2021 ACCESS Impact Report: Potential Unlocked

Impact Report 2021

Table of Contents 3 Message from the Executive Director 4 Year in Review 6 ACCESS Programs Overview 8 ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center 10 Mental Health 12 Therapy Programs 14 ACCESS Early Childhood 16 ACCESS Academy 19 Community Integration

Our Mission

Expanding Individual Potential Through Innovative Instruction

Our Philosophy

All persons have the potential to learn, the capacity for change, and the right to live a meaningful life in the community of his or her choice.

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20 Adult Programs

Our Core Values People Matter Team Work & Commitment Excellence & Innovation Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Generosity Integrity & Transparency Speed & Agility Caring, Celebration & Thankfulness

22 Life After ACCESS 25 Volunteers 26 Events 28 Investments at Work 29 Looking Ahead 30 Ways to Give 31 In Gratitude

A Message From the ACCESS Executive Director Transforming systems that shape our organization and making bold changes to serve our families more efficiently and effectively has been a high priority. We not only developed a three-year plan to upgrade our infrastructure, but also made tremendous progress with internal solutions to better support our staff.

In addition, we created a capital improvements plan for both campuses including renovations to provide therapeutic and educational impact around every corner. Some of those have already begun!

Tammy Simmons, , M.S., CCC-SLP Executive Director, Co-Founder

Dear ACCESS Friends, The past year has been everything except business as usual. Each day continues to bring new challenges, but our team continues to deliver creative innovation in the classrooms, therapy sessions, vocational programs, community engagement and beyond. Our team’s passion embodies the mission of our organization: Expanding Individual Potential Through Innovation Instruction. We go beyond our promises for quality services by offering a fun, engaging, meaningful experience where people can grow and flourish. In that type of atmosphere, anything is possible!

Despite difficult economic times, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to look deep into the heart of ACCESS to Optimize Organizational Operations.

Beyond just our traditional therapy, education and evaluation services, ACCESS was able to provide support services in areas of greatest need during these unusual times. Through our expanded mental health program, professionals were present to help families find strength and peace amidst a world of chaos. When the community was closing its doors, our Waiver staff was there to help clients and their families find new ways to integrate into a changing community. Finally, our job training program for adults with disabilities, Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, was a huge success with 93% of our 2020 program graduates finding employment, even in a global economic crisis.

How did we accomplish this during such a challenging year? It’s simple. With the hard work and dedication of an amazingly talented staff, and a Board of Directors committed to our mission to ensure not only viability, but the highest standard of quality possible. And it’s because of YOU, a strong community of philanthropists. ACCESS had a recordbreaking year of fundraising, even without being able to host the traditional fundraising events upon which we depend. Our steadfast supporters made it possible to acquire financial resources to support daily operations with the additional costs associated with this season.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Looking forward, the way we operate in our community will be much different. At ACCESS, we are excited for the challenge, and we have robust strategic initiatives for the upcoming year. (Read more on page 29.)

As you read through our 2021 Impact Report, it is our hope that you share in the pride our team feels with each success achieved, both big and small. You will experience a glimpse of how ACCESS has unlocked potential throughout our community. In the coming year, we plan to continue to turn the key that builds brighter futures for those we serve, and we invite you to join us for the journey.

How can you support the ACCESS mission and make a meaningful impact for our community? Read more about how you can give the gift of time, resources, and advocacy in this year’s Impact Report.

Change a Life.

Unlock Potential.

BE THE KEY. Be the key. Be the key that unlocks potential for children, students, and adults so they may achieve their fullest potential. Together, we can continue to change lives.

All my best,

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2021 ACCESS Year in Review January 21st

April 10th

ACCESS celebrates its 100th day of in-person school

ACCESS Spring Plant Sales kick off with our largest opening day ever

May 10th

February 11-22

The 19th Annual Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. golf tournament finishes as a record-breaking event.

ACCESS closes for eight business days during record-breaking snow event but continues to offer virtual services

January

February

March

May

April 12-17

January 28th

ACCESS's inaugural Healthy Habits Week is a huge success culminating with the first ever ACCESS Gator Dash! Read more on page 29

The first round of ACCESS employees receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the ACCESS campuses

February 26th

Our friends at Pulaski Academy bring a school bus to the ACCESS Early Childhood campus for EC-2 students to explore as a COVID-friendly activity during Community Helpers week 4

April

May 20-21 The ACCESS Early Childhood Pre-K 3 Circus performs in person for family members with COVID-19 precautions in place

IMPACT REPORT 2021

June 4th

ACCESS Academy hosts graduation for 2020 and 2021 graduates

August

ACCESS Early Childhood opens additional classroom to accommodate more families

September 23rd

June 22nd

Project SEARCH graduates 54 interns from 7 programs across the state

June

ACCESS hosts a successful 14th Annual Bingo Bash with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Read more on page 28

July

New outdoor space added to Early Childhood campus

July

August

June-July

ACCESS VIP program kicks off for the summer for ACCESS Academy Upper School students, includes local partnerships with businesses across Little Rock

September

October

September 16th

The ACCESS Early Childhood unique, multi-sensory curriculum kicks off with its annual Dino Dig

August 16th

2021-2022 academic year begins ACCESS offers new summer camp program to help community students with grade-level readiness skills needed for the new year, led by ACCESS Academic Therapists

August

ACCESS adds additional mental health treatment rooms to accommodate the increased demand for services

October 5th ACCESS Team partners with Little Rock Christian Academy to provide dyslexia training for their educators 5

ACCESS Programs Since 1994, ACCESS has been offering services to individuals with developmental delays, language and learning disorders, and other special needs. Through the years, the organization has expanded to bring new services to those we serve based on the need within the community.

ACCESS Early Childhood ACCESS Early Childhood is a language intensive program that uses a unique, literacy-based curriculum, team approach, and specially-engineered classrooms to help children with developmental delays receive the early intervention they need.

ACCESS Evaluation & Resource Center The ACCESS Evaluation Center uses a variety of services to help youth and adolescents unlock their true potential.

Through comprehensive evaluations and neuropsychological evaluations, our team of experts are able to discover a client’s unique patterns of strengths and weaknesses to determine underlying developmental, learning, behavioral or mental health diagnoses. Once identified, our evaluators can help create a plan to help clients achieve success.

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ACCESS Academy The ACCESS Academy is Arkansas’s most comprehensive school for children with language and learning disabilities or developmental delays. Specialized teaching methods, a team approach, and individualized goals give school-aged children the confidence and tools they need to achieve personal success.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Now, ACCESS offers an array of programs tailored to clients with a variety of needs that positively impact each individual’s journey toward a brighter future.

ACCESS Therapy

Mental Health Counseling

Therapy is the heart of what we do at ACCESS and the foundation upon which our organization is built. Through speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapies, our team of experts work with clients to develop the skills needed to participate more fully within their communities.

The ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center houses ACCESS’s mental health program. Our team of mental health experts offer counseling for youth and adolescents for a variety of diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and more. With an array of strategies at their disposal, these experts can tailor a plan to each child and family to give them the tools they need to embrace their challenges and better enjoy their daily lives.

ACCESS Adult Programs

Community Integration

ACCESS offers two adult programs to give individuals with disabilities opportunities to achieve purpose and independence. ACCESS Life offers a unique program that helps young adults refine daily living skills, vocational skills, self-care and more.

Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is a nine-month internship program for young adults with developmental disabilities providing on-the-job vocational and job readiness training, along with follow-along support to help them find and maintain competitive, integrated employment.

ACCESS offers CES Waiver services for qualifying individuals, providing a variety of support to help our clients participate in the community of their choice. ACCESS provides case management, supportive living, supported employment, adaptive equipment, specialized medical supplies, environmental modifications, and professional consultation services.

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Potential Unlocked through ACCESS Evaluations The ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center (AERC) takes a comprehensive approach to discovering a child’s strengths and weaknesses through comprehensive psychological evaluations, neuropsychological evaluations, autism evaluations, and evaluations for CES Waiver qualifications.

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1

Non-Verbal Oppositional Learning Specific Disabilities Defiant Learning Disorder Disorder Reading Dysgraphia Specific Learning Disorder Writing

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13

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Total Evaluations: 307 Total Diagnoses Made: 147 Average Diagnoses per Client: 2.09

Unspecified Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorder

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85

22

Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Specific Learning Disorder - Math

24 Other

29

Autism Spectrum Disorder

41

31

Dyslexia

Anxiety

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Intellectual Disability

*Evaluations and diagnoses numbers only include evaluations performed onsite at the ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center during the 2020-21 fiscal year. They do not include evaluations performed through offsite contract schedules at the following schools: Friendship Aspire Academy Public Charter Schools, Garland Elementary and Middle Schools, Little Rock Southwest High School, and Pine Bluff Elementary School.

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During the 2020-2021 school year, the AERC evaluated clients from more than 50 schools from 4 states.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation vs. Neuropsychological Evaluation Comprehensive psychological evaluations at ACCESS provide the diagnosis of conditions that affect children’s academic and social success, such as learning disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as emotional and behavioral challenges. Psychological evaluations provide parents and educators with academic accommodations and psychosocial interventions that support educational success.

A neuropsychological evaluation at ACCESS generally includes all the areas assessed in the comprehensive psychological evaluation. In addition, depending on the referral issue, the neuropsychologist may systematically assess attention, executive functions, learning and memory, sensorimotor skills, language, and psychological factors that contribute to academic difficulties and that co-occur with conditions such as learning disorders and ADHD. In other words, neuropsychological assessment provides additional insight into the cognitive processes that underlie a child’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral struggles. Many parents find that a neuropsychological evaluation provides a greater breadth of understanding of their child’s strengths and individual needs, and that it provides for targeted interventions for success at home, school, and in the community. A neuropsychological evaluation is helpful in understanding the cognitive effects of neurologic conditions such as seizures, brain injury, hydrocephalus, and cerebral palsy. ACCESS’s onsite neuropsychologist offers both kinds of evaluations, giving families options that allow them to choose the services that best meet their needs.

Academic Therapy/Dyslexia Intervention ACCESS offers specialized learning instruction for individuals with language or learning disabilities to give them the tools they need for academic success.

Services may be provided at a client’s school or in person at ACCESS.

Making an Impact “My child’s evaluator made him feel very comfortable during his evaluation. The results from the testing were very thorough. Since then, my child’s IEP has been amended. He is receiving dyslexia intervention and getting accommodations for both dyslexia and dysgraphia.”

– ACCESS Parent

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Expanding Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents Many times, children or adolescents struggle with mental health and behavioral issues for a variety of reasons, from coping with a disability, traumatizing events, school-related anxiety, and more. At ACCESS, our team of licensed behavioral health therapists help clients, along with their family members, identify these issues and resolve them through appropriate, evidence-based mental health therapy models for children and adolescents.

Diagnoses Treated Through Mental Health Services During 2020-21 FY

ACCESS Mental Health By the Numbers *Includes totals for clients seen for mental health services during the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Sand Tray Therapy Play Therapy

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Strategies & Interventions

IMPACT REPORT 2021

"Before receiving PCIT, our morning routines were chaotic and exhausting. We were unable to go anywhere outside of our home because of Hudson’s social anxiety. After starting therapy at ACCESS, we went from stressful mornings full of resistance and defiance to our son being able to get dressed on his own and the whole family walking out the door without tears!

PCIT even helped our family go out to eat for the first time in over a year. Soon afterward, we tried bowling and just last week, Hudson asked to go to the grocery store with me! Our time together in therapy was a safe place as we built trust and nurtured our love for one another.

Each week we all looked forward to our special time together."

- Crystal Pennington, ACCESS Parent

ACCESS is excited to expand its mental health services!

During the 2020-21 FY, ACCESS added one mental health professional in order to serve more families. Because of the significant demand for services, ACCESS has expanded its mental health therapy rooms and added a state-of-the-art PCIT family room, and we look forward to adding additional therapists this fiscal year so we may serve more clients, along with their families. support to help them find and maintain competitive, integrated employment.

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Unlocking Potential Through Therapy Therapy is the heart of what we do at ACCESS and the foundation upon which our mission was founded 27 years ago. Our team of therapists are more than just experts. They go above and beyond everyday to help each client unlock potential within themselves. We caught up with Molly Ramsey, ACCESS Speech-Language Pathologist and Early Childhood Speech Therapy Team Leader, to learn more about what drives success for our therapy programs.

for young children includes providing information, teaching strategies, and lots of feedback to families.

Sometimes children need short-term services to help them “catch up” on skill acquisition, but other children may need long-term services.

child. Progress may involve improved comprehension skills, an increased vocabulary, speech that is more easily understood by others, improved independence with overall communication, or more successful social interactions with their peers.

As children move into school, speech therapy still targets language and articulation disorders, but it becomes more focused on academic and/or functional life skills.

What advice would you give to parents who feel like their child may be showing some delays in language or other developmental delays?

What makes therapy at ACCESS unique?

We have such a talented, creative, and dedicated group of speech, occupational, and physical therapists at ACCESS. Our therapists are compassionate and form wonderful relationships with their clients and their families. They are also insightful and able to recognize the needs of each individual child. Many of our therapists continue their education/training in their specific areas of interest which allows us to have individual experts in various treatment areas on our teams. That niche training and specialization has even led to the creation and expansion of ACCESS’s feeding therapy program!

What are some of the most common reasons children may need speech therapy during early childhood? How do those needs change as children get older and approach school-age?

The most common areas of need we treat at the Early Childhood campus are delays in receptive language, expressive language, social interaction/play skills and articulation. We also work with children who are hearing impaired, have dysfluencies in their speech, or experience difficulties with feeding.

Early intervention services may be short-term or long-term, but it is critical that services involve the family, and not just the child. Speech therapy 12

The ACCESS team approach creates an environment where therapists and educators collaborate for their clients both in and outside of the classroom. How does that affect the way your approach therapy with a client?

The team approach at ACCESS allows teachers and therapists a better opportunity to treat the whole child. When collaborating as a team, we each bring to the table our area of expertise while collectively pursuing common overall goals for the child’s success and independence.

As a therapist, how do you define success for your clients?

Success for my clients certainly looks different for each

You should speak with your child’s doctor or request an evaluation if you feel your child may be delayed in an area. It is important to ask questions and seek information from professionals.

Sometimes concerning behaviors may turn out to be developmentally age-appropriate. If early intervention is deemed necessary, it is best to begin therapy services as soon as possible.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

ACCESS provides

Making an Impact

614

hours of therapy per week

Speech Therapy: 251 Occupational Therapy: 219 Physical Therapy: 144

“Liane caught things that our child’s pediatrician didn’t. She’s thorough, kind, and just amazing as both a therapist and a person. I don’t even want to think about what extra challenges our daughter would be facing now if we hadn’t met Liane when we did. She’s a miracle worker, for sure.”

“Elizabeth is amazing. Our daughter loves working with her.

She is very committed to her success both in the classroom and at home. She always gives us regular updates and feedback.

She is also consistently there to lead the therapy.”

Each icon represents a therapy hour provided by the ACCESS therapy team each week.

Feeding therapy hours are included in speech and occupational therapy totals depending on the source of the feeding diagnosis.

“My child loves physical therapy with Sarah. Somehow, Sarah gets my child to work SO hard, and I can see her strength and agility improve. I am beyond pleased with Sarah.”

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Innovative Instruction for All

Finding the Potential in Every Child

Lori Roberts, or “Mrs. Lo” as most know her, has been working with kids in some capacity since 1986.

But her last six years as a two-year-old teacher at Early Childhood has brought about a purpose for which she never knew she was searching.

concepts that being taught, all the while using picture symbols for language support. “We are able to adapt every area to bring each individual child along in the way that he or she can at that time,” explains Lo. “This breaking down and expanding of the intricate parts of the story really can be magical!”

Undiagnosed with ADHD and a processing disorder for the first 30 years of her life, Lo struggled to find where she “fit,” and she struggled with pieces of her life that should have come easily. As Lo eventually found her way to ACCESS first as a teacher’s assistant and then a teacher, she felt that her personal experience with learning disabilities prepared her to understand how to teach a classroom of children with varying abilities. “I am grateful for my ADHD and my processing challenges for they have formed in me an understanding of how important it is to look at each child that enters my room as an astounding, brilliant, unique person that has been put on this earth for a beautiful and important purpose,” explains Lo. “I see my job as one that offers a wonderful opportunity to nurture their spirits with love, boundaries, play, and challenges that stretch them, where they can grow in confidence and find joy in all that they are!”

The ACCESS Early Childhood curriculum allows for that flexibility to adapt to every child in their own journey. “I always believed in the value of play, literature, and out-of-the-box approaches to teaching, but after working at ACCESS, I understand in a much deeper and fuller way how play in a young mind invites a joy and connection to the real world,” says Lo. “ACCESS’s unique curriculum was thoughtfully written and created by its founders. Their expertise in their fields, their knowledge of children’s development, and their insight into the different ways a child’s mind can take in information, process it, and become something meaningful and educational has led to an integrative curriculum that first begins with a story – literature – that engages a child’s imagination.” Those pieces of children’s literature are then expanded upon using art, language, and multi-sensory concepts to break down each story and expand the

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these little humans.”

While the age itself can be trying, Lo embraces the flexibility of the ACCESS curriculum to provide a full educational experience for every child, including those with and without disabilities or delays. “Each and every child that enters our classroom comes with their own set of strengths and challenges, regardless of their being typical or having needs or delays that require therapy and special understanding of their specific diagnoses or disability,” shares Lo. “The parents of these children in my care are counting on me to teach, love, nurture, and help their child along on their journey of growth and to meet the individual goals set before them.”

But the individual children are not just learning developmental skills in Lo’s room. They are discovering so much more. “It is a marvelous experience to watch these children care for and enjoy helping one another, no matter their differences,” Lo boasts with pride. “In a world that is often fearful of differences and will even try to eradicate certain disabilities because of its lack of understanding and knowledge, our students are not only not seeing the differences but enjoying their similarities. Every child has the privilege and opportunity of knowing firsthand the depth of friendship formed over common ground where others might only see all that is different.”

Lo works with two-year-olds, and she claims she wouldn’t have it any other way. “The time between 24 and 36+ months is one of the most wondrous and expansive times of growth and change in a child’s life! They are literally living sponges, ready to soak up all the world has to give and teach,” Lo expands. “They are master explorers, adventurers, and feelers! Nothing is small potatoes to

The ACCESS Early Childhood program is designed to integrate education, therapy, and a unique, languagerich curriculum to create an immersive, early intervention environment. However, the children are not the only ones impacted by its magic. Even teachers like Lo find that they unlock their own potential in its encouraging atmosphere. “ACCESS is the coming together of the many pieces of my 35+ years of experience with children like a beautiful puzzle God had been designing and planning all along,” reflected Lo. “My husband said I was like a painter without the paints or a canvas before I started working at ACCESS.” We are grateful for the many artists like Lo who are dedicated to serving the ACCESS mission through the early childhood program. Without their passion and commitment, we would not be able to unlock the potential with each one of our students.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

A Full Learning Experience “ACCESS Early Childhood uses a unique, literacy-based curriculum to teach children of all abilities through a language-rich, multisensory approach that promotes development throughout early childhood. Vocabulary by the age of three is a strong indicator of future academic success, so our inhouse curriculum integrates language and communication in a wide variety of ways to give our students the tools they need for a bright future.”

- Monika Garner-Smith, ACCESS Early Childhood Director, Co-Founder

Diagnoses of Students at ACCESS Early Childhood Delayed Milestone in Childhood

124 Specific Developmental Disorder of Motor Function

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“ACCESS has been a second home for my children for about four years now.

The teachers and staff genuinely love my children and want the absolute best for them. All of my children (typical and special needs) have flourished at ACCESS, and we couldn't be more thankful for such an amazing place.”

-ACCESS Early Childhood Parent

Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder

68 Unspecified Neurodevelopment Disorder

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Dysphagia (Oral Phase)

13

Articulation/Phonological Disorder

10

Expressive Language Disorder

10

Down Syndrome

Apraxia

From the infant room to our Kindergarten Transition class, students learn about a wide variety of topics through a vast library of children’s literature and related activities.

Making an Impact

8 7

Autism Spectrum Disorder

7

Other Disorders of Nervous System

7

Feeding Difficulties

6

Other

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“My child was well prepared for Kindergarten and is doing great at her new school. Her teacher complimented her academic knowledge and handwriting. With a few accommodations, she has adjusted well to her new classroom environment.”

-ACCESS Early Childhood Parent 15

Unlocking Brighter Futures at the ACCESS Academy ACCESS Life Lab: Promoting Independence Thanks to grant funding opportunities, the ACCESS Academy was thrilled to add a new space to campus: the ACCESS Life Lab. The Family and Consumer Science classroom is a lab for independent living designed to teach essential life skills. ACCESS occupational therapist Krysta Rupp explains, “Just like so many of the unique experiences students receive at ACCESS, the Life Lab brings innovative instruction to therapies as well as the classroom. It allows for the familiarity of a home kitchen, laundry, and bedroom setting to teach, demonstrate, and practice a variety of home-living skills within a safe learning environment. In many ways, it merges the academic skills taught in the classroom with the functional skills of therapies that are needed for a thriving adulthood.”

Making an Impact “We are beyond pleased with the progress our son has made in his short time at ACCESS. The academy, staff, therapists, teachers, administrators, and other students have made his transition positive and extremely encouraging.

ACCESS Academy has been a blessing for our family.”

-ACCESS Academy Parent

As a therapist, Krysta says she has been thrilled to jump into this new learning environment with her students. “I am able to allow for hands-on teaching, demonstration, and problem-solving in an environment that allows for trial and error,” she shares. “Every student that has been brought into the Life Lab has had the same look of awe and gratitude as they see a space that has been lovingly decorated and crafted to represent a home, feels cozy, and represents independence and maturity. The students recognize and appreciate the need for practice in cooking, laundry, bedmaking, cleaning, hanging and folding clothes and so much more, and they view the Life Lab as their space to learn and grow.”

This program allows Academy students to develop skills that enable them to become critical thinkers and enhances their capacity to meet personal, family, career, and community challenges they will face in adult life. We are proud to add this unique environment to our curriculum to build brighter futures in every aspect of our students’ lives.

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%

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of ACCESS Academy students depend on financial aid to receive the education services they need to build a brighter future.

“I am so grateful for ACCESS. They have helped my child so much. There is no way a public school could give her the help she's getting at ACCESS. I like that they are willing to try new things to help my child grow.”

-ACCESS Academy Parent

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Finding the Key to Warren’s Future: His Journey to Independence

At three years old, Warren’s mother took him to the park to play. While comparing notes during small talk with the other moms, it became clear to Clarke that her son, nonverbal at the time, needed a little extra help.

“I was explaining all about Warren and his language delays to my friend, and she said ‘It sounds like he has apraxia,’” remembered Clarke. “I went home and looked it up online.” That same friend told Clarke about ACCESS. Clarke made the call, and that’s how it all started.

“All I could feel when we found ACCESS was just relief,” said Clarke. “I knew this was the greatest thing for Warren - a one-stop shop where he could get his education and all of his therapy together.”

Warren started at ACCESS due to speech delay, but through a variety of evaluations over the next few years, he was also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. “When I realized how much help Warren needed, I dove in headfirst.

Every day, I did whatever I needed to do for him. As a parent, you just want to fix it,” she said. “I remember one of Warren’s ACCESS team members telling me, ‘You’ve got to learn to just play with your child,’ because it got to the point where everything was a lesson. And when I did that, it changed a lot for me because I had just been trying so hard to do it all.”

Warren continued his journey at ACCESS, making progress a little at a time. When the school added a cafeteria, his therapists worked with him to vary his diet and develop better eating skills. When behaviors were an issue at home, his ACCESS Academy team worked with Clarke to create a plan for Warren’s success. “The people at ACCESS are as much in my life out of school as they are in school,” declared Clarke. “It can’t be any other way when you have a child that is on the spectrum or disabled in some way. You have to have a huge support team.”

Five years ago, Warren was ready to enter high school, and he was placed in Mr. George’s Upper School class. “When a student enters my class, it takes me a long time to get to know the student and to try to figure out how I can help him,” said George Robertson who has been teaching for 30 years, the last 12 of those at the ACCESS Academy. “I discovered that Warren was direct, easily frustrated and anxious. These traits made it difficult for him to navigate a complex world. I also discovered that he is very sensitive and loving. He cares tremendously about the

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Unlocking Brighter Futures at the ACCESS Academy people (and animals) in his life. Warren wants to please the people he cares about and gets upset if he thinks he has disappointed anyone he loves.”

make his favorite things, and it has become something he wants to do for a living. That’s his goal, to work in a restaurant in some way so that he can cook.”

Over time, Warren matured, and he learned how to better manage his frustration and anxiety. Warren also learned that actions speak louder than words. “When Warren made a mistake and promised to change his behavior, I would tell Warren ‘show me, don’t tell me,’” said George. “This allowed Warren to focus on the positive. We would just work on moving forward. The changes came a little bit every day.

I left him alone, and he began to figure things out on his own more. I just let him blossom.”

Clarke feels strongly that Mr. George has been a critical part of Warren’s maturity. “I think he had one of the greatest impacts on Warren. I don’t think he would be where he is today without Mr. George,” she claimed.

“The fact that he was his teacher for five years, you don’t get that type of relationship if you switch teachers every year.”

Both Clarke and George agree that one of Warren’s biggest strengths is his determination and motivation. “The interesting thing about Warren is he is very eager to be independent.

When Warren really wants something, he is extremely passionate about it,” shared Clarke. “He really wants to get his driver’s license, so he passed the written test on the first try. He wants to learn to drive a car, and he’s going to - in his own time.” Mr. George, who accompanied Warren to take his driving test, claims that day to be one of his best memories of his five years with Warren – watching him work so hard for something, and then achieve it.

Ever since he started high school, Warren wanted to be a chef or baker. “I stopped cooking for him the first year he was in Mr. George’s class,” Clarke stated. “I told him that if you want to eat, then you better learn how to cook. So we would go step by step on how to

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“ACCESS is a family,” pronounced Clarke. “I have shared the worst moments of Warren’s life and the happiest moments of Warren’s life here, nowhere else.

It’s just a part of our lives.”

But another key to Warren’s success has been the advocates he has had at home all along. While Clarke was busy working with Warren every day, his older brother Townes was right there alongside him, even volunteering at ACCESS to learn more and help others.

“The thing about having a sibling that is neurotypical is that it can go one of two ways…they either embrace the situation or resent it. Townes became educated

in disabilities, and now he is going into law school to study disability law. There is no way Townes would be the kind of person that he is - with integrity, humility and compassion - without Warren.”

“The biggest obstacle we all faced with Warren is understanding that personal growth takes time, patience and consistency. Small victories build up to real change over time,” said George. “During the pandemic, I met with mom and Warren at their home.

At that meeting, mom and I had a frank discussion about the possibility of Warren going to school in Dallas after graduation.

It was a very emotional discussion, but we both agreed that Warren had grown enough to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

This moment really cemented how far Warren had traveled in his journey with autism.”

And in June 2020, the day finally came. Warren graduated from the ACCESS Academy. Now, Warren is excelling in the next phase of his life at an independent community for adults with autism.

He is learning the skills he needs to be on his own, taking courses at the local college, and continuing to grow into the adult he is so motivated to become.

Letting Warren venture away was emotional for Clarke.

“Honestly, I just want him to be happy. I want every opportunity that is available to him. I want both of my children to live their own, independent lives.” More than anything, Clarke is just proud of Warren for the journey he has traveled. “He brings so much joy. He just does. I think he is an exceptionally unique and amazing person.

I’d hate to see the kind of person that I would have been without him. I tell both of my boys every day, it’s been an honor and a privilege being their mom.”

Finding Purpose Through Community Integration The ACCESS Experience Life has been absolutely “amazing and fantastic” since James Robinson joined the ACCESS family in 2020. James was traveling on life’s journey through changes in his home with his aging mother as his primary caregiver along with family issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a constant battle with family to maintain the care that James and his mother required. The ACCESS CES Medicaid Waiver Services team had compassion and accepted James and his team into ACCESS as family.

Thanks to the services he has received through Waiver, James’s life has been wonderfully stable with the supports in place that he requires to meet his needs at the maximum level of independence. #TeamAccessIsTheBest -James Robinson, ACCESS Waiver Client along with Shalonda Stephens, Waiver Direct Support Professional

IMPACT REPORT 2021

ACCESS served 36 Waiver clients during the 2020-21 fiscal year through the following services:

Supportive Living

Supported Employment

Respite Coordination

Consultation Services

Making an Impact

"ACCESS has provided exemplary care and assistance for my daughter through their Waiver services. The Waiver director and assistant are great communicators and work directly with the Waiver staff and my daughter to make sure all needs are met. They have been professional, reliable, and concerned."

-Debbie Barker, ACCESS Waiver Parent

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Realizing Potential Through ACCESS Adult Programs

Living More Life: Becky Carter Finds Joy with ACCESS Life

By Ann Carter

Shortly after moving to Little Rock in 1995, we first met the wonderful folks at ACCESS. It’s hard to imagine where Becky would be without their support.

From preschool to helping us successfully navigate public school, ACCESS has always been there. Even after high school graduation when Becky completed the Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative Project SEARCH program and secured her first job, they were there every step of the way.

When COVID-19 struck in early 2020, Becky was laid off from her beloved job at a local fitness center. Staying active in the community, sports, church and her job are the things that give Becky self-confidence, self-worth and happiness. With all her many activities shut down for months and safety being a concern, we were very worried about her well-being. It’s hard enough for Becky to have an empty calendar for one day, much less for several months! We knew this couldn’t continue long-term.

So we called ACCESS, and they stepped up again. Becky started attending the ACCESS Life adult program, along with some of her friends. ACCESS Life manages to keep participants safe while encouraging independence and enriching their lives through a variety of activities. Becky loves the community activities, working in the greenhouse, grocery shopping, and cooking with her friends. She is now thriving again and looks forward to every day.

We wish everyone was as lucky as Becky. It’s such a comfort to know that she is safe, loved, and surrounded by people who have known her for years. We are forever grateful to ACCESS Life for giving Becky this opportunity. The program is has been a life saver for Becky during a time of uncertainty!

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Partnering with the Community

The ACCESS Life program includes a wide variety of activities and skill development that promote independence and a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Part of that includes promoting the importance of giving back to your community.

The adults at ACCESS Life can be regularly found throughout Little Rock performing community service. The group has volunteered at the Arkansas Food Bank, just recently adopted an eight-block stretch of roadway near the ACCESS Academy and Young Adult campus, and looks forward to partnering with Fellowship Midtown Church on their upcoming clothes closet project to provide clothing for individuals and families in need.

Realizing Potential Through ACCESS Adult Programs Project SEARCH® Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Making an Impact in the Workforce “Winston Churchill once said ‘Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference,’ and I feel you see this in the Project SEARCH interns and graduates. Their positive attitudes, pay-it-forward mindset, and overall WANT to work sets them apart from so many.

They say a pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, but Project SEARCH interns and graduates find the opportunity within their difficulties.

They make a difference not only in their jobs but in their communities.”

-Phillip Merry, Fort Smith, Arkansas Community Leader

"I have had the honor of hiring several graduates from Project SEARCH. As a business partner, I appreciate the work ethic instilled by the program. It is a pleasure to hire someone who comes to us not only with the hard skills we need, but the soft skills we desire.

Applications Now Open!

Applications are now open for all seven Project SEARCH locations for the 2022-23 program year. Visit our website to learn more.

projectsearcharkansas.org

Many times, we think of what an impact we as employers are making on the lives of the individuals we hire from Project SEARCH. Honestly, the impact is on us! We gain an employee who aspires to be a productive member of our team. We gain an employee who is happy to come to work every day. We gain an employee who is dependable and motivated to do a great job. It is truly a win-win for the graduate and the employer."

- Doreen Mattes, PHR, Director of Human Resources, City of Maumelle

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Life After ACCESS

Max Fulks’s Journey to Success

By Hannah Fulks

At our 18-month well-child appointment, Max’s expressive vocabulary consisted of two words. Out and Dog. His receptive vocabulary, what he could understand, was limitless. He could follow simple commands like, “put your shoes on”, “throw this away”, and “give Daddy a hug”.

But if he had to verbalize it, it rarely happened. Instead of words, you’d get a grin.

We were referred to a local place of therapy in Benton and given a diagnosis including low muscle tone and a speech delay.

After four months of speech, our SLP came to us and explained she had seen virtually no improvement and she felt this was because Max had been diagnosed incorrectly. She was convinced our almost two year old had something called, “Childhood Apraxia of Speech.”

I’ll remember her words forever.

Have you ever heard of ACCESS? It’s in Little Rock.

They have people there that can help.

In the handful of days it took for us to be seen at ACCESS, I worried about everything.

Would they realize how smart he was?

Would they miss something?

Would they really be able to diagnose him in sixty minutes?

How could anyone know my non-verbal baby like I do?

Those worries seem so silly now because I’m on the other side of it. They knew how smart he was. They didn’t miss a thing. They diagnosed him in a matter of minutes.

And maybe most importantly, they did and do know Max Fulks like we know him.

The night we received the official “global childhood apraxia of speech” diagnosis, I cried as I fell asleep. We finally knew.

We finally had an answer for what was different about our son. We knew in our hearts it was something, but until we had this diagnosis, we had no plan. And without a plan, we were lost.

As parents, we want our children to be typical. We want them to whisper secrets to their friends. We want them to say their nightly prayers. I even wanted him to argue with his big brother.

And more than anything, I wanted to hear him say, “I love you, Mom.” When you’re told your child has a communication disorder, that speech

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Life After ACCESS will be difficult, your entire world is rocked. Finding ACCESS, finding these therapists and teachers and friends who loved our Max into being, changed the entire course of his life.

After three years of preschool and countless hours of speech, occupational, and physical therapy at ACCESS, our son began kindergarten at a public school in our hometown of Benton.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

afternoon. They stand in front of the school and open car doors for their peers whose hands are full with lunchboxes, backpacks, and coats. His older brother paved the way a few years ago, and at the time, if I’m honest, I wasn’t sure Max would ever be

I see a kid who has had speech therapy for nine years (and counting) because of childhood apraxia of speech. So he can say, “Good Morning,” “Have a great afternoon,” and “Welcome to school.”

When I had the difficult meeting with Monika to let her know we wouldn’t be attending kindergarten at ACCESS, she and I made a promise to each other.

I see a kid who works out at a gym three nights a week to be strong enough to open and close those car doors. To hold umbrellas for the students when it’s raining.

She promised she would continue to check on him and wanted to be kept up to date on his progress not only in school, but also with his therapies. I promised I would bring him back to her, back to ACCESS, should I notice any drop off in his education or his speech. She promised me a spot for him should we need one.

I see teachers, therapists, support staff, and principals who have poured patience, consistency, love, and trust into Max. You know where the patience and consistency and love and trust began?

At ACCESS.

I cried leaving the parking lot that afternoon. I cried because I was afraid of new things. I was afraid of sharing Max with the world. His sixyear old voice sounded different. Would they make fun of him? Would they understand him?

Was I making a huge mistake?

Those educators and therapists were the first to teach our family that we can do hard things.

I learned from them that when the tunnel seems dark, there is always a light. Sometimes it comes in the form of people, sometimes in the form of other students, and sometimes in the form of ourselves.

Four years later, I can look back and laugh.

ACCESS prepared our little boy for that big, scary world in a way I didn’t know was possible.

Max sailed through kindergarten, was reading at the top of his class by first grade. Second and third grade came and went and he was educationally and socially exactly where we would want him.

This year, he’s in fourth grade. One of the perks of being the oldest at his elementary school is the chance to be a member of the safety patrol. Safety patrol assists all car riders in the morning and

But not me.

I see a kid who had physical and occupational therapy for five years because of low muscle tone.

So he can step off that curb and step back up. So he can grasp that door handle of the car. So he can button his safety vest.

Max knows his worth today because of those first people who loved him.

Yet, here we are.

If you have a kid who isn’t able to accomplish milestones on the typical schedule, a child who looks different, who sounds different, who walks different, who runs different, know this.

So many parents will drop their kids off this year and see that little boy and they won’t think a thing about it.

The path takes time and work and sweat and tears and a village. And there is no greater village than of the one we found at ACCESS.

able to do the same when he was that age.

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Life After ACCESS As a baby, Drew’s struggles were always difficult to diagnose, the complicated one to figure out, and the one to defy the odds. He navigated public school, private school, recreational sports teams, and it wasn’t an easy road. Besides his family, Drew’s faithful sidekick has always been…ACCESS. Drew experienced a lot of “firsts” in his 32 years and most of them involved ACCESS. He was a member of the first ACCESS Academy class.

There were six students in a threeroom “school.” With the help of a team of teachers and therapists, this is where Drew experienced his first independent academic success.

Using the Association Method, he learned to read and write, and with each success came more confidence in himself.

Drew Aston: A Brighter Future Realized

By Shannon Aston

Meet Drew, who by the way, uses Andrew as his “professional” name. He’s smart, focused, energetic, funny, and EMPLOYED! If you run into him at UAMS, he will probably be pushing a wheel chair or gurney with a big smile on his face or chatting about the Razorbacks and/or Cowboys with his co-workers.

Drew has been with UAMS as a patient transporter and most recently as equipment manager for five years. What you don’t see is the invisible village that walks with him every day. The people who taught him to chew, to talk (by the way…he hasn’t stopped talking since), to read, to write, to understand social cues, to navigate the city bus system, to help him become the best he can be, and the list goes on and on.

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In a sense, Drew and ACCESS Academy grew up together. As the program flourished, so did Drew and his classmates. With the addition of the ACCESS Gators, Drew learned leadership skills, how to be a team player, how to navigate the highs and lows of winning and losing, and how loud his parents could scream at track meets. Sometimes being on the autism spectrum, along with developmental apraxia of speech and learning disabilities, flat got in his way! But his trust in his coaches (ACCESS teachers and therapists) enabled Drew to make mistakes and be redirected without making him feel anything less than “typical.”

Not only did Drew get support as he navigated the world, his family also benefitted from all ACCESS had to offer. His younger brother, Ryan, attended sibling classes with other students’ brothers and sisters.

This gave him the opportunity to speak freely with peers with similar circumstances under the guidance of a trained therapist. His parents gained life-long friends and had resources to help them with all of the extras that come with raising a child with disabilities.

Drew had a graduating class of…one. The gym was filled with people who had been part of his village in

one way or another. Drew stood to make his speech, and as he started speaking, his speech therapist realized he had gone rogue. The words weren’t the same as the ones she helped him write and practice.

After an initial panic moment, what transpired was everything that ACCESS had prepared him for and more. That evening Drew pointed to different people in attendance and told stories about the relationship he had with each one. What a night to experience, but what the future held at that point was anyone’s guess.

Finding jobs for young adults with a disability and limited transportation options was no easy task.

Enter ACCESS and Project SEARCH just in time.

Drew’s life would take a turn in a very good way. He interviewed for the program and was accepted as a member of the first Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative class!

Project SEARCH taught Drew so much about skills needed to be successful in the workforce. Part of the curriculum included serving as interns in several different areas of the hospital… including patient transportation. When Crothall at UAMS called with a full-time offer, Drew and the Project SEARCH team literally screamed out loud and jumped up and down. This is a known fact because Drew did a reenactment each time he told the story!

Drew is still at UAMS full-time and even has the opportunity to train other Project SEARCH interns in his own department. So if you are ever lost at UAMS and you see a tall, blonde, young man with a big smile pushing a wheelchair, stop him and introduce yourself. Drew will get you where you need to be. If you mention ACCESS, you’re in for treat!

A Community of Support: Volunteers ACCESS is able to make a difference for families across our state because of a strong community of support that has championed our mission through giving of their time, efforts, and resources. At ACCESS, we know that it takes a village and an embracing community to be able to provide intervention services to those who need them each and every day. Our volunteers bring their giving spirit and passion throughout the year to help deliver our mission.

"The work that ACCESS is doing for those with disabilities in our area and across the state is so needed and reflects the heart of Jesus for his people. We want to continue to do whatever we can to empower the incredible services they offer."

"I love seeing our children light up as they work with the students and staff at ACCESS. Many of the students talk about the experience and the kids they worked with for years to come!"

-Christy Nipper, Little Rock Christian Academy JTerm Coordinator

Little Rock Christian Academy participated in their annual JTerm program, serving our ACCESS students virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

-Josh Clark, Midtown Student Pastor

Our neighbors at Fellowship Midtown have become true community partners, encouraging their members to invest their time and efforts in helping with a variety of projects at our Academy and Young Adult campus.

"What an honor it was to be blessed with the opportunity from Janssen to live out our credo by putting others first. Almost every individual in the Janssen family can relate to a friend or loved one whom has a disability. Our joint volunteer day at ACCESS not only united us as an organization but bonded us as community in a shared cause. Thank you to the ACCESS team for allowing us into your family to walk out our credo and impact lives."

- Dana Venable, Janssen Global

Janssen Global joins together for their #JanssenCares employee giving program to benefit ACCESS.

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Mount St. Mary Academy’s Junior Service Learning program is ACCESS’s longest running volunteer partnership, and their exemplary work with our Early Childhood program will be honored and recognized at the 2021 Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arkansas Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day on November 18th.

"Our students learn that there is so much more to life than their own immediate needs and set aside time to put other people before themselves. At Mount St. Mary, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Year after year, the girls we send to ACCESS love the time and experience they have there and discover their passions through service. We have had a number of girls decide after volunteering there that they want to be a speech therapist or work with children in some capacity. We treasure our relationship with ACCESS because we know how they help change lives for the better, not only in their students but in ours also.”

- Lauren Lawrence, Mount St. Mary Academy Junior Service Learning Program Coordinator 25

A Community of Support: Events The 14th Annual Bingo Bash, held on September 23, 2021, was a night to remember. This year's recordbreaking event, chaired by Kelli and Mason Miller and the ACCESS in Action committee, raised more than $70,000 for the mission of ACCESS. We welcomed guests in a COVIDsafe environment for a night of bingo, food, raffles, donations, fun, and more, all emceed by special guests Michele Watermeier Towne and Kim Meyer-Webb of Inviting Arkansas who kept the numbers rolling and the bingo cards flowing!

The 19th Annual Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. ACCESS Cup took place Monday, May 10, 2021 at Chenal Country Club. It was a huge success with a record-breaking number of teams, sponsors and players raising more than $118,000 for the mission of ACCESS! The tournament was led by chairman Chris McNulty and the 2021 ACCESS Cup Committee. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, it was one of the best years yet!

TITLE SPONSOR Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. CART SPONSORS Chenal Properties, Inc. Uniti SCORECARD SPONSOR Mitchell Williams Law Firm RECEPTION SPONSOR Lynn and George O’Connor PUTTING CONTEST SPONSORS Meadors, Adams & Lee Insurance Smiley Technologies TLC Laser Eye Centers, Dr. Edward Penick

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CHECK-IN SPONSORS Capital Sotheby’s International Realty Friday Firm

DONATION SPONSORS Maverick Transportation, LLC Lynn and George O'Connor USAble Life BLACKOUT SPONSORS Callie and David Gutierrez Louise and Roy Gutierrez Kutak Rock, Attorneys at Law Simmons Bank FOUR CORNERS SPONSORS Mollie and John Campbell Wright Plastic Surgery MEDIA SPONSOR Inviting Arkansas IN-KIND BEVERAGE SPONSORS O'Connor Distributing Rebsamen Liquor Hillcrest Harvestfest

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Healthy Habits Week

The week of April 12-16 was the Inaugural ACCESS Healthy Habits Week, a week of special, ageappropriate activities and curriculum focusing on the importance of making healthy choices. Each day of the week focused on a healthy theme and emphasized the importance of forming these everimportant habits now for a brighter and healthier future. The week culminated with our Inaugural Gator Dash fun run for students of all ages to participate while learning about the importance of being active while raising support for their school. Through pledges and donations to our students for their efforts, more than $52,000 was raised from across 29 states to support the mission of ACCESS!

Support Our Upcoming Events

From handwashing and proper tooth brushing technique to applying sunscreen for sun safety, students worked on good hygiene practices.

20th Annual ACCESS Cup Led by Chairman Joe Ramsey Monday May 23, 2022 Chenal Country Club

The importance of mental health was emphasized through learning about feelings, discussing zones of regulation, and spending time in the great outdoors.

2nd Annual Healthy Habits Week and Gator Dash Spring 2022 Led by ACCESS Feeding therapy specialists, the ACCESS Smoothie Stand allowed students to choose healthy fruits and vegetables to create a nutritious smoothie during a school-wide tastetest at the Early Childhood campus.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Chick-fil-a Franks Dermatology Fenceworld Heather and Scott Allmendinger Sportstop Team Dealer Nutritional Consultant Services, LLC Amber Doom MSRDLD Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry Whole Foods Market

The Gator Dash fun run emphasized the importance of staying active and physically fit.

15th Annual Bingo Bash

Led by Co-chairmen Sarah and Ryan Gibson and the ACCESS in Action young professionals group Summer 2022

Get Involved

Sponsor, volunteer, or donate in support of our 2022 events. Contact Tori Horton, Special Events and Corporate Sponsors Associate, to learn more. tori.horton@accessgroupinc.org

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Your Investments at Work Because of the support provided by our community, ACCESS is able to impact countless individuals every year through a variety of programs.

Here is a snapshot of how your investments made a difference during the 2020-2021 fiscal year:

9% Fundraising

Sources of Revenue

41% Therapy & Comprehensive Evaluations

3%

13%

Administration

Marketing & Development

8% Facilities

75% Programs

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50% Programs & Tuition

ACCESS currently operates on a

$13,730,700

annual budget in order to serve its mission through evaluations, therapy, education, vocational training, community integration, and mental health services.

Where Your Investments Make An Impact

Your investments are hard at work and changing lives every day at ACCESS.

Looking Ahead – Top Organizational Initiatives

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IMPACT REPORT 2021

Launching an Updated Online System

ACCESS continues to work to evolve its technology to meet the demands of the community. We are excited to debut a new look and feel for our website, accessgroupinc.org, to enable stakeholders to find valuable information and insight related to our mission. In addition to our new website, we look forward to launching an updated student information system with online admissions and payment portal, making access to vital information easier for our families.

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Expanded Mental Health Services

The demand for mental health services for youth has been significant. ACCESS continues to expand its team of mental health professionals to accommodate more families and bring peace at a time when stability is most needed.

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Capital Improvements Across Our Campuses Early Childhood Expansion

ACCESS continues to see increased demand for early intervention services. By adding an additional early childhood classroom and expanding therapy services, ACCESS can build brighter futures for more children.

ACCESS will continue to make capital improvements on both the ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith campus and the ACCESS Academy and Young Adult campus to increase the efficiency with which we use our spaces while creating a safe, encouraging environment for clients to thrive.

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Connecting with the Community

After a multi-year hiatus, ACCESS is excited to find new ways to reconnect in person with the community that continues to support our mission.

Through new events such as our ACCESS Open: Serving Success tennis tournament, we will explore safe opportunities to allow our supporters to experience our mission and understand the impact of their investments

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Ways to Give Why choose to support ACCESS? It’s simple...to change a life! #GivetoACCESS and Double Your Impact Beginning Thursday, November 11, 2021, donations to ACCESS will support the expansion of the ACCESS mental health program in order to serve the growing demand for services. All funds raised, including those at the 23rd annual Starry Starry Night, during #GivingTuesday on November 30th, and throughout the end of 2021, will allow supporters to double their investments in this notable mission. ACCESS has been awarded a matching grant from the Windgate Foundation for all donations to be matched, up to $50,000. Every donation can make a difference in unlocking potential within our community!

Make your gift today at www.accessgroupinc.org/donate or mail in your donation with the envelope provided in this Impact Report.

Leave a Legacy The Legacy Circle honors individuals who have included ACCESS in their will, trust or other charitable planned gifts. As a part of the Legacy Circle, you find yourself among a circle of friends who are devoted to growing ACCESS’ mission for future generations. By leaving a legacy gift, whether large or small, you are ensuring that ACCESS is able to continue building brighter futures for individuals with special needs for years to come.

For more information about the ACCESS Legacy Circle, contact Kellie Wilhite, Director of Development at kellie@accessgroupinc.org or 501-217-8600.

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Giving Through Love: The WORTH Scholarship

By Liz Morris The love language between a child and a parent can be shown in many ways like a hug and kiss, a present wrapped in a bow or the words “I Love You.” But after the passing of their son in August 2016 due to complications post-open heart surgery, Liz and Trey Morris, along with their family, had to find new ways to express their love for their late son, grandson, and nephew, Walter L. Morris, IV - “Walt.” Working alongside the Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF), the creation of the Warriors For Walt Charitable Fund was born to grant monies to nonprofits creating awareness, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with special needs and giving hope to families suffering the loss of their child.

ACCESS is one of the nonprofits that has received grants from The Warriors For Walt Charitable Fund. ACCESS holds a very special place in the hearts of Liz and Trey Morris.

In November 2015, Walt was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. When touring schools for Walt before his scheduled open-heart surgery, the Morris family entered the doors of ACCESS and felt at home. Liz and Trey knew the mission of ACCESS would have laid a firm foundation for Walt’s education and created a space for him to learn the life skills he would have needed to gain independence and have self-worth.

In November 2020, The Butterfly Garden at the ACCESS Academy was dedicated in memory of Walt, and the ACCESS staff set aside time for Walt’s family and friends to tour the campus. Impressed at the variety of programs at the ACCESS Academy, Walt’s paternal grandparents felt compelled to show their love for their late grandson through a new kind of support for ACCESS. With Walt’s “JayJay and Wally” wanting to nurture their own love language with their angel grandson, Jayne and Walter Morris, Jr. worked with Liz and Trey to found The WORTH Scholarship - Worthy Of Reaching Tremendous Heights - which provides financial assistance to students who have the “I Can, I Will” attitude to succeed. $10,000 has been granted to ACCESS from the Jayne and Walter Morris Charitable Fund through ARCF to alleviate the financial burden for students who need the resources from ACCESS Academy to thrive and achieve independence.

The Morris family invites you to cultivate and nurture your own love language for a special someone or notable purpose by giving back to ACCESS so that every student is able have WORTH.

In Gratitude

IMPACT REPORT 2021

ACCESS extends a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals, corporations, and foundations who made a cumulative gift of $100 or more to our mission between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Also listed are the many friends and family to whom you paid tribute with donations to ACCESS. The generosity represented in the following pages enables our efforts to expand individual potential through innovative instruction. These names inspire us each day as we live out our mission and continue to meet the needs of our community. *Donations do not include amounts less than $100 donated toward the inaugural Healthy Habits campaign in 2021.

BENEFACTOR Dona and Gene Scott The Brown Foundation, Inc., of Houston Windgate Foundation LEADER Judy W. Fletcher Family Foundation John and Robyn Horn Foundation, Inc. Lynn and George O’Connor Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. PARTNER Anonymous Patti Bailey The Jonsson Foundation Ann and Mark Langston Jayne and Walter Morris Charitable Fund Marion & Miriam Rose Trust The Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust Ellis Walton ANCHOR The Hussman Foundation Bailey Foundation Libby and Scott Davis Terri and Chuck Erwin Friday Eldredge & Clark, LLP Janssen Cares Contribution Fund Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. Nabholz Charitable Foundation Potlatch Deltic Rebsamen Fund Kimberly and Kirk Reynolds Carol and John Spenst Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees Steuri Family Endowment

DIAMOND Heather and Scott Allmendinger Arkansas Arts Council Capital Sotheby's International Realty Charities Aid Foundation of America Becky and Jackson Farrow Ashley and Kurt Knickrehm Callie and David Gutierrez Kathryn and William Griffin Cheryl and Jeff Jones Mary and Dick* Kelley McKenzie Moriconi Meadors Adams & Lee, Inc. Grantland Rollins Ginna and J.D. Simpson Smiley Technologies, Inc TLC Laser Eye Centers PLATINUM ACE Glass Anonymous Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield Arkansas Economic Development Commission Arvest Bank Gail and Richard Barrett Mary Lynn and Michael Bourns Fred I. Brown III C. B. Foundation Alison and Cesar Caballero Mollie and John Campbell Jo and Michael Carson Suzanne and Walt Carter Chick-Fil-A Leslie and Gary Collins Delta Dental of Arkansas Kathy and Paul Dorsey Enterprise Holdings Foundation Evo Business Environments Brittany and Ryan Franklin

Franks Dermatology Gill Ragon Owen P.A. Angie and Greg Golden Sharon Gunter Andrea and Jay Heflin Hodge Calhoun Giattina, PLLC Barbara and Thomas Israel J. W. Benafield Charitable Foundation Beth and Don Johnson Ashley and Jon Jones Jones and Son Diamond and Bridal Fine Jewelry Shannon and Kyle Kalkwarf Kroger Mary and Dean Kumpuris Kutak Rock LLP Law Offices of Peter Miller, PA Lester McKinley Family Foundation Krysten and Mark Levin Marci H. Hall Charitable Fund Julie and Lynn Marshall McConnell & Son Inc. Erin and Hugh McConnell McDonald's / The Retzer Group McGriff Insurance Services Harry T. McMahon III Liane and Alan Meadors Mendel Capital Management, Inc. Merchants & Farmers Bank Moore Food Systems, Inc Jane and Michael Moore Marion and David Mussafer Nabholz Construction Rachael and Daniel Oberste David Pace Patricia and Andre Paixao Janet and Michael Parkey Crystal and Neil Pennington Connie and Jim Phillips Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Purple Cow Restaurants Olivia and Joe Ramsey Beth and Ted Rice Cecile S. Rose, Tom and Thomas Rose Tammy Simmons Monika Garner-Smith and Roger Smith South Arkansas Telephone Co., Inc. Southwest Power Pool Steel, Wright, Gray PLLC Angie and Jackson Stephens Cheri Stevenson Gina and Philip Tappan

Text Book Brokers Inc. Melissa Thomas Janna and Matt Toland Transitions Wealth Management of Arkansas, LLC Katherine Ann Trotter UBS Financial Services Inc. / The Gutierrez Group Susan and Bill Walters Kellie and Michael Wilhite Mandy and Eric Wright Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP

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In Gratitude GOLD Amy and Wes Baden Lorie and Chip Baker Shelly Baldwin Bass Charitable Foundation Acker and Chris Bell Marsha Billingsley Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. Granville Burrus Shalene Caple Carol & Witt Stephens Charitable Foundation Central Arkansas Christian Class of 2020 Christy and Mark Davis Irene* and George Davis Sarah Beth and Fred Davis Amanda and Tim Driedric Camille and George Easley Skip Ebel Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas FCA Certified Public Accountants Laura and Milton and Bennett Fine Jill and Stephen Fussell Peggy and Doyce Garner

Stacia and Thomas Green H&L Hope – A GTMA Foundation Laura Hobart-Porter and Nicholas Porter Sarah and Matthew Holliman Tori and Drake Horton Johnson & Johnson Mary McGowan Janie and Philip McNeill Evelyn and David Menz Lori and Glenn Millner Susan and Bill Montgomery Whitney and Daniel Parfitt Jill and Ted Penick Brenda and Brent Rice Melissa and John Rutledge Clarke Simpson June and David Simpson Smart Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Laurie and Justin Spencer The Circumference Group Marcia and Ben Thompson UBS Matching Gifts Program USAble Life Brooke Vines

SILVER AmazonSmile Foundation Cheryl and Les Anderson Arkansas Agriculture Department Satori and William Barnes Ann and Hollis Carter Lloyd Diebold Paige and Joe Diorio Amber and Bradley Doom Allison and James Dowden Hannah and Clint Fulks Karissa and Chad Garner Glass Erectors Zach Gray Devin Gregory Jillian and Grant Hastings Heightswood Garden Club Lindsay and Gerald Heulitt Honaker Law Vennet and Naabrytt Jennings Doug Jones Jennifer and Jacob Jones Pam and Darrow Jones Knox Realty Co. Inc

Gwen and Michael Leger Lewis and Clark Outdoors Inc. Donna and James McDonald Molly and Chris McNulty Michelle and Lance Miller Summer and Cory Mote Network for Good Kimberly and Donald Newton Nutrition Consultant Services, LLC, Amber Doom MSRDLD Alicia Pattillo Carol and Robert Ricketts Jennifer and Reid Robinson Susan Rogers Jillian Russell Angela Scott Rebekah and Dustin Seljan Deanna and Nathan Siria SportStop Suzanne and Chuck Stofer Lisa and Dale Thomas Lindy and Jason Vint Cappy and Charles Whiteside Mary and Mark Williamson Cathy and Jeff Witter Wordsworth Books & Co. Laura and Patrick Wyerick BRONZE Anonymous Jenny Adams Karen Akana Leilani Akana Cathy and Al Alexander Dawn and Will Allen Jan and Dave Allmendinger Yonaton Almagor Kynda Almefty Candice Anderson Kaye Anderson Shayla Anderson Meghan Antoine Rose Ann and Peter Attig Baby Moon Bowtique Chandler and Morgan Bailey Letha Baker Hunter Bale Alexander Barker Lyn Bayless Bobbie and Doug Beard Kasie and Kevin Birdwell Sheila and Larry Blackmon Brenda Blankenship

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Clay Blair Anastasia Blaylock Elizabeth and Kemp Box Charlotte and Curtis Bradbury Robert Brigham Gean Brown Kevin Brown Robin and Lee Brown Kenny Bryant Joel Buckholts Bill and Sally Buettner Joyce and Fred Burkhead Debbie Burks Elizabeth Callaway Michael Callaway Lori and Jeff Carfagno Kristina and Scott Carnes Sybil Carroll Phyllis and William Carter Racheal Carter-Ragan Debra and Joe Castrodale Deborah Chamblin Erika Churchwell Claire’s Gator Pit Susie Clark Lynn and David Coates Stephen Colby Staci Croom-Raley Jamie Crossland Jay Crowson Vicky Daniel CG Davis Susan and Bryan Davis Tammy Davis Susan and Stow DeLone Chadwick Delp Leah Despain Jo and Buddy Diebold Joyce Dillingham Julianne and Allen Dobson Laura and Mark Doramus Paul Dorsey Chris Driedric MaryJane Eason Janice and Kyle Edmonson Linda Emery and Emma Selby Melissa English Darcey Evans Melissa Farr Elaine and Dave Fenske Stacy Fitts Tabitha Foster Judy Foster Pike

IMPACT REPORT 2021

Dona and Jerry Friend Erin and Michael Friesen Robert Frieze Fringe Salons Elizabeth Fulton Tom Gibbons Girl Scouts Diamonds of AR OK & TX - Troop 6580 Toni Goble Nanetta Goens Sue and Don Goodman Brenda and Richard Gregory Nancy Griffin Jack Grobmyer Elizabeth Hadley Linda Hagan Carla Hargis Steve Hargis Kim Hargis John Harris and Stan Burns Teresa Hastings Abb, Lori, Miles and Mia Hayden Madison Hedrick Joan and Robert Hendrickson Sarah Henry Gary Hill Sarah Hill Susan and Christopher Hill Cathy and Paul Holderfield Maurice Holeman Jan and Michael Honaker Ashley and Jon Honeywell Carly and Jeff Hood Barbara and Pete Hoover Kansie Howard Kay Howell Kara Hubbard Sandra Inmon Lekita Irvin Lynn and Johnny Jacobs Brooks Jansen Kelley Jansen Jeanne Johansson Crystal Johnston Tammy Jones Pamela and Edward Kleitsch Diane Knight Janet and Scott Korenblat Dana Kuykendall Janet Lambard Nikki and Larry Lawson Joel Ledbetter Sandy and Fred Levin

Alex Lieblong Jane Lienhart Tiffany Lowe Dwyaun Macon Karon and Bill Mann Indigo Manning Charlotte and Rudy Markham Gail and Mike Markum Chris and Jonny Marsh-Parkey Leigh Massey Frances and Lynn Mayhan Connie and Jimmy McClellan Bryan McEntegart Corinne McKay Lauren and Richard McKay Robin McJoy Shannon and Frank McKinney Mary Stuart McRae Leigh Merry Larry Middleton Kristi Millard Kelli and Charles Miller Frances and David Mitchell Barbara and J. Malcom Moore Betty Morgan Kenzie Morphew Jo Myrick Carol Naragon Mary Lynn and Sheffield Nelson Ann and David Nixon Cindy and Rick Nola Barbara and Jack Nowlin Juan Orozco Martha Otts Brian, Marcy, Sydney Carson and Maddox P. Anja Pace Kricia and Jon Palmer Adrianne and Joshua Parkey Justin Parkey Tracy and David Perry Khalia Phillips Michele and Larry Pogue Charlie Porter Harriet and Terry Pollock Nancy Price Lois Rachels Sarai Ransom Patricia Rasul Amy Reeves Jamie Reeves LeeAnna Richardson Stacey Riley

Deborah and George Robertson Chandra and Toney Robinson Porter Rodgers Myra and Frank Scalia Stacey and Shay Sebree Mauzie Shelton Shepherd T-Shirts & Designs Amanda Short Amanda Shumate Debbie Skeens Tawnya and Kemp Skokos John Sloan Cyrena and Chris Smith Ellie and Brian Smith Laurie Smith P. Allen Smith Susan and David Smith Debbie Snelson Bob Snider Eileen Sotomora Brenda Spears Caroline and Ross Spigner Nancy Steenburgen and George Word Erica Story Sarah Stuart Marcy Taylor Pat and William Tedford Kathy Thomas Jane Thompson Katie and Kent Thompson Cheri Thriver Shelley Tinnon Ashley and Michael Trover Sam Tyler Cindy and Rick Van Zant Bev and Buddy Villines Jonathan Wardlaw Janie and Mike Weber Judi and Tom White Penny and Gordon Wilbourn Gigi Wiertelak Shirin Wilkerson Karmen and James Williams Velvia Williams Jan Wortham Teresa and Richard Wright

In Kind

Memorials

ACEing Autism Heather and Scott Allmendinger Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage inVeritas Kroger Marketplace Lori and Kent Roberts Harriet and Warren Stephens Heights Golf Fence World, Harold Joyner KARK Paws 4 Hope Petit & Keet TCPrint Solutions Taziki’s Whole Foods Market

Kelly Arnold Suzanne and Walt Carter Monika Garner-Smith and Roger Smith J.W. “Buddy” Benafield Bobbie and Doug Beard Sue Chambers Frances Cranford Robert Dawson John Harris and Stan Burns Libby and Scott Davis Randa and Steve Edwards Kay and Kennedy Frazier Norman Hodges, Jr. Lucy and Dorsey Jackson Joann and Garth Martin Mary Lynn and Sheffield Nelson Patti and Pat Norsworthy Allison and Slocum Pickell Jacque Hill Ptak Mary Lou and Terry Rasco

*deceased

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In Gratitude Judi and Rex Rogers Vicky and Michael Ruch Tammy Simmons Ginna and J.D. Simpson Gay White and Bill Sigler Joseph Blankenship Brenda Blankenship Susan Rogers Sam Buchanan Beth and Don Johnson Richard Cisne Susan Rogers Waymond Cox Joel Buckholts Dianne and Samuel Cummings Carrel Wade Cedar Heights Discipleship Class Steve White Chewy Davis Kathryn and William Griffin Irene Davis Anonymous Joan and Jake Adams

34

James Adamson Cathy and Al Alexander Susan Alexander Carol and Bob Allen Penny Arnold Marilyn and Jeb Barlow Gail and Richard Barrett Joan Bass Elizabeth and Kemp Box Lunsford and Carol Bridges Mary Starr Brock Robin and Lee Brown Becca Burk David Coates Shalene Caple Carol & Witt Stephens Charitable Foundation Deborah Chamblin Sharon and Mickey Cissell Annette Connaway Jo and Buddy Diebold Lloyd Diebold Joyce Dillingham Peggy and Tim Farrell Pat Ferry and Betta Carney Robert Frieze Loris and Jay Fullerton Maria Gomez Beth Gorman

Kathryn and William Griffin Fred and Helen Harrison Meredith and Jim Holbrook Barbara Hoover Mimi and Joe Hurst Lara Hutt Barbara and Thomas Israel Beth and Doug Jackson Ashley and Dorsey Jackson Laura and Woody Jackson Beth and Don Johnson Suzanne and Jim Johnson Janet and Bud Jones Kurt and Ashley Knickrehm Janet and Scott Korenblat Andrew and Nancy Kumpuris Nikki and Larry Lawson Alex Lieblong Gale and David Mayhan Lynn and Frances Mayhan Shannon and Frank McKinney Harry McMahon Evelyn and David Menz Charles and Kelli Miller Leslie and John Monroe Susan and Bill Montgomery Beverly and Dick Moore Barbara and J. Malcom Moore Elizabeth and Joseph Mowery Marion and David Mussafer Mary Lynn and Sheffield Nelson Barbara and Jack Nowlin Lynn and George O’Connor Christian and Davis Owen Norma Davis Owen Gwen and Penn Owen III Elizabeth and Herb Peach Nita and Rickey Pilkington Tina Poe Harriett and Terry Pollock Peter and Sue Powell Brenda and Brent Rice Emilly Richeson Porter Rodgers Cecile, Tom and Thomas Rose Francis Ross Becky Scott Shoptaw Labahn and Company PA Norma Simmons Tammy Simmons Ginna and J.D. Simpson Kemp and Tawnya Skokos John Sloan P. Allen Smith

Anne and Breck Speed Nancy Steenburgen and George Word Jackson and Angie Stephens Dabbs Sullivan Pat and Bill Tedford Lee and Elizabeth Thalheimer The Circumference Group Sandra Tucker Susan and Bill Walters Charles and Cappy Whiteside Suzanne and Howard Wiechern Kellie and Michael Wilhite Mark and Mary Williamson Clara Wood Libby, Scott and Josie Davis Anonymous Mary Graham Shalene Caple Gay Hathaway Beth and Don Johnson Nicholas W. Hobart-Porter Laura Hobart-Porter and Nicholas Porter Tom Hodges Beth and Don Johnson Fayrene Johnson Brent Stevenson Associates Dennis Kersenbrock Susan Rogers Robert Knickrehm Cathy and Al Alexander Gene Lewis Beth and Don Johnson Nancy Jo Lopez Susan Rogers Beadle Moore Beth and Don Johnson Walt Morris Mim Hundley Jayne and Walter Morris Charitable Foundation Oliver Orman Smith Joe, Toni, Lani, Rick, Baxter, Jeff and Fara Kansie Howard

Jane Parks Baxter Sharp Rick Pruitt Bessie Perry Shalene Caple Jane Lienhart Michael J. Ptak Cathy and Al Alexander Deborah Bliss Bressler, Amery & Ross,P.C. Monika Garner-Smith and Roger Smith Jacque Hill-Ptak Stephen Johnson Cheri Stevenson Penny and Gordon Wilbourn Tammy Simmons Elsie Jane Raborn Shannon and Frank McKinney Mary Schaufele Beth and Don Johnson Allie Snowden Christy and Mark Davis Barbara Thomas Anonymous Mary Elizabeth Washburn Tammy Simmons

Honorariums The ACCESS Development Team Laura and Patrick Wyerick Stephanie Allbritton Marsha and Jim Allbritton Fritz Attig Rose Ann and Peter Attig Lorie Baker Jessica and Joshua Dunham Lauren Barker Alexander Barker Brinley Barnes Satori and William Barnes

IMPACT REPORT 2020

Rachel and Matt Biedron Alice and Philip Jones

Jane and Chris Hartz Granville Burruss and Donna Via

Lynn and George O’Connor Katherine Ann Trotter

Leighton Toland Jennifer and Reid Robinson

Camren Brooks and Family Beverly and Buddy Villines

Brandon Hatchett Jr. Jimmy Brown TaLetha Howard

Bailey Parks Karmen and James Williams

Henry Ward Mary Lynn and Michael Bourns

Ted, Cate and Worth Penick Jill and Ted Penick

Kellie Wilhite Erin and Todd Wilhite Ashley and Jon Honeywell

Gavin Bruender Kami and Niel Bruender Hudson Campbell Mollie and John Campbell Suzanne Carter Molly and Chris McNulty

Leslie and Gary Collins Laura and Patrick Wyerick

Joseph Heulitt Lindsay and Jay Heulitt Ellie Honaker Daniel Essen Heather and Ben Honaker Janet Lambard

Allie Fay Ramsey Molly Ramsey Claire Ricketts Carol and Brandon Ricketts

Mary Housewright Susan and David Smith

Barret Rieger Elaine and Dave Fenske

Alice and Philip Jones Rachel and Matt Biedron

Lori Roberts Molly and Chris McNulty

Brooklyn Jones Ashley and Jon Jones

Adler and Lux Scott Courtney Kassel and Kelly Scott

Roberts Lee Cindy and Rick Nola

Becky Scott Kay Howell

Krysten Levin Julie Marshall

Colton Scott Marcia and Ben Thompson

Ellison Carolyn Doom Amber and Bradley Doom

Philip and Samuel Levin Krysten and Mark Levin Sandy and Fred Levin

Hayden Sebree Stacey and Shay Sebree

Tori Fortner Jessica and Joshua Dunham

Mac, Tim and Gus McConnell Erin and Hugh McConnell

Whit Garner Karissa and Chad Garner Peggy and Doyce Garner

Finn McKay Corrinne McKay Jane Thames

Stacia Green Hannah and Clint Fulks

Molly and Chris McNulty Mary McGowan

Libby and Scott Davis Anonymous Cathy and Al Alexander Wally and Wyatt Davis Warren Delp Chad Dep Clarke Simpson Ginna and J.D. Simpson Susan and Michael Desselle Arvest Bank

Kathryn and William Griffin Nikki and Larry Lawson Kathryn Griffin, Cecile Rose, Marsha Pollock, and Marisa Ensminger Libby Davis Dr. Bruce Hall Lester McKinley

Eloise and Genevieve Wright Marsha Billingsley Mandy and Eric Wright Carson Ann Wyerick Leslie and Gary Collins

Clarke Simpson Joel Ledbetter Luke Siria Deanna and Nathan Siria Henry Smith Ellie and Brian Smith

Mary Stuart McRae Camille and George Easley

Judy Snowden Stacia and Thomas Green Grace and John Steuri Suzanne and Chuck Stofer

Liane and Alan Meadors Andrea and Jay Heflin

Cheri Stevenson Wendy and Richie Butler

Kelli and Mason Miller Angie and Greg Golden Michelle and Lance Miller

Sam and Charlie Thompson Pamela and Edward Kleitsch Katie and Kent Thompson

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2021 ACCESS Board of Directors Shay Sebree Chairman

W. Scott Davis President

Philip Tappan Vice President

Jackson Farrow, Jr. Treasurer

Fred Davis Secretary

Heather Allmendinger Amy Baden Shelly Baldwin, M.D. Walter M. Ebel, III Brandon Freville Harold Joyner Kurt Knickrehm Lynn O'Connor Olivia Ramsey Becky Scott Katherine Ann Trotter

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT #2281 10618 Breckenridge Dr. | Little Rock, AR 72211 | AccessGroupInc.org

2021 ACCESS Senior Management Tammy Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP Executive Director, Co-Founder

Monika Garner-Smith, M.Ed. Director of Early Childhood, Co-Founder

Cheri Stevenson, M.S., CCC-SLP Director of Academy and Young Adult Services

Melissa Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP Director of Clinical Services

Kellie Wilhite

Director of Development

Mark Langston

Director of Finance

Jo Carson

Director of Human Resources

Connect With Us

Shalene Caple

Director of Administrative Operations

ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Early Childhood Campus ACCESS® is a 501c3 nonprofit offering evaluation services, full-time education, therapy, mental health services, training and activities for individuals with special needs. Founded in 1994, the center comprises ACCESS Early Childhood, ACCESS Academy, ACCESS Therapy, ACCESS Academic Therapy (specialized tutoring), Vocation Innovation Project, ACCESS Life, Project SEARCH® Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, CES Medicaid Waiver, ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center (AERC), ACCESS Gardens and ACCESS Ceramics. The ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Early Childhood Campus is located at 10618 Breckenridge Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas. The ACCESS Academy and Young Adult Campus along with the AERC are located at 1500 N. Mississippi Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. www.accessgroupinc.org

10618 Breckenridge Drive Little Rock, AR 72211

(501) 217-8600

|

ACCESS Academy and Young Adult Campus

1500 North Mississippi Street Little Rock, AR 72207

accessgroupinc.org | projectsearcharkansas.org | accessvillagear.org

@accessgroupinc