A Look Back at the Excel by Eight Foundations Collaborative’s Third Annual Summit

The Excel by Eight Foundations Collaborative gathered in Little Rock this fall for our third annual Summit. We discussed opportunities for engaging in the work of the collaborative, celebrated another year of accomplishments in early childhood development, and previewed our legislative priorities for 2025. Let’s look at the key takeaways from the day. Investing in […]
Canei Chaney on the Challenges of Finding Pediatric Care in Rural Arkansas

In rural Arkansas, many families face challenges accessing health care for their infants and toddlers. Canei Chaney, a resident of Monticello, highlights the struggle of long wait times and limited resources in her area, resulting in her driving more than two hours each way to take her toddler to the pediatrician.
Dr. Zenobia Harris Envisions a Better Future for Birthing Mothers and Their Children in Arkansas

Dr. Zenobia Harris, executive director of the Arkansas Birthing Project, speaks on the importance of increasing access to quality prenatal care and positive birthing experiences for mothers so that we can improve outcomes for children in Arkansas. To learn more about the Arkansas Birthing Project, visit arkansasbirthingproject.org/resources
Stephanie Takamaru Seeks to Amplify Voices and to Bring Down the Maternal Mortality Rate in Arkansas

Drawing from her own experience with a costly emergency C-section, Stephanie Takamaru of Rogers, Arkansas, advocates for reducing maternal mortality rates and improving health care access for all mothers and children, particularly for the state’s Marshallese community.
Holly Rogers Shines a Light on the Importance of Healthy Steps

Holly Rogers of Jonesboro, Arkansas, shares her experience with HealthySteps and how the program makes it easier for families to get the services they need without unnecessary obstacles. To learn more about the Healthy Steps program, head on over to the blog! www.excelby8.net/healthysteps-providing-infants-and-toddlers-with-primary-care-providers
Erin Gary on the Importance of Mentorship for New Moms

Erin Gary of Bryant, Arkansas, is a “Sister-Friend” mentor with the Arkansas Birthing Project. Drawing from her own experience, she emphasizes the importance of support systems for new moms. To learn more about the Arkansas Birthing Project, visit arkansasbirthingproject.org/resources
Leveling Up Child Care in Little Rock

Para leer la traducción al español de este blog, desplácese hasta la mitad de la página. For families in southwest Little Rock, finding affordable, high-quality child care close to home is a challenge. For Spanish-speaking families, the options are even more limited. Leticia Rodriguez, director of Lovely Sunshine Learning Center, has been with the dual-language […]