Honoring Social Workers: A Spotlight on CASA's Eleonor De Jesus and Natalie Alfrandre

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers across the country. At CASA of Tarrant County, our social workers play a crucial role in advocating for children in the foster care system, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. This month, we’re proud to highlight two of our dedicated social workers, Eleonor De Jesus and Natalie Alfandre, LMSW, whose passion and commitment make a lasting impact on the children and families they serve.

Eleonor De Jesus: A Journey Rooted in Advocacy and Compassion

Eleonor’s path to social work began in a hospital setting, where she worked alongside transplant social workers. At the same time, she was a guardian ad litem volunteer, which exposed her to the broad impact social workers have in various industries. After moving to Texas and spending time as a special education teacher, she found her way to CASA, where she has been making a difference for nearly two years. Currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW), Eleonor is excited to deepen her understanding and application of social work principles.

For Eleonor, the most fulfilling aspect of her work is being a light for children and families during difficult times. “Helping others selflessly and doing work that is ‘behind the scenes’ is humbling yet extremely rewarding,” she shares. One case that reaffirmed her passion involved advocating for a relative caregiver responsible for eight children. Despite many obstacles, CASA’s support ensured that the children remained in a stable, loving home with their family, making the hard work worthwhile.

Natalie Alfandre, LMSW: A Passion for Trauma-Informed Advocacy

Natalie always knew she wanted to work with children, and her interest in social work was sparked by a college conference presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Learning about the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the power of resilience inspired her to pursue a career in social work. She is now deeply committed to walking alongside children and families during some of their most challenging moments.

Natalie finds fulfillment in the relationships she builds, recognizing that resilience and healing come through connection. One case that solidified her dedication involved a young boy who had been in foster care for almost his entire life. After extensive research and outreach, Natalie helped locate a distant relative who ultimately moved back to Texas to adopt him. “Knowing that this child gets to be with family makes it all worth it,” she says. “It reminds me to not give up and that the little details matter.”

The Role of CASA Social Workers

Every day as a social worker at CASA of Tarrant County looks different, but key responsibilities include documentation, information gathering, resource sharing, and collaborating with advocates, attorneys, and caseworkers. Eleonor and Natalie emphasize the importance of meeting children and families where they are, approaching their work with an open mind and compassionate heart.

Building trust is at the core of their work. “Trust doesn’t come easy for families in the system,” Natalie explains. “We can’t just talk about service plans and behavior problems—we need to understand who they are outside of this moment in time.” By fostering genuine relationships, CASA’s social workers ensure that children’s voices are heard and respected in the court system and beyond.

A Lasting Impact

Both Eleonor and Natalie agree that social work has changed them personally and professionally. Eleonor has learned the importance of balancing compassion with boundaries to avoid burnout, while Natalie has grown as an advocate for equitable practices. “Being a social worker doesn’t require grand gestures,” Natalie says. “It requires small acts of courage every day.”

As we celebrate National Social Work Month, we honor Eleonor, Natalie, and all social workers who dedicate their lives to making a difference. Their work is not always visible, but its impact is profound. Thank you to all the social workers who stand up for children, families, and communities—your dedication and heart do not go unnoticed.