She will lead the nonprofit’s activities in Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, and Woodruff counties.
Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) has a new staff member.
Joy Smith (pictured) started Nov. 13 as the Program Manager for the ASPSF Ozark Central Region, covering Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Sharp, Stone, and Woodruff counties. In her role, Smith will help local single-parent students on their educational journeys, manage volunteers, and conduct fundraising activities.
“Joy brings a wealth of experience to the role — relationship building, managing partnerships, grant writing, a love for learning, and a heart for working with people,” ASPSF Program Director LaCresha Newton said.
Before ASPSF, Smith spent five years as an intake coordinator with a government solutions organization. Previously, she was the program coordinator for a community-based educational support services organization. Here, she worked with multiple agencies to design programs and tailor services to meet the individual needs of students and their families.
“I am passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers so that they may reach their full potential and improve their quality of life,” Smith said. “I’m excited to create a culture of infinite possibilities in the Ozark Central region, linking families, communities, and education.”
Smith has called Izard County her home for 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in education. A natural storyteller, she performs with puppets at community events in her spare time, bringing smiles and laughter to all ages.
For more information about Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund — which has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships across the state to low-income single parents since 1990 — contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at jpara@aspsf.org or (479) 318-2885.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For more than 30 years, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org.
