8 Clark County nonprofits gifted nearly $400,000 from Frances Russell estate

PHOTO — Staff from the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center pose with a donation made to the nonprofit organization from the estate of the late Frances Yvonne Russell. PDMCSC was among eight local nonprofits benefitting from gifts made by the estate. | Submitted photo

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The late Frances Yvonne Russell continues to make an impact on Clark County with a significant gift to improve the lives of those in her community. Heart of Arkansas United Way announced that it has distributed nearly $400,000 in funding from Russell’s estate to eight local nonprofits.

“Nonprofits are the heart of our communities, serving our neighbors in their time of need — a mission that is especially critical in today’s uncertain economic climate,” said Lynn Pharr, president and CEO of Heart of Arkansas United Way. “This generous gift by Mrs. Russell will not only uplift these local organizations, but also have a lasting ripple effect on those they serve.”

Recipients of the nearly $400,000 gift from Russell’s estate include:

Acorn Project at Arkadelphia High School, which provides local students with non-perishable food items and support to thrive during weekends and extended breaks from school

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Clark County that helps low-income, single parents overcome financial barriers to complete their education, either by pursuing a traditional degree or skilled-trade certifications

Clark County 4-H, which offers local youth the chance to learn life skills, enhance their leadership and increase self-esteem while serving in community service projects, participating in competitive activities, attending camps and earning scholarships

Clark County Ecumenical Food Pantry, a coalition of nine local congregations that provides monthly boxes of food to in-need households from its distribution hub at First United Methodist Church Arkadelphia

Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Clark County, a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five every month, no matter their families’ income level

Group Living, Inc., which helps adults with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence through its Adult Developmental Center, GLI Transition Home, residential support and other programs

Henderson State University to create the endowed Francis & Dewey Russell Scholarship, which will be awarded to eligible students in perpetuity to pursue higher education

Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center, which offers a safe space, support and services for child abuse victims and their families through a professional, coordinated team approach 

Originally hailing from Delight, Russell made her home in Caddo Valley with her husband, Dewey, and son, Brian. For many years, her family owned and operated Valley Exxon. Throughout her life, she remained committed to giving back to the local community and contributing to philanthropic causes, such as United Way.

For more than 100 years, Heart of Arkansas United Way has connected and responded to the community’s needs, strategically mobilizing resources to support well-being, create opportunities for youth, enhance families’ financial security and foster resiliency. With nearly 20,000 people in Central Arkansas served annually, it is working toward a future where all in our community can thrive. For more information, visit heartaruw.org.