Becky’s Kids is a new nonprofit launched in Izard County Arkansas with the mission of bringing love an encouragement to foster children. Honoring the legacy of Rebecca Moser Hickerson, Becky’s Kids hopes to eventually grow into other counties changing the lives of foster children across the entire state of Arkansas.
Jessica Eldred, the Founder of Becky’s Kids stated, “God has placed on my heart to start this nonprofit, and I am beyond humbled that I get to also honor the memory and work of my amazing sister Rebecca, who spent so many hours pouring her heart and soul into foster children as a dedicated and passionate social worker.”
Becky’s Kids, works directly with the Department of Human Services to understand the most pressing needs of the foster children in Izard County and to devise individual plans on how each child can be encouraged. Currently, Becky’s Kids plan to hold two major events each year, while also supporting two instrumental programs. The first is bringing awareness to the DHS mentoring program where children will receive personal encouragement and interaction from caring Izard County residents. The second is a financial program where those ranging from individual donors to Sunday school classes, companies, and civic organizations can give monthly or yearly to directly help a foster child enjoy the small joys of life, such as participating in a Mighty Might Football camp, or a local music school or giving the child the opportunity to purchase their school pictures or a pair of athletic shoes. Donors will receive information each quarter on what their individual donation was used for allowing them too also share in the joys of seeing a child experience a better life.
“In many cases, foster children do not have the luxury of participating in extracurricular activities, that play such an important part in a child flourishing and growing more confident,” Eldred stated. “Any sport or program the child wants to participate in is not covered financially by the state. Our heart at Becky’s Kids is for every foster child to have the opportunity to dream and explore, whether it be sports, the arts, or learning a special skill. We know that we can’t fix all of the hurts, but we can make a difference in this way, and are excited to see the response we get from others in Izard County who want to join us in helping change the lives of these children.”
Currently there are only four foster homes in Izard County, which means most children coming into foster care have to be placed in other counties making an already difficult time for the child even more difficult. In a day’s time the child can not only face being taken from their parents but they are moved to a new county, put in a new school district, new classmates, a new teacher and are generally separated from their siblings because of lack of space in the limited foster homes that are available. Becky’s Kids hopes to raise awareness of the immediate need for Izard County people to help these children who simply need love and encouragement. There are many avenues that can be taken to help including: emergency foster care, respite care, or becoming a foster family where a child can stay while in the foster care system.
Ten members reside on Becky’s Kids local Izard County advisory board: From Melbourne, Suellen Davidson & Shayne Moser; Mt. Pleasant, Sharon Edwards & Angie Lawrence; Violet Hill, Kelly Powell & Sherry Bailey; Calico Rock, Connie Moser & Gretchen Cooper; and two positions in Horseshoe Bend are still vacant, and Ann Moser is the Chairman of the Izard County Board. Eldred added, “Deciding to start Becky’s Kids in Izard County was an easy decision. First it’s where my sister worked as a social worker and it’s where my family, including Rebecca’s son, still lives. We want to make sure that we give everyone in the county the opportunity to be a part of touching the lives of these children, which is why our board is made up of individuals across the county.”
Anyone interested in learning more about Becky’s Kids can contact Jessica Eldred at 479-640-6564 or by email at jessicaeldred@cox.net. All church, civic organizations or companies interested in a representative of Becky’s Kids presenting more information to their group are also encouraged to contact the nonprofit. Any donations can be mailed to Attention: Becky’s Kids P.O. Box 770 Melbourne, AR 72556.