EOA works to improve lives of children, families

Tell us about your organization:

■ Mission: Empowering Children and Families to Learn, Connect and Succeed

■ Services provided: EOA programs include Children’s

House, which provides therapeutic supportive services and care for children younger than age of 5 who have been abused or neglected; Head Start; Energy Assistance; Emergency

Food Assistance; and Case Management.

■ Service area: Washington County

■ Average number of people served annually: Approximately 13,800

How is your organization’s mission unique? EOA is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering low-income families to achieve economic stability. Our mission is unique because we utilize a two-generation approach. We provide high quality early childhood development to increase school readiness, and we engage and empower parents to set goals for their households. Our communities are stronger when people can realize their full potential, support their families and contribute to the local economy.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? EOA is a designated Community Action Agency, which is focused on helping people and changing lives. I have a passion for making a difference and have been drawn to community advocacy since I was a child. My father served as an executive director of a Community Action Agency, and I loved the positive impact he was able to make in people’s lives.

What part of your job fills the most of your time? Making connections with community leaders, partners and organizations that want to improve the quality of life for children and families in Northwest Arkansas. Creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership are necessary to take EOA to the next level.

What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect? There are a wealth of people and advocates in Northwest Arkansas who are passionate about finding solutions to help children and families improve the conditions in which they live. This synergy in the community is unique, positive and encouraging.

What challenges face your organization? As a nonprofit organization, having sufficient resources to accomplish our mission and to build a sustainable future is imperative. We appreciate our donors, volunteers and community partners who believe in our mission and make it possible for EOA to have a positive impact in the lives of low-income children and families.

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they? Our volunteers are very important to our agency, providing assistance at EOA Children’s House and all of our EOA Children’s Services Head Start centers. Our volunteers logged more than 23,000 hours last year.

What upcoming fundraisers or other events does your organization have planned? EOA’s signature fundraiser is Summer Salsa. This event will be held June 16 at the Fayetteville Town Center. Guests will enjoy Mexican food, live music, silent auction and the opportunity to vote on their favorite salsas in our annual salsa tasting competition. All proceeds from Summer Salsa benefit the EOA Children’s House program. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website at www. childrenshousenwa.org.

Farmer