behavioral sciences/fcs 169 The social work community practice class taught by Kathy Helpenstill, adjunct instructor and contract clinical social worker specialist, participated in many different organizations in Arkansas to get its students out into the social work atmosphere. Students in the class were divided between three different places where they could learn and help out. One such organization was Jacob’s Place, a non-profit homeless shelter in Searcy. “Jacob’s Place exists to give people a second chance,” senior James Arbuckle said. “It gives them that opportunity by offering free shelter, budget advice, help finding a job and a great Christian environment to raise a family.” Arbuckle heard about the shelter through other social work majors and then started working with the shelter in the fall of 2008. He organized different fund-raising events, including a motorcycle show and selling T-shirts in the student center. “Working at Jacob’s Place has given me a greater appreciation for the things I have,” Arbuckle said. “The people there are not there by choice but rather circumstances.” Senior Heather Mitchell was the secretary for Jacob’s Place. “I feel called to love and serve the poor and those who are hurting because of my faith in Jesus,” she said. Mitchell contacted the director of Jacob’s Place over a year-and-a-half ago after hearing about the shelter from a friend. She worked to raise funds and awareness for the shelter. “I know that to be committed to service and advocacy of others is such a blessing,” Mitchell said, “and I cannot imagine feeling more purpose anywhere else.” Students were also involved at Hope Cottage. “Hope Cottage is a domestic violence center for women and children to get back on their feet that is safe,” Helpenstill said. Senior Jennifer Martin began working with Hope Cottage in the fall of 2008. Her class mostly worked with getting awareness out on the issue of domestic violence. They organized a Domestic Violence Awareness Event at Berryhill Park on Oct. 11. The event included a T-shirt display that held 300 shirts, each representing a woman that died in the state of Arkansas within the last 10 years from domestic violence. The event also included family activities such as snacks and face painting. “Domestic violence is an issue we hear about but rarely choose to experience through others,” Martin said. “It has allowed me to see the reality of this issue and has given me ways to act on my knowledge rather than to just keep the facts inside.” The last program that social work majors worked with was the Child Safety Center, which served as a safe haven for children who were abused or neglected. They promoted friendly care of the children and forensic investigations of child abuse and neglect. “We offer education, awareness and prevention based [on] safety for the community,” Helpenstill said. “We also provide referrals to families that need help with legal assistance, housing and counseling.” Those involved with the different programs said that their lives greatly benefitted from working with the agencies. Like Mitchell, several continued to work for or with these programs even after they were out of the class. Joseph Dickerson Helping Class reaches out to local community agencies what’s name? in a Seniors Rachel Kurtz and April Augsburger help out during the Child Safety Center fundraiser on Nov. 15 at Anne’s Bridal and Etcetera. Social work professor Kathy Helpenstill’s community practice class was involvoved in several services around the area. Nick Michael Senior Chris Jordan plays the piano during the Child Safety Center fundraiser on Nov. 15. Jordan was often found in the Heritage lobby playing on the piano and at various other Harding events. Nick Michael Family and consumer sciences honor society members freshman Deborah Hill and sophomore Anna Moore discuss eating disorders on Nov. 17. This event was facilitated by Professor of FCS Beth Wilson. Courtesy of Beth Wilson The Ezell Center is named after Houston and Mable Ezell and houses the behavioral sciences department. Mr. and Mrs. Ezell combined their talents in an effective work for the Lord, and together their Christian work has affected the lives of people in many countries and on several continents. Houston provided distinguished service on the board of trustees of Harding College. The love and generosity of these Christian leaders is what provided this building.
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