top of page

2024: A Year in Review

Writer's picture: The A4A PressThe A4A Press
The Executive Director of A4A welcoming members of the community to the ribbon cutting of the organization's HQ and Community Empowerment Hub (CEH).
The Executive Director of A4A welcoming members of the community to the ribbon cutting of the organization's HQ and Community Empowerment Hub (CEH).


Diving into Harsh Realities

 

We began 2024 by facing the stark realities of our region—three counties repeatedly ranked as Arkansas' most distressed and among the highest in national poverty rankings. Although eligible for state and federal support, these communities are often overlooked due to limited local capacity to access and administer these crucial resources.


But this year, we resolved to make one thing clear: Not anymore.


With a commitment to understanding these challenges at their roots, we focused on listening to the stories of our neighbors, mapping their needs, and identifying the gaps that have left them behind in their development. It was a time of deep learning, laying the groundwork for meaningful action.



Faced with these challenges, we knew quick fixes wouldn’t suffice. Instead, it was about rolling up our sleeves, building trust, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.




Equipping for Action

 

From understanding challenges to creating solutions, Q2 marked a turning point. This quarter was all about establishing the dedicated spaces, essential tools, and transformative opportunities needed to drive meaningful change.


Celebrating Milestones


  • Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: We celebrated the opening of our Headquarters and Community Empowerment Hub (CEH), a dedicated space for collaboration, training, and community-building. This space is now a cornerstone of our work to empower community members and ensure access to opportunity no matter their socio-economic challenges.


  • Digital Inclusion for 2,500 Families: We helped over 2,500 Arkansas families verify their inclusion in the state’s latest broadband expansion effort and raised awareness about this monumental opportunity worth over $1 billion. By helping to simplify complex program language alongside our state broadband office, we also helped to aid other community leaders guide their communities toward digital inclusion.


  • Workforce Training: Our CEH became a hub for growth, serving as a training site for our youth internship program and our regional workforce development agency. Through this initiative, youth were able to gain valuable skills and experience, preparing them for meaningful contributions to the workforce.





Carrying Out Our Mission

 

By the third quarter, the seeds planted in the early months began to bloom as we rolled out initiatives that brought our mission to life. From empowering entrepreneurs to engaging our communities in sustainable solutions, Q3 and Q4 demonstrated what it means to turn vision into action.


Celebrating Milestones


  • Community Booth Events: At public events like Hughes Day and Autumn on the Square, we connected with community members to share resources, foster relationships, and spark conversations about local governance through engaging activities like our Civic Education Dice Game.


  • Empowering Workshops for Everyone: In partnership with local community-serving organizations, we equipped business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to secure funding and scale their businesses, providing actionable insights and strategies to move forward.


  • The Hughes Grocery Store Initiative: We worked closely with local residents to design a sustainable grocery store model tailored to their unique needs. This collaborative effort not only began to address severe food insecurity but also laid the groundwork for a community-driven solution that can serve as a model for other rural and impoverished communities.


  • Helena-West Helena Strategic Water Convening: Partnering with Delta Magic, we convened local, state, and federal stakeholders to address and advance their response to the community's severely aged water infrastructure. This collaborative effort not only identified a new grant opportunity but also laid the groundwork for educational initiatives to inform community members on key challenges and future plans in their water infrastructure.


  • Altogether, our efforts bridged over 500 community members with existing state and federal resources, helping them take meaningful steps toward financial independence and the ability to pursue their own happiness.




Looking Ahead


Reflecting on our first full year on the ground, one thing is clear: we’re just getting started. This year demonstrated the power of community, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to better. From empowering individuals to supporting decision-makers, every step we’ve taken has brought us closer to a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


In 2025, we’re ready to build on these successes, expand our impact, and continue bridging the gap where it’s needed most. But we can’t do it without you.


Join us in 2025 as we continue this journey. Together, we can create stronger, more resilient communities and a brighter future for all.






73 views0 comments

Comments


Subscribe for Exclusive Updates!

Thanks for subscribing!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

We are a registered 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and an Equal Opportunity Provider

©2023 by Americans 4 Action Inc.  |  See Privacy Policy

43 W Mississippi St, Marianna AR 72360

870-260-7595  |  info@americans4action.org

bottom of page