A local faith-based nonprofit group, The CALL of Clark County, presented to the Arkadelphia Lions Club on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024.
Established locally in 2014, The CALL recruits, trains and supports foster families. An organization that started in six Arkansas counties in 2007, it is now a statewide network in all 75 counties.
Lori Ramsey is the local county coordinator. According to the latest statistics provided by The CALL, an average of 32 children in Clark County spend time in foster care each day because of abuse or neglect, with an average of three foster families caring for those children.
Ramsey said the ultimate goal is to reunite foster children with their original families. It typically takes up to 15 months from intake to reunite them, she said. Ramsey and her husband originally became involved with The CALL as foster parents; they went on to adopt a foster child.
Among the services the organization provides to foster families is The CALL Mall, which provides clothing, toys, hygiene products and other essentials to help establish new foster families.
The CALL is funded by community donations and has an office at 2401 Pine St. in Arkadelphia.
The Lions Club made a donation of $300 at the conclusion of Ramsey’s presentation.
CLICK HERE for more information about The CALL.