For Marte Hersey, the decision to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care began years before she officially volunteered. While working at UTMB Health, she encountered children in the pediatric unit who were in Child Protective Services custody, witnessing their difficult circumstances and the many professionals involved in their care.

“We had many children in CPS custody, so I met a lot of caseworkers; then one day, there were women who told me they were CASAs,” Hersey said. “I had never heard of CASA, but I could tell they were advocating for the child. I kept that in mind, and after I retired, I signed up.”

Since then, Hersey’s dedication has been recognized with CASA of Galveston County’s 2025 Advocate of the Year award.

Serving children of all ages

That decision has led Hersey to advocate for 17 children of all ages over the past eight years. Each case has been unique, from infants and toddlers to adolescents navigating tough times.

“I’ve worked with everyone from infants to adolescents,” Hersey said. “Every child’s situation is different, and every case requires its own approach.”

Her cases involved very young children needing stability and a safe home. Others were teenagers who, as Hersey puts it, often meet CASA advocates with resistance. Regardless of age, she sees each child as deserving a steady presence and advocate.

“These children don’t always have someone speaking for them,” Hersey said. “Knowing I can be that person, even in a small way, keeps me going.”



The reality of advocacy

Hersey points out that CASA work isn’t always easy—and it’s not about personal recognition.

“I don’t think it’s fun,” Hersey said. “There are a lot of adversarial things, and the kids don’t always like you. But I don’t take that to heart. They’re in a hard place in their lives and I’m there to help them move forward.”

For Hersey, staying committed is less about personal reward and more about responsibility.

“It isn’t that I feel good about myself, so I keep doing it,” Hersey said. “If you’ve had a good, privileged life, it’s important to give back to those who didn’t.”

The power of commitment

For Hersey, volunteering with CASA is about keeping a promise and seeing it through, no matter the challenges. She views community service as a long-term responsibility requiring dedication and consistency.

She also serves on the organization’s Education Committee, helping develop training opportunities and resources for volunteers.

“Community service is a responsibility of all citizens,” Hersey said. “With less government funding for services, people need to step up. If everybody could give a few hours a month, it would make a difference.”

Hersey emphasizes that the real impact comes from sustained effort.

“It’s not about quick fixes or feeling good for a day,” Hersey said. “It’s about being there for someone who needs you, sticking with it and making a difference over time.”

Become a CASA volunteer

CASA of Galveston County relies on everyday people to fill this role. Volunteers come from all corners of our community and don’t need any special legal or social work background, just a heart for children and a willingness to speak up for them.

Steps to become an advocate:



Not ready for the commitment?

“Not everyone can commit to being an advocate, but there are many ways to support CASA of Galveston County,” said Joanna Mendoza, CASA of Galveston County’s strategic marketing and outreach manager.

Read the stories of two other CASA advocates and learn how they’re making a difference here.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.