The CALL in Southeast Arkansas is collaborating with community partners across the area to raise awareness and support for children and families impacted by foster care in Southeast Arkansas during May, Foster Care Awareness Month.
In partnership with the Division of Children and Family Services and the 10th Judicial District CASA chapter, The CALL is hosting events in six Southeast Arkansas communities throughout May to rally support and awareness of the needs of the children and families impacted by the child welfare system Southeast Arkansas today.
“There is a huge need right now across our state for foster homes who will welcome teenagers and sibling groups with nowhere else to go,” Betsy Anderson, The CALL’s Southeast Arkansas Affiliate Director said. “These kids are worthy of love and a safe place to call home, if even for a a week, a month or a year,” she continued.
Shades of Support, community gatherings of support featuring blue “shades” for all attendees, are planned as follows:
Hamburg Square: May 4 at 10am
Monticello Square: May 5 at 10am
Warren Square: May 8 at 10am
Star City Square: May 8 at 1pm
McGehee Pocket Park: May 11 at 10am
Lake Village Downtown Center: May 11 at 1pm
The entire community is invited to come out, show their support, pray over the needs and find out ways they can be a part of the solutions. Mayors from Hamburg, Monticello, Warren, Star City and McGehee have agreed to make Foster Care Awareness Proclamations, as well.
“We want the community to understand that children and youth in foster care are OUR children,” Anderson said. “And we are hoping and praying to see individuals, churches, and community partners rise up to ensure every child in Southeast Arkansas can find the safety and love they deserve right here at home.”
The CALL is a non-profit ministry that encourages, educates and equips the local community to provide a future and hope for children in foster care in Arkansas. The Southeast Arkansas affiliate is working diligently to recruit, train and support more than enough foster homes for the children experiencing foster care in its six-county service area.* The CALL operates an area-wide Family Support Center that includes a CALL Mall (free shopping for children in foster care), Resource and Sensory Libraries, Family Time Visitation space and Foster Parent training.
“Our hope is to wrap up each of the families who are opening their homes to children in foster care with the love and support needed to hang in there and continue this good work,” Anderson said. “We work with their local church and community to raise up a village and adequate supports to meet the needs of Southeast Arkansas’s own children and families impacted by foster care.”
The CALL does not accept any state or federal funding and is dependent on individual, church and business support to continue its mission. Three local individuals and entities have risen to the occasion to host a variety of benefit events during Foster Care Awareness Month with proceeds benefiting The CALL.
The City of Monticello has collaborated with SEARK Boats and other local sponsors to host Monticello’s First Annual Bass Fishing Tournament at Lake Monticello on May 16! Grand Slam Arkansas will be hosting a baseball tournament at Monticello Sports Complex on May 16; Coach Jake Johnston will be organizing the event. Local high school senior, Maggie Fakouri, is organizing a Mahjong for a Mission evening at Monticello Country Club on May 21. Interested parties can reach out to these community entities or The CALL for more event information or to register.
“We have been overwhelmed and are so very grateful to have so much community support for the important work we are doing across Southeast Arkansas,” said Anderson. “We know every fish caught, pitch thrown and every tile paired is a gesture of love and support for the children who need it the most.”
The CALL’s OPEN DOOR Project will also be on display around area churches and businesses throughout May, highlighting the power of an Open Door for a child in need. Community members are encouraged to interact with the displays they may come across in doctor’s offices, church lobbies, local businesses and more. Opportunities to win prizes will be available at the displays.
“An open door says to a child, ‘You matter. You are safe. You are belong. You are worth it,” Anderson explained. “Ultimately, an Open Door can carry love into the breaking heart of a child.”
*Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew and Lincoln counties
