Arkansas Center for Independence

11/17/2025

If you are looking for ways to give back this season, we are pleased to offer you three ways to help ACI this season. This year we will have a Giving Tree set up our More Old Treasures Home Store with a ribbon for every client that attends the Center. Each ribbon contains the Christmas wish list for a client. You can adopt a client and purchase items from their wish list (up to a $50 max), and return those items with the ribbon unwrapped for Santa to deliver during their lunch Christmas Party. This is a great way to teach your children/grandchildren about the joy of giving and blessing others.

We have also partnered with Charleston Wrap Company to offer you a unique shopping opportunity that gives 40% of you purchase price on all items back to ACI. Just shop their catalog of over 2500 gift items, make your purchase, and know that you are supporting ACI in the process. https://registercw.com/gateway?organizationMidasId=31067

And, of course, your cash contributions also help us be able to put that money where it is needed most, whether it's to a client's Christmas or some other important need.

Thank you for supporting ACI and the work we do!

Charleston Wrap

06/03/2025

We are looking for a few people with open hearts and open minds to join our team of professional caregivers working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. No experience/CNA is required but is certainly preferred. Employment longevity is a must as our clients thrive on routine and familiarity. All positions are evenings and weekends 4pm-12am, 12am-8am and 12am-12pm/12pm-12am on weekends with a rotating schedule. Starting pay is $14-16/hr. Must have a valid Arkansas driver's license and be able to pass a drug test as well as criminal, adult and child maltreatment background checks. Apply online or pick up an application from our main office at 200 Ray St, Newport. www.arcenterforindependence.org EOE

04/14/2025

Public Notice

Public notice is hereby given this 14th day of April, 2025 that
The Arkansas Center for Independence, Inc. of 200 Ray St, Newport, AR 72112 has made application for funds

through Section 49 U.S.C. Section 5310 for the purchase of the following type of passenger transportation
vehicles: 20’ Transit Conversion Mid-Roof Long Van w/Rear Lift and 17’ Lowered-Fllor Minivan w/Ramp
These vehicles will be used primarily for the following purposes: transporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are clients of ACI to and from the day program, around the community and for other recreational/personal endeavors.
Purchase of the above vehicle is considered essential to the efficient operation of this organization in provision of public transportation services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. There is no intent to infringe upon, or compete with, existing public or private transit operators, including Section 5307, urban public transit operators and Section 5311, rural public transit operators.
Any objection should be submitted in writing only to persons listed below. All comments will become a part of this organization’s application and will be a matter of public record. All written comments must be submitted within 30 days of the date of this notice. Any person wishing to request a public hearing on the proposed project must submit a request in writing within 10 days of the date of this notice to the persons listed below:
Glenda Rutledge-May
Executive Director
The Arkansas Center for Independence, Inc.
200 Ray St
Newport, AR 72112
and to:
Latina Sisco, Section Head
Public Transportation Programs Office
Arkansas Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 2261
Little Rock, AR 72203-2261

03/18/2025

JACKSON COUNTY RESIDENTS AND STORM VICTIMS! We are pleased to announce that we will be working with More Old Treasures Thrift Store and the coordination efforts at Diaz City Hall to provide clothing, furniture and household goods to Jackson County residents affected by the tornados.

Please do NOT take these types of donations to City Hall as they do not have the space to take them and FEMA does not allow them to accept them.

We will be dropping off vouchers at Diaz City Hall this evening for assistance. Volunteers at City Hall will verify the need and sign these vouchers which can then be taken to More Old Treasures Thrift Store located at 1017 Malcolm Ave in Newport for redemption. Household and furniture item requests will also be made on these forms. We will then work to find the items requested if More Old Treasures does not have them available.

If you have new, gently used, or name brand clothing, bedding, household decor and/or small appliances you would specifically like used for this effort, you may drop them off at More Old Treasures at 1017 Malcolm Ave. Please make sure you let the staff at More Old Treasures know at drop off that you would like them used for this effort. These items will be checked for stains and working condition and, if appropriate, will be kept next door in a separate space in our new More Old Treasures Home building just for our storm victims.

If you have furniture or large appliances you would like to donate, please contact Glenda Rutledge-May at 870-217-3275 by phone or text and let her know what you have available BEFORE bringing them. We will provide pick-up and delivery of large items as we have availability.

Please share so that word gets out to the community.

Call now to connect with business.

12/19/2024

Look at all those smiling faces! The clients had a jolly good time today as Santa made a special stop to visit!

Every year, ACI provides gifts for each client up to fifty dollars in value when Santa pays a visit. This ensures that every client receives a little something for Christmas. If you're interested in contributing to help offset some of ACI's expenses or would like to sponsor a client this holiday season – please reach out to us by sending a message or contacting Glenda Rutledge-May. We appreciate your support and wish you all a joyous and Merry Christmas!

12/10/2024

NOW ACCEPTING JOB APPLICATIONS --- ACI IS CURRENTLY HIRING! All applicants must have a GED/high school diploma, AR driver’s license, pass drug screens, and pass criminal, adult and child maltreatment background checks. Positions available include the following:

*DIRECT CARE STAFF
> Full Time (includes Competitive Benefits Package)
>> Must be 21 years old
>> Must be able to work the following shifts. Schedules will vary.
>>> Monday – Friday {4pm to 12am | 12am to 8am}
>>> Saturday & Sunday {12am to 12pm | 12pm to 12am)

Apply online at https://arcenterforindependence.org/. Resumes may be emailed to admin@arkci.com. Applications may be picked up in Newport at the Arkansas Center for Independence located at 200 Ray Street in Newport, or at More Old Treasures Thrift Store located at 1017 Malcolm.

10/24/2024

👻 Get ready for a spooktacular time at ACI’s Trunk or Treat! 🎃Be sure to stop by & join us on Thursday, October 31st at 200 Ray Street, from 5 to 7 PM. We can’t wait to see your awesome costumes and share some sweet treats! 🍬 See you there!

09/26/2024

We had an exciting morning at the Newport Tech Depot exploring the ‘Magnificent Me!’ exhibit from the Museum of Discovery! The Newport Economic Development Commission will be showcasing the exhibit until October 13, so be sure to call and book your visit before time runs out!

06/12/2024

NOW ACCEPTING JOB APPLICATIONS --- ACI IS CURRENTLY HIRING! All applicants must have a GED/high school diploma, AR driver’s license, pass drug screens, and pass criminal, adult and child maltreatment background checks. Positions available include the following:

*DIRECT CARE STAFF
> Full Time (includes Competitive Benefits Package)
>> Must be 21 years old
>> Must be able to work the following shifts. Schedules will vary.
>>> Monday – Friday {4pm to 12am | 12am to 8am}
>>> Saturday & Sunday {12am to 12pm | 12pm to 12am)

*THRIFT STORE CLERK
> Full Time (includes Competitive Benefits Package)
>> Must be 18 years old
>> Must be able to work the following shifts. Schedules will vary.
>>> Monday – Friday {8am to 6pm}
>>> Saturday {9am to 3pm}

Apply online at https://arcenterforindependence.org/. Resumes may be emailed to admin@arkc.com. Applications may be picked up in Newport at the Arkansas Center for Independence located at 200 Ray Street in Newport, or at More Old Treasures Thrift Store located at 1017 Malcolm.

06/11/2024

I have several positions open at Arkansas Center for Independence I am immediately hiring for. These positions are direct support professionals working with our clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a group home setting. Hours are a combination of 4pm-12am, 12am-8am and 12-12 on weekends. Must be at least 18, have AR driver’s license, GED or high school diploma and be able to to
Pass criminal, adult and child maltreatment background checks as well as a drug screen. If you can’t pass a drug screen on your own, please don’t waste my time. Our tests are sensitive and will catch if you. Applications can be picked up at 200 Ray St or at More Old Treasures 1017 Malcolm Ave

04/08/2024

Arkansas Center for Independence has a great view of the eclipse and plenty of space for anyone that would like to join us!

03/20/2024

NOW ACCEPTING JOB APPLICATIONS --- ACI IS CURRENTLY HIRING! All applicants must be at least 18-years-old, have a GED/high school diploma, AR driver’s license, pass drug and background screens. Positions available include the following:

*DIRECT CARE STAFF
> Full Time (includes Competitive Benefits Package)
>> Must be able to work the following shifts. Schedules will vary.
>>> Monday – Friday {4pm to 12am | 12am to 8am}
>>> Saturday & Sunday {12am to 12pm | 12pm to 12am)

*THRIFT STORE CLERK
> Full Time (includes Competitive Benefits Package)
>> Must be able to work the following shifts. Schedules will vary.
>>> Monday – Friday {8am to 6pm}
>>> Saturday {9am to 3pm}

Apply online at https://arcenterforindependence.org/. Resumes may be emailed to admin@arkci.com. Applications may be picked up in Newport at the Arkansas Center for Independence located at 200 Ray Street in Newport, or at More Old Treasures Thrift Store located at 1017 Malcolm.