Searcy Children's Home Ribbon Cutting

Ribbon Cutting for Searcy Children's Home Remodel and Rebranding
Work at the Searcy Children’s Homes office on Moore Street will be completed with ribbon cutting on March 11 at 5:00 p.m. and will be renamed to Sparrow’s Promise. The rebrand will better fit the new programs and building but the mission will remain the same; to provide hope to children and families. The remodel will include the Beverly Ford Visit Center and the Safe Haven, which will be dedicated to Donnie and Hilda Clay.
 
Sparrow’s Promise is a rebrand organized by Think Idea Studio, originating from a passage in Matthew 10 that compares us to the value God finds in the sparrow. The purpose of the rebrand is to better identify the goals of the organization.
 
“We’re still taking care of kids [who have] been removed from their biological parents, but we’re doing it differently,” executive director, Brandon Tittle said. “We're adding new services and programs, so it became necessary to change the name to help make that clear.”
 
Named after a dedicated friend and volunteer of Searcy Children’s Homes, the Beverly Ford Visit center will be a unique space designed to promote connection and growth in families. The design was led by Harding University’s interior design department, under the direction of Amy Cox. Architect, Mike Steelman has also assisted in the redesign and gave architectural expertise pro bono.  The Safe Haven will be used as an immediate refuge for children entering care and a space they can begin their journey of hope in safety and comfort. The space will be equipped with a bed, clean clothes, a shower and food.  
 
“We’re driven by the idea that mercy triumphs over judgment. What does it mean for us to walk with and be faithfully present with parents who’ve never seen what it means to be a parent? We’re going to help them because, in so doing, it hopefully moves from us and them to this is us. This is my community,” Chairman of the board, Andrew Baker, said.
The new facilities will be completed during a 72-hour project beginning March 8 and be covered by THV11. This event will have several volunteer opportunities during the event and after the opening to help in operations. There are plans for Harding students to paint a mural in the new building, and Dillard’s has partnered with the organization to supply new furniture.
 
Sparrow’s Promise is a 501(c)3 non-profit, child placement agency licensed through the state of Arkansas. It is a faith-based agency affiliated with the church of Christ with a mission to provide hope to children and families.