The CALL in Sharp and Independence Counties

09/03/2026

Never miss out on what's happening at The CALL throughout Arkansas. Next edition of our bi-monthly e-newsletter goes out next week! 🤩 Sign up: thecallinarkansas.org

09/01/2026

Foster care is local missions.

Christians are called to care for the fatherless and vulnerable. Today, foster care is one of the ways the Church can live out that calling in a very real and tangible way.

But knowing 𝘩𝘰𝘸 to step into foster care can feel overwhelming. That’s where The CALL comes in.

We're here to equip local churches to support children and families impacted by foster care.

That can look different in every community. It might look like calling families to open their homes, rallying around foster families through Care Teams, creating spaces for prayer and encouragement, or supporting the mission through donations. The CALL walks alongside local churches, helping them engage in foster care ministry in ways that fit their people, resources, and community.

Want to learn how The CALL can support your church? Contact us! thecallinarkansas.org/contact

09/01/2026

A BIG Thank You to Cave City First Free Will Baptist for welcoming The CALL to your services on Sunday, opening your hearts to hear about our local foster care crisis, and giving every member of your congregation a way to get connected to our mission. Your church's warm, welcoming spirit was such a blessing, and we are thankful to partner with you in this work!

08/28/2026

🏆 ATTENTION CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS! 🏃💨

We are launching an EXCITING brand-new addition to our Heroes for Hope 5K & Kids’ Fun Run this year: The High School Heroes Cup Challenge!

We are inviting ALL high school cross country teams across Sharp and Independence Counties to join in on some friendly competition. The team that brings out the most race participants—runners, parents, and cheering supporters combined—will take home the coveted High School Heroes Cup Trophy and ultimate bragging rights for the year! 🥇✨

Why your team needs in on this:

Students Helping Students: All proceeds directly support local children in foster care and assist families right here in our communities, co-hosted alongside the Sharp County Sheriff Foundation. Use your love of running to make a real difference!

Great Training & Community Fun: Official finisher medals, a solid 5K course, and yes... superhero costumes are highly encouraged! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

📍 Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Cave City Park

Schedule: On-site registration 8:00–8:30 AM | 5K starts at 9:00 AM

Registration: $30 entry fee (Register by September 10 to guarantee your official event t-shirt!)

Sign up online: runsignup.com/Race/AR/CaveCity/HeroesForHope5Kandfunrun

For more race info, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1339963291104001

👉 TAG YOUR CROSS COUNTRY COACH, TEAMMATES, PARENTS, AND SUPPORTERS BELOW! Get your squad together, sign up, and let’s see who will be the FIRST team to win the Cup! 🏆👇

Reach out to The CALL's local director Ashley Beller for more information: [email protected]
870-643-0757

08/27/2026

We know that stepping into foster care seems daunting. There are a lot of questions and "what if's" that can keep us from saying YES. But...what if you didn't need to see the full journey? What if you didn't need to know all the answers and address all the concerns?

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽?

When we read Scripture and see God calling His people to action, He often only gives them the first step. He calls them to obedience without revealing His bigger plan.

Is He calling you to take the first step? Is He calling you to trust Him without knowing how everything will turn out?

We know that He is faithful. We know His grace is sufficient. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵.

Take the first step today! thecallinarkansas.org/contact

08/27/2026

08/26/2026

A day in the life at The CALL Support Center in Batesville is never boring, but every single moment is driven by the same heart: showing God’s love to the most vulnerable in our community. Here’s a peek at what yesterday looked like inside our doors:

Restocking the Freezer: Mrs. Sherry, a dedicated member of one of our local churches, is organizing her small group to provide freezer meals for our families. Learning our stock was running low, she popped in with a batch of delicious homemade vegetable beef soup to bridge the gap.

Equipping Volunteers: Kayla, one of our newest volunteers, dropped in for CALL Mall orientation and jumped right into sorting recent donations so foster families have exactly what they need, right when they need it.

Creating Safe Spaces: Our family visit space was full of life as a child in care, mom, and their social worker spent the day reading books, sharing popcorn, and playing on the playground together.

Building Community: A local foster mom stopped by for some one-on-one catch-up time and encouragement with our Director—because no foster parent should ever feel like they are walking this journey alone.

Real Life: And yes... the internet technician came by to make another attempt at fixing our connection!

Every meal dropped off, every box sorted, and every encouraging conversation moves our mission forward.

Thank you to everyone who plays a part in making this a space of hope and healing for local children and families! 💙

08/25/2026

Teenagers are growing in independence, but that doesn’t mean they’re outgrowing their need for connection. Having a safe, supportive caregiver still matters deeply. Building a strong relationship doesn’t always require a big conversation. Sometimes, it happens in the little moments, like saying yes to an expressed need or sharing a hobby.

Below are four simple ways to foster that connection! What other ways do you connect with the teens in your life? Add them in the comments!

💙 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗲𝘀. When it’s safe and realistic, say yes when your teen asks for something. The more you say yes and meet their needs, the more they learn to trust and accept love.

🎮 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝟭𝟬. Set aside at least 10 minutes each day to do something your teen enjoys, whether that’s playing video games, participating in sports, doing each other’s nails, or simply hanging out. Find ways to enjoy the time and make room for joy and laughter!

🎵 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀. Invite your teen to teach you about the things they love. Ask them to share their favorite music, games, books, or interests with you.

🫶 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. Pay attention to their body language, tone, and energy. Mirroring their behavior in subtle ways can communicate acceptance and approachability.

08/20/2026

What if a child’s challenging behavior is actually a sign that they need to feel safe, known, and loved?

Many children in our communities have experienced trauma that can impact the way they connect with others. As churches welcome children into classrooms, youth groups, and ministries, church staff and volunteers have the opportunity to respond with empathy, patience, and consistency.

💙 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 is a trauma-informed training designed to equip churches with practical tools and insights to:

✨ Prioritize connection over correction
✨ Understand how trauma impacts children
✨ Recognize when a child is feeling unsafe and experiencing dysregulation
✨ Implement trauma-sensitive strategies to help these children thrive
✨ Foster curiosity, compassion, and connection in your interactions with children

When churches are prepared to care well, they become powerful places of healing and hope. The CALL is here to help make that possible.

If your church would like to bring this kind of training to your team, contact The CALL in your area to learn more: https://thecallinarkansas.org/contact

08/18/2026

Back-to-school season brings new routines, busy evenings, and full calendars for every family. For foster families, those adjustments can also come with additional appointments, transitions, and the needs of children who may be navigating a season of change.

If you know a foster family in your community, a small act of support can make a big difference during this season. We've got a few ideas to get you started!

🍝 Drop off a warm meal for dinner
🍼 Offer to babysit
🚙 Run an errand or two around town
📚 Help with homework
📞 Check in with foster parents

Every family's needs are different, and what feels like a small gesture to you may provide exactly the encouragement they need.

💙 Foster and adoptive parents: What has been the most meaningful way someone has supported your family during the back-to-school season? Share your ideas in the comments—we'd love to learn from you!