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!