River Valley Nonprofits
POPE COUNTY
Pope County Library System Foundation
Contact: Secretary, Shawn Pierce
Email: foundation@popelibrary.org
Phone: 479-968-4368
Address: P.O Box 683 Russellville, Ar 72811 -- 116 E 3rd St. Russellville, AR 72801
Website: https://popelibrary.org/foundation/
- Mission: The Pope County Library System is a center of community life offering opportunities for people of all ages to learn, know, gather, and grow.
- Description: The Pope County Library System Foundation is a private non-profit corporation committed to supporting the funding of the Library System that is out of the realm of tax dollar support such as building or renovating library buildings and supporting library programming endeavors for all ages to increase literacy in the Arkansas River Valley. The support of the Foundation works hand in hand with the Pope County Library Millage but does not replace Pope County’s responsibility for continued funding of the Pope County Library System, and serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations to enhance library services for our community.
- Previous projects: The 5K Race for Literacy raised funds for 1,066 new programs at the library.
- Funding: The funding for the Pope County Library System Foundation comes from local business donations and sponsorships around the Russellville area.
Main Street Mission
Contact: Marilyn Williamson
Director: Raul Torres
Email: msm@mainstreetmission.org
Phone: 479-968-8303
Address: 1110 East 2nd St Russellville, Ar 72801
Website: http://mainstreetmission.org/v2/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSMRussellville
- Mission: “To help people help themselves. Our goal is to help feed and clothe people and offer them spiritual ministry upon request.” Furthermore, Main Street Mission’s mission is to feed the hungry, provide temporary shelter for the homeless, offer hope, friendship, encouragement, and Christian love to hungry, homeless, poor, and distressed persons, to receive gifts of clothing and household and personal items for distribution to persons in need, and to share the gospel and love of the Lord Jesus Christ with all individuals who are ministered to or cared for by this organization.
- Description: Main Street Mission is a non-profit Christian organization founded by Gary and Marilyn Williamson that opened in 1994 to serve hot meals 5 days a week to the homeless and needy. Main Street Mission is there for any individual or family that is going through a tough time and is struggling to put food on their table. Every week they hand out over 100 food boxes to struggling families around the River Valley. There are many reasons that a person/family may be having a difficult time, and Main Street Mission believes that while a person is trying to get back on their feet, come up with financial resources, or other necessities one should not have to worry about eating. In addition to local families, Main Street Mission helps several ministries and other organizations across the state of Arkansas.
- Previous Projects: There are no previous projects since MSM is constantly receiving donations weekly. In 2019 MSM provided over 3,103 people with clothing, gave 59 families furniture for households, gave 2,461 boxes of food, and served over 23,000 meals to those in need.
- Funding: Donations come from private owners and some of the financial donations are collected from volunteers.
Russellville Regional Economic Development Alliance
Contact: Paul Harvel
Email: pharvel@arkrivernow.com
Phone: 479-968-2530
Address: 708 West Main St. Russellville, Ar 72801
Website: https://www.russellvillechamber.com/alliance/
- Mission: The Russellville Regional Economic Development Alliance members strongly believe in leadership for regional economic development, collaboration and connectivity, a business climate that says “ready for development,” and work/life balance.
- Description: The Russellville Regional Economic Development Alliance is a not-for-profit, public/private partnership formed in 1996 with two main priorities: recruit new manufacturers to the area, and assist existing manufacturers with expansion projects and local issues. The Alliance’s Board of Directors and members support the Alliance staff to create a positive business climate, utilize incentives and create connections. Since its inception, the Alliance has successfully recruited many new industries to the River Valley region.
- Previous Projects: 7th Annual RussVegas Half Marathon: RussVegas Half Marathon is more than just a personal record fast course covering 13.1 miles in Russellville, AR, it's an opportunity to help those we love by supporting local charities throughout the Arkansas River Valley.
YELL COUNTY
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
Contact: Bobby Powell
1002 East 8th Street Danville, AR 72833 // 106 Union Street Dardanelle, AR 72834
Danville Phone: 479-495-2216 // Dardanelle Phone: 479-229-4441
Email: blpowell@uaex.edu
Website: https://www.uaex.edu/counties/yell/default.aspx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UAEXYellCounty/
- Mission: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Yell County’s mission is to provide research-based information through non-formal education to help all Arkansans improve their economic well-being and the quality of lives. We strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. it's agriculture, 4-H, family and consumer science, or community development, their Yell County office is at your service.
- Description: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service utilities trusted research to continue to educate and improve the following: 4-H development building tomorrow’s leaders, family and consumer science teaching families money, nutrition, and health, agriculture improving profitability and the environment, and community development helping communities build a vibrant future. They also focus on leadership development and community service.
- Previous Projects: Ready, Set, Graduate is a financial management workshop created for high school seniors that provides education sessions on budgeting, money management, and using credit wisely. High school seniors will also go through a hands-on simulation where they have the ability to make financial decisions based on a month’s salary for a career of their choosing. Money on the Bookshelf is a young student financial literacy program that teaches basic money concepts. These are taught with easy to understand forms and introduced through age appropriate books and reinforced through activities at school as well as suggested home activities. The Nefe High School Planning Program is a financial literacy program specifically focused on teens and young adults to help youth build a solid foundation for financial independence. The program is divided into six different modules with student booklets for each module. All materials are free of charge.
Sand Lizard Foundation
Contact: Tom Shay
PO Box 454 Dardanelle, AR 72834
Phone: 727-823-7205
E-Mail: sandlizardfoundation@gmail.com
Website: https://www.sandlizardfoundation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandLizardFoundation/
- Mission: The Sand Lizard Foundation works to provide funds to see that “Dardanelle High School students” and “achievement” continue to be frequently heard in the same sentence.
- Description: The Sand Lizard Foundation provides financial aid in the form of scholarships for students who demonstrate a valid need and academic promise to go towards trade schools or colleges. The foundation was founded in 2018 with the purpose of enriching the overall culture of the Dardanelle community by promoting academic and professional development of graduates in the Dardanelle School District. The foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
- Previous Projects: The sand volleyball tournament was an activity to help the scholarship fund for Dardanelle graduates in coordination with the JROTC cadets. The Sand Lizard 90 Celebration provided the community with opportunities to purchase tickets which benefited the fundraising for Dardanelle Graduate Scholarships, and it helped support locally owned businesses. Previous classes of the Dardanelle School District will compete against each other to determine who can raise the most money for the Sand Lizard Foundation scholarship fund. The winning class with the highest donations will have a plaque placed in Dardanelle High School to recognize the class who raised the most scholarship funds during the school year.
LOGAN COUNTY
Team 5437 Robotics
Contact: Dustin Garrett
Phone: 479-675-6465
Website: http://www.rocky-balboabots.org/members/
Email: info@teams5437.org
Address: 3070 East St Hwy 10 Booneville, AR 72927
- Mission: FIRST Robotics Team 5347’s initiative is to introduce and educate students between the ages of 14 and 19 in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through FIRST robotics. This organization seeks out, invests, and stimulates growth and personal improvement in a knowledge of STEAM subjects as well as providing advancement in public relations, marketing, budget, finance, time management, and entrepreneurship. Our hope is for our team members to continue their education and graduate college with master’s and doctorate degrees and share our model with other areas of limited resources. Our drive is to stimulate economic and education systems to empower the next generation of highly qualified, skilled, and motivated engineers, scientists, doctors, inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
- Description: The FIRST Robotics Team is a high-school robotics team from the South Logan County, Arkansas, Area. We give students opportunities to experience real-world engineering through competitive robotics and work to spread appreciation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) in our community.
- Previous Projects: FIRST Robotics has collaborated with Academy of Excellence to assist keeping the doors open. The Academy of Excellence has trained teachers to assist children in learning about advanced curriculum. The robotics team worked with Rockline Industries regarding apprenticeships for the youth in our region. Rockline Industries operates a highly automated facility in Booneville, AR. An apprenticeship program is available to First Robotics young adults that will allow First Robotics Youth to shadow selected staff at the production plant in Booneville showing them what industrial robotics is about. This initiative has created a development of a Highly Qualified workforce for our region. Team 5347 started working with the Autism Spectrum Workforce Evolution in 2017. The goal was to identify and empower youth on the spectrum by showing them that they possess unique skills and abilities. These abilities paired with high interest activities involved in our organization will help develop workforce skills and most of all social skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.
Boyd T & Mollie Gattis Logan County Library
Contact: Amber Mikles
Phone: 479-963-2371
Address: 100 East Academy Paris, AR 72855-4432
Email: gattislogancntylib@gmail.com
Website: https://www.arvrls.com/member-libraries/gattis-logan-county/
- Mission: The mission of the Gattis – Logan county library system is to provide resources to the town Paris, Arkansas and surrounding areas.
- Description: The Boyd T & Mollie Gattis Logan County Library provides access to the library’s online catalog, online databases, books (some are available in large print), audiobooks, downloadable media, DVDs and VHS media, computer, and internet access. They also host educational events for people of all age groups and in multiple interest areas.
- Previous Projects: Lawyer in the Library is a partnership with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services and Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System. They focus on civil legal issues facing people today. Some topics may include: housing and consumer laws, family law and advanced planning, criminal record sealing, and public benefits.
Helping Our Kids
Phone: 479-847-5164
Email: hokscranton@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/helpingourkidsscrantonar
Address: PO Box 57 Scranton, AR, AR 72863
- Mission: The purpose of Helping Our Kids is to enhance, enrich and better the lives of children in and around Scranton, AR.
- Description: Helping Our Kids provides children in need with clothing and school supplies. They also provide programs to help incorporate children in positive community activities to provide a sense of community, belonging, worth, education and the desire to contribute back to their community.
- Previous Projects: Helping Our Kids has previously hosted a fishing tournament, daddy daughter dance, BBQ cook off, and lights on the lake. These community events are focused on bringing a sense of belonging and worth to the children involved in this program.
FurGet Me Not
Email: Furgetmenot6@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/furgetmenot6/
Address: 1256 AR Highway 309 Paris, AR 72855
- Mission: The mission of FurGet Me Not is to help animals find a good home.
- Description: FurGet Me Not is a group of local women living in Logan County who want to help stray animals find a safe and happy life. They work solely on donations.
- Previous Fundraiser: Paws for a Cause and a benefit dance for their organization.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Arkansas Extension Homemaker Council
Contact: Phil Sims
Phone: (479) 968-7098
Email: psims@uaex.edu
Website:https://www.uaex.edu/life-skills-wellness/extension-homemakers/extension-homemakers-what-we-do.aspx
Address: 300B Airport Road Ozark, AR 72949
- Mission: Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) members have made it their mission to empower individuals and families to improve their lives through continuing education, leadership development, and community service.
- Description: The Cooperative Extension Service connects trusted research to the adoption of best practices in Family and Consumer Sciences including: wellness, personal finance, nutrition, and personal development. They also focus on leadership development and community service.
- Previous Project: The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council has previously partnered with the National Volunteer Outreach Network. The National Volunteer Outreach Network is composed of member organizations working together to promote communication, education, and volunteerism for all. It compromises the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. As a member, the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council has hosted the national conference for the National Volunteer Outreach Network.
Paris Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1156
Contact: Ron Huntain
Phone: 479-221-1953
Email: eaachapter1156@gmail.com
Website: https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa1156/about-us
Address: Etna Airport - Chapter Clubhouse PO BOX 134 Ozark, AR 72949
- Mission: The Experimental Aircraft Association local chapters are about people bringing together individuals interested in learning more about aviation as well as sharing their own knowledge.
- Description: The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter members are involved in a variety of social and educational activities, including Young Eagles rallies, fly-ins, building seminars, and more, to build awareness in the community.
- Previous Project: The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter held a Snack and Social event with speaker, Randy Teaque. Randy is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 with 36 years between USMC and Army National Guard as a crew chief and pilot. Within those 36 years, he was an A&P mechanic and avionics tech with American Airlines in Tulsa for 18 years. Randy discussed his experiences in aviation at this event.
JOHNSON COUNTY
Johnson County Youth Coalition
Contact: Monica Price
Email: myjcyc@gmail.com
Phone Number: (479) 979-7886
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Johnson-County-Youth-Coalition-2198015373771053/?ref=page_internal
Website: http://johnsoncoyouth.com/
- Mission: “Johnson County Youth Coalition is a 100% volunteer-based organization dedicated to give school age children access to clothing and basic needs. We support schools in the Lamar, Clarksville, West Side, and the Oark communities.”
- Description: Johnson County Youth Coalition is a 100% volunteer-based organization dedicated to the youth of Johnson County. They support the children that may be affected by poverty and may not have all their basic needs met. They take clothing donations such as socks, underwear, shoes, coats, gloves, winter hats, jeans, and athletic pants. They do this in hopes that the children will stay in school, receive their education, and give them a better chance to be successful in life.
- Previous project: Previously, the Johnson County Youth Coalition has donated clothing and toiletry items to Ozark School’s clothing closet.
- Previous fundraiser: For every $10 donated during the Swarovski Jewelry Fundraiser, names were entered into a drawing for a prize. The Johnson County Youth Coalition was able to raise $300.00 for the youth of Johnson County with this fundraiser.
Johnson County Boys Club, Johnson County Girls Club
Contact: Kenn Young (Executive Director)
Boys Club: P.O. Box 216 Clarksville, AR 72830
Girls Club: PO Box 1109 Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: (479) 754-3303
Email: jcbc@suddenlink.net
Website: http://johnsoncountybc.website.sportssignup.com/
- Mission: Our Mission at the Johnson Co. Boys Club is to provide a drug free and safe environment that will inspire and enable all young people of Johnson County and River Valley area with the opportunity to develop positive self-esteem, good values, and the skills needed to be happy, productive citizens; through affordable recreational and competitive sports activities.
- Description: We teach youth not only athletic skills but teamwork, responsibility & self-esteem through basketball, baseball, cheerleading and football programs.
- Previous Projects: Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Flag football, and Cheerleading
River Valley United Way
Email: info@rivervalleyunitedway.org
Address: PO Box 636, Russellville, AR 72811
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rvunitedway
Website: https://www.rivervalleyunitedway.org/
- Mission: We improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance equity by mobilizing the caring power of people across our region. We envision an equitable, thriving, and united community achieved through collaborative leadership.
- Description: At River Valley United Way, we invest in our community. Rivery Valley United Way is the leadership organization for health and human service needs throughout Pope, Johnson, and Yell county. They envision a community where all individuals and families achieve their potential through education, income stability, and health programming. River Valley United Way seeks to advance the common good and mobilize the caring power and resources of the community. They work with organizations in our area to create solutions to the challenges of poverty for the kids who need it most. They are building awareness of the challenges that poverty creates. They focus on the communities where the need is greatest. River Valley United Way identifies and scales the most effective solutions. Together, they are making schools, families, and communities stronger for kids.
- Previous projects: Imagination Library of Johnson County: Goodnight with Dolly (Every Thursday for 10 weeks between April 2, 2020-June 4, 2020) - “Goodnight with Dolly” web series featuring Dolly Parton reading Imagination Library books all carefully chosen for their appropriate content at this moment in time.
Johnson County 4-H
Contact: Jeanie Rowbotham
Address: 129 W. Sevier St. P.O. Box 590 Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: (479) 754-2240
Email: jrowbotham@uaex.edu
Website: https://www.uaex.edu/counties/johnson/
- Mission: Our mission at 4-H is to provide opportunities for youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes, and practice behavior that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.
- Description: 4-H is the youth development program conducted by the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. 4-H is a free program that provides opportunities and educational activities for the youth of Johnson County to become better leaders and citizens for the future.
- Previous Projects: 4-H Holi-Fridays (December 2020): If you are looking to spread Holiday cheer but not Covid-19, join Johnson County 4-H teen leaders each Friday in December for a Holiday craft, recipe or gift idea. These will be instructional pictures or short videos. It is a great way to keep the kids entertained while at home. Most items can be purchased from Dollar Tree or added to a grocery pickup order if you do not already have them at home. Helped with Johnson County backpack program (November 2020): Johnson County 4-H is excited to announce we collected over 1,350 food items for the Johnson County Backpack program.
UNIVERSAL COUNTIES
River Valley Adult Learning Alliance
Contact: Meredith Martin-Moats
209 Cedar Street Dardanelle, AR 72834
Phone: 479-477-3910 // Fax: 479-968-6248
Email: rivervalleyliteracycouncil@gmail.com
Website: www.rivervalleyadultlearningalliance.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rivervalleyadultlearningallaince
- Mission: The River Valley Adult Learning Alliance provides free, quality instruction and support to adults and families. They believe in building strong partnerships within the River Valley communities and helping adults and families meet their self-appointed learning goals.
- Description: The purpose for the River Valley Adult Learning Alliance is to provide free quality instruction and support to literacy-seeking adults. Non-native speakers make up about 90% of their student population. Teaching is accomplished through single one on one tutoring, and small group tutoring. All instruction and services are FREE of charge. Our goal is to help the non-reading citizens of Franklin, Logan, Johnson, Pope, and Yell Counties learn to read or improve their reading skills.
- Previous Projects: AR Kids Read Tutoring addresses the illiteracy rate among first, second, and third grade students and provides early elementary students in low-income areas and low-performing schools access to on-going reading education. The tutoring program is 100% free which includes in-school, after school, and summer learning opportunities and access to high quality learning resources. The Family Literacy Day provides free books at the Dardanelle City Gazebo, in addition to reading books in both English and Spanish in a family atmosphere with food and families to enjoy their time.
Arkansas Community Foundation (Pope and Johnson County)
Johnson County: Jackie Ott (Executive Director)
Phone: 479-979-7877
Email: johnsoncounty@arcf.org
Website: https://www.arcf.org/affiliates/johnson-county/
Address: 105 South Cravens Street Clarksville, AR 72830
Pope County: Madelyn J. Ginsberg (Executive Director)
Phone: 479-967-3083
Email: popecounty@arcf.org
Website: https://www.arcf.org/affiliates/pope-county/
Address: P.O. Box 663 Russellville, AR 72811
500 West B Street Russellville, AR 72801
- Mission: Arkansas Community Foundation engages people, connects resources and inspires solutions to build community.
- Description: The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization working statewide that offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct charitable dollars while learning more about community needs. By making grants and sharing knowledge, the Community Foundation supports charitable programs that work for Arkansas and partners with others to create new initiatives that address the gaps. Since 1976, we’ve provided more than $314 million in grants and partnered with thousands of Arkansans to help them improve our neighborhoods, our towns and our entire state. We work locally through a network of 29 affiliate offices, each with a local staff presence and advisory board. Affiliates have responsibility for local donor services, fund development, community leadership initiatives and administration, bringing the full services of the Community Foundation to the counties they serve.
- Previous Fundraiser: Johnson County: Giving Tree--These funds support a variety of causes based on changing community needs. The most recent Johnson County Giving Tree grants include: Arkansas Canine Search Specialists, Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Clarksville School District, Community Service Youth Foundation, Forrester-Davis Development Center, Johnson County Search & Rescue Dive Team, Johnson County Senior Activity Center, Junior Auxiliary of Clarksville, Ozark Rape Crisis Center, Pregnancy Help Center, and Proving Grounds Family Ministry. Pope County: The most recent Pope County Giving Tree grants include A Field of Angels – uniforms for children with special needs, Arkansas River Valley Arts Center – art kits for the summer camp program, Augsburg Food Pantry – purchase food for the hungry, Boys & Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley – purchase educational software for the computer lab, CASA of the 5th Judicial District – Christmas party for children in foster care in Pope County, Habitat for Humanity of Pope County – building supplies, Joseph’s House of Russellville – personal care items for children in foster care, Main Street Mission – purchase kitchen supplies and food to feed the hungry, Manna House Food Pantry – stainless steel tables for food prep, River Valley Child Advocacy Center, Inc. – purchase clothing and snacks for children that have been sexually abused, River Valley Christian Clinic – purchase medical, dental, optical and pharmacy supplies, Royal Family Kid’s Camp of Pope County – help to send children in foster care to a five-day summer camp, Russ Bus, Inc. – Fire suppression system in their Transitional Living Facility, Russellville Fire Department – Purchase equipment to expand the Junior Firefighter Challenge.
National Association of Junior Auxiliaries
Johnson County
Address: 601 N Montgomery Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: (479) 979-5588
Website: https://www.najanet.org/clarksville-ar/
Pope County
Email: jaofrussellville@gmail.com
Address: PO Box 1011 Russellville, AR 72811
Website: http://www.jarussellville.org/
Yell County
Email: jaofyellcounty@gmail.com
Address: PO Box 753 Dardanelle, AR 72834
Website: https://www.facebook.com/jayellcounty/
- Mission: “Caring Hearts. Helping Hands. Changing Lives.” National Association of Junior Auxiliaries provides support, resources and specialized training to its local chapters so they may better serve their communities.”
- Description: The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries is a non-profit organization dedicated to community improvements by meeting the needs of children, youth, and family.The work unit of the Junior Auxiliary Chapter is the project. A project is a planned undertaking in the fields of Welfare, Health, Recreation, Culture, or Education for which the Chapter has some part of financial or administrative responsibility. All projects undertaken by the Chapter must be voted upon by the Chapter membership. A Chapter should use its membership to work on projects that the Chapter initiated in order to meet needs that are not being met by other groups in the community.
- Previous project: The Royal Family Kids Camp is designed for children who have been victims of abuse and neglect and have faced the most difficult situations in their family lives, often moving from one foster home or group home to another several times.
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
Johnson, Franklin and Logan County: Sandy Nelson - Program Manager
Address: PO Box 1542 Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: (479) 551-2134
Email: snelson@aspsf.org
Website: http://www.aspsf.org/
Pope and Yell County: Daphne Scott - Program Manager
Address: PO Box 1212 Conway, AR 72033
Phone: (501) 588-2902
Email: dscott@aspsf.org
Website: http://www.aspsf.org/
- Mission: Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund exists to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through collaboration with like-minded partners across the state and nation, we envision: a sustained wave of opportunities for single parents.
- Description: The organization removes barriers to success for single parents, envisions a holistic approach that includes mentoring, developmental workshops and career coaching. ASPSF serves all 75 counties in Arkansas (as well as Bowie County, Texas) and awards over $1.9 million in scholarships annually to hard-working single parents across the state. Nearly three decades later, ASPSF has made great strides in developing a unique and powerful model with proven success in helping single parents escape poverty, increasing dignity and respect for single parents while increasing their children’s educational aspirations, expanding the state’s workforce in dozens of fields, and most particularly in education, health professions and business, assisting colleges, universities and trade schools in supporting good students, while increasing student retention and graduation rates among single parents, increasing awareness of an underserved population, and influencing key legislation for non-traditional students.
- Previous Fundraiser: Adopt a Scholar: You can help. By adopting a single parent scholar, you can impact a family for generations to come. With your steady support, our single parents will move one step closer to graudation! $3600 funds of scholarship of for a full time student for one academic year, supporting professional and personal developement opportunities throughout the term. $1200 funds a scholarship for a full time student for one semester, supporting professional and personal development opportunities throughout the term. Johnson county Beauties and the Beads: "We hope you can join us for this all-inclusive event to have lunch, bid in our silent jewelry auction, and hear from local scholarship recipients about how their lives AND the lives of their children have improved due to our scholarships. Enjoy lunch and bid on all types of jewelry while students share their success stories! Learn about the life-changing impact your support has on the lives of these single parents and their children. Learn more about how we can work together and end generational poverty - one family at a time!"
ARVAC, Inc.
Website: https://www.arvacinc.org/
Johnson County: Diana Lind, Family Support Advocate
Email: dlind@arvacinc.org
Address: 401 E. Main St., Suite 3 Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: 479-705-1108
Pope County: Deborah Humphreys, Family Support Advocate
Email: dhumphreys@arvacinc.org
Address: 103 South Rochester Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: 479-968-5756
Yell County: Tracy Woods, Family Support Advocate
Email: twoods@arvacinc.org
Address: 504 Union St. Dardanelle, AR 72834
Phone: 479-229-1392
Franklin County: Rhonda Holder, Family Support Advocate
Email: rholder@arvacinc.org
Address: 320 N. 2nd St. Ozark, AR 72949
Phone: 479-667-2791
Logan County: Kelley Reames, Family Support Advocate
Email: kreames@arvacinc.org
Paris Office: 124 North Elm St. Paris, AR 72855, Phone: 479-963-6325
Booneville Office: 366 N Broadway Ave Booneville AR, 72927 Phone: 479 675-3429
- Mission: ARVAC, Inc. promotes self-sufficiency and provides pathways out of poverty for individuals, families, and communities. ARVAC is committed to providing thoughtfully designed services to children and families. Our approach is proven to demonstrate several pathways out of poverty through high-quality, comprehensive programming. Our vision for education, health, and additional services is that the individuals, families, and communities who partner with us will be fully prepared economically to succeed.
- Description: Head Start is a US Department of Health and Human Services program for early childhood education, health, and nutrition for children from low income families. The program promotes school readiness for children ages 0-5. Children progress in social skills and emotional well-being, along with language and literacy learning, and concept development. All children receive health and development screenings, nutritious meals, oral health and mental health support. Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security.
- Previous Projects: Freedom House offers alcohol, substance use, mental health, and chemical dependency disorder therapeutic treatment options to provide tools to help individuals overcome addiction. Head Start is a US Department of Health and Human Services program for early childhood education, health, and nutrition for children from low income families. The program promotes school readiness for children ages 0-5.
The Help Network (Pope, Johnson, Yell)
Executive Director: Sarah Burgener
Email: sarah@helpnetworkinc.net
Phone: 479-967-7890
Address: 312 S Boulder Ave Russellville, Ar 72801
Website: https://helpnetworkinc.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelpNetworkInc/
- Mission: Help Network's a faith-friendly community non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and educating low-income families and individuals by offering "A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out" while encouraging and teaching responsible living and life skills in Pope, Johnson, and Yell counties. We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our team provides the momentum that helps us affect change by providing solutions that make a long-lasting difference.
- Description: The Help Network works with low-income individuals/families, disabled persons, elderly and veterans every day to ensure that they are able to stay in their homes and keep vital utilities connected. The Help Network is passionate about helping people who want to better their lives and breakthrough barriers that prevent them from becoming highly successful. Each year since the programs began, The Help Network has assisted over 1,000 individuals to obtain full-time employment, better-paying employment, and taught the skills needed to get the job, keep the job, and reach for their dreams.
- Previous projects: The Help Network will participate in employment fairs to advertise opportunities for those seeking out employment.
- Funding: The Help Network receives funding from voluntary donations from those who live in the River Valley.
Scholars Fund for Education (Pope and Yell County)
Executive Director: Sabra Bartlett
Email: info@scholarsfunded.org
Phone: 479-970-8800
Address: PO Box 1167 Russellville, Ar 72801
Website: https://www.scholarsfunded.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScholarsFundforEducation
- Mission Statement: The Scholars Fund for Education provides financial assistance and personal support to low-income single parents who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary course of study leading to employment with family-supporting wages.
- Description: Many single parents in the River Valley community are living with generational poverty. The Scholars Fund for Education aims to move them from a life dependent on tax-funded state and federal assistance programs and local services, to one of self-sufficiency.
- Funding: The Scholar Funds for Education comes from local businesses donating and all donations stay local for those in Pope and Yell County.
CASA of the 5th Judicial District (Pope, Johnson, and Franklin County)
Executive Director- Genney Baker
Pope County - 400 W Main St. Russellville, AR 72801 / 479-880-1195
Johnson County - 300 N College Ave Clarksville, AR 72830 / 479-647-3293
Franklin County - 220 West Commercial St Ozark, AR 72949 / 479-667-1010
Email: casa5gb@suddenlinkmail.com
Website: https://arcasa5.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASA5th
- Mission Statement: The mission of CASA of the 5th Judicial District is to provide abused, neglected and dependent children a voice in the court process in order for these children to find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. Their mission is accomplished through community volunteers who are trained to advocate for the best interests of each child.
- Description: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of the 5th Judicial District trains volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings. A CASA volunteer provides the judge with carefully researched information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. The CASA volunteer makes recommendations about placement to the judge and follows through until the child reaches a safe permanent home. To prepare a recommendation the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child and to ensure that the child is getting all the services she needs. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child—school, medical, caseworker reports and other documents. The CASA stays on the case until it is resolved, 12 months or longer in some cases.
- Previous projects: CASA of the 5th Judicial District hosted the first annual Gangsters and Gals Roaring 20s Benefit at Old Bank Sports Grill. The fundraiser had live music and dancing, appetizers are included in the price of the ticket, and menu selections will be available for purchase. All proceeds raised were donated to benefit local children in foster care. The Light the Night 2018 was the 2nd annual glow run/walk in Johnson County that was held at Cline Park in Clarksville. Children were able to participate in a 1K run/walk. The 5K fun run/walk starts followed by a glowing costume contest as soon as the last runner crosses the finish line. Strollers were welcome and children under 14 can participate in the 5K if they have parental supervision. The Rev’d Up 4 Kidz Benefit Car Show & Parade is a charitable event with 100% of all proceeds going to CASA of the 5th Judicial District. The admission to the Car show is free to the public and donations are accepted. At the Rev’d Up 4 Kidz Benefit Car Show & Parade will have attractions, concessions, live entertainment, a car show, and a parade.
- Funding: CASA of the 5th Judicial District is funded through a grant from Arkansas CASA Association, charitable foundations, grants, and generous contributions from community members.
River Valley Primary Care Services (Pope, Johnson, Logan County)
9755 W. State Highway 22 Ratcliff, Arkansas 72951
Phone: 479-431-2050
635 Childers Street Lamar, AR 72846
Phone: 479-668-4881
708 West Main Street Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: 479-668-3282
Website: https://www.rvpcs.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RVPCS
- Mission: The Mission of River Valley Primary Care Services is to provide quality comprehensive and preventative health care to all residents of the Arkansas area without regard to their ability to pay.
- Description: River Valley Primary Care Services (RVPCS) is a non-profit Federally Funded Health Center organization with clinic locations in Ratcliff, Fort Smith, Mulberry, Mountainburg, Lamar, Waldron, Clarksville, Lavaca, and Bonanza, Arkansas. RVPCS is based on the commitment to provide quality comprehensive and preventative health care that is affordable to all people in Arkansas, including those with insurance, those without, and those that are underinsured. RVPCS helps people connect with services that can help them, including the Prescription Assistance Program, Sliding Fee Scale Program, Medicaid Outstation Assistance, Food Stamp Applications, and WIC Applications. River Valley Primary Care Services has created a Health Care Home with dignity and respect for the health and well-being of all individuals that we serve.
- Previous Project: River Valley Primary Care Services has assisted our patients to receive the prescription medication that they need at affordable prices with our Prescription Assistance Program. This program has assisted in savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars for patients with the greatest need.
Community Service Youth Foundation
Contact: Robin Williams, Secretary
Address: 106 Cherokee Lane Clarksville, AR 72830
Phone: 479-754-7296
Email: rwilliams@csiyouth.com
Website: http://www.csiyouth.com/
- Mission: Our mission is to be a leader in providing quality services to youth and their families that will empower them to attain success in their homes, schools, vocations and communities.
- Description: Community Service Youth Foundation service professionals are committed to helping youth in need through prevention and education, therapeutic foster care, day treatment, substance abuse services, mental health services and juvenile justice.
- Previous fundraiser: Heroes Gala (April 19, 2018): Join us for the inaugural Community Service, Inc. Heroes Gala honor outstanding service to youth. This year’s honorees include Jessica Key, administrative assistant at Clarksville Pyron Elementary School; Kale Rudolph, Computer Information Systems Faculty at ATU-Ozark Campus; and Joe Hoing, former Dean of Students at the University of the Ozarks. Proceeds will benefit CSI youth programs in Johnson and Franklin Counties. Ticket holders will receive dinner and drinks (two drink tickets per adult)