In 2007, a group of concerned individuals in Pulaski County came together and began working with the Division of Children and Family Services in looking for ways to provide for children in the central Arkansas county. An organization known as “The CALL” was developed, and nearly three years later, it became statewide. The CALL is currently active in 52 of the state’s 75 counties, including Baxter.
The CALL’s Baxter County coordinator Amanda Wooten was a recent guest of the Talk of the Town on KTLO-FM. She says The CALL is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving as a bridge between the state of Arkansas and local churches.
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Families recruited by The CALL make up over half of all foster families in the Arkansas. Since its inception nearly 15 years ago, these families have cared for over 10,000 children and created forever families for over 800 children.
Baxter County currently has 11 open foster family homes, but on average, there are approximately 47 children in care each month. Wooten says there are times children have to be relocated outside of the county.
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May is designated as “Foster Care Awareness Month,” and The CALL in Baxter County has several activities planned in recognition. Wooten says the Flocking to Foster Care fundraiser is held for the entire month.
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The CALL in Baxter County is actively recruiting, training and supporting foster and adoptive parents, and donations are always being accepted. For more information, call 870-424-4211 or go online to thecallinarkansas.org/baxter.
This month, Our Community Cares, sponsored by American Safeguard Insurance, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Carl Wayne’s Nurseries, Danny Porter of Century 21 LeMac Realty, Arvest Wealth Management and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot, recognizes The CALL’s mission to educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care in Arkansas. Learn more at ktlo.com/ourcommunitycares.
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