New digs, new causes and more of the news worth noting in local nonprofits.
New Digs
A handful of local nonprofits are preparing to make a move in both the near and distant future:
Following a heartbreaking year that saw a devastating fire and subsequent demolition of its historic orphanage, the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas is now searching for a new home to continue its urban farm and gardening programs.
Credit: Emma Mayes
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana is expanding its in-hospital program with Baptist Health Little Rock. A space of more than 6,000 square feet on the mezzanine level will feature six overnight suites, a kitchen, showers, laundry facilities, a large common area and more for families of pediatric or NICU patients receiving care in the hospital.
Ballet Arkansas’ downtown headquarters is getting an update. Its nextdoor studio space on Main Street is undergoing renovations to create a black box theater with 65 feet of “danceable width” for rehearsals and intimate performances.
After a string of challenges and frustrations, The Van has finally secured a permanent space to serve as a no-barrier emergency shelter during inclement winter weather. The building at 18815 MacArthur Drive in North Little Rock will also operate as a thrift store and storefront for the nonprofit’s farm to offset costs for its mission to serve the metro’s unhoused population.
A joint effort between Arkansas Children’s and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, the National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness has begun construction on the ACH campus and found its director in Dr. Alicia Allen.
Big Moves
Arkansas Community Foundation President and CEO Heather Larkin will retire at the end of 2025 after 27 years at ACF and 17 years as CEO.
The Downtown Little Rock Partnership named Kyle Leyenberger as its new executive director, succeeding Gabe Holmstrom’s decade in the role.
Wildwood Park for the Arts added Gertrude K. Clark and John R. Marshall to its board of directors.
AR Kids Read added four new board members: Thomas Maxwell, Michelle McDonald, John Whisnant and George White.
Within the Clinton Presidential Center, Jay Barth is stepping down as director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, while Dr. Nichola Driver has been named the inaugural assistant dean of impact for the Clinton School of Public Service.
Cause to Watch
Arkansas Originals, a new nonprofit designed to celebrate and develop local creators, has launched in Little Rock. Its first initiative is the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail, which will install historical markers honoring six influential blues musicians from the Delta.
Credit: Ben Krain
Gifts & Grants
Longtime UA Little Rock supporter Leslye Shellam recently made two gifts to the university’s arts programs: $90,000 to the Art Student Domestic Travel Fund and $14,000 to the Artist-in-Residence Housing Fund.
Three local nonprofits received a combined $550,000 from the estate of Dan Farley: the Arkansas Foodbank, ACLU of Arkansas and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
The Baptist Health Foundation received a grant of $998,000 from the Windgate Foundation to support upgrades in medical simulation programming and equipment at Baptist Health College Little Rock.