Former Foster Child Pays It Forward

On April 30, to cap off Child Abuse Prevention Month, KPRC 2 News aired a segment on Child Advocates featuring one of our court appointed advocates, Alyssa Canedo, and Program Director, Kathy Nevarez. Alyssa is not an ordinary advocate — she has a deep understanding of what it’s like to grow up in the foster care system… and what it means to have an advocate by your side.

Alyssa entered foster care at just six years old. Her early childhood had been marked by severe abuse and neglect, including physical abuse, sexual abuse and starvation. When Heidi was appointed as her advocate, the two formed an immediate bond. Through frequent changes in placements and schools, Heidi’s visits became a bright spot in Alyssa’s life. She was one of the few people who consistently saw the best in Alyssa and made her feel seen, known and loved. Heidi advocated for her best interests in court and was there to celebrate birthdays, cheer from the sidelines at soccer games and support her through countless milestones in between.

More than twenty years later, Alyssa and Heidi remain deeply connected. Heidi continues to be one of Alyssa’s biggest champions and a steady source of support through every stage of adulthood — including marriage, motherhood and the start of her career as a registered behavioral therapist.

In 2024, Alyssa felt called to become a court appointed advocate herself, coming full circle from a child in need to an adult advocating for vulnerable children. Her husband joined her, and together they strive to make the same lasting impact that changed Alyssa’s life so many years ago.

During the segment, Program Director Kathy Nevarez spoke about the urgent need for more caring individuals to step forward and become court appointed advocates for children in foster care. To learn more about what it means to be an advocate, please sign up for an orientation session here.

Thank you to KPRC 2 reporter Nicole Nielsen for sharing Alyssa’s story and helping spread Child Advocates’ mission throughout the Greater Houston community.