We were proud to accept the Community Excellence Award today from the Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas, a Springdale-based nonprofit that works to advance educational opportunities for Hispanic women and their families and to encourage them to become active participants in the community.

HWOA gives the award annually to an individual or organization that, through “leadership and actions, work, influence and attitudes, has demonstrated excellence in their service, promoting advancement for all.” The actions must be inclusive and not benefit one specific group, but the whole community and state.

That’s what we work to do here at Arkansas Advocates, and we’re proud to be recognized with this honor. Our Northwest Arkansas director, Laura Kellams, accepted the award on behalf of our statewide board and staff, before a group of hundreds gathered for HWOA’s annual conference at the Jones Center for Families. She encouraged those in attendance to join our work, helping us advocate for all children and families to have the resources and opportunities they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Above photo, left to right: Allie Sheaffer, intern in the Northwest Arkansas office, Kellams and Denise Garner, AACF board member.