04 Nov 2025 Going the Extra Myles
By Mark Oliver
In the quiet town of Kensett, a movement is unfolding that is not only reshaping how one of the 501’s smallest communities sees itself, but also what it envisions for its future.
At the heart of it all is the Extra Myles Foundation, a nonprofit born from a barber’s chair and built on faith, mentorship and a relentless drive to serve. Encouraged by friends and fueled by his faith, Joseph “Joe” Myles launched the foundation in 2020 to empower others through education and community service.
“I’ve always challenged myself to give back to my community,” he said. “As a barber, I began by giving free back-to-school haircuts. I also brought local law enforcement and first responders in to allow the youth in our community to see them in a different light. People have always thanked me for going the extra mile for them, so when we made the leap to becoming a nonprofit, that’s what we became.”
One of those affected early by Joe’s community service was Tevin Baker. At age 10, he was a regular at Joe’s barbershop. Today, at 29 years old, he serves on the foundation’s Board of Directors and plays a key role in shaping its future.
“I’ve always looked up to Joe like a big brother,” Baker said. “He helped me start my first business when I was 15. Everything he was doing for the community was inspiring to me, and I knew that I needed a mentor like that in my life.”
“Tevin visited me often in the barbershop when he was young,” Myles said. “He was always watching me and hanging on to every word of the stories I told. One day, he came to the shop and told me that one of his teachers wanted to meet me. Tevin had to write a school essay on someone who inspired him, and he chose me. I couldn’t believe it. Tevin’s a great young man who I believe was put here by God to help lead our community and I’m excited to see all the great things he will do.”
Set to open in 2026, the foundation’s new headquarters will plant its roots in Kensett, a town of 1,200. Myles and his team are transforming six commercial lots into a hub that will include the foundation’s offices, a barbershop and rentable office space for local entrepreneurs.
“Kensett is a community full of great people that has almost no businesses,” Baker said. “It is a community that was once lively and full of joy but has lost some of its touch. Our goal is to shine a bright light on what this town can be and hopefully inspire others to start businesses here, too, to see what Kensett is really capable of.”
Through effective events like turkey drives, toy drives and free back-to-school haircuts, the foundation strives to create positive change by fostering stronger community connections.
“Our annual Turkey Drive is one of the most important things we do each year,” Myles said. “This year, we’re excited to hold the event on our new land in Kensett. Times are tough and many in this community don’t know where their Thanksgiving meal will come from. Each year, we worry that we won’t have enough turkeys to go around, but somehow, we have always had just enough to feed everyone.”
Events and buildings are just the beginning. The foundation envisions programs for financial literacy, mental health, mentorship, domestic abuse, homelessness, addiction, legal advice and teaching English as a second language.
“Whatever God tells us to do, that’s what we’ll do,” Myles said. “Our job is to listen to the people, connect the dots, and give them the resources they need to be successful in life.”
“Working with the foundation has not only put me back in connection with my community, but it has allowed me to make so many connections I wouldn’t have had before,” Baker said. “We’re laying the blueprint and are very excited to bring the energy back to Kensett.”
Though its path forward is ambitious, the foundation still faces roadblocks and hopes the community will rally to help bridge the gaps in funding, manpower and infrastructure resources.
“From sinks to drywall to tree removal and everything in between, we’re praying for help making our dream come true,” Myles said. “Our goal is to get the barbershop rolling to help bring in money and ask the community for help building the rest.”
In a growing world that often overlooks small towns and the people who live in them, the Extra Myles Foundation is a reminder that change doesn’t always come from the top down. Sometimes, it starts with a haircut and a heart willing to go the extra mile.
For more information, visit extramylesfoundation.org.
- Going the Extra Myles - November 4, 2025
- Strength in service - September 30, 2025
- On the bright side - September 30, 2025
