Representatives from five different agencies met to discuss the challenges facing families in their communities. Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Arkansas, Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, Stepping Stone Sanctuary, and NEA Family Crisis Center all serve homeless people and emergent clients yet they each specialize in different areas and can do the best service to their community when they work together.
Not every facility or program is right for every participant. Desired Haven, a service of Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries whose goal is to help mothers with a history of trauma and domestic violence, uniquely serves women and their children. Stepping Stone Sanctuary is uniquely for emergency and transitional living while others are equipped for longer recovery care.
100 Families is helping to bridge the gaps between these programs for families in Craighead County. Their collaborative case management software makes communication and referrals manageable.
Troy Vaughn of Crowley’s Ridge Development Council expresses his desire to break down barriers between nonprofits in his community.
"This 100 Families Program isn't just something we want to talk about," says Vaughn, "This is something we want to do."
According to Vaughn, collaboration is the key to lasting impact.
The resources already exist in Craighead County and beyond. Each of these five organizations are experts in their niche, from building affordable housing for families who thought they would never find stability to providing transitional housing for those aging out of foster care. And it is clear from listening to the panelists that they are passionate about this work and about maximizing long lasting impact.
Casey Kidd of NEA Family Crisis Center speaks of her heart for nonprofit from a young age and says that her work doesn't feel like work.
"I get to go into the office everyday and keep doing what I love."
Heather Shrader of Stepping Stone Sanctuary calls her work a privilege.
"I get to know their stories and be a part of the brighter days that are coming through," Shrader says.
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