Comprehensive Juvenile Services (CJS) in the Fort Smith area can continue construction on a second youth shelter location thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Arvest Foundation.
The gift was announced recently in Mulberry. Marketing Manager Jennifer Caldwell, Sales Manager Mike Jacimore, Community Development Senior Representative Tammy Roper and Fort Smith Bank President Roger Holroyd of Arvest Bank were on hand to present the check to CJS Executive Director Janice K. Justice.
CJS serves youth experiencing family difficulties, problems in school, truancy, delinquency and youth who are runaways. The funds from the Arvest Foundation will help CJS continue construction on the Clay Roper Western Arkansas Youth Shelter in Mulberry. The late Clay Roper was a beloved and dedicated CJS employee.
“This very generous donation from Arvest Foundation brings us one step closer to realizing our dream of building the Clay Roper Western Arkansas Youth Shelter at our new location in Mulberry, where countless youth will be provided a place to stay and people who care when they need it most,” said Justice. “Having Clay’s words posted on the wall of the entryway will be even more of a blessing and will allow anyone who enters to know the love he had for these kids.”
“We are pleased to support CJS and the services they continue to provide for youth and families in our community,” said Tammy Roper. “The Arvest Foundation’s donation will help further the mission and expansion of the new shelter and continue the work Clay started in this community.”