The River Valley is home to many incredible nonprofit organizations doing amazing work with limited resources. Our 6th annual Nonprofit Guide serves to further each of their missions and allows you to discover how you can get involved with those which are near and dear to your heart.
VOLUNTEER Your time, your expertise. GIVE New or gently used items. DONATE Big or small, anything helps.
The River Valley is home to many incredible nonprofit organizations doing amazing work with limited resources. Our 6th annual Nonprofit Guide serves to further each of their missions and allows you to discover how you can get involved with those which are near and dear to your heart.
VOLUNTEER Your time, your expertise. GIVE New or gently used items. DONATE Big or small, anything helps.
3600 Wheeler Ave., Ste. 2, Fort Smith 479.783.4500 agingwest.org
Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to helping you and your loved ones realize a better quality of life through individually tailored home health services. It is our vision to establish a quality aging-at-home environment for people within the communities of Western Arkansas. From personal care, information & assistance, nonemergency medical transportation, Senior Centers, grant programs, and elder housing to more intensive needs such as home health, case management, Ombudsman services for those in long-term care facilities, caregiver & respite assistance, elder victim of crime assistance, and hospice: Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, Inc. goes far beyond just home health. Our heart is in your home!
Donating to Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) empowers low-income single parents to reach their academic and career dreams — and inspires their children to do the same! Your gift provides flexible scholarships and mentoring to help single parent students graduate college or trade school. Because with a higher education degree, they can land better jobs, boost their income, and show their kids what’s possible! Learn how you can help end single parent poverty at aspsf.org.
Your generosity isn’t just a gift — it’s a miracle that single parents can believe in! Give now to support single parent scholarships at ASPSF.ORG/GIVE.
Bost has grown tremendously from our humble beginnings, where we provided education and opportunities to schoolaged children in Fort Smith, to now offering a wide range of services and programs for individuals of all ages with disabilities and mental health needs across Arkansas. At our core, we are a community committed to helping those with disabilities and behavioral health challenges achieve their life goals. By tailoring our services to each individual, Bost provides a lifetime of care that fosters independence, no matter the level of disability. Services are available in the community or at Bostowned locations. Employment opportunities can be found at bost.org/careers. #iambost #wearebost
The CALL partners with local families interested in fostering or adoption, guiding them through the process of opening their homes. Our vision is for a future where no children in Arkansas are waiting for families — where there are more than enough foster and adoptive homes to provide the best care for children and youth in need. These children, who have often experienced abuse or neglect, need the stability of a family to support their healing. We accomplish this by recruiting, training, and supporting foster families, adoptive families, and dedicated volunteers. If you’re ready to open your home, donate, or volunteer, contact us today!
Find them on Facebook 479.926.0939 or 479.652.3553
christmashonors.org
Join us for the 16th Annual Christmas Honors event to honor our veterans and their families! On Friday, December 6, volunteers will work to prepare the 16,000+ wreaths at the Fort Smith Convention Center. No sign-up is required, just come and help! Then, join the community at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on Saturday, December 7 for a ceremony and the laying of the wreaths. Every veteran’s headstone will be honored by laying a green wreath with a bright red bow to remember their service and sacrifice. Let us never forget them. Visit ChristmasHonors.org for the schedule of events and more! Facebook @ChristmasHonors.
310 North F St., Fort Smith 479.782.1443
fscrm.org
Community Rescue Mission, a faith-based Christian organization, has served the homeless community for over forty years. While families live with us in our transitional program, we provide for all their basic needs, help them find employment or return to school, encourage them to attend counseling and support groups, and 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.
Since 1981, Community Rescue Mission has EMPOWERed our participants to transition from homelessness to independence in a faith-based, high-barrier environment. With a holistic approach, we support residents on their journey to self-sufficiency. We are debt-free, and every dollar raised serves families in need!
805 People Served 2023 BY THE NUMBERS
16,207 Nights of Rest
42,463 Meals Served
310 North F Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas fscrm.org | 479.782.1443
The Center for the Creative Arts is a new riverfront facility in Fort Smith. Sitting behind the United States Marshals Museum on the Arkansas River, the new fine arts facility houses Community School of the Arts and the Institute for the Creative Arts. Both organizations focus on the arts. But what are their differences?
ICA is a fine arts public charter high school. Students can study tuition free as Arkansas residents. Half of the school day is spent in arts classes of their choosing while the other half is spent working toward graduating with their GED. School began this fall with grades 9-11 and is open for enrollment year round. Graphic design, dance, theatre, music and more will be offered. Artist teachers have been hired from across the country.
CSA serves the community as an afterschool arts program by offering arts classes, lessons, and camps to all age groups during after school hours and in the summer. Play an instrument, join a theatre production, paint, or attend a summer camp. Professional instructors meet the needs and interests of all students, including adults. Both organizations offer public shows and performances throughout the year.
Tours of this facility are available to the public. Call today!
For more information on ICA: icafortsmith.org | 479-434-2114
For more information on CSA: csafortsmith.org | 479-434-2020
1101 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith 479.434.2020 csafortsmith.org
Welcome to Community School of the Arts! We specialize in a curriculum of activities for children and young people that will explore their artistic talents and develop their social skills in positive and exciting ways. CSA provides talented and highly trained instructors who are leaders in their field and love working with young people. We develop programs that meet the needs and interests of all people, from the amateur to the highly gifted. We meet students where they are and use the arts to bring out their absolute best. In addition, we offer a unique performance series that gives our students opportunities to perform live on stage while providing great family-friendly concerts and shows for our entire community. If you are looking for a place to connect with the arts, CSA is for you!
1606 South J St., Fort Smith
479.785.4031
cjsinc.org
CJS serves the needs of youth and families struggling to navigate difficult teen years. With offices in Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, Scott, Polk, and Montgomery counties since 1977, we determine the specific needs of each individual and refer to the services most appropriate to provide the help needed. Our services include casework, mentoring, aftercare/re-entry, peer recovery support program, strengthening families program, parenting classes, workforce program, emergency shelter, classes for life skills, anger management, substance abuse, social media/sex education, mental health assessments and therapy, residential care through the Fort Smith Girls Shelter, community service programs, and electronic monitoring. Call 479-785-4031 for details or to make a referral.
DONATIONS STILL NEEDED!
Every
invites you to join our efforts to positively impact the youth of our community. The Clay Roper Western Arkansas Youth Shelter is underway with a matching grant ftom the Windgate Foundation. We are counting on your sup port to make this a reality for the Western Arkansas region.
The Clay Roper Western Arkansas Youth Shelter is NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION thanks to a matching grant from the Windgate foundation. We need YOUR support to complete the project! Comprehensive Juvenile Services invites you to join our efforts to positively impact the youth of our community!
Across our four Fort Smith Club locations, we’ve been empowering youth for over 90 years through programs that spark academic success, leadership, and creativity. From opportunities in recreational therapy, gardening, STEAM, nutrition, and scholarships to sports like soccer, basketball, and NFL Flag Football, kids grow essential life skills in a safe, inspiring space. Be part of the community where youth thrive! #GreatFuturesStartHere
479.646.9519
fsbgc.org
Across our four Fort Smith locations, we’ve been empowering local youth for over ninety years through a wide variety of programs that ignite academic achievement, leadership, and creativity. In addition to sports like soccer, basketball, and NFL flag football, we provide a safe and inspiring space for kids to explore recreational therapy, gardening, STEAM, nutrition, and scholarships for college or trade school. All this (and more) is offered while fostering essential life skills that help shape their futures. Be part of a community where our youth have the opportunity to truly thrive! #GreatFuturesStartHere
479.783.2966
fslt.org
Come downtown for year-round entertainment featuring comedies, dramas, musicals, and 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 gift certificate or 2025 Season Package would make a great Christmas gift. Learn more at fslt.org or find us on social media. Next Up: The Outsider, Nov. 14-23.
FSLT is an all-volunteer organization and the oldest community theatre in the state. From comedies to dramas and musicals to mysteries, more than 60 shows are performed annually in downtown Fort Smith. Backstage, under the lights, or in the audience — come join the fun!
Reminder:
5 South 7th St., Fort Smith 479.452.7575 fortsmithsymphony.org
The Fort Smith Symphony is the oldest professional orchestra in Arkansas, now in its 101st season. The Symphony performs five season concerts each year at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, three Perspectives Chamber Music Series pop-up concerts, four educational programs serving 6,500 students across the River Valley, and a free community concert. The Symphony performs a variety of classics, pops, holiday, and film music season concerts, followed by After Parties hosted by the Bakery District. The Symphony has proudly produced five commercial recordings of influential and under-represented regional composers under Naxos Records, the world’s largest classical music label. The Fort Smith Symphony is conducted by John Jeter, now in his 27th season.
1415 Old Greenwood Rd., Fort Smith 479.782.0375 girlsincfortsmith.org
Celebrating ninety years! Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing more than 1,000 girls in Fort Smith and surrounding areas with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges girls face. The Girls Inc. experience consists of people, an environment, and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe and where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with the skills and knowledge to set goals, overcome obstacles, and improve academic performance.
Friends of Girls, Inc. of Fort
By joining, you will demonstrate your commitment to the success of local girls and support unique opportunities and programming to help them set and achieve their goals. Your annual membership provides essential financial support to foster future growth and expand outreach!
Visit GirlsIncFortSmith.org for membership levels and additional information. *Past membership to Girls Inc. not required to join.
The Good Samaritan Clinic has moved to 1400 S. Zero Street in Fort Smith, and we would love to see you soon at our new location. We have plenty of convenient parking, a spacious lobby, ten exam rooms, a private counseling room, a large lab, a procedure room, and more! We are open Monday –Wednesday from 8am – 6pm, and Thursday 8am – 5pm, closed Friday – Sunday. Serving the River Valley since 2003, the Good Samaritan Clinic offers non-emergent primary healthcare, prescription assistance, patient education, vision care, chiropractic, and counseling in both English and Spanish. If you are uninsured and need medical care, contact us today at 479-783-0233 or online at goodsamaritanfs.com. #wearegoodsam, are you? 479.452.2260
Heart to Heart Pregnancy and Family Care Center has served the River Valley and surrounding areas for thirty-seven years. We proudly serve women, men, and families with children up to age three. We provide families with much-needed free monthly supplies such as diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and 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 479-452-2260. Together with our great community, we are making a difference, one heartbeat at a time.
2713 S. 74th St., Fort Smith
479.783.1002
hamiltoncca.org
The Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy is a vital resource for our community, serving nearly 1,000 children and families each year. As a trusted partner to law enforcement, child protection services, and local organizations, the HCCA ensures that children experiencing trauma receive specialized support and advocacy. With forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy sessions, HCCA addresses the immediate needs of children in crisis, while family advocates guide them through legal and healing processes. By fostering collaboration through our Multidisciplinary Team and providing families with critical resources, the Hamilton Center strengthens the community’s response to child abuse, offering hope and stability to victims and creating a safer, more supportive environment for all.
Main Street Fort Smith is a nonprofit organization committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, special events, and the promotion of attractive amenities. We are dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of downtown Fort Smith while driving towards a vibrant future.
Main Street Fort Smith (formerly 64.6 Downtown) mainstreetfs.org @mainstreetfortsmith
411 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith 479.462.9132 mainstreetfs.org
Main Street Fort Smith is an accredited Main Street organization working to revitalize downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts, culture, and placemaking. We organize the Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series, a 10-week concert series offering free, family-friendly outdoor concerts. We also host Invest Fort Smith, a free annual conference focused on economic development for small businesses and entrepreneurs. As a Main Street Arkansas member and part of the Main Street America network, we preserve historic downtowns and foster stronger communities. Through intentional design and beautification, we create meaningful connections that enhance the quality of life for all. Learn more at mainstreetfs.org or follow us on social media.
1801 S. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith 479.806.2738 fortsmithoptimist.com
Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local clubs whose members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, their communities, and themselves. The Optimist Club of Fort Smith began in 1946. We have historically supported Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Shelter of Fort Smith, Fort Smith Boys Home, Reynolds Cancer Support House, and Optimist Oratorical and Essay Scholarship Contests. We want to extend an invitation to you to join our club. We meet every Wednesday at noon at Golden Corral, 1801 South Waldron Rd. Contact our club president, Roger Ayers, at 479-806-2738. Find us on Facebook at FortSmithOptimistClub or online at fortsmithoptimist.com.
1205 S. Albert Pike, Fort Smith 479.783.2273
projectcompassioninc.com
After fifty-two years of serving residents in long-term care, our mission to bring joy, companionship, and enhanced quality of life remains essential. Our volunteers visit, befriend, and engage. The bond between residents and volunteers is powerful and builds over time. Residents enjoy receiving cards, laughing and dancing with our “Bordertown Belles,” and playing dominoes. GrandFriends (age 5-17) bring music, energy and fun. Fidgeteers provide colorful blankets with embellishments to keep idle hands busy and comfort those with dementia. Our Hearts of Gold program provides gifts of clothing at Christmastime to residents, particularly those without family visitors. We are a United Way of Fort Smith agency serving twenty-six long-term care and senior living facilities. Visit us online to donate, volunteer, and get involved!
Shopping List
** New Items Only Please **
• Sizes: Small – 5XL
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
10:00A – 1:00P & 3:00P – 6:00P
ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH
5401 Free Ferry Road
Fort Smith, Arkansas
• Sweatshirts /Sweatpants
• Lounge Pants & Pajama Sets
• Nightgowns
• Plain T-shirts (Colors)
• House Shoes (Closed toe/heel)
Donation Drop-Off
Locations (Thru Dec. 16)
• Project Compassion Office
• Arkansas Best Federal
Credit Union
(Old Greenwood Rd.)
• Simmons Bank Branches: (Stonewood, Albert Pike, Zero St.)
1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72003
The U.S. Marshals Museum is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit established to form a national center of heritage and legacy, disseminate knowledge, and inspire appreciation for the accomplishments of the U.S. Marshals Service. Set on the banks of the Arkansas River, the Museum shares the stories of our nation's first federal law enforcement agency. The Museum’s unique exterior with a modified star-shaped design signifies the star badge worn by courageous U.S. Marshals. Inside, five immersive galleries educate guests on the critical, ever-evolving role the Marshals have played in upholding the Rule of Law, driven by justice, integrity, and service. The Museum’s educational programming combines the Museum experience with education focused on the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and civic literacy.
The United Way of Fort Smith Area is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local communities thrive. By partnering with a wide range of organizations, the United Way provides critical resources to those in need. Their focus areas include education, health, financial stability, and crisis support services, with the goal of improving the lives of people throughout the region. With a strong commitment to accountability and transparency, the United Way ensures that donations are used effectively and efficiently. From supporting after-school programs to providing meals to homebound seniors, the impact of the United Way can be seen in every corner of the community. By giving to the United Way of Fort Smith Area, you can help build a better future for everyone in the region.
The United States Marshals Museum (USMM), with unobstructed 180-degree views of the beautiful Arkansas River, is the perfect location for any event. Offering intimate spaces and a gorgeous 14,000 square foot atrium, the USMM has it all.
“We Are Cherokee: Cherokee Freedmen and The Right to Citizenship” exhibit On display through January 19, 2025
An Evening in The Past – Theodore Roosevelt December 9, 2024 | 6:30-8:30p Winter Family Camps
“The Case of the Snowy Woes” December 20 & 21, 2024 | 6-8p/1-3p
3304 South M St., Fort Smith 479.785.4677 kistlercenter.org
The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center has been dedicated to serving individuals and families in the River Valley since its founding by the Kistler family. We provide essential therapy services, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy, to children under 20, helping them achieve greater independence and quality of life. Our services extend beyond the clinic with in-home support through the Community Employment Support (CES) Waiver and the Arkansas Autism Partnership, providing tailored care for individuals with developmental disabilities. With a compassionate and experienced team, the Kistler Center remains a beacon of hope and growth for local families. Together, we’re helping to build brighter futures, one step at a time.
4701 Grand Ave., Fort Smith 479.785.0152 waballet.org
Western Arkansas Ballet announces the thirty-ninth annual production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 21, at 7pm and Sunday, December 22, at 2pm at ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith. Tickets are available for purchase beginning November 11 and are $30/adults, $20/ children, and students with valid ID. The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2pm at the Riverfront Glass Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith. Join your favorite Nutcracker characters for a delightful afternoon of goodies, crafts, and fun. Adult tickets include refreshments. Tea tickets are on sale now, at waballet.org, $30/adult and $20/child.
