When Summer Isn’t a Break: Helping Families During Summer Stress

For many children, summer signals freedom: no more homework, later bedtimes, long days spent swimming or playing outside. But for countless families across Arkansas—and especially those already living in crisis—summer doesn’t feel like a break but rather more of a stress test.

That was the focus of a recent panel hosted in Batesville, Arkansas, by the 100 Families Initiative of Independence County. Educators, shelter leaders, family advocates, and mental health professionals gathered to discuss how the summer months impact the state’s most vulnerable families.

“Some of our kids get off the bus in May and we don’t see them again until August,” said panelist Jessica Angel with Save the Children. “That gap is filled with uncertainty—where their next meal is coming from, who’s watching them, and whether they’ll be safe.” 

During the school year, many children rely on free or reduced breakfast and lunch at school. When school ends, that safety net could disappear. Angel noted that child food insecurity in Independence County has jumped from 21% to 24.5% in the last year alone.

Many children receive therapy and behavioral health services during school hours. In the summer, these sessions are often missed because parents work multiple jobs and can’t transport their child to appointments—or even access virtual care due to tech and internet limitations.

“It’s not just access to therapy,” explained Sharla Felkins, the Family Support Partner Coordinator for Batesville School District. “It’s learning how to apply that therapy in real-time at home. That’s what our family-centered support model is about—being there when it actually matters.”

"A lot of times what we find is that the kids that do have mental health issues, a lot of it stems from how the parent interacts with that child," added Felkins. "So a lot of what I'm doing when I go out into the home is introducing a communications model and modeling it for the parent with the child so that the parent can see 'Oh, I don't have to scream at him because he's getting another snack. I can speak a little more kindly to him or set up a snack schedule.' Something like that so that not everything is a fight."

Panelists unanimously agreed: lack of transportation is one of the biggest obstacles. Whether it’s reaching a summer camp, a counseling session, or a food program, many families—especially those outside city limits—simply can’t get there.

“Some families rely on a neighbor or a relative to get anywhere,” said Anita Lewis of Safe Haven. “And for those who can’t afford gas or taxis, the isolation deepens.”

What's Being Done and What's Still Needed

Community gardens, mobile hubs, and summer feeding programs  were highlighted as promising solutions. In Batesville, for example, the local preschool opens its garden and playground to the public after 5:30 p.m., offering free produce and safe, walkable outdoor space for families.

The school district also provides a summer meal program with multiple pickup locations and options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

But despite these efforts, panelists expressed concern that many summer programs exclude children with behavioral challenges or disabilities—often unintentionally.

“Some of our foster kids were turned away from summer camp because of their behavior,” one panelist shared. “It’s heartbreaking. And it forces parents to quit their jobs to stay home with their children.”

There were creative solutions discussed—like engaging local college students in education programs to assist children with special needs at camp. Another idea was setting up income-based discounts for city recreation centers, so families don’t have to choose between groceries and a swim pass.

A Call for Community Collaboration

The panel concluded with a strong message: no single agency can solve this alone. Schools, nonprofits, churches, city leaders, and healthcare providers must continue working together to fill gaps—and to listen to the families most affected.

“Not every community has arcades, rinks, or youth centers anymore,” said Anita Lewis. “We need to reimagine what support looks like—for teens, for kids with disabilities, for every family that gets left behind when the school doors close.”