January 2010 CASA Reflections

American Legion Post #74 Local post delivers Christmas to children of Pulaski County CASA

Plastic bags exploding with hundreds of toys were recently donated to the foster children of Pulaski County CASA by American Legion Post #74. With the help of Toys for Tots, American legion Post #74 was able to supply the organization with enough toys for each child being served by a CASA. These toys will bring Christmas to children in the foster care system that would not have one otherwise. In an effort to provide other nonprofit organizations with the means to educate

the public about the special needs of children across this nation, American Legion Post #74’s partnership with CASA is vital.

Thanks to American Legion Post #74, hundreds of foster children had something to look forward to on Christmas morning.

December CASA Reflections

Newest CASA Staff Britney Carter

I was born in Phoenix, AZ. My father served in the military

while I was growing up, so my family traveled a lot. I have

lived in San Diego, Guam, Chicago, and now Arkansas. I

graduated from North Little Rock High Shcool in 2007. I

then moved to Magnolia, AR an attended Southern Arkansas

Univeristy with the mindset that I was going to get a degree

in Psychology. That quickly changed to Political Science, but

that didn’t catch my interest so when I transfered to UALR

last semester I switched my major yet again to Criminal

Justice and a minor in Psychology. While attending SAU

in Magnolia, during the Spring semester of 2008, I pledged

Alpha Sigma Alpha. It was tough but well worth it. I love my

sorority and what it stands for. After I get my degree from

UALR I hope to attend law school and become an attorney.

Here at Pulaski County CASA, I have been given the title

of Community Outreach Assistant. I will be working with

the AmeriCorps VISTA’s to find more community supports

and business partnerships to expand some of the programs

that they have, such as the CASA closet, birthday boxes and

school supplies. I am really excited about this opportunity

and am looking forward to making my lasting contribution in

the lives of foster children in our community.

December’s Advocate of the Month

Congratulations to

Samantha Steinbeck

December’s Advocate of the Month

Samantha Steinbeck has only been a CASA Advocate since 2008, but has already made a huge impact on the lives of two families. She recently took on a large, complicated case involving six children, one of whom is a minor mother with a child of her own, and also manages to spread the word about CASA in her community and church. Samantha is an Advocate who truly believes in the mission of CASA.

Suzanne Lumpkin, a parent counsel in the 11th Division, recently asked Judge Gilbert on the record to commend Samantha’s work on a case. Ms. Lumpkin praised Samantha’s determination, and told the Judge that at a recent staffing, Samantha had medical and grade reports for the children that no one else had seen. Judge Gilbert stated on the record how

impressed she was with Ms. Steinbeck, and how CASA had provided vital information to the court.

Samantha manages to squeeze her CASA and faith-based advocacy work into her schedule while still being an active mother to daughters Reilly and Taylor. Her husband, Mike, can often be seen attending and helping at CASA events such as the pedal car races as well. Samantha is providing an outstanding example of service and compassion to her family. We’ve named Samantha Steinbeck as Advocate of the Month for her diligence and commitment to improving the lives of

foster children, and for her unwavering support to CASA. Please take a moment to congratulate Samantha the next time you see her in the CASA office or at an event – we’re certain she’ll be there!

Looking for Business Support

We have recently purchased posters advertising our program and we are lookin for local business who would be willing to put up one of our posters in their offices. It is that simple to support out great program and help us spread the word of CASA to our community.

If you are interested in helping contact me at 501-416-0678 or by email at m.rogers.CASA@gmail.com

Thank you for you continued support.

THANK YOU!!!

We would like to thank Cantrell West Dental for providing free dental services to our AmeriCorp VISTA volunteers! http://www.drdeems.com/

New Advocates

Pulaski County CASA just completed a new training and swore in 10 new volunteer advocates. These advocates will be given cases and start working for the best interest of children in the foster care system.





Marquita Rogers
Program Development Supervisor

Pulaski County CASA receives generious donation!

Today, Pulakski County CASA received a generous donation of 400 tote bags full of school supplies. These bags will be given out to the children in the foster care system in Pulaski and Perry Counties. The bags were donated to CASA by the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Churches.


----Marquita Rogers 501-340-6778

COME OUT AND WIGGLE WITH THE WIGGLES!

Come out and see the Wiggles for FREE!

Celebrity Attraction donated tickets to
Pulaski County CASA
so we can distribute them to all of you!

The tickets are for Wednesday, August 5th, with showtimes of 3pm and 6:30pm at Robinson Center Music Hall

If you would like to attend please call Marquita Rogers at 501-340-6778 or email
m.rogers.casa@gmail.com

In the news!!!

Pulaski County CASA was on the news last night, click the link below and see our story!

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=88470&catid=2&GID=i617nH/L/+IOuCCbu7toPKGNcSGa4mt/wBj9gVbef74%3D

MY STUFF BAGS FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH CASA TO HELP CHILDREN

June 19, 2009                    

In an effort to help organizations and the children they serve, My Stuff Bags Foundation has recently donated a shipment of 120 bags containing goods such as blankets, toys, books, etc. to the children of Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). My Stuff Bags Foundation works to provide comfort and a message of hope to abused and neglected children entering foster care.

CASA's mission is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court, in an effort to move those children to safe, permanent homes.

If interested in learning more about donating to My Stuff Bags Foundation, log on to mystuffbags.org.

For further questions or comments, please contact Michelle Trulsrud at Pulaski County CASA at (501) 340-6946 or mtrulsrud@co.pulaski.ar.us.

CASA IN NEED OF GOLF DONORS

This September, Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will be hosting their 11^th annual golf tournament on the 9th from 8:30-1:30pm at the Rebsamen Golf Course. CASA is currently looking for golf sponsors to donate goods/services as door prizes for participants. Sponsors will receive name recognition in our tournament program.

The proceeds of this and other fundraisers go towards further volunteer recruitment along with informing the community about this cause. Participation will help us open doors to so many children and families in need.

According to the staff at Pulaski County CASA: "We don't believe it's right or fair for children to be defined by negative experiences like abuse. They do however deserve hope, and a voice against all odds. By supporting CASA, these children have a second chance to have a happy childhood and a promising future."

Or further questions or comments, please contact Marquita Rogers at (501) 340-6778 or email at casa@pulaski.ar.us.

 

CASA HELPS FOSTER FAMILES AND CHILDREN UNITE

On Saturday, May 31 2009, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) participated in the Pulaski County Adoption Coalition's 2^nd annual Disney Extravaganza. This carnival-like event unites children in foster care with parents approved for adoption.

The extravaganza was held at Immanuel Baptist Church in West Little Rock where surrounding churches and organizations joined together. CASA provided a track and pedal cars for the children to ride and race.

If you would like more information regarding adopting foster children, please contact the DHS adoption unit at (501) 682-9191.

For further questions or comments, please contact Michelle Trulsrud at (501) 340-6946.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE HELPS CASA FOR A GREAT CAUSE

On May 22, from 5-8 pm, Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) joined Tropical Smoothie in raising money for a great cause. The Tropical Smoothie on 12911 Cantrell Road donated 15% of all their sales to the nonprofit organization. The money raised will go to further volunteer recruitment along with informing the community about CASA's cause.

CASA's mission is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court, in an effort to move those children to safe, permanent homes.

For further questions or comments, please contact Michelle Trulsrud at Pulaski County CASA at (501) 340-6946.

TOSHA FOUGEROUSSE NOMINATED AS FAMILY SERVICE WORKER OF THE YEAR

Tosha Fougerousse, a family service worker in Perry County, was recently chosen as the "Family Service Worker of the Year" by Arkansas State CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She was nominated for this award by Pulaski County CASA. As a family service worker, Fougerousse assists children from families who have been abused or neglected by working for their best interest.

Fougerousse, who has worked for several years with Pulaski County's attorney ad litem, works to provide information about each case in a timely manner, remains prepared for court, and is committed to follow-ups with families and service providers to ensure compliance with court orders.

According to the staff of Pulaski County CASA: "[We] have found her to be extremely dedicated and genuinely concerned about the children and families that she is assigned to in Perry County...She consistently puts the needs of the children first, but at the same time, she is committed to assisting the families with services that are instrumental in reuniting them with their children when that is in their best interest."

Fougerousse was awarded a plaque at the state CASA conference held May 6-8.

For further questions or comments, please contact Michelle Trulsrud at Pulaski County CASA at (501) 340-6946.

PULASKI COUNTY CASA NAMES CHANTE ROGERS AS INTERN

Chante' Rogers, a resident of Jacksonville, was recently named as 2009-2010 Resource Development Intern for Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

 

Rogers, who is a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, will be responsible for creating a resource guide and website that can be used to find services/facilities for the clients of child welfare organizations.

 

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must display a commitment to CASA's goals and mission, an understanding of the significance of confidentiality necessary for all areas of agency work, excellent problem solving skills and must have a successful completion of a criminal background check.

 

The mission of Pulaski County CASA is to speak out for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court, with a view toward helping them find safe, permanent homes.

 

Chante' Rogers may be reached at Pulaski County CASA at (501) 340-6769 or emailed at pulaski.county.ar@gmail.com.

LONOKE RESIDENT PRISCILLA YBARRA JOINS VISTA

Priscilla Ybarra, a resident of Lonoke, was recently sworn in as a member of AmeriCorps VISTA, the nearly 40-year-old national service program dedicated to helping fight poverty in the United States. Ybarra has been assigned to Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as Outreach Coordinator. She will assist the program in raising awareness about child abuse and neglect in the community and maintain relationships between the organization and local media. Ybarra is originally from Wills Point, Texas and a recent graduate from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

 

Ybarra will spend a year as a VISTA member serving for CASA. In exchange for her year of full-time services, she will receive a modest living allowance along with health insurance, training, travel and relocation expenses. When she completes her service, she will receive either a $1,200 stipend or an education award of $4,725 that she can use to help pay for further schooling, vocational training or to pay off qualified student loans.

 

For 40 years, VISTA has been helping bring communities and individuals out of poverty. Today, nearly 7,000 VISTA members serve in hundreds of nonprofit organizations and public agencies throughout the country—working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create business, increase housing opportunities and bridge the digital divide.

 

An additional VISTA will be added to the Pulaski County CASA team this summer to develop and maintain recruitment efforts. For further information contact Marquita Rogers at (501) 340-6778. Priscilla Ybarra may be reached at pulaskicountycasa@gmail.com for further questions or comments.

SPEAK UP FOR A CHILD IN NEED

SPEAK UP FOR A CHILD IN NEED

Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is seeking adults 21 years and older, to stand up for abused and neglected children. CASA’s mission is to advocate for the best interest of children in the court, in an effort to move them from unfit homes to safe, permanent ones.

A CASA volunteer, or advocate, is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to report factual information regarding the abused or neglected child and family. This information helps the court to make a sound decision about the child’s future. The advocate serves as the voice in court for the child by visiting with them, talking to foster parents, birth parents, service providers and anyone else involved in the case. Once in court, the advocate is asked to testify, and make recommendations for the best interest of the child based on his or her gathered knowledge regarding the case.

Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. In order to become an advocate, a background check and a 35 hour training program must be passed.

If interested in becoming a CASA, please call Daryl Capps at 501.340.6741, or Kristi McGibbony at 501.340.6732.

The next training schedule is as follows:

July 21-23, 9-12pm or 6-9pm
July 28-30, 9-12pm or 6-9pm
August 4-6, 9-12pm or 6-9pm

SEEKING NEW VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR

PULASKI COUNTY CASA SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR

Pulaski County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is seeking a talented and dedicated individual to become the new Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, an AmeriCorps VISTA position. The Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator will assist the program by recruiting volunteers, raising awareness about child abuse and neglect in the community and fundraising for the organization.

Serving as a VISTA member for CASA, this individual will be dedicated to the program’s mission of advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court, in an effort to move those children to safe, permanent homes. In exchange for a year of full-time services, the individual will receive a modest living allowance along with health insurance, training, travel and relocation expenses. Once the year of service is complete, the VISTA can decide between a $1,200 stipend or an education award of $4,725 for loans or further schooling.

For 40 years, VISTA has been helping bring communities and individuals out of poverty. Today, nearly 7,000 VISTA members serve in hundreds of nonprofit organizations and public agencies throughout the country—working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create business, increase housing opportunities and bridge the digital divide.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and be able to pass a background check.

For further information contact Marquita Rogers at (501) 340-6778 or email at casa@co.pulaski.ar.us.

Fun is on the way!!!!

The Pulaski County CASA office is in the process of preparing for our 4^th Annual CASA Cup Pedal Car Races. The event is held in downtown Little Rock at the River Market – East Pavilion on Saturday, April 4^th from 10 am to 2 pm. This is a family fun event that the kiddos will love. Come out and enjoy live music, games, fun and races. It only cost $1 to race or $5 for unlimited racing fun.

Tell your kids to listen to Radio Disney in the afternoons for their chance to win a free racing pass.

For those of you who don't have any children that you could bring to this event, you can still participate. We are looking for volunteer to help us make this event run smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering contact Marquita Rogers at 501-340-6778 or at casa@co.pulaski.ar.us

Thanks for tuning in and keep checking in for more updates.

Also checkout our other sites

www.twitter.com/pulaskicasa

www.zazzle.com/pulaskicountycasa*

www.pulaskicountycasa.org

www.pulaskicountycasa.ecrater.com/

Facebook profile: Child Advocates.

Welcome Blog Boys and Girls to the Pulaski County CASA, Official BLOG!!!

Greetings from the Pulaski County, 6^th Judicial Court CASA office. I am Marquita Rogers the Community Outreach Coordinator and now your favorite blogger. For those of you who don't know about of want to know more, I will give you my 45 second elevator spill about how awesome our program is.

CASA is a nonprofit organization that trains volunteers from our community to be Court Appointed Special Advocates for children who have been removed from their families because of suspected abuse or neglect. When DHS removes a child from their family, it starts a 12 month legal case. Do to know fault of their own these children and thrown into the system and have a new home, a case worker, attorney and has to sit in a court room full of people making decisions on how their life should continue. What a CASA does is step in and seek the best interest for the child and make sure there voice is heard through this legal process. CASA's are an extra set of eyes and ears for judge, someone without any motives beside the best interest of the child, giving them all the facts.

Now that you know what CASA is let me tell you a little about our program. Our program serves children in Pulaski and Perry Counties only. We are the old CASA program in the state, established in 19… There are currently around 1,100 children in foster care, just in Pulaski County alone; we have 67 volunteers serving only 146 of those children.

Those are some harsh facts that we are working really hard to change. Our goal is that every child that wants a CASA can have one. We want to serve 100% of the children instead of our current 13%. We need the communities help to reach that goal. We need volunteers to step up and become advocates and we need funding. CASA regulations state that for every 30 volunteers we have to have a full time Advocate Supervisor on staff. So the more we grow, the more funds we need to keep our program rolling right along.

So, I bet you are thinking "Wow, this is such a great program, Marquita tell me how I can help!" I would love to tell you that! We are always accepting donations and support. We are currently seeking volunteers that have a heart for children in crisis to be advocates, in-kind donations, discounts on services to help us maintain our program, donations of clothing items and toys that will be given to the children in our program and sponsorships for our fundraising events.

We believe that children shouldn't be defined by the worst thing that ever happens to them, that children should have hope. By supporting CASA it allows hope to change the life of these children and gives them a chance to re-write their stories.

Continue to periodically check in with me and find out what we are up too.

Remember "A happy childhood last forever"