Network supports active life in community

Tell us about your organization: Arkansas Support Network (ASN) is a statewide communitybased disability services provider. ■ Mission: “We recognize and support every person’s right to be included in the life of the community.”

■ Services provided: ASN provides in-home supported living services, supported employment, environmental modifications, adaptive equipment,

family support services, educational advocacy, parent training and education, personal care services, Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy, and a wide range of vocational support services. You can learn more about specific ASN programs at supports.org/programs/.

■ Service area: Statewide ■ Average number of people served annually: Through all of our programs, we engage and support approximately 2,000 individuals and families every year.

How is your organization’s mission unique? At ASN we believe that, with the right supports, all individuals can thrive in the community and that all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or limitations, are valuable, worthy and capable of making positive contributions to our communities. We don’t just believe we’re benefiting the lives of individuals with disabilities by supporting them to live life in their communities.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? I started working for Arkansas Support Network as a 19-year-old college student almost 19 years ago. At the time, I didn’t have a major or any idea what I wanted to do with my life. I thought I would be exchanging my time for a little money to support my budding social life. Turns out I was beginning a career doing the most meaningful and rewarding work I could ever imagine.

What part of your job fills the most of your time? I get the benefit of working closely with the day-to-day aspects of our service programs and with statewide entities focused on making services in Arkansas the best possible. My days include many things ranging from advocacy to collaboration to budgeting, but whatever it is today, it will likely change tomorrow based on the current need.

What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect? That systems of oppression impact individuals’ lives in real and significant ways every day, and that supporting individuals to navigate those systems requires a firm understanding of intersectionality. It’s not enough to know about disability. To really empower people to live meaningful lives, we must be prepared to support them through all of the challenges life throws their way.

What challenges face your organization? As the funding streams for services evolve and change, ASN faces the continued demand to do more with less. We stay engaged in innovative ways to fund the services and supports individuals need to be successful.

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they? Yes, we use volunteers in a variety of ways, including event support, recreational program support, administrative support, and facility maintenance support, just to name a few. If you are interested in volunteering at ASN, contact Nakisha Snell at nsnell@supports.org.

What upcoming fundraisers and/or other events does your organization have planned? Our annual fundraiser, The Great Tailgate for Inclusion, is coming up on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. inside Shiloh Square in downtown Springdale. We’ll have BBQ , craft beer, music by the Funk Factory, and a silent and live auction.

Evans