Arkansas Support Network
was established in May of 1988 as Family Support Services,
Inc. A small group of parents and volunteers incorporated
and were licensed by the state to provide support and
assistance to a limited number of families who had children
with disabilities living in the home with them.
Since 1988, we have added a number of programs and services
to complement our original Family Support program. Our
guiding principle in 1988 was the belief that individuals
who have disabilities and their families should be in
control of service delivery. Our job is to assist, not to
control. With every service that we have added since 1988,
we have tried to adhere to this philosophy.
It is our belief that every person has
the right to live in a home and in the community as an
active and accepted member. Our intent is to support the
presence and participation of children and adults with
developmental disabilities in their homes and communities.
The Story of the Starfish Early one morning, a young man
walked along a beach upon which many starfish had washed
ashore during the night. In the distance he could see an old
man walking toward him. The old man paused often and bent
down to pick up a starfish and toss it into the sea. When
they finally met, the young man asked the old, “why do you
waste your time? There are hundreds of starfish stranded on
the beach, and you cannot possibly save them all. What does
it matter if you save one here and one there?” In answer,
the old man bent again and lifted a starfish and threw it
into the sea. “It matters to that one,” he said.
This is how we at Arkansas Support Network see our job. We
can make a difference one life at a time.
From
the CEO
It has always been our goal to be as responsive as possible
to the needs of people with disabilities in Northwest
Arkansas. We’ve worked hard to consistently provide the
highest quality supports for the people we serve, and we’ve
developed a reputation as one of the premier service
providers in this state. We pride ourselves on our
willingness to collaborate with other groups and
organizations who are interested in breaking down the
barriers experienced by people who have disabilities, and
the partnerships we’ve developed with other groups and
organizations continue to be models for the country.
Like all nonprofit organizations, we continue to be asked to
“do more with less.” The need for our services grows each
year, and support from the state and federal government has
not kept pace with that need. In many cases, it has been
decreased. It’s clear that if we are to continue providing
quality services at a level that you, our supporters, expect
and deserve, we must have your help. Please contact
LaDonna Meredith in
our development office to learn more about how you can help.
Keith Vire
Chief Executive Officer
Arkansas Support Network
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