Many ministries are working to impact communities in White County, and you can help. The contacts for the ministries listed are available below.
Christians in action
Christians In Action (CIA) stems from Bisons for Christ.The group, also managed by the Original Rock House, promotes and organizes weekly service projects that students can participate in between the annual days of service. Projects include yardwork, transportation and other need-based opportunities for service in the Searcy community. Interested students are encouraged to reach out, attend a service activity and bring a friend.
Contact Kayla Stites at kstites@harding.edu
The maple house
The Maple House is a community center that provides a safe, local environment for kids to play games, worship and receive after-school tutoring. Volunteers can serve as tutors, friends and mentors. Volunteers are also invited to participate in the ministry’s Bible studies on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Students interested in volunteering can tutor on Tuesday or Wednesday from 3 – 5 p.m., or help prepare a meal before the Wednesday devotional.
Contact maplehousecommunity @gmail.com
Rock mentoring
Rock Mentoring is a mentorship program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade organized by Rock House Ministries. Volunteers can help with homework, play games and have snacks with the mentees. Mentorship not only includes schoolwork, but also basic life skills like cooking, introducing themselves to others and cleaning up after themselves. Getting involved is simple; show up and connect with the students.The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Carmichael Center.
Contact Carlee Freeman at cfreeman5@harding.edu
Lamp light ministries
Lamp Light Ministry, previously known as Pizza Ministry, meets Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. in the parking lot behind College Church of Christ, and anyone is invited to join. On Monday and Thursday, volunteers play with children that live in Lamp Light Villa, a trailer park nearby.The ministry’s primary focus is on building relationships and creating a safe space. On Wednesday, they also offer a “homework club”at which volunteers can help the children in school with their school assignments.
Contact Elissa Tetrault at etetrault@harding.edu or Tatum Watson at twatson3@harding.edu
Bison buddies
According to the 2018 Arkansas Education Report, 68 percent of Sydney Deener Elementary students live below the poverty line.The school’s staff strives to serve, advocate for, educate and counsel their students. Harding students can participate in this service by volunteering as Bison Buddies.These volunteers visit the school to read and engage with the students. They may also serve as “lunch buddies”and share meals with the students in the cafeteria, or participate in recess activities.
Contact Sydney Deener Elementary at (501) 268-3850.
Child safety center
The Child Safety Center of White County assists investigative agencies when there
are allegations of child abuse. The nonprofit organization provides advocacy, medical and follow- up services, all of which are offered at no charge.There are limited volunteer opportunities, but students can support the organization by participating in the Glo Run 5k on April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Food and a T-shirt will be provided with the purchase of a $30 ticket.
Contact the Child Safety Center at childsafetycenter.org.
Sparrow’s promise
Previously Searcy Children’s Homes, Inc., Sparrow’s Promise is a foster care agency that recruits and trains foster families. Their mission is to provide care, love and support to children and their foster families, as well as to partner with biological families as they try to reunite with their children.The organization serves around 100 children in White County. Students can participate by assisting with childcare during foster parent trainings, or by volunteering at the organization’s new facility during supervised visitations.
Visit the Sharing Shoppe, a thrift store on West Arch St., to directly benefit families served by Sparrow’s Promise with your purchase.
Contact Brandon Tittle at bctittle@harding.edu.
