Page 32 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

“Of our cases last year, 20 children Boys and Girls Club of Van Buren
were reunified with their families, 13 were A former Club kid himself, new Boys and
adopted, and three aged out of the system,” Girls Club of Van Buren (BGCVB) Executive
Allen explained. “That means many are still Director Ja’Cory Taylor is a prime example
working through the process, and there are of the organization’s slogan, “Great Futures
always more who need an advocate.” Start Here.”
For more information about CASA of Taylor began attending BGCVB at age
Crawford County, contact Melanie Allen, eight. As a teen, he joined the staff and
Executive Director, at (479) 474-8502 or by was named 2018 Youth of the Year. After
email at beavoice@21casa.org. The office is graduation, Taylor returned to oversee
located at 1112 Main Street in Van Buren. the soccer program in 2021. He was soon
United Way promoted to Unit Director and later Director
of Operations. Following longtime director
United Way of Fort Smith Area has played
a vital role in the Van Buren community since Cindy Faldon’s retirement in the spring,
1928. United Way has led the community Taylor was named Chief Executive Officer.
in identifying and implementing funding Taylor’s experience at the Club had a
profound impact on his young life and can be
programs that are both preventative and
reactive in the areas of Health, Education, seen in how he leads the organization today.
Financial Stability, and Crisis throughout “I still label myself as a club kid, but when
Crawford, Franklin, LeFlore, Logan, Sebastian, I was a member, the Club was my saving
grace,” he explained. “The Club helped me
and Sequoyah counties.
Each year, individuals and families rely and my family out in so many ways. It was
on United Way and its 31 partner agencies my second home. The Club was my light Boys and Girls Club of Van Buren
to be a helping hand to those in need. through the dark times. I use my passion to Executive Director Ja’Cory Taylor reading
help give kids a second chance…to make
Whether it is combating food insecurity, to children on Dr. Seuss Day at the Boys
providing prescription cost savings, meeting sure members’ voices get heard.” and Girls Club. Photo courtesy Boys and
the needs of the elderly, lifting individuals out Continued on page 34 Girls Club of Van Buren
of homelessness, or responding in times of
crisis, United Way works to ensure a healthier
community for all. This is accomplished by:
• Investing in programs that provide
the education, childcare, shelter, food,
and other necessities people need to
succeed.
• Encouraging people to contribute
money and time to improve the
communities served.
• Bringing the community together to
address critical issues.
United Way’s greatest challenge each year
is sufficient funding for the comprehensive
work it does throughout the region. Donors
are essential to fulfilling United Way’s mission,
which is to create lasting change and provide ALWAYS-ON
long-term solutions to ensure a brighter
tomorrow for those in need.
“At United Way of Fort Smith Area, we
believe working together is the best way to ENERGY
improve people’s lives and have the greatest
impact on the most vulnerable throughout
our six-county area,” said Shea Foldvary,
President and CEO of the organization. from a company you can count on.
For more information regarding United
Way, its partner agencies, how to donate
your time or financial resources, or set up
payroll deductions for your employees to
participate, please check their website. Visit aogc.com | 800-842-5690
www. unitedwayfortsmith.org.

32 Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org