Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has a new staff member.
Joy Smith 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, Joy will not only help local single parent students on their educational journeys but also 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, Joy 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,” Joy said. “I’m excited to create a culture of infinite possibilities in the Ozark Central region, linking families, communities, and education.”
Joy 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 ASPSF — 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 [email protected] or 479-318-2885.