Our Artist Profile for July features a group of artists from our partner organization, the Myers-Davis Skills Training Center. Sidney and Kelly mixing lotion. When Director Heather Keirn joined Myers-Davis in 2024, she set out to create a learning environment for individuals with disabilities that would teach them real job skills. Her goals were to prepare students for employment, provide opportunities for independence, and encourage meaningful participation in their community. From that...

Gardeners from two of the five Human Development Centers (HDCs) across the state will visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services Central Office in Little Rock this month for a special Plant Pop-Up Sale. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 15 outside the Blue Umbrella storefront at 700 Main St. in Little Rock, will feature plants grown by residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Conway Human Development Center (CHDC) and Jonesboro Human Development...

William Thomas’ journey to entrepreneurship started three years ago at a yard sale. William’s mother was selling cupcakes when he asked if he could put a few of his paintings out on the table. To his surprise, they sold. Encouraged by the success, William tried again at a school art sale, and then at an arts and crafts fair in Maumelle. Each time, his paintings found homes. Fast forward to today: he now runs his own business, William’s Colorful Creations , where he sells his artwork and...