Clarksville was the scene of a powerful display of service and second chances as more than 100 volunteers joined forces for the Keep Arkansas Beautiful - Great Arkansas Cleanup. What began as a Saturday morning cleanup quickly became a day of transformation and community pride.
The effort was led by the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, in partnership with the Johnson County District Court and three local recovery housing programs—Safe Haven, Stepping Stones Recovery of Arkansas, and Next Step Recovery. For four hours, volunteers collected litter from Lake Ludwig, Downtown Clarksville, Spadra Trail, city parks, Highway 109, Highway 21, and East Market Street. By the end of the day, an entire 10-foot trailer was packed full of trash, leaving the city noticeably cleaner and the community deeply inspired.
For many, the event meant more than beautifying streets and parks. It was about reclaiming purpose and proving the power of second chances.
Hayden Dougan, Recovery Coordinator at Next Step Recovery, called the experience a moment of restoration.
“It felt great to return to the same community I once harmed and contribute in a positive way. I think it makes a huge difference for the residents of Clarksville to see people in recovery out in action — showing that we are part of the community, too, and that we want to help keep it clean and give back.”
Joseph Cruz, Director of Stepping Stones Recovery of Arkansas, stressed the broader meaning.
“When recovery houses and smart justice come together, it shows people what real change looks like. It’s not just about picking up trash — it’s about breaking cycles, offering second chances, and showing the community that recovery isn’t hidden, it’s active and visible.”
Angel Hernandez, Peer Recovery Specialist with the Wolfe Street Foundation, added.
“I loved being able to give back to the community and also connect with peers in recovery.”
From Safe Haven, Executive Director Shannon Garrett said her residents walked away encouraged.
“They repeatedly expressed how awesome it was to feel part of the community and able to give back. They hope to have other opportunities to show their support for our community.”
The cleanup reflected the heart of the initiative's mission—bringing courts and community partners together to create opportunities for people to succeed and give back. It was a day that highlighted both service and connection.
Nikki Stone, Court Coordinator for the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, said the relationships formed were just as meaningful as the trash collected.
“Everyone was excited to be part of something bigger than themselves. While seeing the community cleaned up was wonderful, the real impact was building connections outside of court. When people know they matter and are remembered, it creates lasting change — and that’s exactly what we hope to keep growing through events like this.”
The Clarksville cleanup is just one of many. More Smart Justice District Court Initiative cleanups are being planned across Arkansas in recognition of the Great Arkansas Cleanup campaign, each offering people the chance to serve their neighbors and demonstrate that hope and transformation are alive in our communities.
The message is clear: The Smart Justice District Court Initiative is not only working to restore lives—it is helping to restore communities.
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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