1978....40 years ago
A time when child abuse and neglect wasn't a topic that was openly discussed, a concerned group of community members saw the effects of abuse and neglect on young, local children and knew that they had to take action. As Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever does."
This is how Children's House was established.
EOA Children's House was established in 1978, providing services out of several locations, including the Veteran's Administration Hospital and local churches, finally getting a place of their own in Fayetteville.
The "little blue house" was a safe place for children for many years, providing services for little ones to heal from their traumatic experiences.
After many years, community leaders and program staff could see that the "little blue house" was not large enough to serve the growing need. After much determination, land was donated and plans began for a new, much larger building to be located in Springdale, better serving the area.
With the support of the community, The Pat Walker Center for Children opened to children in 2011, more than tripling the number of abused and neglected children served in Northwest Arkansas.
The children will return to the center in a few weeks, starting the eighth school year in the Pat Walker Center for Children and the 40th year of healing young children and changing lives for thousands in our community.
Join us in commemorating our special year by giving a gift to ensure that EOA Children's House has the support necessary to continue services for the youngest victims of abuse and neglect. Any amount is appreciated and is tax-deductible.
EOA Receives $30,000
Arkansas Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan held a press conference at the Pat Walker Center for Children, presenting a check for $30,000 to EOA. These funds provide seed money for 529 college savings accounts for every child enrolled in EOA Head Start, EOA Early Head Start, and EOA Children's House. 
Thank you, Arkansas, for investing in our children and their future!
Arkansas Treasurer Dennis Milligan presenting the check to EOA Executive Director, Delia Anderson Farmer and EOA Board Members. Pictured from left to right: Board Member Ron Johnson, Board Member Gracie Ziegler, Board Member Sara Tumlison, Board President Faye Jones, Treasurer Dennis Milligan, Executive Director Delia Anderson Farmer, Board Member Jennifer Cook, Board Member Debbie Self, and Board Member Traci Jardin.
Pictured above from left back row: Board Member Gracie Ziegler, Board Member Sara Tumlison, Executive Director Delia Anderson Farmer, Board Member Faye Jones, Board Member Ron Johnson, and Board Member Traci Jardin. Pictured from left bottom row: Board Member Jennifer Cook, Board Member Grace Donoho, Board Member Debbie Self, and Board Member Erika Rodriguez.
Two of the nearly 300 children that will benefit from seed funding for an Arkansas 529 college savings account. Children with a college savings account are six times more likely to attend college.
The EOA Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs. This year's summer assistance program opened on July 2nd and has provided assistance to 2,095 households. LIHEAP will remain open until funds are depleted. To determine if you qualify for assistance or to make an appointment, visit our website at www.eoawc.org .

Sponsor Spotlight!
This annual publication encompasses the 3W's - who , what , and where for charitable social events primarily benefiting the Northwest Arkansas community. 3W Magazine has been a long-time supporter of EOA Children's House and the annual Summer Salsa event benefiting EOA Children's House.
Thank you for your support and for all you do for the community!
July Activities:


Certified ROMA Implementer
Casey Beaver, EOA Operations Director, successfully completed the requirements of National Peer to Peer Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) certification. Congratulations on being a Nationally Certified ROMA Implementer!

Certified CLASS Observer
Renée Browning Wright, EOA Education Manager, successfully completed recertification as a CLASS observer. She has demonstrated proficiency in observing and coding classroom interactions reliably using the CLASS measure. This is her five year anniversary of being a CLASS observer!

Our Flag is Flying

Thank you to Captain Pearson and his crew with the Springdale Fire Department for installing a new rope on our flagpole at the Pat Walker Center for Children.
We appreciate the help in getting our flag flying high again!

Growing Garden
Members of the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas visit the garden at the Pat Walker Center for Children each week to water and weed. Thank you for keeping our garden growing and looking beautiful! 


Family Learning Party
The West Washington County center had a Family Learning Party for their last day. Parents learned how to make easy, inexpensive learning tools to help promote their infant and toddler's development! 

Playground Grass
Thank you to Leaf to Soil for your donation of much needed sod and for sending some team members over for installation. This new sod covered some bald areas on two of our playgrounds at the Pat Walker Center for Children. In a couple of weeks, the new grass with be grown in, greened up, and ready for the kids to return from summer break! 
Are you or your organization able to assist us with some Back to School supplies?

Finger Paint
Watercolors
Glue
Markers
Play Doh
Bubbles
Play Sand
Underwear (2T - 6)
Children's Clothing & Shoes (new or gently used)
Diapers and Pull Ups
Clear Packing Tape
Dry Erase Markers
Blue Ink Pens
Clorox Disinfectant Wipes
Laundry Detergent

EVERY DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
Contact mcuddy@eoawc.org to learn more ways that you or your organization can help.

EOA is a 501(c)3 agency, therefore within the legal limits, your donation is tax-deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Please retain the receipt that you receive when you make your donation.

Economic Opportunity Agency | mcuddy@eoawc.org | (479) 872-7479 | www.eoawc.org