On Saturday, September 28, The CALL in Southeast Arkansas held their 10th anniversary event at New Life Assembly of God. The evening began at 5 p.m. with a silent auction that ran throughout the evening. Items of all different varieties and price points were donated to be bid on. At 6 p.m. a buffet-style meal was catered by Chef’s.
Following the meal, Betsy Anderson, County Coordinator for The CALL, took the stage and played a video that detailed how the Southeast Arkansas affiliate of The CALL got its start 10 years ago. Anderson reported that the impact that The CALL has had in this region has been significant, with much of that impact and growth having occurred within the past year. In 2014 foster and adoptive families began to be trained. A decade later, The CALL has recruited and trained 25 new foster and adoptive families. Anderson also noted that the Southeast Arkansas affiliate is currently the largest affiliate of The CALL in Arkansas. The CALL has also, as of 2023, been able to open affiliates in every county in the state.
It was also reported that within the local CALL community, 19 children have been adopted over the past 10 years, and six of these have been since 2023. In the last decade over 100 support events have been held as well, these range from training, to support, and anything the families need.
Over the summer of 2024, The CALL opened The CALL Support Center for Southeast Arkansas in Monticello. This year a church from Ashley County and Lincoln County each opened family visit spaces as well,
The CALL has also employed a “foster care informed and adoption competent” Mental Health Therapist. There are currently five families in the area who are using these services.
“A total of 30 foster and adoptive families, representing more than 90 children, have been supported by The CALL in 2024,” Anderson said.
Following Anderson’s presentation, several individuals spoke to the attendees about their personal experiences with The CALL. The evening also had a live musical performance and an awards ceremony to honor the families and volunteers who keep The CALL going strong.
The evening ended shortly after 8 p.m. with Anderson thanking those in attendance and encouraging anyone interested in helping out to volunteer.
