November 2021

Texarkana Magazine

NOVEMBER • 2021

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE November | 2021 | Volume 2 | Issue 11

58. c o v e r/ L I F E In the Valley of Vision 64. S T Y L E Tuscan Beauty 70. L I F E Just Your Type-1-ical Gal

11. G I V I N G G U I D E Philanthropic Opportunities 30. P O L I T I C S 3 Keys to the Future

50.

42.

50. S P O R T S Adventure in the Crosshairs 56.

E N T E R TA I NME N T Good Evening TXK

74.

34.

34. C OMMUN I T Y Higher Purpose 42. C U L T U R E A Life with Reservations

72. S T Y L E Holiday Photo Outfit Inspiration for Her 74. T X K R O O T S John David Blagg

My favorite foods to eat on Thanksgiving Day are…

CASSY MEISENHEIMER …all the food someone else cooks.

TERRI SANDEFUR …my mom’s Southern cornbread dressing, my mother-in-law’s German meat dressing and my brother-in-law’s brisket.

KARA HUMPHREY …my Mama’s sweet potato casserole and my mother- in-law’s peanut butter pie.

LEAH ORR …cornbread dressing with giblet gravy and a little bit of the CANNED (I don’t really like the fancy real stuff ) cranberry sauce.

LIZ FLIPPO I love all the food, but I think my favorite is to make a sandwich with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce and cream cheese the day after.

MATT CORNELIUS …whatever my relatives

BRITT EARNEST …sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.

BAILEY GRAVITT Give me all the ham!

decide to bring. I used to eat too much but I’ve discovered if I set the bathroom scales back 15 pounds, my problems usually solve themselves.

MEGAN GRIFFIN …pumpkin pie and cornbread dressing.

JOSEPH GUERNSEY …my aunt Wendy’s green bean casserole.

TIFFANY HORTON I guess green bean casserole. I’m actually the weirdo who doesn’t like Thanksgiving food. It’s unfortunate that we don’t celebrate with tacos.

TERRI GRAVITT …pecan pie and broccoli and rice casserole.

CAROLINE PURTLE I’m a vegetarian so Thanksgiving can be tricky, but rolls never fail.

BRIAN JONES …gumbo. IYKYK

EMILY SARINE …homemade cranberry sauce, my Granny’s dressing and TURKEY!

LIBBY WHITE …ALLLLL the pies… pumpkin, pecan, coconut… I love them all!

C O N T R I B U T O R S

T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

November marks the one year anniversary of Texarkana Magazine in print. We couldn’t have done it by our selfies! Thanks to all those who have helped make this year possible.

txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903.949.1460 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street • Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

Publisher C A R D I N A L P U B L I S H I N G Staff C A S S Y M E I S E N H E I M E R cassy@txkmag.com T E R R I S A N D E F U R terri@txkmag.com K A R A H U M P H R E Y kara@txkmag.com L E A H O R R leah@txkmag.com M AT T C O R N E L I U S matt@txkmag.com B R I T T E A R N E S T britt@txkmag.com Local Sources C L A R E A N G I E R J O H N L U K E A N G I E R M A R Y C A R O L I N E A N G I E R

P H I L I P A N G I E R A N G E L A E V A N S J AY C E K E I L TA M M Y L U M M U S V I C K I M C M A H O N J O E R E G A N

C R A F T E D I N T E X A R K A N A . E M P L OY E E OWN E D A N D L O C A L LY S O U R C E D .

#txkmag

Texarkana Magazine is a multimedia publication showcasing the Texarkana area and is designed and published by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Articles in Texarkana Magazine should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Ideaology, products and services promoted in the publication are not necessarily endorsed by Texarkana Magazine .

P U B L I S H E R ’ S L E T T E R

SPONSORED BY

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE 2021 GIVING Guide PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES

PAID PROMOTION

IT TAKES A VILLAGE BY L IZ FL IPPO

T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

“It takes a village” is a phrase I use at least once a week because it is true—it takes a village to raise a child. Before we had children, I understood the concept and could imagine the importance of having a village, but it was not until our daughter was born that I understood the value of the village and choosing wisely the people in it. I remember praying for them. Who would be in our village? Sure, we live in the same town with family, and my husband and I both had friends from childhood we already trusted and loved. But there were bound to be people we didn’t yet know, with whom we would eventually form friendships and welcome into our village. These people have let our children ride in their cars, play at their houses, and they even correct their behavior when it doesn’t align with our values. Let me tell you, friends, God answered my prayer with our village people. They are an extension of our family and shower our kids with guidance, love and all things wonderful. Our children are young, so we may still be in the honeymoon phase of doing life together, but we have already made it through a lot of ups and downs that have solidified our commitment to one another. We show up for t-ball or football games, pick up kids from school for each other, and are extra hugs and cooks when parents are sick or need a break. Our kids love each other, we support one another, and we give tough-love advice when it is needed. My family alone has, unintentionally, of course, spread a stomach bug to another family of five and they still love us! The bottom line is the people in our village just make us better and I would not want to do life without them. We would not have met some of our village people if it was not for our community, and I am both so grateful and so proud to live in Texarkana. Our community is full of support and opportunity and it is overflowing with fantastic people. My family moved here when I was three years old, and I graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 2004. My husband and I met here, and except for a few years away, Texarkana has been and will always be home. Now, as a parent and an adult, my gratitude for this community grows on a regular basis. During an unknown and fearful time last August because of the pandemic,

to me we give back to not only those who supported us, but those new in our lives and community whose mission is to make our world a better place. I am honored to be involved with a local non-profit whose staff and volunteers provide support and care for children in our community who have been let down in the worst of ways by individuals who should love them in the best of ways. Am I the organization’s largest financial contributor? No way. But the Lord has given me other means by which to serve, and it is my responsibility to share them and support those who protect these precious children. That organization is one of many that serve the good of our community and citizens. I encourage you to find one, or a few, organizations and share your resources… whatever they are! Volunteer at your child’s school if you can. If your schedule does not permit the time to volunteer, but you or your business have been blessed to support financially, do it. Take pride in what talents and abilities you have and share them! I also think it’s important to get your families involved. Teach your children the value of giving and thinking outside of the walls of our homes. What if we were more intentional in doing good and passed that down to future generations? Can you imagine the community?! Goodness, that gives me hope for our children. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because it’s basically impossible to be unhappy while you count your blessings. God has been so good to my family, and we don’t deserve one bit of it. Our home may be crazy with crayon marks on the walls and many piles of laundry neither hung nor put away, but we are all healthy, thriving and so very happy. My husband and I know our role as parents is the most important job we will ever

FROM OUR PUBLISHER “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” —Martin Luther King Jr. When we give, it touches so many people. Nonprofits have always been an essential part of our local economy and culture. The assistance and support they offer is crucial to the well-being of our entire region. Each one makes the area a better place to live and work. These organizations across the region are still reeling from the impact of the coronavirus, yet they have continued providing vital services and resources and are fulfilling needs. I encourage you to use this Giving Guide of philanthropic opportunities to reflect and to act to support nonprofit organizations and the people who embrace their respective missions and bring them to life. A big thank you to our sponsors, Ledwell and Farmers Bank Foundation. We hope you utilize our guide to charitable giving during this holiday season. These organizations need you now more than ever. Texarkana Magazine encourages you to give anything you can to these organizations that provide so much support to our community. Happy Giving!

FROM OUR SPONSOR Farmers Bank & Trust and the Farmers Bank Foundation together strive to support and engage in the communities and markets where our employees and customers live. Our focus is on veterans, first responders, civic works, education and wellness within our communities. When you stimulate the nonprofits in your city you are providing support for a parallel in economic growth. The Farmers Bank Foundation is not just a grant process, but more of a partnership for the betterment of nonprofits. We want to work to create a working relationship with nonprofits for sustainability and success. We encourage our employees to volunteer and engage with their communities. In return, the Farmers Bank Foundation supports those nonprofits our employees support. These partnerships will provide a legacy fow which our employees and customers can be proud. I was fortunate to grow up in a family where giving back is your greatest responsibility. My parents always set an example of community engagement and contributions. Farmers Bank & Trust was founded over 115 years ago with community and economic support in mind. We strive every day to provide a HEART for our communities, including over $750,000 donated in the Texarkana community over the past ten years. Please join with us in supporting local nonprofits. Together let’s create a legacy to be proud of.

I felt a great deal of comfort knowing my little girl was walking in, masked and alone, as a new kindergartener to the same school I did, where many of the same people still worked—At one time my OBGYN was in the same practice as my dad and he delivered all three of my children, even two at one time after five weeks of bedrest. I’ve referred to him as my “one-man-medical-dream-team” but I know my admiration for him started with a foundation of trust many do not get to have in a larger city. Now our children’s medical care is trusted to one of our favorite people and neighbors who even welcomes my unnecessary video texts asking, “Watch this. Is she stuttering or is this normal?” And The Brothers have a teacher whose daughter was a Showstopper with me in high school. Many of our relationships were already familiar and therefore comfortable, but several of our now friendships and networks started when we were strangers. Maybe it is because we attract like-minded people, so a lot of our relationships are with other laid-back hot messes with good intentions like us! Regardless, I have a lot of respect for our community and the people in it, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. The Bible says to whom much is given, much is expected. It is easy to relate that to financial wealth, as in if you have money, give money, but I believe it is holding us responsible for

Cassy Meisenheimer Publisher, Texarkana Magazine

Elizabeth Burns Anderson Executive Director, Farmers Bank Foundation

have, and who our children will become starts in our home. But we cannot do this alone; we rely on our village and our community to help us grow and hold us accountable. Texarkana, we’ve got a good thing goin’. We are blessed.

the talents and resources we have, and it calls us to use them for the Kingdom of God and loving our neighbor. Our community has given so much to my family over the last thir ty-three years and it is important

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T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

CASA FOR CHILDREN AND

TEXARKANA CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

Hope, Healing and Justice

MISSION Our mission is to provide hope, healing and justice to abused and neglected children in our community through comprehensive services at CASA and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Our work is supported by donors and community partners throughout our service region. We are able to provide advocacy services, forensic interviews, medical exams and trauma therapy free of charge thanks to the support of our community. If you would like to support our mission of providing hope, healing and justice to abused and neglected children please visit casatexarkana.org or email emilygreen@cactexarkana.org for more information.

IMPACT • Year to date CASA and CAC have served a combined 1,208 children . • CAC has provided 1,702 hours of free therapy to children and their non-offending family members. • 91 CASA Volunteer Advocates have logged 3,352 volunteer hours , attended 617 court hearings and case related meetings to advocate for the children we serve. completed 606 child visits and

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS If you’d like to support CASA, but

Kindergarten through twelfth grades. For more information on all our education and outreach, please email breannebradshaw@cactexarkana.org. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate on behalf of children in the child welfare system. This best- interest advocacy makes a life-changing difference for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers, like the children they serve, come from all walks of life. If you would like more information on volunteering with CASA, please call our office or email jenniferengstrom@casatexarkana.org to sign up for an online information session.

1201 Main Street Texarkana, Texas 75501 903-792-1030 www.casatexarkana.org www.texarkanacac.org

don’t think volunteering is the right fit, please come out and join us for one of our fundraising events throughout the year. Our Women of Hope & Courage Board hosts a membership drive in the spring and a fundraiser and community awareness event in the fall. Each fall we also have the Edge of Texas Golf Tournament. All fundraisers benefit both CASA and the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center. Our Children’s Advocacy Center also holds trainings throughout the year to teach community members how to recognize and report child abuse. Age appropriate body safety training is also available for children in

Established 1990 24 Employees Serving Bowie, Cass, Morris, Miller, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Sevier, Nevada and Columbia Counties

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Crisp Layla Hazin Cole Meador Greg Cockerell John Morel David Magness

Bill Bullock Britt Earnest Brittany Ackley Courtney Shelton Lauren Richards

FUNDING SOURCES

• CAC staff has

2% United Way

provided expert testimony in 11 court cases which resulted in a guilty verdict and a total sentencing of 252 years .

4% Crime Victims Compensation 3% Foundations

85% Grants

CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Malenda Cree CAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Missy Davison

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Misty Honea CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER Emily Green

6% Donors & Sponsors

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T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

ALZHEIMER’S ALLIANCE TRI-STATE AREA

ARKLATEX 100 CLUB

Our Place is the Place to be

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends

2801 Richmond Road, PMB 100 Texarkana, Texas 75503 www.TheArklatex100Club.org

Established 2015 Serving Bowie and Miller Counties

100 Memory Lane Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-223-8021 www.alztristate.org

MISSION To empower those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with resources for enhancing their quality of life through education and support. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Seventh Annual Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival—Just roll with it

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES •

$50 pays for an entire day of respite for one of our friends Sponsor the Wine Festival Show someone you care about their loss and give back to a wonderful organization by making a memorial or honorarium Custom made Christmas cards

MISSION The mission of the ArkLaTex 100 Club is to raise funds for the dependents of our law enforcement and firefighters lost in the line of duty. Remaining funds will be used to purchase any unbudgeted but necessary life-saving equipment and additional training. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Pull For Heroes Sporting Clay Tournament—Date to be determined • Annual Membership Drive

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP $20 for Students $50 for Firefighters/Police Officer

PRESIDENT Kelley Crisp

• •

Established 1989 3 Employees Serving Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas

$100 for Individuals $200 for Business IMPACT

FUNDING SOURCES

• •

Give a general donation to help continue our mission

15% Membership Dues

• • •

Candlelight Ceremony Drawdown/Chili Supper Doris K. James Memorial

The sole purpose of the ArkLaTex 100 Club is to benefit our local police and fire fighters in Bowie and Miller Counties.

45% Contributions and Donations

**100% of all proceeds remain in our service area to provide resources, education, and support for families dealing with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Terrie Arnold FUNDING SOURCES

40% Event Revenue

$314,000+ given since 2016.

Kelley Crisp, President John Morel, Vice President James Henry Russell, Treasurer Gail Eichler, Secretary Andrew Fuller Danny Gray Bob Harrison Greg Reed BOARD OF DIRECTORS

10% Grants

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Ross, President Lauree Romero, Vice President Bonnie Lamb, Secretary Mark Van Herpen, Treasurer

Mark James Stephanie James Patsy Morriss Mary Alice O’Farrell Cathy Van Herpen JoAnn Ward

15% Donations

75% Fundraising

Whitney Fuqua Gary Gathright Christina Guzman

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T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

CLAY EICHLER MEMORIAL FUND In every community there is work to be done. We’re here to help

EAST TEXAS COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION

Simplified Charitable Giving

315 North Broadway, Suite 210 Tyler, Texas 75702

903-533-0208 www.ETCF.org

Established 1989 7 Employees Serving 32 counties across East Texas

3710 Skyline Boulevard Texarkana, Texas 75503 www.claysgolfandguitars.com

Established 2014 Serving Bowie and Miller Counties

MISSION Philanthropy builds community and changes lives. East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES ETCF works with individuals, families, businesses, financial advisors and nonprofit organizations to create charitable funds that support a variety of community causes and individual philanthropic interests. The Foundation distributed $9.2 million in grants in 2020 and currently manages over $130 million between 400 unique charitable funds.

ETCF offers five fund types including Donor-Advised Funds, Scholarships, Nonprofit Funds, Designated Funds and Unrestricted Funds. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS East Texas Giving Day, powered by ETCF, is a crowd-funding event that happens the last Tuesday in April online at www.EastTexasGivingDay.org. The purpose of an area-wide Giving Day is to bring the region together on one day, as one community, enthusiastically raising money, volunteers and awareness for participating nonprofits. This initiative provides citizens across ETCF’s 32-county service area an easy platform to support the mission of local nonprofits.

PRESIDENT Kyle Penney

MISSION The mission of the Clay Eichler Memorial Fund is to raise money through an annual event known as Clay’s Golf and Guitars. The profits from these events will benefit worthy local organizations that need financial assistance. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES GOLF AND CONCERT SPONSORSHIPS

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS One Day. TWO Fun Events!

GRANTS AWARDED

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gail Eichler

Over the past seven years Clay’s Golf and Guitars has given $1,000,000 back to local nonprofit groups in our community. SAVE THE DATE—Saturday May 21, 2022, the Eighth Annual Clay’s Golf and Guitars at Northridge Country Club. Golf tournament starts at 9 AM. Concert following that evening at 7:30 PM with SAIL ON a BEACH BOY TRIBUTE BAND. Weather permitting, concert will be outside on the grounds at NCC. All money raised will be donated to Haven Homes. Haven Homes, located in Texarkana, serves men and women struggling with life issues such as drug abuse, alcoholism and addiction. Through safe housing, work and service programs, counseling and spiritual guidance, they help individuals in need grow and thrive.

15% Event Revenue FUNDING SOURCES

85% Golf and Concert Sponsorship

Grand Presenting Sponsor

$10,000 $7,500 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000

Doug Bolles Peter Boyd Garnett Brookshire Anthony Brooks Dirk Coleman Cindy Featherston-Shields BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Presenting Sponsor Platinum and Guitar Gold and Drum Bronze and Fiddle

Tiffany Kirgan Shannon Glenney Alan Roseman Richard Perryman Barbara Bass Mark Hagan Craig Adams Tony Morgan Marilyn Abegg Glass Rick Allen Robert Bailes

John Jones Gregory T. Kimmel Dale Lunsford David McWhorter Gordon Northcutt Steve Roosth Kristen Seeber Scott Terry

Tambourine

$500 $250

Hole/Tee Sponsor

Jay Ferguson Kimberly Fish Lee Gearheart Judith Guthrie Edwin Holt

RAFFLE TICKETS—$100 each to WIN ONE of FOUR DREAM VACATIONS.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Whatley Fred Smith, Jr.

Debbie Alkire, Treasurer Gail Eichler, President Barbara Glick, Secretary

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T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

HARVEST REGIONAL FOOD BANK

HAVEN HOMES #WHEREHOPEABOUNDS

Ending hunger, one meal at a time

3120 East 19th Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 870-774-1398 www.harvestregionalfoodbank.org

1707 West 7th Street Texarkana, Texas 75501 903-277-2234 www.havenhomestexarkana.com

Established 1989 11 Employees Serving a ten county area in Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas

9 Employees Established 2013 Serving Local, Regional and National

MISSION The mission of Harvest Regional Food Bank is to alleviate hunger in Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas, through food distribution, education and advocacy. Harvest distributes much needed food to over 85 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, as well as school and senior care programs. The food bank’s backpack food for kids and student pantries reach over 1,000 hungry children each week, while the college pantry program reaches thousands of non-traditional students and their families. Harvest also distributes food directly to rural, food-insecure families through its Mobile Pantry, and reaches older adults with senior-friendly food, delivered to senior centers and delivery programs. Over the past year, Harvest has provided over six million pounds of food to children, adults and seniors struggling with hunger.

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS The inaugral Drive Out Hunger Golf Tournament was a great success, and returns for a second year, May 16, 2022 at Northridge Country Club. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are available. Harvest also looks forward to bringing Wine & Jazz and Taste of Texarkana back to the community in 2022. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Harvest relies on the generous support of our community to provide hunger relief to thousands of food insecure neighbors in our community. Every dollar received by the food bank provides 5.5 meals to someone in need, and a gift of $100 sponsors a child on the Backpack Food Program for an entire school year.

MISSION The Haven Homes mission is to bring restoration to broken people through grace-based discipleship and to reach those in pain from addiction, and through God’s grace, help these individuals receive love, joy, hope and healing. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Haven Homes Resale Shop (formerly Bryce’s Cafeteria)

DONATE ITEMS Help in our mission of helping the community through self-sustainability by donating items that we can sell in our resale store. Haven Homes Donation Center: (Oaklawn Village), 2821 New Boston Road, Texarkana, Texas. SUPPORT US Make a monetary donation online to support our 501(c)3 organization, directly supporting the care of our residents.

FUNDING SOURCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Camille Coker Wrinkle

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeni Eldridge

2020 FUNDING SOURCES

2% Food Handling/ Delivery

• • •

Under construction: Bryce’s Pie Shop

Clay’s Golf and Guitars

6% Resale Store

2% Grants

30% Grants and Contributions

DIRECT DONATIONS Haven Homes, P. O. Box 5345 Texarkana, Texas 75505

Giving Tuesday

68% Value of USDA and Donated Food

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER

27% Work Therapy Proceeds

Our mission depends on the support of our community. Haven Homes strives to be fully self-sustainable, so we can serve the community for years to come.

Give back to our community by helping build our safe haven to restore life and grace to our Texarkana residents.

65% Private Contributions

Darla Crawford Bruce Flint Lamar Grace, Tyson Foods Michael Hawkins Julius Holmes Felicia Horn Jonathan Hornok Corey Jerry BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andi Darby, President Marla Runion, Vice President Buck Buchanan, Treasurer Brad Davis, Secretary Julie Furlow, Past President

Chris Owen Rusty Michaelis Honorable Leon Pesek

Trey Patterson, President Pat Craven, Vice President Natalie Vuorenne, Secretary-Treasurer Jo Anne Bunn, Administrator

Billy Eldridge Joe Hackelman Andrew Lourens Derrick McFarland Rae Thigpen Edward Tobey, MD

Susan Robbins Michelle Shores Amanda Ward Melinda Vammen

Jimmy Anderson David Bowman Brad Carlow

Mike Beck Larry Bunn

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NATIVE AMERICAN ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION

PLEASANT GROVE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Honoring our past by building brighter futures

6262 North Swan Road, Suite 135 Tucson, Arizona 85718 www.naafnow.org

8500 North Kings Highway Texarkana, Texas 75503

Established 2011 13 Employees Serving the Tohono O’odham Nation

903-831-4086 www.pgisd.net

MISSION The Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for excellence in education, promote innovation in teaching and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Staff Campaign • Annual Campaign • Great Grant Giveaway • Hawk Hustle • Culinary Uncorked •

IMPACT •

151 grants awarded to classrooms

Established 2007 27 Board Members

•

376 Chromebooks, 67 document cameras, 90 iPads, & 52 interactive tablets provided for campuses

Serving the Pleasant Grove Independent School District

MISSION NAAF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt,

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES As a grassroots nonprofit, NAAF works closely with community members to identify and evaluate our programming and giving. This approach has worked for a decade to build capacity with local leaders and to develop opportunities for young people. NAAF is supported by grants, donations and volunteers in Tohono O’odham Nation, Arizona and throughout the U.S. school supplies may be gifted directly through NAAF’s Amazon Wish List, or sponsor a student at the following levels: $50 K-8 supplies for half a school year $100 K-8 supplies for academic year $500 9-12 supplies for academic year $1000 9-12 technology and supplies for academic year

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jordan K. Evans

•

15 scholarships awarded to seniors

nonprofit organization that was formed by members of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Through the combined efforts of Tribal Members and by partnering with outside organizations, we help strengthen our Native American communities in the areas of education, health and wellness, housing, food sustainability, environment, animal welfare and opening economic opportunities on tribal lands.

•

$32,500 given to College Preparation Assistance Fund 15 years of honoring the top 25% of senior class $7,500 given to Hawk Food Pantry at PGHS Annual funds given to teacher training and professional development The Pleasant Grove Education Foundation has given over $650,000 back to Pleasant Grove ISD

IMPACT

•

7% Cultural Preservation

13.6% Health/ Prevention/ Other

•

PRESIDENT Ashley Gibbs

•

Top 25% Academic Banquet for Seniors GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Annual Campaign Hawk Hustle Culinary Uncorked

FUNDING SOURCES

67.8% Education

•

11.6% Food Insecurity

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS Leading up to Giving Tuesday on

17% Staff Campaign

November 30th, NAAF will be paying tribute to Native American Heritage Month! In honor of Native American Heritage, an array of images, stories and speeches will be hosted online. Additionally, 2021 marks NAAF’s 10 year anniversary. Please follow along on social media, or register for a digital newsletter, to join in the virtual celebrations.

50% Hawk Hustle

33% Annual Campaign

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ashley Gibbs, President Anna Hornsby, Past President Patricia Beth, Secretary Pam Beck, VP Finance Jessica Rich, VP Development

Danielle Patterson, VP Programs Michele Daugherty, VP Marketing Renee Sheppard, At-Large Member

Susan Warmack Jennifer Dietze Liz Baker Robert Stish Priscilla Thomas

For more information, please visit naafnow.org/get-involved

Shelby Akin, District Liaison Chad Pirtle, Superintendent

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T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

RANDY SAMS OUTREACH SHELTER, INC.

TEXARKANA COLLEGE FOUNDATION

By the grace of God a shelter for His people

A Great Place to Start... or Start Over

402 Oak Street Texarkana, Texas 75501 903-792-7024 www.randysams.org

2500 North Robison Road Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-823-3125 www.texarkanacollege.edu/foundation

Established 1995 12 Employees Serving the Homeless

MISSION The Texarkana College Foundation seeks to support and uphold the mission of Texarkana College by providing accessible and affordable higher education through securing charitable gifts and grants in support of the college’s funding priorities. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES The Texarkana College Foundation funds numerous scholarships and special projects for Texarkana College students. This year, 516 Texarkana College students received scholarships totaling $528,279. We recently rolled out our Just Start scholarship for non-traditional college students. This scholarship is focused on a key student group who in the past has had little scholarship opportunity.

These are prospective students who are living and working in our community but have yet to meet their full potential. We plan to fund 100 scholarships of $2,000 annually for students returning to college to change the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their families. With tuition prices at approximately 30% of Texas public universities and 10% of Texas private universities, your donation goes a long way at Texarkana College. Texarkana College is ranked as one of the top five community colleges in the State of Texas for student completion rates for first-time, full-time college students and is a leader college in closing equity gaps in graduation rates for minority students. In 2020, we served 7,561 students through 14 academic programs and 20 workforce programs.

Established 1974 1 Employee Serving Texarkana College Students

MISSION Randy Sams Outreach Shelter provides shelter, food and clothing to the homeless in our midst and the tools

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Donations are always welcome via our website at www.randysams.org or by mailing a check to the Randy Sams Outreach Shelter administration office at 803 Spruce Street, Texarkana, Texas 75501. SERVICES PROVIDED • Shelter, Food, Clothing • Life Skills Classes & Computer Lab • Job Training & Search • Case Management • Transport & Medication Assistance • Mental/Physical Health Referral • Substance Abuse Services Referral • Re-Housing Services • Id Document Assistance • Application To Food Stamps, etc. • Other Community Referral

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Lacefield

and resources necessary to help them regain their independence. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Randy Sams Invitational— Annual bag toss/cornhole fundraiser at Crossties

FUNDING SOURCES

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Katie Andrus

FUNDING SOURCES

45% Community Support

55% Grants

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Cigars, Tinis and Tunes—Annual fundraiser of fun and fellowship

100% Private Contributions

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Sturtevant, Board President Father David Halt, President Elect Barbara Larry, Past President Steve Thompson, Treasurer John Delk, Secretary Larry Oxford, Fundraising Chair Charlie Cook, Emeritus Director & Advisory Liaison

Greg Davis Jeannie Field Miller Scott Hamm Michael Hendrix Dr. Cindy Porter Donnie Spriggs David Vershaw

Mike Craven, Chair Truman Arnold

Bob Hubbard Frederick Eugene Joyce Buddy McCulloch Don Morriss

Cheney Pruett James Henry Russell

IMPACT $528,279 in scholarships Spring, Summer, Fall 2021

Dean Barry Borden Bell Andrew Curry Ben Floyd Vickers Fuqua

Mike Sandefur Alan Schimming Daniel Warmack

Jessica Palmer Cary Patterson Trey Patterson

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UAHT FOUNDATION

1 ST CHOICE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER Empowering our clients to choose life

Your Bridge to the Future

602 Main Street Texarkana, Texas 75501 903-792-5735 www.firstchoiceprc.com

Established 1974 6 Employees Serving the Greater Texarkana Area

2500 South Main Street Hope, Arkansas 71801 870-722-8516 www.uaht.edu/foundation

MISSION The mission of 1st Choice Pregnancy Resource Center is to empower and encourage those affected by an unintended pregnancy to choose life by providing limited medical and consultation services for pregnancy (and pregnancy loss), educational services and Christian spiritual support.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Donations can be mailed to 602 Main Sreet, Texarkana, Texas 75501 or made at www.firstchoiceprc.com/donate. Our main fundraisers are the Walk for Life (first Saturday in May), a fall banquet and baby bottle drives.

Established 1993 Serving UAHT Students

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kristie Wright

MISSION The primary purpose of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Foundation is to advance higher education by securing private financial support for all units and activities of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • UAHT Community Fish Fry • Beads, Bags, & Bangles • Watermelon Festival Concert • Giving Tuesday • Annual Giving Campaign • Anniversary Celebrations • Roast & Toast Events

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES The University of Arkansas Hope-

Texarkana Foundation supports students through scholarships and special projects to advance the institution.

FOR THE SAKE OF ONE Sharing God’s love as your extended family

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Anna Lee Powell

The most common giving opportunities are annual and endowed scholarships.

MISSION It is the mission of For the Sake of One to assist with the reunification of families through five areas: 1. Maintaining the Blessing Boutique (a resource room for families with open CPS cases). 2. Encouraging case workers. 3. Mentoring the biological parents. 4. Recruiting new foster and adoptive families. 5. Supporting current foster and adoptive families. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES • $150 will purchase one car seat for a child. • $140 will purchase a crib. • $75 will purchase a pack and play.

IMPACT

Other opportunities for giving include naming of buildings, estate planning, securities, life insurance, matching gifts, event sponsorships and memorial or honorarium donations. Your investment in the education of University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana students is an investment in your community and the future of our region.

422 Hickory Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 903-329-0566 www.forthesakeofone.com

$ 86,750 00 in Scholarships Fall 2020 and Spring 2021

Established 2017 3 Employees

Serving Miller, Little River, Bowie and Cass Counties

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$600/month will cover Parents’ Night In for 20 families. $140/month will cover encouragement gifts for 50 caseworkers. $35/month covers diapers and wipes for a child.

Lindy Franks Betty Jo Hays Honorable Prissy Hickerson Steve Lance Deborah Malek, Secretary Dr. Phil McLarty Honorable Steve Montgomery BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Venita McCellon Allen Charlotte Bradley Shelby Brown Robert Carter, D.D.S. Trevor Coffee, D.D.S. Judy Davis Dr. LaDell Douglas

Jamie Pafford-Gresham Jerry Pruden Ned Ray Purtle Honorable Dennis Ramsey, Chair Juan Rivera Freddie Smith Kathy Struckman, Vice Chair

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$20/month covers school supplies for a child.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Angela Coston

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OPPORTUNITIES, INC. Grow. Develop. Succeed. MISSION The mission of Opportunities, Inc. is to provide developmental and support services, which empowers individuals with disabilities to attain a full life in the community. SERVICES Therapies (physical, speech, occupational), day services, transportation, nutritious meals, work readiness training, supervised living, housing for the elderly GIVING OPPORTUNITIES MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS— Donate in memory or in honor of someone special and your gift will be acknowledged to the designated person. G IFT PLANNING—Meet your financial,

UNITED WAY OF GREATER TEXARKANA

#LIVEUNITED

6101 North State Line Avenue Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-791-2270 www.oppinc.org

214 Spruce Street Texarkana, Texas 75504 903-794-3105 www.texarkanaunitedway.org

Established 1966 150 Employees

Established 1924 3 Employees Serving Texas Counties—Bowie, Titus, Marion, Cass, Morris, Red River; Arkansas Counties—Miller, Little River, Lafayette

tax or estate planning objectives while providing critical support to children and adults with disabilities. MONTHLY GIVING—A reoccurring gift is a smart, easy way to support Opportunities, Inc. You set the amount and day, and then each month your donation will benefit children and adults with special needs.

Serving Texas Counties—Bowie, Camp, Cass, Franklin, Morris, Red River & Titus; Arkansas Counties—Miller & Little River

MISSION United Way of Greater Texarkana is a local nonprofit organization that advances the common good in the Greater Texarkana area. We believe everyone has a right to a good life and a responsibility to improve our community. We are inclusive, seeking broad community support and involvement.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Giving is easy... Text: TEXARKANA to 269-89 and make a donation that will help change a life and make a difference right here in our community!

SHOP opp ARTunities online.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sherry Young

PRESIDENT/CEO Mark L. Bledsoe

RUNNIN’ WJ RANCH

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Every nonprofit has different needs. Find one you connect with whose mission aligns with yours. Determine how you, your family or your company can help that organization succeed. There are so many ways to give via. You can give regularly or one-time. Every donation helps make an impact for the organization. MISSION Study this information so you can learn and understand the work the nonprofit does and the impact they make. The mission is the foundation of the organization. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS This is a great way to interact while raising money! VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

INDEX 1 st Choice Pregnancy Resource Center ........................................27 Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area ................................................16 ArkLaTex 100 Club ............................................................................17 CASA for Children and Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center .......................... 14-15 Clay Eichler Memorial Fund . ...........................................................18 East Texas Communities Foundation ............................................ 19 For the Sake of One ..........................................................................27 Harvest Regional Food Bank ...........................................................20 Haven Homes .....................................................................................21 Native American Advancement Foundation ...............................22 Opportunities, Inc. .............................................................................28 Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation .................................23 Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc. . ..............................................24 Runnin’ WJ Ranch ..............................................................................28 Texarkana College Foundation .......................................................25 UAHT FOUNDATION .......................................................................26 United Way of Greater Texarkana ................................................. 29

for students, volunteers, staff and families/caregivers. Provide social interaction for students, volunteers, staff and families/caregivers. Increase community awareness of the benefits of equine assisted services. Develop a sound base of financial support to ensure those individuals needing the services of Runnin’ WJ Ranch do not go without due to the inability to pay.

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4802 South Kings Highway Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-838-3223 www.runninwjranch.org

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Established 2001 5 Employees

MISSION Runnin’ WJ Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. exists to enhance the quality of life for individuals with special needs, those who are challenged with physical, emotional, cognitive or social disabilities and/or situations in their lives which may be debilitating through the accomplishment of the following goals: • Development of an equine assisted intervention to challenged individuals

Serving LEISD, PGISD, Redwater ISD, Genoa ISD, Texarkana, TX/AR, Genoa, Redwater, Hope, Ashdown, Hooks, New Boston, Maud, Fouke

If you have time to give back to the community then take time to serve. Many organizations need people like you to help complete their missions. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Sponsoring a Child for the year—$3500 Sponsoring a Horse for the year—$1200 Night to Shine King/Queen Sponsor—$250

These individuals give so much to the organizations they serve. They are giving their time, energy and financial support to the their nonprofits. Make sure to take time to thank them for the work they do. They are also a great source for personalized insight on how you can make a difference in their organization.

One time and monthly donations are always accepted any time of the year.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brittany Rogers

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Provide education and training

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combination of short-term and long-term goals and plans to best utilize the resources we have available to us. Working with the City Planner and the Texarkana, Arkansas Planning Commission, we will take proposals from different consultants to help develop an update to our comprehensive master plan for the city. This study will take 18 to 24 months to complete and will involve open forums, workshops and citizen meetings to help establish a future design for our city moving forward based on the needs of our community. This plan will eventually be presented to the Board of Directors by the City Manager and adopted. Another area of planning the city is currently engaged in is creating an A-1 mixed use zone to allow for limited commercial use in rural areas. Such diverse activities allowed in wedding and event venues and sales onsite for orchards, blueberry farms, and honey, open opportunities to make the most of this great resource of rural land. So, fish farms, natural product sales and the other land uses envisioned by the entrepreneurs of Texarkana will be possible for those with the energy and vision to succeed at home! The A-1 zone also expands on the residential factor to allow property with at least ten acres to 3 KEYS TO THE FUTURE BY E . JAY ELL INGTON TEXARKANA , ARKANSAS CITY MANAGER

photo by Matt Cornelius

W e have great opportunities to move our city forward in the future, but it’s going to take a collective effort from everyone to see major progress. We have identified three areas of focus to best accomplish this. 1. Community maintenance, 2. Planning, and 3. Communication are the areas where we need to get everyone on the same page. Even though all three areas of emphasis are separate, they are also all interrelated. 1. Communi ty maintenance is something we can all do to build pride in our community and lift the standard by which we live. This will start with leadership. As a city, we have not set the bar as high as it needs to be with community maintenance. This includes maintaining city-owned properties at a much higher standard, keeping roads up to par, removing condemned structures and maintaining any property under control of the city. Citizens can help by doing the same for their own individual properties and businesses and helping in their neighborhoods. The more people involved in maintaining their communities, the more likely they are to invest in it. One community maintenance project that is

already underway is the Nix Creek Project. In late July, Public Works contracted a project that involves clearing overgrowth on the creek and will continue that work this fall based on recommendations from an engineering study funded by the City Board of Directors who approved $750,000 for this study and any construction resulting from it. The engineering study identified two major priorities: large sediment deposits and bank erosion. Repairing these damages will improve drainage and make Nix Creek a sustainable storm-water path to service our growth. In addition to storm water management, the city has also recently received the results of an engineering study regarding current conditions of all our city roads. This will help staff and the Board of Directors prioritize which roads need to be repaired or redone with future budgets and federal funding from the ARPA and infrastructure funds. 2. Planning is essential in building a prosperous future for our city. Nothing happens overnight, but if you do not know where you want to go, and you have no plan to get there, you won’t end up anywhere. The city is working on a defined plan with set goals and a clear vision. It will take a

B U S I N E S S & P O L I T I C S

T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E

have a second home without platting the property. We hope this new zone will meet the needs of generations of families and individuals to grow and thrive in our city in its lovely rural settings. Recent planning success also includes the adoption of the Downtown Entertainment District. This zone, instituted last year, is already showing signs of economic success, and we hope the A-1 zone will as well. 3. Communication is the key to bringing the city together in a collective effort. Citizens should know the efforts the city is making towards community maintenance or accomplishing goals set forth in the city plan. Everyone also needs to be well informed of the challenges facing the city. An informed public with realistic expectations can only be achieved with great communication. Improved communication will bring more participation in the local governing process. We plan to create more transparency and

attempt to bring forth important information to the public using media outlets at our disposal. This includes informative videos on current and future projects and information regarding city services and how they work. We recently released videos on our Facebook, YouTube and Government Access Channel covering the current and future status of the Nix Creek Project, the newly proposed A-1 Business District, and a video informing citizens of how to take advantage of our city recycling center. This type of video will become a quarterly occurrence, including informative videos from our police department that will cover a wide range of topics, from crime statistics to community involvement. The goal is to further expand these videos to other departments in the future. We hope to ensure the streaming of our public meetings is consistent and easy to access, and to use social media to make the public aware of any construction or non-routine maintenance occurring. We want citizens to be informed about how to

access city services and how to report a problem easily.

Finally, we are excited about current developments that will impact our residents. The new animal adoption center, containing over 30 kennels, will house only “ready for adoption” animals, while the existing shelter will house incoming strays. This will create a better experience for those looking to adopt animals. The Recreational (Rec) Center (formerly the Boys & Girls Club), which is only a few weeks from completion, will offer physical fitness and activities for seniors during the day and an after-school program for our youth. The Rec center will allow access to meeting rooms, a computer lab, a commercial kitchen and a gymnasium. Both great facilities will be operational by this fall. We hope to maximize the potential of these great resources, adding to the quality of life for the City of Texarkana, Arkansas residents.

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