!

Their joy was a welcome change. When Robert first met the two, they were fearful of having to live with their mother again. Ernest and Ezeikel were removed due to ongoing abuse and domestic violence.

Robert made sure the boys had access to therapeutic services they needed to begin to heal from the trauma they experienced, and he stayed in close contact with the therapists. He also kept an eye on the boys’ grades and saw that their medical and dental appointments were all up to date. And he did all that virtually

“Their joy was a welcome change.” during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, Ernest and Ezeikel’s grandparents stepped up and took the two children in.

Seeing how content the boys were, Robert continually advocated for them to stay with and eventually be adopted by their grandparents, keeping them connected to their family, culture, and community.

“They continue to be happy and welladjusted,” Robert said. “And they are so happy with their new pets!”

I am Robert Downey. I advocated for Ernest and Ezeikel to stay permanently with their grandparents.

Photography by Jessica Mewborne

“Iliana has learned to trust again, and she feels safe and loved in her new home.”

W

When CASA Advocate Lee Towell first met Iliana in 2019, she saw a bright and funny 12-year-old who was eager to get to know her new Advocate.

However, Iliana was nervous too – worried about being placed in a foster home instead of a group home, and unable to trust many of the people around her.

Iliana was removed from her original home with her brother due to neglect and abuse. Her father had been killed in the Iraq war, and her brother was adopted by a relative fairly quickly. The separation was difficult, but best for both children, and Lee continued to ensure the two stayed in touch and visited regularly.

Lee kept close watch on Iliana, and helped her process her complicated feelings about her brother and his adoption; her time in foster care, which included an emotional failed adoption; and the trauma of the neglect and abuse she experienced. Lee advocated continually for Iliana to receive the services she needed, including access to a horse rescue facility where she was able to help in the horses’ recovery and in more traditional therapy.

But, she also encouraged Iliana to use her talents in art and writing to process her feelings in her own way, leading to beautiful verses sharing the teen’s love for nature and a special letter to her deceased father telling him everything that had happened to her since his death.

A guitar gave the two another way to connect as well. “When I first met Iliana, she wanted to play the guitar,” Lee shares. “I brought her a guitar and taught her a few chords and songs. She enjoyed playing when she was experiencing stress or sadness.”

In July 2021, Iliana was finally adopted by a family who had also adopted another girl who Iliana had met and became close to while in foster care. They consider each other sisters.

Photography by Jessica Mewborne

I am Lee Towell. I was a constant in Iliana’s life, and now she feels safe and loved in a forever home.

#galleryofhope

2015 A

At the 2016 Gallery of Hope Celebration, CASA Advocate Nina Niesh was delighted to share that twin boys Santana and Isaiah were adopted by their grandparents.

Today, five years later, Nina stays in touch with the brothers, who are happy and content seventh graders.

Nina has continued this treasured relationship, visiting and checking in on them regularly throughout the year. The twins are thriving at home and at school, with one still receiving education services.

At age two, the boys were removed from their father’s home when he was arrested for shoplifting. He also suffered from substance use disorder, and the mother was not in their lives.

After a failed relative placement, Santana and Isaiah were placed in a foster home and Nina was assigned to their case. “I immediately noticed that they did not speak much,” Nina said. “As a result of my recommendation to the judge, they were given speech and occupational therapy.”

Nina observed parent-child visits between the boys and their father and was impressed by the bond they had. He was engaged in most of his services and was able to meet many of the judge’s requirements, including substance abuse treatment; however, he had problems maintaining employment and moved frequently.

With the final court hearing approaching, Nina realized the children would not be able to return

2015 Photography by Josh Huskin

CASA success revisited: 5 years later, boys are thriving in forever home

2021 home due to those concerns. Remembering how happy the boys had been with their grandparents, Nina made the recommendation to the judge that their home would be the best placement.

The judge agreed, and Isaiah and Santana were eventually adopted by their grandparents, now known as Mom and Poppy. Without Nina’s advocacy, they might have been separated from their family. Instead, they are happy and thriving in their forever home within their own family.

I was there for Santana and Isaiah. I made a difference in their lives.

I am Nina Neish, and I have been a child Advocate for nineteen years.

2021 Photography by Chelsea Lietz

R

Rory and Noah had a rough start at life. By the time they reached the ages of two and six months, they were already in foster care as a result of severe neglect. While other children this age were reaching developmental milestones, Rory and Noah were not having their basic needs met. After one month in a shelter, they were fortunate enough find a foster family, and were also assigned a duo of advocates. Working together for these children, Robyn and Zachary were assigned to the case to ensure the children’s best interest were met during their placement.

After getting to know Rory, Robyn immediately recognized that she needed help adjusting.

She advocated for both behavioral therapy and counseling.

They helped her get into daycare so that she could learn how to socialize and play with kids her age.

In addition, Robyn and Zachary continued to bond with Noah, and helped him adjust to his new home and foster family. The children’s mother made the decision to relinquish her rights, which enabled the children to be adopted by their foster family.

The children adjusted well into their forever family with their constant support. They are Robyn and Zachary Hunt.

They are CASA Advocates.

working together, making a difference.

Photography by Katie Paige Photography

A note from Miranda:

B

Before I met my Advocate Bri, I felt alone. My brother and I were in foster care, and I wasn’t sure who I could trust. Then, my CASA Advocate Bri came into my life. Bri is like my older sister. We talk a lot.

It’s good for me because I know I’m not alone.

Bri has pushed me to finish school and not give up. I graduated high school this year, and I start college this fall. I’m the first on my dad’s side of the family to graduate high school and go to college!

Bri was a teen mom too, and she has shown me that even though it is hard, I can be successful. She has helped me a lot with my emotional and psychological needs too. My goal is to be a nurse or a teacher.

I want to make sure other kids in foster care aren’t alone. I just want to help.

Photography by Katie Paige Photography

#makeadifference

I want her to be able to have a good life for her, her son, and her brother too.

I know they have the brains and the hearts to push through. Their past does not define them.

It is my privilege to be Miranda’s CASA Advocate, and I am just so proud of her!

#galleryofhope

B

Sports, friendship, and family reunification Baylee came into Austin’s life after he was placed in foster care for the second time because his mother suffered from substance use disorder.

When Baylee first met Austin, he was extremely shy. Unfortunately, COVID prevented in-person meetings so most of their first interactions were on the phone or virtually. As Austin became more comfortable, he began opening up to Baylee. She stood with him when he had to change schools and always assured him that he had a friend. Through these conversations, Baylee realized that Austin would benefit from therapy and made that recommendation to the judge who agreed. Through therapy, Austin learned to trust others again. Baylee kept up with his homework, making sure he made good grades (he always did!), and she ensured he was up to date on all his doctor, dental, and vision appointments.

As COVID restrictions eased, Austin introduced Baylee to his favorite thing to do: sports! They spent countless hours playing football and basketball, marking moments where Austin was just free to be a kid.

When Austin’s mom completed drug court and met all orders from judge, Baylee recommended to the court that Austin be placed back at home, reuniting this family and helping Austin feel whole again.

After the case closed, Baylee was released from her CASA duties, and able to just be Austin’s friend. Now, they still talk weekly, catching up on schoolwork but most importantly, talking about his games.

“I love to attend his football practices and games!” Baylee said. “I was fortunate enough to get to be his CASA Advocate and since then we have been great friends.”

I am Baylee Moore, and I helped Austin learn to trust again by always being there.

Photography by Jessica Mewborne

Shadow to Light

By Carmen Gellhausen

A little girl stands in the corner, Loud knock comes to the door, Full of fear, deep in the shadows, A boy shakes to his core.

First comes the bag for their belongings, Then comes the voice that says, “let’s go,” A dark, cold car waits in the driveway, “Get in” and off they go.

She holds on to little brother, With tear filled eyes and all her might.

Hearts breaking, they want their mommy, Their home is out of sight.

The next stop brings them comfort, The advocate says, “I’m ready,” Warm and loving words are shared, “I’m here to keep you steady.”

Photography by xxxxxxxxxxxxx

LIMITED EDITION PHOTOBOOK

Gallery of Hope

2021

Ever read a book by its cover? Here is where to put the info that will tease the reader in to opening the book...

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Underwritten By

www.casa-satx.org/galleryofhope | P: 210.225.7070 | F: 210.225.7040 1956 S WW White Rd., San Antonio, TX 78222 Child Advocates San Antonio is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible. All underwriting support is a tax deduction.