NEA Children's Advocacy Center

06/18/2026

The Northeast Arkansas Children's Advocacy Center was proud to stand alongside law enforcement, prosecutors, investigators, and community partners in helping bring justice to two young victims in a Craighead County child sexual abuse case.

This week, a jury found Justin Lynn Totty guilty on all counts, resulting in multiple life sentences and additional consecutive prison terms.

Most importantly, we recognize the extraordinary courage of the children involved. They bravely shared their experiences, faced their abuser in court, and spoke the truth. Their strength made justice possible.

Cases like this remind us why Children's Advocacy Centers are essential, providing a safe place for children to be heard, supported, and connected to services while helping reduce the trauma of the investigative process.

Every child deserves a voice. Every child deserves justice.

🚨 BREAKING: A Craighead County jury imposed the maximum sentence possible on Justin Lynn Totty after finding him guilty on all counts in a Bay child sexual abuse case today.

Totty received two consecutive life sentences for r**e, with additional 10-year enhancements. He was also sentenced to 20 years plus a 10-year enhancement on each of two second-degree sexual assault convictions, 10 years for in**st and six years on each of three sexual indecency with a child convictions.

Every sentence must be served consecutively. Totty’s wife and co-defendant previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

STORY: https://neareport.com/2026/06/17/life-in-prison-jury-convicts-man-on-all-counts-in-bay-child-r**e-in**st-case/

06/16/2026

Among the many memorable moments from this year's Blingo fundraiser was the presentation of a generous $1,500 donation from the Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro to the NEA Children's Advocacy Center.

While this special moment was shared as part of our event coverage, we wanted to take a moment to recognize it on its own. This gift represents more than a contribution, it reflects a shared commitment to supporting children and families in Northeast Arkansas.

Partnerships like these help ensure that children who come through our doors receive the advocacy, support, and services they need on their path toward healing.

We are grateful to the Junior Auxiliary for their generosity, partnership, and dedication to making a difference in our community.

Thank you for helping us continue our mission and for making a lasting impact on the children and families we serve.

06/12/2026

Prior to the end of the spring semester, we were fortunate to have members of Chi Omega visit the NEA Children's Advocacy Center as part of Arkansas State University's Greek Life community service efforts.

The Chi Omega volunteers generously donated their time helping us organize stuffed animals, sort paperwork, and arrange other important items throughout our center. Their hard work and dedication helped us stay organized and better prepared to serve the children and families who rely on our services.

We are grateful for their willingness to give back to the community and for choosing to support our mission. Thank you, Chi Omega and Arkansas State University Greek Life, for making a positive impact in Northeast Arkansas!

06/10/2026

🎉Please join us in welcoming our newest Advocate, Maritza Blake, to the Northeast Arkansas Children's Advocacy Center (NEACAC) family!

Originally from El Dorado, Arkansas, Maritza is a proud graduate of Arkansas State University and has made Jonesboro her home away from home. She and her husband, Maurice, are the proud parents of Malia and Malachi.

Maritza brings a wealth of experience from her career with the Arkansas Department of Corrections at the McPherson Women's Unit, where she served as a Correctional Officer, Correctional Counselor and Intake Supervisor. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping others navigate difficult circumstances, rebuild and move forward.

When asked why she chose the NEACAC, Maritza shared:
"For the last couple of years, I have been helping women put those broken pieces back together again. I knew it was time for a shift in my career. I want to pour into the children and families we serve just like I did those women. Everyone has a voice, and I want to make sure their voice is heard."

Outside of work, Maritza enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, cheering on her children at their ball games, traveling and making memories with family. She is also a co-owner of JT and LiaB Playhouse Production, a party rental business she operates with her sister. They offer everything from bounce houses and water slides to movie night setups, glamping tents, popcorn machines and cotton candy machines.

We are thrilled to have Maritza's compassion, experience and commitment to serving others as part of our team. Please help us give her a warm welcome as she begins advocating for the children and families of Northeast Arkansas!

Welcome to the team, Maritza! 💙

06/08/2026

Over the last few months, our community has shown incredible generosity by donating stuffed animals to the NEA Children's Advocacy Center. These special gifts provide comfort, security, and a friendly companion to children during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

The photos below highlight donations received from many different individuals, businesses, organizations, and community members throughout the past several months. Every stuffed animal represents the kindness and compassion of someone who wanted to make a difference for a child in need.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, organized drives, or helped spread the word. Your support helps us continue our mission of providing hope, healing, and comfort to the children and families we serve. ❤️

06/03/2026

This week, the NEA Children’s Advocacy Center (NEACAC) was deeply grateful to receive a generous donation from the Altrusa International District 8. 💙

A sincere thank you to Sherry Gray, Altrusa President, and Eva Duckworth, Altrusa Secretary, for personally delivering thoughtfully assembled items for the children and families we serve including new backpacks, hygiene essentials, cosmetics, and age-appropriate books.

Through their District 8 “Altrusa Kids in Crisis” initiative, these donations were intentionally selected to provide comfort, dignity, and encouragement to children facing trauma and crisis. Acts of care like this help create moments of stability and hope during incredibly difficult times.

We are truly grateful for this continued partnership and the lasting difference it makes in the lives of children in our community. 🌟

📸 Pictured from left to right:
From NEACAC: Dana Housley, Martiza Blake, Brooke O'Neill
From Altrusa: Eva Duckworth and Sherry Gray

06/02/2026

👛 Relive the night that changed the lives of children because of you. 👛

What an incredible night! As we reflect on our inaugural Designer Handbag Blingo, we are beyond grateful for the overwhelming support from our community.

With more than 400 guests in attendance, you helped turn a first-time event into something truly special for the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center.

Because of your support, children and families affected by abuse will continue to receive critical services, advocacy, and healing when they need it most.

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our donors, and every guest who chose to spend their evening investing in the children we serve. Your commitment helped make this event a tremendous success.

We heard so many encouraging comments throughout the evening: from “What a fresh idea!” to “This is a remarkable event,” and “I can’t wait until next year!”

We’re excited to share some of our favorite moments from the evening. If you see yourself or your friends, feel free to share your photos on your page, enjoy the memories, and celebrate the difference you made for children in our community.

Thank you for making our first Designer Handbag Blingo unforgettable. We have already started planning for 2027—watch for the date announcement!

📸 Special thanks to James Bickham and Lindsey Bennett for capturing the evening so beautifully.

06/01/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Slim Chickens for supporting the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center (NEACAC) through their Give Back Sunday fundraiser!

Thanks to the generosity of Slim Chickens and everyone in our community who chose to dine in or carry out during the event, $500 was donated to NEACAC to help provide hope, healing, and justice for children and families affected by abuse.

Community partnerships like this make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve. We are grateful for businesses that invest in making Northeast Arkansas a safer and stronger place for children.

Thank you, Slim Chickens, and thank you to everyone who participated and supported this special event!

📸 Pictured (left to right)
From Slim Chickens: Jake Meyer, General Manager and Cassandra Jackson, Catering Manager. From the NEACAC: Dana Housley, Director of Development & Community Education; Maritza Blake, Advocate; Rebecca Propst, Forensic Interview Specialist; and Brooke O'Neill, Program Director.

05/29/2026

Happy 40th Birthday to Rebecca, one of our amazing Forensic Interview Specialists here at NEA Children’s Advocacy Center! 🎉🎂

Your compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping children and families make a difference every single day. We are so grateful to have you as part of our team and hope your special day is filled with joy, laughter, and celebration.

Please join us in wishing Rebecca a very Happy 40th Birthday! 💜

05/20/2026

We were so excited to host the United Way Loaned Executives at the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center! 💙

It was an honor to share more about the work happening at our center and the impact being made for children and families in our community every day.

We are incredibly thankful for United Way and the support provided through their grants. Because of their partnership, our team has been able to continue important continuing education, certifications, licensing, and professional training that helps us provide the highest level of care and advocacy to the children we serve.

We also welcome businesses, organizations, and community groups who would like to tour our center and learn more about the services we provide. To schedule a visit, please contact Dana Housley by email: [email protected].

Thank you, United Way, for investing in our mission and believing in the work we do! 💙