The CALL opens new location

The CALL is a Christian nonprofit that brings together local churches and communities to help children and families in foster care. They find, train, and support foster families to ensure children have safe, loving homes nearby.

“Our mission is to bring hope and healing to children and families involved in foster care,” said Ashley Beller, Director of The CALL in Sharp and Independence Counties. “We recruit and train foster families, but we also walk alongside them with ongoing support. It’s all about creating stability and connection.”

There is a large need in the area. About 80 children in Sharp and Independence Counties are in foster care at any time, but only 11 licensed foster families are available. The CALL wants to close this gap so children can stay in their communities, keep attending their schools, stay on their teams, and maintain important relationships.

The new building serves several purposes, including areas for foster family trainings, along with a warm, home-like space for visits with children’s birth families.

“Now, families can spend meaningful time together in a space that feels like home,” Beller said. “They can cook meals, play games, watch movies, and simply be together. That kind of environment makes a real difference.”

The new location offers a “CALL Mall,” a resource area open all day and night for foster families, providing clothing, supplies, and ready-made backpacks for children entering care. The home also has a playroom where children can relax, play, and enjoy a safe space made just for them.

Community involvement is central to The CALL’s mission. While not everyone can foster, Beller pointed out that people can help in many ways, such as volunteering, donating, or offering prayers for the families and children they serve.

“Every person can make a difference,” she said. “Even something as simple as praying when you pass by can be a powerful act of support.”

The CALL in Sharp and Independence Counties welcomes everyone to visit the new location on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about foster care and how to get involved. You can find more information on their Facebook page or at thecallinarkansas.org. To reach the staff, call 870-643-0757.

Ambassadors in attendance included Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Abigail Ballard (Lifeplus), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Ashlyn Blevins (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Brandi Curbo (Batesville Guard), Brandon Lackey (Southern Bank), Candy Mitliff (Bennett Heating, Cooling, & Electrical), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), John High (Qualls Batesville Funeral Service), Katelyn Holt (Family Chiropractic Care), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville Schools), Michael Dickinson (City of Batesville), Sarah Perkins (Mossy Oak Properties), Taylor Williams (First Community Bank), Kirsten Martin (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Micah Richardson (Citizens Bank), Michael Dickinson (City of Batesville), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Robert Stephens (Network of Community Options), Sarah York (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), and Taylor Williams (First Community Bank).