MONDAY MUSINGS: ARKANSAS GEMS

 Arkansas is known as the 'Diamond State' but there are other gems like our Jazz scene. I was fortunate to have enjoyed some of these gems at an Evening of Jazz, a fundraiser planned to benefit both Jericho Way and Opportunity House under the umbrella of DEPAUL ARKANSAS.

Jericho Way is for people experiencing homelessness in Central Arkansas. About 150 people/day have served meals,  the use of showers, laundry facility, a clothing closet (where I brought my Dad's clothing), phones and computers, case management, and housing placement. 

Jericho Way lives up to his name as a safe place where people can find care, as it has also expanded into housing with a"13 houses campaign placing homeless into refurbished homes where tenants pay 30 % of their income. 

We were treated to music by highly acclaimed state musicians including The Rodney Block Collective, American Idol alum Nia Renée, saxophonist Grady Nichols, and Pattern Blu with classic jazz.

Kudos to two of our community members who were named 2026 Chatillon Award Honorees: City Board Director Kathy Webb and Kevin Howard from the Dept. of Housing and Neighborhood                                         Programs.

What a delightful evening filled with donations of good music, food & drink. People doing good. 

Thanks to all those who donated to help homeless folks have a brighter future. Arkansas's best gem are all those who help make our state a better place to live.