40 Inviting Arkansas

In the Spotlight The Human Touch

Georgia Mjartan, Executive Director, Our House, Inc. "I am a witness to life transformations everyday at Our House. We are more than a homeless shelter. We are a development organization, teaching people to make it in the workforce, equipping children and adults with the skills they need to be successful. When I started at Our House, the schoolaged homeless kids had nothing to do during the summer. I saw a need for these special kids and created Arkansas' only after-school and summer program targeted for homeless youths. I dream big for Our House and envision our campus as a hub of learning, growth and development with the homeless and community working together. I want folks to know that it takes only $50 a week at Our House to help a homeless mom and two hours is all it takes to help a child with his homework in our after-school program. There are a lot of ways to help.? Keith Jackson Founder P.A.R.K., Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids "While playing professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles, I was given a vision from God while watching television and witnessing the crimes and gang activity taking place across the nation by our youth. I needed to help; I wanted to help God lead me to the mission in 2006 when P.A.R.K. opened its doors. We don't receive government funding, so raising sources can be challenging. We are in the middle of a $10 million endowment to sustain the program. This past May, we had 5 former graduates receive their bachelor's degrees and one his masters. These kids continue to help at P.A.R.K. as volunteers. To see the fruits of your labor produce fruit makes you proud. We're not just another after-school recreational program. We're educationally based with a strong emphasis on tutoring and homework management. At the end of the day, whether I've raised money or given a kid a sweaty hug, I go home knowing I've made a difference.? "Here at the Foodbank, our member food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters and other feeding programs change lives. Clients consistently say that they don't know how they would make it through the month without the food they receive from us. People often think hunger is a problem halfway around the world versus here in our own state. But almost half-a-million Arkansas live in poverty, including working Karen Erren Development Director, Arkansas Foodbank Network Gail Davis Interim Executive Director, Women & Children First "Seeing so many courageous women come to the shelter with their children to create a better environment for themselves inspires me to ensure their safety. As the largest shelter in the state, Women & Children First is the catalyst to ending the cycle of domestic violence in our society. By escaping a violent environment, mothers are showing their children that violent behavior cannot be tolerated. In forging strategic partnerships with companies such as Verizon Wireless, we are enabled to share our mission on a broader scale and raise much needed funds to maintain the facility and expand advocacy and programs for those we serve. Our state is in the upper ranks of domestic abuse. My personal mission is to change that statistic in hopes that our services will no longer be needed because domestic violence has been eradicated in our community.? families, seniors and of course, most unfortunately, children. Once people know that there are hungry people in our state, our country, our neighborhood and, often, our street, they want to be a part of helping them. Often, the greatest challenge is conveying the need. We have been in business for almost 25 years, helping those who need it most. And our work is a testament to Arkansas- one neighbor at a time.? Becky McCauley Program Director, CARE for Animals Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals "My love for CARE for Animals began when I volunteered and became a foster mom. There are many organizations geared to help people, but very few that help animals. I wanted to change that and convince people to remember animals. Our furry friends depend on us humans to look out for them. We need to make a significant impact on the animal overpopulation problem in central Arkansas by educating everyone about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. When I meet someone who says, "I have a CARE dog or cat and he/she is wonderful,? I realize the difference our wonderful organization has made in the lives of both people and animals. Except for a small grant, we are totally donation driven. Our active working board of directors and volunteers make our work possible. For that I'm grateful.?

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