Summer 2014 Newsletter

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Martiyha Simmons UALR Student and SPSF Recipient Read Her Story on Pg 3

Letter from the

Director Dear Friends,

Board of Directors

Summer days are full and exciting at the SPSF office.

In May we celebrated the graduation of 23 brand new college graduates, and last week we completed the selection process for the 2014-15 academic year. A new semester is beginning, and our students are buzzing with hope and anticipation.

Since 1991 we have served over 1900 single parent college students.

We’ve invested $1.3M in scholarship funding to families in Pulaski County because we know that education breaks the cycle of poverty.

Traditional scholarships help students go to college—SPSF helps students stay in college.

Our mission has always been to provide scholarship funding for low-income single parents who have the dream and goal of earning a college degree. Even though our funding and support services meet immediate needs, the long-term result is life-changing. Families move from a place of economic dependency to a place of self-sufficiency. One of our generous donors summed our work up beautifully, “SPSF works!”

Your investment has provided scholarships, nurtured families, and created bright new futures to over 1900 local families. Thank you for your support--together, we are making a difference.

Greg Jones, Chair Wayne Ball Jay Barth Andrea Dobson Charles W. Donaldson Marc Haynes Jenny Hergenroether Susan Hoffpauir Jan Hundley Tom Jewart Tim Jones Jennifer McCarty W.J. Monagle Daniela Ochoa Sandra Prater Cassandra Ramey Cathey Robbins Janea Snyder Nancy Zink

Staff

Karin Bara

Karin L. Bara

Executive Director

Brittany K. Richards Program Administrator

N EW D O N A T I ON O P P OR T UN I T Y

Shop at smile.amazon.com and a portion of your purchase will go directly to SPSF

Contributors Sarah Fleming Writer/Designer

Think Lawson & Company

When you bring single parents out of poverty, they bring their children with them.

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Dr. Daniela Ochoa

Dr. Charles Donaldson

WELCOME ABOARD

Ms. Jenny Hergenroether

Bragging Rights When selecting students to participate in SPSF we follow very high standards. Our adherence to those high standards shows in our lofty graduation rates, which are the envy of every college in the state.

But we also aim high when searching for members of the community to serve on our Board of Directors. It is the Board that defines our organization’s mission, then develops the policies and oversees fundraising necessary for the organization to succeed.

Our recruitment of three spectacular Board Members this past winter bodes well for our organization’s future. Please permit me to brag on them.

In Ms. Jenny Hergenroether, Director of Finance at Delta Dental, we found some-

one who combines a strong commitment to community outreach with the exacting eye that only an accountant – indeed a CPA – can bring to the table.

In Dr. Daniela Ochoa, Assistant Professor at UAMS’s Department of Surgery, we landed a woman who combines a heart of gold with the brains of a cancer surgeon.

And in Dr. Charles Donaldson, we found a man who not only possesses a unique talent for creative problem solving but, as the recently retired Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Student Life at UALR, understands probably better than anyone what challenges our college students face.

Greg Jones SPSF Board Chair

Help spread the word. Invite your friends and colleagues to SPSP 101. Information sessions designed to educate our community on the work and mission of SPSF. For more information, visit our website.

www. spsfpulaski. org SPSF Newsletter/Summer 2014 3

bette r A Stron ger Very few people discover their life’s work as a child, but Martiyha Simmons did. Growing up, Martiyha loved going to her dentist.

“Everyone there seemed so happy and friendly, and there was something about the smell of the office…just clean and inviting.”

As she grew older, Martiyha learned more about the work dentists do and was fascinated by the craftsmanship and complexity of the field. “I knew very early on that I wanted to be a dentist,” and Martiyha wasn’t afraid to go after her dream.

Becoming a dentist requires a bachelors degree, four years of dental school, and another two or three years for specialty training, but Martiyha never flinched at her ten-year goal.

“I love school. Learning is fun, and it’s one of those things where your hard work is always rewarded.”

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me After her high school graduation in 2008, she began attending UCA. College was more than a stepping stone to her dream, though.

Martiyha understood that an education was the only way out of the lifestyle she grew up in.

Neither of Martiyha’s parents have a college degree, and she is one of only a few to attend college in her family. In fact, many of her family members never finish high school.

“Sometimes it hurts to see my progress towards a degree knowing that my other family members could do the same. I want them to know that with much effort they could reach their goals, too, but if nobody cares, how are things going to change?”

Then Martiyha’s dreams took a devastating blow. Due to a difficult pregnancy, she was forced to quit school. After the birth of her daughter Kaydin, Martiyha was financially unable to go back full time. “I had a full-time job at a call center and was taking a few classes online. After two years of doing that, my body was literally fighting me because I was so unhappy. I had to make a change.”

Martiyha made the decision that no matter the odds, she was going to finish school and become a dentist. She was able to raise enough money through scholarships and grants to finally attend UALR as a full-time student in 2013.

Because of her determination and hard work, Martiyha is now a senior and on track to graduate in May of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

“Getting through school has been difficult, but I see it as an opportunity to grow.” She also recognizes all those who have helped her reach her goal, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County holding a special place in her heart.

Martiyha also wants to encourage others with her story. This fall she will be returning to her high school and speaking to seniors about attending college. “I want to let them know that life doesn’t end with a bad decision.”

Her desire to inspire young people stems from her own personal motto: “A stronger better me, I say it all the time. It means I want to continually become more confident, more professional, and more beautiful inside and out, until I realize my full worth as a woman.

Yet Martiyha’s biggest priority is to be a positive example for her precious daughter Kaydin. After watching Martiyha’s sister graduate from college, Kaydin understands the importance of the event and continually asks Martiyha when she will graduate.

“Kaydin will be so excited to see me walk across that stage, and getting my degree will set the standard for her.” Martiyha’s hope is that Kaydin will share in her passion and drive because dreams can come true if you are willing to persevere

“I’m proud to say I’m a part of SPSF because they are such a special group of people. They took me in, believed in me, and gave me the confidence I needed to do this. It really proves that where there is a will, there is a way.”

SPSF is one of the few organizations which understands that the needs of single-parent students extend beyond tuition and books.

Martiyha will always be grateful to SPSF because they made it financially possible for her to finish her degree. “SPSF is something I would break my neck to give back to.”

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Alumni C onnection

www.inthooz.com

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Mass Enthusiasm, a local design and marketing firm, is a company committed to community service. This fall, the company will be lending their support to SPSF with a $1,000 gift and challenging their colleagues to do the same. The challenge will be presented at Mass Enthusiasm’s grand re-opening in October which will also celebrate the company’s move to a new location downtown.

Thank you Mass Enthusiasm!

Chris McMillen

President of Mass Enthusiasm

This SPSF alum graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a BS in Computer Science in the 90s and is a lifetime member of Psi Chi - The National Honor Society in Psychology. Chris is a 20-year veteran of the advertising industry, specializing in internet technologies, strategic brand development, and corporate advertising. In his off time, Chris can be found taking care of his 3 beautiful children, mentoring students through the Dunbar Mentoring program, and being an active participant in local community outreach programs.

SPSF Newsletter/Summer 2014 5

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SPSF Celebrates with the Class of 2013-2014 May is a special time for SPSF. Every year we celebrate with our graduating recipients as they close one chapter of their lives and begin another.

We are always amazed by our graduates’ accomplishments.

These parents juggle the responsibilities of a family and a job while working hard for an education. It’s their determination and strength of character that sees them through to the end and that inspires us year after year to continue the work of SPSF. Before our graduates’ big day, we sat down and asked some of our recipients what graduation and SPSF means to them. As you read their replies, we hope you are just as inspired by these amazing single parents as we are.

Kid’s Korner When my mom was in school, I would tell her, “Just do your best and forget the rest.” I’m really excited that she is graduating now, but the reason I’m proud of her is because she worked really hard and never gave up.

Josiah Fleming, Age 9 Son of UALR Graduate Sarah Fleming

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SPSF Newsletter/Summer 2014 7

Touching Lives AND Inspiring Success SPSF rolls up its sleeves For another year of health

It’s been a busy year for SPSF and our recipients. We continually strive to provide great workshops, programs, and services for our families, and this year has been one of our best. Health is definitely a priority for SPSF, and our theme this year has been “Healthy Families.” With the help of our sponsors, events centered on proper eating, exercise, and health education.

A Night of Discovery There’s nothing healthier for a family than spending time together. Our recipients, alumni, and their children were able to spend a night out at the Musuem of Discovery this past November for some quality family time.

And thanks to SPSF of Arkansas, there was plenty of food and fun for everyone.

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Oral Health Workshop & Dental Clinic This past school year, SPSF partnered with UAMS to provide free education and dental care to SPSF families through Project Smile.

During the fall of 2013, program participants enjoyed a workshop covering the fundamentals of oral health. The following spring, our students visited the UAMS dental clinic and received a free cleaning. Staff also developed personal dental treatment plans for participants who will continue to visit the clinic for future care at minimal fees.

trition are often the only option families can afford. To combat this problem, we partnered with our sponsor the Walmart Foundation to create a new program for our recipients called Healthy Plate. This past spring, participants were refunded for the purchase of any fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and other healthy foods. Refunds could total up to $350 per semester. SPSF recipient Terra Kennedy said, “This program was wonderful! My kids loved all the fresh fruit and vegetables I was able to purchase. I felt wonderful being able to supply good foods and help teach them that healthy is happy!”

Blue & You Health Series The Blue & You Foundation has long been committed to the health of Arkansans. By partnering with community based organizations, they strive to provide needed healthcare services and to keep people informed about their general wellness. With Blue & You’s generous support, SPSF has implemented an entire series of health workshops and classes for 2014.

This past spring the series began with a 4-week yoga program. SPSF families were able to enjoy free yoga classes to improve their flexibility and strength. Adult classes were lead by SPSF’s Karin Bara, while the children were instructed by Anna Kay Frueauff. On February 21st, SPSF also conducted a workshop that educated parents on general pediatric health. Topics included vaccinations, the importance of annual child wellness check-ups, childhood obesity, and how to communicate with your child’s pediatrician.

Job Readiness Workshop This past March, SPSF of Arkansas and the Walmart Foundation joined hands to provide free job readiness training for single parents. The workshop, which was open to any single parent in Pulaski County, featured career coach Dr. Jan McCormick who brought 20 years of research and experience in job readiness and career advancement.

The workshop covered the essentials of finding and keeping that critical first job, and participants received a $50 Walmart gas card for attending. These are some of the many topics covered: Job Searches, Resume Writing, Networking Strategies, Winning Job Applications, Interviewing Techniques, Critical First Impressions, Personal Branding, and Stress Management.

Healthy Plate - Fueling for Greatness One of the greatest challenges low-income families face is eating healthy. Because of the high cost of fresh foods, processed foods that are high in additives and low on nuSPSF Newsletter/Summer 2014 9

Donor Honor Roll November 2013 - June 2014

General Donations

The Perfect Gift

Dr. Jay Barth Bruce Bartley Barbara Brewer Caroline Fox Jenny Hergenroether

Jane & Mike Arnold Christine Bailey Karin & Ron Bara Sydney Blackmon Kathleen & Jim Cargill Jason Chitwood Dr. Jay Barth & Chuck Cliett Beverly & Gary Darwin

Barbara Hill Al Hodge Susan Hoffpauir Matt House Jan & Randal Hundley Trudy & Jerry Jacobson Shirley & Greg Jones Tim Jones Tom Jones Li Lent Gloria Lawson Little Rock Meet & Greet Club Jennifer & Mark McCarty Donna McSpadden Barbara Miles Yvonne & WJ Monagle Misty & Nathan Nolen Dr. Daniela Ochoa Sandra Prater Cassandra Ramey Brittany & Daniel Richards Catherine Richart Cathey & Ken Robbins Sherece & Joe Scantlebury Susan & Richard Smith Janea & Bill Snyder Pat & Bill Tedford Tameka Williams Mary & Jim Wohlleb Nancy Zinc

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Suzanne Stair & Charles Oxford Brad Walker Mary & Jim Wohlleb Nancy Zink

Adopt A Student Dr’s Laurie & Jeffrey Barber

Michelle, Emily, Joseph, & Sammy Dobson

Dr. Toni & Rabbi Barry Block

Andrea & Bruce Dobson Mable & Charles Donaldson Khayyam Eddings Olivia Myers Farrell Dora Jane & Greg Flesher Anna Kay Frueauff David Frueauff Sue Frueauff Mary & Sean Glancy Mike Hagen Jenny Hergenroether Barbara Hill Jan & Randal Hundley Leigh Ann & Charles Kreps Gloria Lawson Jennifer & Mark McCarty Stephanie Meincke Yvonne & WJ Monagle Bonnie & Sam Nickol Dr. Daniela Ochoa Becky Parcher Brittany & Daniel Richards Cathey & Kenneth Robbins Angela & David Sink Diane Skinner Carlia Smith

Peggy Mitchell-Farris

Cindy Conger Dr. Mary Good Barbara Miles Eileen & Patrick O’Sullivan Nancy Rector

SPSF Alumni Dr. Annie Burns Regina Daniels Kimberly Fowler Tameka Lamb Kendra Rice Erin Snow Dr. Janea Snyder

In Honor of

Foundations

Liston Barber by Laurie & Jeff Barber

Arkansas Blue & You Foundation

Milton DeJesus by Karin Bara

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Marc Haynes by Amy Trickett & team at Axiom

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Melinda Faubel by BBB of Arkansas Education Foundation

Charles A. Frueauff Foundation

Dora Jane Flesher by Martha & French Hill

Rebsamen Fund

Carol Nelson-Miles by Sally Hunter

Wal-Mart Foundation

Fred Darragh Foundation

Bonnie Nickol by John Baker Ruth Remmel by Mary Boaz Wilma Rolett by Peggy Mitchell-Farris Mary Wohlleb by Karin Bara Mary Wohlleb by Sara & Salvador Vergara

2013 Fall Event Rhonda & Ken Dick

In Memory of

Peggy Mitchell-Farris Friday,Eldredge & Clark Ellen & Dale Ingram

Pat Koonce by Gerald Koonce

Ann Nicholson

Brooks Rosen by Bonnie & Sam Nickol

Bonnie & Sam Nickol

Jim Waldron by Bonnie & Sam Nickol

Dr. Daniela Ochoa Jan Wright

In-Kind Donations

SPSF Newsletter/Summer 2014 11

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PD LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT 2288

www.spsfpulaski.org 501.301.7773

P.O. Box 925 Little Rock, AR 72203

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Save the Date

H

A Night of Hope Wednesday, October 8, 2014 6:00-8:00pm

Governor’s Mansion 1800 Center St., Little Rock Event Chairs:

Christy & Jay Bolling Mary & Sean Glancy

We’re happy to announce SPSF’s 15th annual fall event, A Night of Hope for Single Parents, which will be held at the Governor’s Mansion. Come join us. Meet some of our single parent recipients and be part of an organization that is really making a difference.