St. Francis County CARE

11/28/2025

I am truly thankful that God allowed my path to cross with Mrs. Jan Hankins over 30 years ago. What began as volunteering “from time to time” became a calling I never expected. I didn’t know then that I would one day serve on the board , or become Director 35 years later.
I’ve seen the CARE Center at its highest and lowest moments, and I’m grateful God placed me where I could help strengthen, rebuild, and protect a resource that truly changes lives. We are not just a giveaway place, we are a ministry for people facing crisis, and a guide for those working to improve their lives. I’m most thankful that even when I stepped into leadership reluctantly, God gave me instructions, sent the volunteers, the supporters, the donors, the prayers, and even sent me the clients, their experiences, and their testimonies to remind me why this center exists and who it was created to serve.
These pictures are a testament to what can happen when God’s people do His will.
The CARE Center is not mine , it belongs to God and to His people. And I’m grateful to serve exactly where He placed me.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:1
Thank you St Francis County AR! I pray everyone is having a blessed thanksgiving!

11/20/2025

One of the blessings of having the SFC CARE Center, and the foundation it was built on back in 1987, is that it was created to be a help up for those who find themselves in unexpected financial situations. But another important part of our mission is helping people move toward greater self-sufficiency.

We want to help alleviate the crisis you are facing, and we will do everything within our guidelines to support you. At the same time, we ask for your partnership. We need your help gathering the required documents, communicating with your landlord when needed, and taking the first steps that only you can take. If you are confused or unsure about what to say, we can help you communicate, but we cannot do every step for you.

Please remember:
We are only operational 24 hours per week, and it is important to reach out before your emergency becomes a disconnection notice or a crisis that could have been avoided. Meeting us within our operating hours and preparing your documents ahead of time allows us to help you faster, more effectively, and with greater impact.

There is an old story about a man who sat at his gate praying for help. Opportunities came ... a ride, a meal, an offer of work .. but he turned each away, saying he was “waiting on God.” Later he learned that the help he prayed for was sent, but he did not take the steps to receive it.

The lesson isn’t about preaching; it’s about recognizing that sometimes God sends help through people, resources, and open doors. But we must be willing to meet that help halfway.

At the SFC CARE Center, we are here to stand with you, support you, and walk with you through difficult times. All we ask is that you do your part, take the steps you can take, and reach out early so we can help you with dignity, compassion, and care.

11/20/2025

The SFC CARE Center will observe the Thanksgiving holiday with the following schedule:
We will be closed Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28.
We will close to the public at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, November 25.
This short break will give our director an opportunity to catch up, and it will allow our volunteers a much-needed week of rest. It has been a busy and blessed year, and we are grateful for every person we’ve had the privilege to serve.
We pray each of you has a safe, peaceful, and joyful Thanksgiving holiday. May God continue to bless you and your families. 🧡🙏🏽

11/19/2025

SFC CARE Center sends a big thank you to Kids for the Future CARES for their generous donation to the St. Francis County CARE Center. Your support will allow us to purchase additional emergency food each month for families in need.

Kids for the Future CARES is a nonprofit organization committed to helping families throughout Eastern Arkansas, and this year they chose to bless us with their giving. We are truly grateful.

These angels showed up with their donation just as our staff & volunteers were unloading USDA and emergency food, and their timing could not have been more perfect.

To Bess Heisler Ginty and the entire staff, thank you for your compassion, your commitment, and your willingness to pour back into this community. Your generosity will make a real difference for the individuals and families we serve.

This is truly a Stone Soup moment, each contribution, each act of kindness, and each willing heart comes together to create something far greater for our community. Your donation is another ingredient that helps us feed, support, and uplift those who need it most.

We appreciate you more than words can express.

11/19/2025

if you missed distribution at the CARE Center.

A USDA Food Distribution will be held Thursday, Nov. 20th at two locations in St. Francis County.



--Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.

--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.



To receive USDA Foods, attendees must live in the county of distribution and meet income guidelines based on household size.



For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663

11/17/2025

Bring plastic bags if you have them. USDA food distribution starting TODAY for St. Francis County residents will take place at the CARE Center on: Lunch @ 12:00 pm both days. (302 N. Rosser)
🗓 Monday, November 17 — 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🗓 Wednesday — 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
👉 Please Note:
We are expecting a high number of people this week. We have some fresh apples and carrots, but these items are not USDA and will be given until gone.
Our volunteers will be working nonstop, and calls may not be answered right away.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve everyone.
👉 What to Bring:
• If you’ve received before, please have your birthday ready for check-in.
• New participants should bring a photo ID and a short list of names and birthdays for everyone in your household so we can enter you into our database.
• Please review federal income guidelines to ensure eligibility.
Thank you for your cooperation — and thank you to all the volunteers who make this possible for our community. 💙

11/14/2025

We’re happy to announce that USDA food distribution for St. Francis County residents will take place at the St. Francis County CARE Center on: 302 N. Rosser
🗓 Monday, November 17 — 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🗓 Wednesday — 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🗓 Tuesday — 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

💙 A special thank-you to Chief Broussard for stepping in and recruiting help for Ms. Sandy and Angela to unload the truck! We were very short-handed, but as always, God had a ram in the bush!
Angela couldn’t help but share a bit of history and give the officers a tour of the CARE Center, which originally served as the Forrest City Police Station.
And an extra heartfelt thank-you to Officer Temeka Robinson and Officer Jerry Williams, both embody the spirit of service and community pride. Your willingness to help made a big difference, and your hearts truly shine.
Thank you all for what you do for our community, together we’re making St. Francis County stronger!

11/13/2025

Thrifty Thursday is here, and the blessings continue!
Come shop our $1 & $2 sweater specials and support the ongoing work of the CARE Center.
A heartfelt thank you to the members of First United Methodist Church for volunteering your time to help us clean, organize, and declutter. Your servant hearts shine brightly. 💙
“Serve one another humbly in love.” — Galatians 5:13

11/05/2025

The SFC CARE Center, in partnership with the St. Francis County Health Department currently has baby formula available for families who are temporarily unable to purchase it.
Pictured are the brands we have in stock. To receive assistance, you must live in St. Francis County. First-time visitors will need to provide a valid ID or a bill showing current residency within the county. Simply stop by and let us know which brand your baby needs. Please remember, this is a community resource to help during times of need. We’re here to make sure no baby goes without formula, while families get back on their feet. Please note, this is an emergency assistance service meant to help families through a temporary hardship. It is not intended to serve as your primary or ongoing source of formula, but rather to provide short-term support until you’re able to purchase your baby’s formula again.
Monday - Wednesday 930-230!