LOCAL GUIDE TO NONPROFITS - OCTOBER 2023

LOCAL NONPROFITS

LOCAL NONPROFITS The River Valley is home to many incredible nonprofit organizations doing amazing work with limited resources.

Our 5th annual Local Nonprofits Guide serves to further each of their missions and allows you to discover how you can get involved and pledge your support to those which

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are near and dear to your heart.

LOCAL NONPROFITS

LOCAL NONPROFITS The River Valley is home to many incredible nonprofit organizations doing amazing work with limited resources.

Our 5th annual Local Nonprofits Guide serves to further each of their missions and allows you to discover how you can get involved and pledge your support to those which

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are near and dear to your heart.

LOCAL NONPROFITS

7000 Chad Colley Boulevard Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.308.2243 achehealth.edu

5401 Rogers Avenue, Suite 204 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.927.1402 aspsf.org

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is a private, In the River Valley, low-income single parent students hope

ACHE is fulfilling its mission of educating future healthcare

they can pay utility bills, put food on the table, buy gas, and

professionals through: Arkansas College of Osteopathic

still have enough funds to stay in school next semester. This is

Medicine (ARCOM), Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSB),

why Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) exists —

Master of Public Health (MPH), School of Physical Therapy

and you can help, too! When you give to ASPSF, you provide

(ACHE PT), and School of Occupational Therapy (ACHE OT).

a flexible scholarship that helps nontraditional students pay

Off campus, ACHE is committed to making a difference in the

for school supplies, childcare, and groceries while attending

community. The ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness

classes. And, best of all, you send the message that you

Center (RI) celebrated the opening of the first floor of the

believe in single parents and their education. Your gift today

317,000-square-foot facility to be used for biomedical research

helps single parents on their journey through school, to

and targeted health and wellness initiatives. ACHE is a private

graduation, and onto a career with family-supporting wages.

institution dedicated solely to healthcare and wellness.

Donate or volunteer today at aspsf.org.

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not-for-profit institution located on 500+ acres in Fort Smith.

LOCAL NONPROFITS

SUICIDE AWARENESS FOUNDATION

PO BOX 11967, Fort Smith, Arkansas contact@billneumeierfoundation.com The Bill Neumeier Foundation for Suicide Awareness was

James Maginot, Assistant Executive Director 479.222.7155 bost.org

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founded in remembrance of William “Bill” August Neumeier, Jr. Our mission is to provide monetary contributions to local

Bost has greatly evolved since the original Bost School’s

suicide awareness and intervention organizations in Fort Smith

purpose of providing education to school-age children, to our

dedicated to improving suicide awareness, intervention, and

current multitude of services and programs for individuals of

improved mental health. Bill Neumeier, Jr. was born Dec.

all ages, with a wide range of disabilities and mental health

7, 1963, in Fort Smith to William “Bill” and Jo Ann “Jody”

needs across the state of Arkansas. From getting children

Neumeier. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church.

ready for school, to assisting adults with becoming more

After graduating from Subiaco Academy Bill attended College

independent, Bost grows with those we serve to provide a

of the Ozarks. He was owner/operator of Neumeier’s Rib

lifetime of care while fostering independence, no matter the

Room and Papa’s Pub and Pizzeria, a passionate supporter

level of disability. Employment opportunities are available at

and organizer of the Riverfront Blues Festival and Peacemaker

www.bost.org/careers. #iambost #wearebost

Festival and was a huge supporter of the revitalization of downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas!

LOCAL NONPROFITS

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LOCAL NONPROFITS

1216 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.4171 casaofsebastiancounty.org

Find them on Facebook 479.926.0939 or 479.652.3553 christmashonors.org

CASA of Sebastian County (Court Appointed Special

Join us for the 15th Annual Christmas Honors event to honor

Advocates) is a non-profit organization utilizing volunteers

our veterans and their families! On Friday, December 1st,

to advocate for children in Sebastian County foster care.

volunteers will work to prepare the 16,000+ wreaths at the

Volunteers are trained to understand the impact of trauma on

Fort Smith Convention Center. No sign up is required – just

children in foster care. By visiting a child in their placement,

come and help! Then join the community at the Fort Smith

they become a consistent person in the child’s journey through

National Cemetery on Saturday, December 2nd for the honor

foster care. Volunteers advocate for services that promote

ceremony and the laying of the wreaths. Every veteran’s

healing, helping children develop resilience without causing

headstone will be honored by laying a green wreath with a

additional trauma. Due to a lack of volunteers, we can only

bright red bow for remembrance of their service and sacrifice.

advocate for 40% of the almost 400 children in foster care.

Let us never forget them. Visit the NEW website for the

Every child deserves a volunteer to advocate for their best

schedule of events and more! ChristmasHonors.org and on

interest and ensure they don’t fall through the cracks of an

Facebook @ChristmasHonors.

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overloaded foster care system.

LOCAL NONPROFITS

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LOCAL NONPROFITS

310 North F Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.1443 fscrm.org Community

Rescue

Mission,

a

faith-based,

1606 South J Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.4031 cjsinc.org

Christian

CJS serves the needs of youth and families who are struggling

organization, has served the homeless community for over 40

to navigate their way through those difficult teen years. With

years. While families live with us in our transitional program,

offices in the counties of Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, Scott,

we provide for all their basic needs and help them find

Polk and Montgomery since 1977, we determine the specific

employment or return to school, encourage them to attend

needs of each individual youth and refer to those services most

counseling and support groups, and provide parenting classes,

appropriate to provide the help they need. CJS services include

financial literacy classes, nutrition classes, job skills, recovery

casework, mentoring, aftercare/re-entry, strengthening families

resources and peer support. We instill hope and empower

program, parenting classes, workforce program, emergency

the lives of families and children in crisis due to homelessness

shelter, classes for life skills, anger management, substance

by providing safe shelter, meals, case management, and

abuse, and social media, mental health assessments and

spiritual enrichment to prepare families to acquire jobs and

therapy, residential care through the Fort Smith Girls Shelter,

live successful, independent, productive lives.

community service program, and electronic monitoring. Please

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call 479-785-4031 for more information or to make a referral.

LOCAL NONPROFITS

4800 South 46th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.551.2221 fsmah.org

6015 Boys Club Lane, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.646.9519 fsbgc.org At 95-years-old, the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club has learned a thing or two about a thing or two. Our focus is

abandoned and lost animals of Fort Smith. Our goal is to reunite

youth development, and our mission is to provide quality

them with their family or place them in a loving home. You can

programming to every child in our community. From the

make a tremendous difference! We need your assistance to pay

new Cox Innovation Lab that recently opened, to Lego

the cost of housing animals after the five-day hold. The City of

Robotics, gardening, and music, our programs are developed

Fort Smith pays for the first five days of care, we then work to

in collaboration with area partners to make sure every child

return animals to their owners, adopt or transport them to our

has every opportunity to build a bright future. The Clubs are

partners. This is an expensive process with the increases in fuel

where kids can make friends, have fun, explore, and learn in

and labor cost. Open daily, we welcome everyone to visit us,

a positive and safe environment. Building great futures starts

see what we are doing, adopt an animal or volunteer!

now. It starts today. And it starts with us.

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We are committed to providing a haven and the best care for

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LOCAL NONPROFITS

LOCAL NONPROFITS

401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.2966 fslt.org / Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

5 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.7575 fortsmithsymphony.org Experience wonderful concerts, world-renowned guest artists and terrific music making with the Fort Smith Symphony!

Come downtown for year-round entertainment featuring

This fully professional symphony orchestra, comprised of

comedies to dramas and musicals to mysteries. The Fort Smith

musicians from a seven-state area, presents concerts for the

Little Theatre’s casual, comfortable setting is perfect for date

entire family from film music to the Pops, holiday and the

night, a matinee with mom, or a girls’ night out. Looking for

classics. Concerts are held at the ArcBest Performing Arts

friendship and a chance to learn new skills? Join the fun as

Center. All audience members are invited to after-parties

a volunteer. Building sets, ushering, making coffee, acting

at the Bakery District after every concert. The orchestra also

— there are plenty of jobs to do and friends to be made at

presents a robust educational program that reaches 6,000

FSLT, your all-volunteer community theatre since 1947. And

students annually. The Symphony’s international reputation

remember, a Gift Certificate or 2024 Season Package would

through its commercial recordings brings extremely positive

make a great Christmas gift. Learn more at fslt.org or find us

recognition to the region. Check out the Symphony’s events

on social media. Next Up: A Christmas Carol, Nov. 9-18.

at fortsmithsymphony.org.

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615 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.0233 goodsamaritanfs.com

417 South 16th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.2260 hearttoheartpfcc.org

The Good Samaritan Clinic has been serving the uninsured and

Heart to Heart Pregnancy and Family Care Center has been

underserved in the River Valley since 2003. Our mission is to

serving the River Valley and surrounding areas for 37 years.

provide compassionate, quality healthcare to our neighbors in

We proudly serve women, men, and families with children up

need. We are open Monday – Wednesday, 8a – 6p and Thursday

to the age of three. We provide families with much-needed

8a – 5p, closed Friday – Sunday. In addition to general healthcare,

free monthly supplies such as: diapers, wipes, formula,

we offer vision care, chiropractic care, and counseling services

clothing and so much more. We gratefully accept gently used

(in English and Spanish). After 20 years in our current location,

and new clothing, shoes, blankets, etc. We are also thankful

we will relocate to 1400 Zero Street in the fall of 2024. We are

for the faithful, financial support of our donors. If you are

excited and look forward to serving even more patients in our

interested in connecting with Heart to Heart as a client,

new location! Don’t neglect your health just because you are

volunteer, or supporter, please reach out to us at 479-452-

uninsured or underinsured. Contact us today at 479-783-0233

2260. Together with our great community, we are making a

or goodsamaritanfs.com. #wearegoodsam, are you?

difference, one heartbeat at a time.

LOCAL NONPROFITS

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P.O. Box 11828, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.970.8351 / manesandmiracles1@gmail.com manesandmiracles.org

1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.2273 projectcompassioninc.com

Manes & Miracles offers physical, occupational, and speech-

Today, we continue Gloria White’s vision to bring joy,

language therapy services using horses as a treatment tool. This

companionship, and enhanced quality of life to nursing home

practice is called hippotherapy because "hippo" in Greek means

residents. Our volunteers visit, befriend, and engage. The bond

horse. The treatment strategy utilizes equine movement as

between residents and volunteers is strong and builds over

part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional

time. Residents enjoy receiving cards, laughing, and dancing

outcomes. Using equine-assisted therapy has a wide variety of

with our “Bordertown Belles,” musicians, and GrandFriends.

benefits including increasing motivation and participation in

Fidgeteers provide colorful blankets with embellishments to

sessions, providing multi-dimensional movement to aid motor

keep idle hands busy and comfort those who suffer from

skills, and boosting overall self-confidence. As a nonprofit, we rely

dementia. Our Hearts of Gold program provides gifts of

heavily on the generosity of caring individuals and organizations.

clothing at Christmastime to residents, particularly those

Check out our Facebook page for more information about our

without family visitors. We are a United Way of Fort Smith

#GivingTuesday fundraiser on November 28. Donations are tax

agency serving 26 long-term care and senior living facilities.

deductible. We greatly appreciate your support and generosity!

Visit us online to donate, volunteer, and get involved!

LOCAL NONPROFITS

12 Locations to Serve You 479.431.2050 rvpcs.org

In 1978, the Cancer Support Foundation was organized to

River Valley Primary Care Services is a nonprofit, Federally

provide non-medical services, counseling, transportation, and

Funded Health Center organization with clinic locations in

support for cancer patients and their families. We offer an array

Ratcliff, three in Fort Smith, Mulberry, Mountainburg, Lamar,

of programs and services including wigs, hats, turbans, and

Waldron, Clarksville, Lavaca, Bonanza, and Coal Hill, Arkansas.

other hair-loss needs, post mastectomy supplies, transportation

RVPCS has assembled a team of excellent doctors, dentists, and

assistance to and from treatment, emotional support groups led

healthcare professionals to create an inviting health care home

by licensed facilitators, nutritional supplements, nutrition classes,

where hopes and dreams of good health can soar. RVPCS is

education sessions and cancer screenings, medical equipment

based on the commitment to provide quality comprehensive

and supplies, low-impact exercise classes, emergency financial

and preventative health care that is affordable to all people in

assistance, one-on-one patient navigation, and so much more!

Arkansas, including those with insurance, those without, and

Visit us online or call today to see how you can get involved!

those that are underinsured. RVPCS has created a health care home with dignity and respect for the health and well-being of all individuals that we serve.

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3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.6302 / 800.262.9917 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

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LOCAL NONPROFITS

5904 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.646.2819 fsboyshome.org

LOCAL NONPROFITS

1333 Arapaho Avenue, Suite A Springdale, Arkansas 479.756.5600 rmhcofarkoma.org

The Boys Home, a tax-exempt 501c3 non-profit organization, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma aims to support

is a long-term residential treatment program for boys, ages

the health and well-being of children and families in Western

13 to 18, in the foster care system. Children are referred

Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. At RMHC, it is our goal to

by The Department of Human Services. Maximum capacity

create programs that provide a home-away-from-home for

is thirteen, but over the last eight years more than 200

families caring for their sick children. We aim to keep families

boys have called it home. Residents are given mental and

comfortable by providing everything they would need at their

physical health treatment if needed, educational tutoring,

own house – meals, shampoo, laundry detergent, snacks,

and instruction for modifying any negative behaviors. The

hygiene products, and more. Help RMHC lift burdens off of

Boys Home staff is committed to being a positive role model

families in a vulnerable time by giving up to give back. Give up a

for the youth in our care and making their lives as normal

coffee, movie ticket, or shopping trip once a month and donate

and productive as possible! Our tax-exempt number for

at https://rmhcofarkoma.harnessgiving.org/giveup-giveback.

donations is 510-7284.

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LOCAL NONPROFITS

5521 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.353.0767 thecallinarkansas.org

3304 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.4677 kistlercenter.org

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The CALL partners with local families who are interested in foster care or adoption to walk them through the process

The Gregory Kistler Center is based on integrity and quality

of opening their home. With over 540 children and youth in

of care and a dream that began with the Kistler family.

foster care in Crawford and Sebastian Counties, we continue

The growth of the center is a reflection of the caring and

to see some of the highest numbers of kids in care in the

professional staff that provides care to both pediatric

state. Since our founding in 2007, we have opened over

therapy patients and also patients served in our community

3,320 foster and adoptive families which make up 67% of

and throughout the River Valley. The Kistler Center offers

the traditional (non-relative) foster homes statewide. We also

occupational, physical, speech and aquatic therapy to all

partner with those who would like to volunteer their time and

children under the age of 21 and is a certified provider of

talents and we are completely funded through donations. If

the Community Employment Support (CES) waiver program

you are ready to Seek, Serve or Support local families and

and the Arkansas Autism Partnership waiver program. From

children, email Emily Treadaway, County Coordinator at

our clinic therapy services to our in-home waiver services, the

etreadaway@thecallinarkansas.org.

Kistler Center is here for you. Your journey is our journey!

LOCAL NONPROFITS

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120 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.1311 unitedwayfortsmith.org

4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.0152 waballet.org

The United Way of Fort Smith Area is a nonprofit organization

Western Arkansas Ballet announces the 38th annual

dedicated to helping local communities thrive. By partnering

production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 16,

with a wide range of organizations, the United Way provides

7pm, Sunday, December 17, 2pm, at the ArcBest Performing

critical resources to those in need. Their focus areas include

Arts Center in Fort Smith. Tickets are available for purchase

health, education, financial stability, and crisis support services,

beginning November 6, $30/child, $20/ adult and students

with the goal of improving the lives of people throughout their

with valid ID. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy for her annual

six-county area. With a strong commitment to accountability and

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Sunday on November 19, 2pm, at the

transparency, the United Way ensures that 100% of donations

Riverfront Glass Pavilion, 100 North B Street, in Fort Smith.

are used effectively and efficiently. From supporting after-school

Join your favorite Nutcracker characters for a delightful

programs to providing access to workforce training for persons

afternoon of dancing, crafts, fun, and goodies! Adult tickets

with disabilities, the impact of the United Way can be seen in

include refreshments. Tickets are $30/child and $20/adult

every corner of the community.

and are on sale now at www.waballet.org.