Searcy Leadership Institute Volunteers To Make a Difference

Armed with hammers and nails, volunteers from a local leadership program joined together Saturday to make a difference in the lives of local children.

Current members of the Searcy Leadership Institute helped construct a new privacy fence at the White County Children’s Safety Center as part of the class’ focus on volunteerism. The newly constructed fence will provide safety for children who wish to take part in outdoor activities while visiting the center.

The White County Children’s Safety Center provides a safe and relaxed environment where victims of sexual and physical abuse are interviewed by forensic interviewers for law enforcement officials. The center partners with local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure abused children are cared for properly. Currently, there are 10 such centers in Arkansas.

“The White County Children’s Safety Center would not be in existence if it were not for the members of this community and their willingness to give their time and money,” said Robin Connell, executive director of the White County Children’s Safety Center.  “This community cares greatly about the children of White County and we are humbly grateful for all they have done to get this center going.  As a team, we work together to fight for the kids of our community.”

Recent reports show that an estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect each year, with roughly 1,500 dying each year from such abuse.  

“The work being done by the White County Children’s Safety Center is invaluable to this community,” said Jessica Strickland, member of the Searcy Leadership Institute’s Class
of 2009.  “As a group, we feel strongly about volunteerism and immediately recognized the great work being done by the center. There is such a sense of fulfillment by giving back to the community, and we could think of no more deserving organization than the Children’s Safety Center.”

Founded in 1996, the Searcy Leadership Institute strives to identify, educate and expose local business leaders to economic, social and political issues affecting the community.  To date, more than 200 individuals have participated in the program.

Contributions to this project were made by Bryce Corporation, Centennial Bank, First Community Bank, Letain DeVore of RE/MAX Advantage Searcy, Robert Joyner of RE/MAX Advantage Searcy, Chesapeake Energy, the Masonic Lodge of Searcy, Homer’s Ace Hardware, McCoy’s Building Supply, Ridout Lumber, Coy Lackie, Steve Ghent, Keith Nichols, Randy Nichols, Billy Bonner, Clay Hite, Steve Sterling, Kenny Nichols, and Jay Thomas.

To make a contribution to the White County Children’s Safety Center, please contact Robin Connell at 501-278-9321.