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
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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2 0 2 1 G I V I N G G U I D E
2 0 2 1 G I V I N G G U I D E
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