Page 33 - 2026 VB Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

meals and snacks daily. Head Start programs promote school learning environment that supports
A former Club kid himself, CEO readiness by enhancing the social and children’s growth in the following
Ja’Cory Taylor is passionate about cognitive development of children domains:
creating a welcoming environment for through the provision of educational, • language and literacy
every child who enters the Club’s doors. health, nutritional, social, and other • cognition and general knowledge
“When I was a member, it was my saving services to enrolled children and families. • physical development and health
grace,” shared Taylor. “The Club helped They engage parents in their children’s • social and emotional development
me and my family out in so many ways. It learning and help them make progress • approaches to learning
was my second home.” toward their education, literacy, and To be eligible for Head Start:
Last year, Taylor launched “5 Alive” employment goals. • Your child must be three on or
to help team members to go above Children who are 3 to 5 years old are before August 1 of this school year
and beyond in building connections eligible for Head Start services. Pregnant • Your family’s income must fall within
with each child. The initiative seeks to women and children from birth to 3 the federal poverty guidelines
ensure members feel seen, valued, and years of age are eligible for Early Head • You must live in Crawford or
supported. “Through this program, Start services. Children and families who Sebastian County
we create a positive and safe space are homeless, in foster care, or receive Eligibility is determined by Head
where kids can flourish,” noted Taylor. TANF or SSI are also eligible for services. Start program staff and some families
“Whether it’s checking in with them When your child is enrolled in Head may be eligible for services if they
regularly, offering encouragement, or Start he/she will be experiencing much are determined to be at or below the
simply being there to listen, our goal is to more than just preschool. Head Start is federal poverty level. Some grantees
make sure every child knows they matter a federal program that promotes the enroll a percentage of children from
and has the support they deserve.” school readiness of children from birth families with incomes above the Poverty
BGCVB’s sports leagues enable to five years from low-income families Guidelines as well.
members to compete, work as a team, by enhancing their cognitive, social, and Head Start is located at 1520
and develop athletic skills. Offerings emotional development. Construction Way, Van Buren. They can
include soccer, basketball, volleyball, Head Start programs provide a be reached by phone at (479) 474-9378.
baseball, and flag football. Over the past
year, the Club served more than 1,500 Serving the
youth ages 6-18 through its programs
and leagues. River Valley
“Boys & Girls Clubs are vital to
communities because they keep kids for 50 Years
safe, help working families, and inspire
learning,” shared Taylor. “They also
provide unique opportunities to help
young people develop into successful
adults. However, none of it would
be possible without our incredible
volunteers and generous community.
Many of our organization’s board
members and faithful contributors
Mason Shirey
Libby Lee
J. Kevin Bell
are also Club alumni. Having former President, Principal Broker Vice President, Executive Broker Michelle Linam Assoc. Broker, Comm. Sales
Executive Broker
members return and give back to the
organization that poured into them
is a testament to the positive and
longstanding impact this Club has made
on them and our community.”
To learn more, visit www.VBClub.org.
BGCVB is a proud United Way of Fort
Smith Area Community Partner.
Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded Blaine Bell Christopher Bell Jeff Warden Austin Warren Ron North
program managed locally by grant Associate Broker Associate Broker Sales Associate Sales Associate Sales Associate
awards to non profit agencies such as
Head Start Child and Family Services, 1031 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren • (479) 474-9200 • jimmybell.com
Inc.
vanburenchamber.org Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile 33