17 Feb 2025 YARN celebrates 40th anniversary

The Youth Advocate and Resource Network (YARN) is a faith-based nonprofit with headquarters in Mayflower (Faulkner County) that is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. YARN is dedicated to motivating and supporting children and youth (ages 4-21) in rural Arkansas and has positively affected more than 4,060 families so far.

“YARN’s 40th anniversary is a testament to the power of community and compassion,” said Berthenia L. Gill, who founded YARN. “I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, donors and supporters who have made our work possible. Together, we are empowering youth to achieve their dreams.”

Its mission is to expose young people to diverse career paths, life skills, tutoring and higher education opportunities. To mark the anniversary, four events are planned for 2025. Maria Hoskins, YARN’s executive director and a former U.S. Department of Justice community outreach director, will serve as the planning chair for these events. The public is encouraged to attend, sponsor and donate silent auction items. On March 1, YARN will host the 2nd annual Volunteer Appreciation and the Berthenia L. Gill Youth Achievement Awards Luncheon at 11 a.m. at Worsham Hall on the Hendrix College campus. Tickets are on sale at yarnkids.com.

On April 12, YARN will host the Arkansas Author’s Children’s Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the University of Central Arkansas campus. The event will feature 18 Arkansas children’s book authors, live performances and interactive activities. Admission is FREE, but registration is required. Visit yarnkids.com to RSVP.

A Youth Conference and Seminar is planned for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 7, and YARN will go on the road for a Travel ’N Learn Tour June 26-28 to Louisville, Ky. and Cincinnati, Ohio. Call 501.336.4726 with questions or visit yarnkids.com to learn more.