For nearly two decades, Park Cities neighbors and friends Marian Glass and Stephanie Roberts have shared one mission: showing up for children when they need someone most.
What began as a neighborhood friendship with sons in the same grade evolved into an 18-year partnership advocating for children in foster care through Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
Their journey started as their youngest children prepared for college. Marian, who studied developmental psychology, invited Stephanie, a former Mesquite ISD teacher, to attend a Dallas CASA information session. Stephanie immediately recognized how her experience in education could help children facing abuse and neglect.
Dallas CASA trains volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for children living in foster care or other substitute care settings. Volunteers build relationships with children, gather information from everyone involved in a case and make recommendations to the court about what is in each child's best interest. Throughout the process, experienced supervisors provide guidance every step of the way.
"Our supervisors have been there for us at every turn," Marian says. "They make our work on cases so much easier."
Working together has allowed Marian and Stephanie to take on some of Dallas CASA's most complex cases, including large sibling groups. Their very first case involved three children whose lives changed overnight after a family tragedy. Following an unsuccessful family placement, the siblings found a foster family that transformed their future.
"This family truly changed the trajectory of those children's lives," Stephanie says. "They gave them stability, unconditional love and a sense of belonging."
She especially remembers the foster father, whose patience helped the youngest child overcome deep trauma.
"He believed that if he stayed calm, nurturing and consistent, eventually that little boy would learn to trust him," Stephanie says. "And he was right."
Today, those children are adults with families and careers of their own. Marian and Stephanie still celebrate milestones with them, a reminder that the relationships built through advocacy often last long after cases close.
Another meaningful moment came when the grandmother of a boy they had served years earlier contacted them with an update. Now 16, he excels in sports, is respected in his community and had received a glowing letter from his principal praising his character.
"For his grandmother to reach out all those years later because she was so proud of him meant the world to us," Stephanie says.
Through hundreds of visits, court hearings and conversations, the women have learned that trust comes before answers.
"We've learned not to rush in with assumptions," Stephanie says. "We try to meet people where they are and build trust over time."
Their experiences have also deepened their appreciation for foster families who open their homes and hearts to children in crisis.
"We've seen people give children exactly what they needed most," Marian says. "Stability, love and hope."
Years after closing their first case, Marian and Stephanie returned to visit the family. When the once-traumatized little boy, now a high school student, opened the door and recognized them, he burst into tears.
"He was so happy to see us," Marian recalls. "It was a powerful reminder that simply showing up had mattered more than we ever realized."
That commitment is needed now more than ever. Dallas CASA has seen a growing number of children entering protective care and urgently needs more volunteers.
"Every child who enters foster care because of abuse or neglect needs at least one adult who will show up, listen, speak up and stay committed to their well-being," says Kathleen M. LaValle, president and CEO of Dallas CASA.
For Marian and Stephanie, the message to fellow Park Cities residents is simple.
"We live in an incredible community filled with talented, compassionate people," Marian says. "Volunteering with Dallas CASA is one way to make a lasting impact."
Stephanie encourages anyone interested to attend an information session.
"Once you understand the need," she says, "it's hard not to want to help."
After 18 years, both women remain inspired by the lives they've touched.
"We are the constant," Stephanie says. "Foster placements may change. Caseworkers may change. Circumstances may change. But throughout the case, we're still there, showing up and letting children know someone cares about them."
For more information or to sign up for an information session, visit dallascasa.org.
"Showing up for a child and being a consistent voice for them can change a life. We are the constant when everything else changes."
"We've learned not to rush in with assumptions. We meet people where they are, build trust over time and simply keep showing up. That consistency reminds children they are seen, heard and never forgotten."