The River Valley is home to many nonprofit organizations doing incredible work with limited resources. Our 4th annual Guide to Local Nonprofits serves to further each of their missions and allows you to discover how you can get involved and commit your support to the organizations near and dear to your heart.
The River Valley is home to many nonprofit organizations doing incredible work with limited resources. Our 4th annual Guide to Local Nonprofits serves to further each of their missions and allows you to discover how you can get involved and commit your support to the organizations near and dear to your heart.
Rogers Avenue, Ste.
Fort Smith, Arkansas
aspsf.org
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, or ASPSF, introduces low-income single parents to the transformative power of education. By providing financial support, mentoring, and career coaching, the organization helps single parent scholars pursue higher education and kickoff professional careers. The result? Sustainable employment with family-supporting wages. And that’s not all! ASPSF empowers single parents to provide a better life for their children and inspire their children to seek higher education themselves. ASPSF’s investment in its students not only strengthens communities with viable economic impact, but it also emboldens families to imagine a brighter future. Give or volunteer today at aspsf.org!
PO BOX 11967 Fort Smith, Arkansas contact@billneumeierfoundation.com
The Bill Neumeier Foundation for Suicide Awareness was founded in remembrance of William “Bill” August Neumeier, Jr. Our mission is to provide monetary contributions to local suicide awareness and intervention organizations in the Fort Smith community that are dedicated to improving suicide awareness, intervention and improved mental health. Bill Neumeier, Jr. was born Dec. 7, 1963, in Fort Smith to William “Bill” and Jo Ann “Jody” Neumeier. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. After graduating from Subiaco Academy in 1982, Bill attended College of the Ozarks. He was the owner and operator of Neumeier’s Rib Room and Papa’s Pub and Pizzeria and was a passionate supporter and organizer of the Riverfront Blue’s Festival and Peacemaker Festival. Bill was a huge supporter of the revitalization of downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas.
James Maginot, Assistant Executive Director 479.222.7155 bost.org
Bost has evolved tremendously since the original Bost School’s purpose of providing education to school age children, to our current multitude of services and programs for individuals of all ages with a wide range of disabilities and mental health needs across the state of Arkansas. From getting children ready for school, to assisting adults with becoming more independent, Bost grows with those we serve to provide a lifetime of care while fostering independence, no matter the level of disability. Employment opportunities are available at www.bost.org/careers. #iambost #wearebost
366 North Broadway, # 22 Booneville, Arkansas 479.675.2641 casaofthetripeaks.org
Have a heart for foster children, but unsure how you can help? Consider becoming a CASA volunteer to help abused and neglected children navigate the often scary and intimidating foster care system. CASA volunteers are trained and appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of foster children. Volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child. While this might seem daunting at first, CASA staff are there to support volunteers along the way. You can even volunteer with a friend or partner to work together with a foster child! Reach out today to learn more!
Join us for the 14th Annual Christmas Honors event to honor our veterans and their families! On Friday, December 2nd beginning at 9am, volunteers will work to prepare the 16,000 wreaths at the Convention Center. No sign up required –just come and help! Then join the community on Saturday, December 3rd for the honor ceremony and the laying of the wreaths at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Every veteran’s headstone will be honored by laying a green wreath with a bright red bow for remembrance of their service and sacrifice. Let us never forget them. For more information visit ChristmasHonors.org or at Facebook @ChristmasHonors.
Community Rescue Mission, a faith-based, Christian organization, has served the homeless community for over 40 years. While families live with us in our transitional program, we provide for all their basic needs and help them find employment or return to school, encourage them to attend counseling and support groups, provide parenting classes, financial literacy classes, nutrition classes, job skills, recovery resources and peer support. We instill hope and empower the lives of families and children in crisis due to homelessness by providing safe shelter, meals, case management, and spiritual enrichment to prepare families to acquire jobs and live successful, independent, productive lives.
Regional Office: 1606 South J Street Fort Smith, Arkansas
Regional Phone: 479.785.4031 cjsinc.org
Our mission is to serve the needs of youth and their families by providing community-based intervention and advocacy services to reduce family conflict, promote family reunification, prevent juvenile delinquency and entry or further advancement into the juvenile justice system. We seek to redirect the lives of youth and families, empowering youth to become successful and productive adults. Referrals come from the court system, law enforcement agencies, school personnel, health care agencies, churches, family members or by youth in person. Licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services as a licensed Child Placement Agency and as a licensed Emergency Residential Child Care Facility, we proudly serve Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, Polk, Scott, and Montgomery Counties.
401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.2966
Facebook or fslt.org
Come downtown for year-round entertainment featuring comedies to dramas and musicals to mysteries. The Fort Smith Little Theatre’s casual, comfortable setting is perfect for date night, a matinee with mom, or a girls’ night out. Looking for friendship and a chance to learn new skills? Join the fun as a volunteer. Building sets, ushering, making coffee, acting — there are plenty of jobs to do and friends to be made at FSLT, your all-volunteer community theatre since 1947. And remember, a 2023 Season Package would make a great Christmas gift. Learn more at fslt.org or find us on Facebook. Next up: Coffee Shop, Nov. 10-19.
2713 S. 74th Street, Suite 203 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.1002 hamiltoncca.org
Child abuse. The words alone are hard to hear. And when a child has been abused, it is even harder to know where to turn for help, guidance, and understanding. The Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy has the experience to help families navigate a complex system while staying focused on what matters most: child safety and well-being. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to pave the way to health, safety, and healing for victims of abuse and their non-offending family members. Our services include advocacy, forensic interviews, sexual assault medical exams, mental health therapy and prevention education. If you suspect child abuse, do not hesitate to call 1-800-SAVE A CHILD. Be the voice.
417 South 16th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.2260
hearttoheartpfcc.org
Heart to Heart Pregnancy and Family Care Center has been serving the River Valley and surrounding areas for 36 years. We proudly serve women, men, and families with children up to the age of three. We provide families with much needed free monthly supplies such as: diapers, wipes, formula, clothing and so much more. We gratefully accept gently used and new clothing, shoes, blankets, etc. We are also thankful for the faithful, financial support of our donors. If you are interested in connecting with Heart to Heart as a client, volunteer, or supporter, please reach out to us at 479-4522260. Together with our great community, we are making a difference, one heartbeat at a time.
Manes & Miracles offers equine-assisted therapy to children with special needs. Our vision is to expand services to Veterans. With the help of a horse and certified physical, occupational and speech therapists, we provide a unique treatment tool called hippotherapy. Mother, Lawanda, reports her daughter Angel couldn’t even hold her head up when she started, now she is walking hundreds of steps in a gait trainer. As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on the generosity of caring individuals and organizations. Donations provide care for therapy horses and help local children receive services. #GivingTuesday Facebook fundraiser is November 29 and please remember us for year-end giving. Donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your kind heart.
Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization of more than 2,500 local clubs whose members work to make the future brighter for local children. Our purpose is to develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed. Historically, we have supported our local Boys & Girls Clubs, Children's Shelter, Girl's and Boy’s Shelters, the Optimist Essay and Oratorical Scholarship Contests, Optimist Hearing Foundation, and Reynolds Cancer Support House. We invite you to join our club! If you want to make a difference in the lives of community youth, the Optimist Club of Fort Smith is for you. Our club meets Wednesdays at noon at Golden Corral, 1801 South Waldron Road.
1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.2273
projectcompassioninc.com
We are a Fort Smith-based nonprofit founded in 1972 by the late Gloria White. Her mission to bring joy, companionship, and enhanced quality of life to nursing home residents remains our focus. 2022 is our 50th year of service! We are a United Way of Fort Smith agency serving twenty-six long-term care and senior living facilities. We partner with businesses, schools, churches, and civic organizations. Volunteers visit one-to-one with residents and form a bond of friendship. Year-round programs include recreational music, dance, pet therapy, fidget blankets, calls, and cards. Hearts of Gold provides Christmas gifts of clothing to residents without friends/family visitors. Visit our website to donate, volunteer, and get connected!
3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.6302 / 800.262.9917
reynoldscancersupporthouse.org
In 1978, the Cancer Support Foundation was organized to provide non-medical services, counseling, transportation, and support for cancer patients and their families. We offer an array of programs and services including wigs, hats, turbans, and other hair loss needs, post mastectomy supplies, transportation assistance to and from treatment, emotional support groups led by licensed facilitators, nutritional supplements, nutrition classes, education sessions and cancer screenings, medical equipment and supplies, low-impact fitness classes, emergency financial prescription assistance, one-on-one patient navigation, and so much more!
1333 Arapaho Avenue, Suite A Springdale, Arkansas 479.756.5600 rmhcofarkoma.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma aims to support the health and well-being of children and families in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. At RMHC, it is our goal to create programs that provide a home away from home for families with children in the hospital. We aim to keep families comfortable by providing everything they would need at their own house - meals, shampoo, laundry detergent, snacks, hygiene products, and more. Help RMHC lift burdens off families in a vulnerable time by donating items that keep families close. To see our current needs, visit rmhcofarkoma. org/get-involved/wish-list.
5521 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.353.0767 thecallinarkansas.org
The CALL partners with local families who are interested in foster care or adoption to walk them through the process of opening their home. With over 540 children and youth in foster care in Crawford and Sebastian Counties, we continue to see some of the highest numbers of kids in care in the state. Since our founding in 2007, we have opened over 3,320 foster and adoptive families which make up 67% of the traditional (non-relative) foster homes statewide. We also partner with those who would like to volunteer their time and talents and we are completely funded through donations. If you are ready to Seek, Serve or Support local families and children, email Emily Treadaway, County Coordinator, at etreadaway@thecallinarkansas.org.
South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas
kistlercenter.org
The founding of The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center was based on integrity and generosity – the dream of a housewife and fireman. What was born out of one family’s need, 44 years ago, has grown to become a respected outpatient treatment center known throughout the region. The Kistler Center offers occupational, physical, speech-language, and aquatic therapy to children. It is a certified provider for the Autism Waiver program for children 18 months to 5 years, an EPSDT autism provider, and is a certified provider for children and adults in the Community Employment Support Waiver program. From out-patient therapy services to in-home waiver services, the Kistler Center is here for you. Your journey is our journey.
unitedwayfortsmith.org
United Way of Fort Smith Area has provided change in our area since 1928. We mobilize our community in ways that no single agency, individual, or government can, to enhance the ability of people to care for one another. We address the needs of those who live in our region by bringing the community together to address critical issues. We invest in programs that provide the education, childcare, shelter, and food that people need to be successful and encourage people to contribute money and time to improve the communities we serve. A local volunteer board of directors governs United Way of Fort Smith Area, with decisions made locally. We are independent of all other United Ways.
