The Guidance Center

01/27/2026

01/23/2026

We Are Thrilled to Share This Important News!

After nearly 10 years, authorities have captured Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder from Canada who investigators say led one of the largest modern-day narcotics trafficking operations in North America and was listed among the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted.

According to investigators, this organization was responsible for distributing devastating quantities of illegal drugs, including:

2,300 kilograms of co***ne

44 kilograms of methamphetamine

44 kilograms of fentanyl

These substances have caused immeasurable harm—fueling addiction, violence, and the tragic loss of far too many lives, including our youth and loved ones across North America.

Today’s news represents a significant victory in the ongoing fight against addiction and drug-related deaths. While the damage done cannot be undone, removing this operation from our communities means countless lives may now be spared from addiction, overdose, and violence.

At The Guidance Center, we are incredibly grateful to the local, federal, and international agencies whose persistence and collaboration made this outcome possible. This moment reinforces why prevention, treatment, recovery, and accountability all matter.

💙 If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available right now:

📞 The Guidance Center – Addiction Services: 479-452-6650
📞 Horizon Renewal Center (Residential Treatment, Booneville, AR): 479-849-3270

Recovery is possible. Hope is real. And no one has to face addiction alone.
We are here—and we will help.

01/23/2026

We’re here. We’re training. And we’re always working to be better for the people we serve.

Today, members of our Crisis Team attended Threat Assessment & Threat Management training through Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).

This kind of ongoing training matters. Mental health crises are complex, and our team is committed to staying informed,so we can respond with compassion, skill, and confidence when our community needs us most.

We believe hope is built through preparation. By continually learning and collaborating with partners across disciplines, we’re ensuring that those experiencing crisis receive the safest, most effective support possible.

01/23/2026

💛 A gentle reminder: YOU are important. 💛

Life gets busy — really busy — and it’s easy to put yourself last. But taking time for self-care isn’t selfish… it’s necessary.

When you pause to refill your cup with things you enjoy and love, you’re protecting your mental health and preventing burnout. 🌿

Self-care can help:
✨ Reduce stress
✨ Ease feelings of depression
✨ Improve your overall well-being — even your physical health

Whether it’s a quiet moment, a walk outside, laughter with someone you love, or doing something that brings you joy — it all matters.

You matter. Your health matters. Take care of you. 💙

01/21/2026

💛 Help for Your Family—Right Where You Are 💛

Family Centered Treatment (FCT) brings counseling into your home, where real life happens. You don’t have to travel, rearrange your schedule, or try to explain everything later — your therapist comes to you.

Together, we focus on what’s really going on and help your family build healthier communication, stronger relationships, and a more supportive home. Every family is different, and FCT meets you where you are — with care, understanding, and hope.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Healing can start at home. 🏡✨
For more information cal 479-353-4456

01/21/2026

💙 Hope, Healing, and Home 💙

At WATCH, a Therapeutic Foster Care program of The Guidance Center, we believe every child deserves a safe place to heal and a team that truly shows up for them.

WATCH provides wraparound services for children in foster care who have experienced trauma. We don’t do this work alone. We recruit, train, and support foster families who partner closely with our therapists and case managers to surround each child with stability, understanding, and care.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 WATCH families offer more than a home — they provide:
✨ Safety and security
✨ Consistency and compassion
✨ A space where healing can begin

Together, we advocate for children, help them process trauma, and support them as they begin to build trust, resilience, and hope for the future.

This is what healing looks like — a team, a home, and a child who finally feels supported. 💛

If you’ve ever considered opening your heart and home, or simply want to learn more about how our community supports children in care, WATCH is here. For more information email amy.keener@wacgc.org.

01/20/2026

☕️ Business Brew & Great Conversations ☕️

We had a great time this morning attending the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Brew at The Hangout Fitness and Sports. What a cool place for a cool cat like Eric!!!

It’s always a pleasure connecting with our community partners and friends from Mercy Crest Assisted Living, River Valley Primary Care Services, and Girls Inc of Fort Smith. We love learning more about the important work they do and sharing how The Guidance Center supports our community through programs and services — including our 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care.

Thanks for a welcoming morning filled with coffee, connections, and community! 💙

01/19/2026

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a leader who reminded us that compassion, justice, and love have the power to change lives and communities.

At The Guidance Center, we believe healing begins with dignity, understanding, and access to care for all. Dr. King’s vision inspires us to continue breaking down barriers, lifting one another up, and creating a future where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

Today, and every day, we choose to be that light. 💙

01/15/2026

We enjoyed a great noon hour attending the Business 2 Business Lunch hosted by the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce at The Bakery District today!

The meal—catered by Raising Cane’s—was delicious, but the real value was the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and nonprofit partners from across our community.

Events like these are a powerful way to build relationships, strengthen collaboration, and continue working together to make our region an even better place to live and work. We’re grateful to be part of such a strong, engaged community! 💙🤝

We also enjoyed hearing from McClure Professional Services who shared insights on asking the unexpected as a way to build deeper, more meaningful conversations. It was a great reminder of how curiosity can strengthen connections in both business and community work.

We loved catching up with friends from The Holistic Life Center, The Bakery District, and Dale Carnegie Mid-South.

01/14/2026

Great connections, great conversations, and great company! 🤝✨

We loved attending this evening’s Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours sponsored by and held at the Crawford County Adult Education Center and Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy.

The Adult Education Center and Volunteers for Literacy helps clients earn an Arkansas High School diploma and encompasses resources that help families in need.

It’s always a good time when we get to network, catch up, and build relationships with our Van Buren business friends.

Thanks for another fun and engaging evening supporting our local business community!

adulteducation