"This is a celebration!" Mayor George McGill of Fort Smith, Arkansas was excited to be one of the leaders, partners, and advocates from across Crawford and Sebastian counties gathered at Peak Innovation Center for the 100 Families Initiative Appreciation Event.
Hosted by county coordinators Becky Petty and Courtnee Harlan, the event highlighted the measurable impact the collective has made on families in crisis—and celebrated the real stories of people who have moved from crisis to career with the help of their community.
Addressing the changemakers in the room, Petty said, "This alliance exists because each of you believed that ‘What impacts one of our families directly impacts us all.’ You declared, ‘We will step in. We will make change. For ourselves, for our families, for our community, we will restore hope.’”
Community leaders expressed their gratitude and their continued commitment to collaboration, highlighting the momentum building across both counties. Carl Norris spoke to the strong partnership between Harbor House and the 100 Families Initiative, emphasizing how recovery services and coordinated care are changing outcomes for parents in crisis.
Michelle Wannemacher of UAFS reflected on how the collaboration between the University's social work department and the 100 Families Initiative embodies the university’s values.
As Michelle shared, “The partnership between UAFS and the 100 Families Initiative is one of the clearest examples of that mission in action. It represents what UAFS strives to be, a place where academic learning, community leadership, and real-world problem-solving come together for meaningful impact."
She spoke about integrating 100 Families into coursework, field experiences, and research, expressing confidence that this expanding partnership will strengthen both students and the broader River Valley community by developing a more connected, compassionate, and prepared workforce.
Gary Uduoj reaffirmed Peak Innovation Center’s dedication to families, celebrating how education, industry, and community partners are aligning to create opportunity.
"It's been amazing to see the goal of 100 Families and how many people you've helped," Uduoj said.
Mayor George McGill and Mayor Joe Hurst both underscored the power of unity, gratitude, and shared responsibility—reminding the room that when local leaders stand together, families stand a better chance at stability and success.
"It is a beautiful thing to see the initiative’s efforts come to fruition," Petty noted.
The 100 Families Initiative is reshaping the social landscape of both counties. Karen Phillips and Paul Chapman—two of the driving architects behind the initiative—shared the measurable impact of this work.
517 participants have moved from crisis to career since launch.
Every participant is supported by an average care team of 13 partners, providing wrap-around stability across all 13 Care Areas.
75% of children in the 100 Families Initiative have been reunited with their parents.
972 participants were served in the past year through the alliance in these counties, with 2,223 children impacted.
241 participants obtained stable housing over the past year.
120 participants have secured affordable, reliable transportation in the last year.
96 families received HOME-ARP assistance, all of whom were either homeless or at imminent risk.
Through CarePortal, 216 children and parents received requested items, generating $68,456 in community economic impact.
These are more than just numbers. These are real lives changed. Three powerful success stories were shared—each revealing the real people behind the data and the impact of a community that refuses to give up on families.
"Their hard work, grit, and determination—combined with the wraparound support of this alliance—have changed the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their children," said Petty. "It is a privilege to celebrate them, and to celebrate all of you who have played a role in their success."
Mariah, a single mother of three, shared a message of gratitude that moved the room to tears.
“It’s people like you, each and every single one of you. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your support. For making families like mine able to become successful.”
Once struggling with housing, transportation, and financial instability, Mariah now stands firmly in a new season of stability—and is working and providing for her children with confidence and hope.
Read More about Mariah's Story.
Patricia McMullin from Community Rescue Mission introduced Christina’s journey, describing her resilience:
“She faced overwhelming anxiety and heartbreak, but she refused to let it define her… Her story is proof that with persistence, support, and faith, transformation truly is possible.”
Christina, also a single mother of three, shared how the 100 Families Initiative restored her trust in people—and in herself.
“They showed me that I could trust people, that I wasn’t meant to walk this journey by myself, and that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s strength.”
When a community chooses to collaborate and walk with participants together, it works.
“The community truly can transform a life," shared Christina. “For every resource, every act of kindness, every prayer, every late night conversation reminding me why I started—I want you to know, it mattered. It changed my life.”
“The community truly can transform a life."Christina
Though unable to attend in person, Jessica shared her transformation through a heartfelt video.
After losing her mom, enduring her husband’s departure, and suffering a miscarriage, Jessica fell into addiction and homelessness. Her four children were scattered among relatives, and she had no car, home, childcare, or income. Exhausted and running out of hope, she found the 100 Families Initiative.
“I found Amanda, and she’s been by my side ever since,” Jessica said. Her advocate remembers it clearly: “Jessica arrived with a spark of determination that never wavered. She showed up even when everything around her was falling apart.”
With her advocates' support, Jessica fought her way back to stability. Today she is sober, employed, and moving forward with her children safely back in her life, living proof that hope and persistence can rewrite a family’s future.
The Appreciation Event served as both a celebration and a reminder: real change happens when entire communities step forward.
With 2,958 participants and 6,357 children reached to date across both counties, the 100 Families Initiative continues to demonstrate what is possible when agencies unite, data guides the work, and families are surrounded—not judged.
Heather Edwards, Community Success Manager with Restore Hope, reflected, "What you saw today is exactly what the 100 Families Initiative is all about. It's real families making real progress with all of you alongside them. The numbers are great, but to see the faces, it really brings the impact home."
As the stories and data made clear, families in Crawford and Sebastian counties are staying strong and staying together every day—because their community stands with them.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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