INFANT FORMULAS INC. - a statewide service that provides special formula needs for special-needs infants; may also be able to provide diapers; a doctor's prescription is required to access services;  no costs to the family; for more information call 501-753-3330.

CHANGES TO LIHEAP (LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM) - the Tahlequah, OK office now has one main phone number (not two) and that number is 918-456-0671, ext. 2366;  the Sallisaw , OK office has a new phone number (918-775-6226).

READINESS & PREPARATION WEB SITE  (READY.GOV) - a U.S. Government web site with all kinds of information on how to be properly prepared and ready for national disasters and other emergencies, including details on how to put together a complete Emergency Supply Kit.;  to go to the site click here:  Ready.gov.

SPECIAL NOTE: a regular web site visitor has requested that we add some ecologically-friendly web sites for those who might want to learn more about the "Green Earth" movement, so here are some of those sites (simply click on them to go directly to the site):
rateitgreen.com, thegreenoffice.com, treehugger.com, , idealist.org,.

ARKANSAS WORK PAYS - a state-administered employment program for persons who have  received state welfare benefits, with
incentives for those who stay with the program; one key point is that participants do not forfeit any welfare benefits and still keep their entire paycheck; other benefits may include help with education, work-related, transportation and child care costs plus financial counseling and mentoring; for more info contact any state Workforce Centers (also known as state employment offices) or go to their web site at www.arkansas.gov/esd.

From June 15, 2007

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!  All information on this update has been provided by web site visitors.  We encourage your
participation, and you can e-mail us with suggested information entries by clicking HERE.

211AR.NET - the official web site of Arkansas' new 211 Information and Referral service, affiliated with United Way and
AIRS (Alliance of Information & Referral Systems);  persons may also access the 211 service by simply dialing "211" from the
telephone. Click here to go to the web site:  211AR.net.

UAFS ONLINE EMPLOYMENT CENTER - the Univ. of ARk. Ft. Smith Career Services Ofc. has an online employment center for UAFS students and alumni that includes an area for employers to post job openings and for students and alumni seeking jobs to post
resumes. More information on this service may be obtained from their web site at www.uafortsmith.edu.

HOME AGAIN PET RECOVERY - using a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice, HomeAgain connects you and your pet to a comprehensive pet recovery service, helping to keep your pet safe and giving you peace of mind; HomeAgain offers a suite of services that includes: Advanced Pet Recovery; Emergency Pet Center; Online Medical Information; ID Card;  this is a FEE-BASED service and more information may be obtained by visiting their web site at www.homeagain.com.

THE FIRST TEE FT. SMITH - has developed several on-site and outreach programs to inject positive values and character development, through the game of golf, into the lives of young people of all ethnicities and social strata; operates from the Jack Stephens Youth Golf Academy, a facility adjacent to Ben Geren Regional Park in Fort Smith; the facility includes a 6-hole course, a 3-hole short course, a complete practice area which includes a large three-tiered driving range, and the Bagby Learning Center, with its offices, lounges, library, and classroom areas;  learn more by visiting thefirstteefortsmith.org.

BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE (BACA) - exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children and to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live; the River Valley chapter may be contacted at (479) 414-1676 and more information is available at the web site:  www.bacausa.com.

ARC for the RIVER VALLEY - advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities and works to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities and influence public policy; 121 N. 6th Street in Fort Smith, AR 72901 or phone: (479) 783-5529; web address is www.thearchelps.org.

BOOKINS - an internet swap site for used books;  this is a FEE-BASED service; for more information visit the web site at
www.bookins.com.

From April 15, 2007

WE CARE FOUNDATION -  P.O. Box 3431, Ft. Smith, AR. 72913, (479) 782-8822, email: wecarefound@yahoo.com,`web site address is wecarefound.com; established in 1991 by seven people who believed that children with cancer, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia and AIDS deserve the same opportunities as their healthy counterparts. The Foundation serves children from the State of Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and southern Missouri ages 3 through 19. The We Care Foundation is dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of children with cancer and related blood forming diseases, including hemophilia, sickle cell anemia and AIDS. Programs sponsored by the We Care Foundation include Camp Dream Street, Dream Street Family Vacation, We Care Scholarships, and Educational Programs & Information. All programs are provided at no cost to participating families. Programs are available without regard to race, color, sex or religion. Office location: Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Ft. Smith, AR. 72903.

IRISH DANCE FORT SMITH - a non-profit organization that promotes the art of Irish Dancing; to learn more go to
www.IrishDanceFortSmith.com.


WE HAVE VARIOUS UPDATES & CORRECTIONS THIS MONTH,  AT THE REQUEST OF THE FOLLOWING:

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA will be the official name used by this web site for the Westark Area Council Boy Scouts.

CRISIS CENTER FOR WOMEN has a temporary office at 500 lexington Ave. Suite A (479-782-1821); an incorrect number has been removed from this web site; a reminder that their crisis lines are 479-782-4956 and 1-800-359-0056 (24-hour service).

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ADULT CARE CENTER (2409 S 56 # 121, Ft. Smith  AR  72903,  479-484-7782) has asked for the
following revised listing:  Provides elderly/disabled adult daycare, meals, supervision, activities for adults who cannot safely stay home alone;  fees based on income; Arkansas Medicaid licensed; for more info visit www.foyadultdaycare.org.

From March 19, 2007

This month's UPDATE is dedicated to upgrading both the FOOD PANTRY and the CLOTHING ASSISTANCE pages.  There are many more entries and tons more
information on both pages.

To go to the Food Pantry page, click here:  FOOD PANTRIES.

To go to the Clothing Assistance page, click here:  CLOTHING ASSISTANCE.

From February 5, 2007

VOLUNTEER MATCH - a service that links persons wanting to volunteer with organizations needing volunteers;  to learn more go to their web site at www.volunteermatch.org.

FLU FACTS - a web site that offers a broad range of topics about influenza,  its symptoms, treatment, history, etc.;  go to
flufacts.com.

UPDATED INFO!  The web site of the Crisis Center for Women is now www.crisiscenterforwomen.org.

NOTE:  A web site visitor has asked that the following be added:
55 ALIVE - a defensive driving class for drivers 55 yeaars of age and up;  for more information call 1-888-227-7669.

QUAIL RUN APTS - subsidized housing for low-income families located in Mulberry, Arkansas;  1 and 2 bedrooms are
available;  for more info call 1-479-997-8004.

NOTE:  Another web visitor has asked that we include the following web address for persons with sleep disorders:
www.sleepcenters.org




From November 8,  2006

ARKANSAS PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION - an excellent resource for information on prostate cancer;  contact can be made by calling 1-800-338-1383 or by www.arprostatecancer.org.

TOOTH WOMAN NETWORK - an online resource for all (not just women) with information about low-cost and free dental care in all 50 states;  go to www.toothwoman.net.

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION - a web site that, in part,  provides a vast amount of information on proper and effective oral and dental health care;  visit the web site at www.ada.org.

BUREAU OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE - the government agency that supports "Health Centers" which are a major component of  America's health care safety net, the Nation's "system" of providing health care to low-income and other vulnerable populations; Health Centers care for people regardless of their ability to pay and whether or not they have health insurance;  they provide primary and preventive health care, as well as services such as transportation and translation; many Health Centers also offer dental, mental health and substance abuse care;  visit their web site at bphc.hrsa.gov.

A WEB SITE VISITOR has asked that we include the following information.  We are always happy to hear from our visitors, and if you have information you want added to this web site, please e-mail us by clicking HERE.

FITNESS GUIDANCE - a web site that has information on how individuals,  particularly the elderly, can become involved with
programs and services that encourage personal fitness;  visit the web site at www.icaa.cc (please note:  from the Home Page click on the link "Welcome Back to Fitness" -- the Home Page has a section that asks for a member number and password but this is not necessary to access the fitness information).

From Oct. 11,  2006

LITERACY COUNCIL of WESTERN ARKANSAS - has asked that we remind everyone that their office is now located at 300 South 11th Street in Fort Smith (telephone is 479-783-2665).

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS ASSOCIATION - an advocacy group that supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of
different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers;
visit their web site at nfcacares.org.

ELDERLY PHYSICAL FITNESS - an excellent resource for information on how older persons can remain or become physically fit is located on the web at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa (click on "Physical Activity" when the home page comes up).

FEDERAL INFORMATION - a great source for information on all Federal Government services and programs is at 1-800-FEDINFO
(or 1-800-333-4636);  there is also a web site at www.firstgov.gov .

ORAL HEALTH AMERICA - an advocacy group that works to increase the visibility and public understanding of oral health and to
develop,  implement and facilitate educational, informational and service programs designed to improve oral health;  visit the web site at www.oralhealthamerica.org or contact them by phone at 1-312-836-9900.

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT RATES - a regular web site visitor has asked that we add this info;  people who want to open a
Certificate of Deposit (CD) and want the best CD interest rate can get rate information at either www.Bankrate.com or
www.eMoneyCentral.com.

We welcome questions from web site visitors.  To submit your question(s), e-mail us at:
questions@informationandreferralfortsmith.com

From Sept. 21,  2006

CHEMOTHERAPY INFORMATION - there is now a web site that provides educational and support information about chemotherapy and its associated side effects;  this web site is chemotherapy.com.

JOBS ON-LINE - for persons wanting to find Arkansas jobs on-line, go to the web site www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF NEW FOOD PANTRIES & THESE ARE LISTED BELOW:

ST. JAMES BAPTIST FOOD PANTRY - located at 4916 High St. in Ft. Smith;  hours are Mon - Fri,  10 am - 2 pm;  for more info call 479-782-5756.

REMNANT END TIME MINISTRIES - located at Evangel Temple at Towson & Dodson in Ft. Smith;  open on Thursdays from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

FEED MY FLOCK FOOD PANTRY - located in Moutainburg to serve residents in that immediate area;  please call Susan at 479-369-2761 for specific information.

COMPASSION CENTER - located at 709 Oak St. in Clarksville, AR;  hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - Noon and
5 pm - 7 pm;  for more information call 479-754-2930.

EVENT NOTICE: Abilities Unlimited of Fort Smith, a United Way agency, is sponsoring a SPOOKARAMA Bingo & Auction on Saturday, October 21, from 5 p.m. till 9 p.m. at the Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Road.  For more information call 479-782-5925.

A WEB SITE VISITOR ASKED THIS QUESTION:  "Do you have a section relating to pets?"
This web site does indeed have a pet section and can be accessed by clicking HERE.  Also,  this section or any section can be accessed by going to the Home Page (click HERE) and clicking on CATEGORIES OF SERVICES (about midway down the page).
CATEGORIES OF SERVICES can also be directly reached by clicking HERE.

We welcome questions from web site visitors.  To submit your question(s), e-mail us at:
questions@informationandreferralfortsmith.com


Below is the history of the most recent updates:

From Sept. 21,  2006

CHEMOTHERAPY INFORMATION - there is now a web site that provides educational and support information about chemotherapy and its associated side effects;  this web site is chemotherapy.com.

JOBS ON-LINE - for persons wanting to find Arkansas jobs on-line, go to the web site www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF NEW FOOD PANTRIES & THESE ARE LISTED BELOW:

ST. JAMES BAPTIST FOOD PANTRY - located at 4916 High St. in Ft. Smith;  hours are Mon - Fri,  10 am - 2 pm;  for more info call 479-782-5756.

REMNANT END TIME MINISTRIES - located at Evangel Temple at Towson & Dodson in Ft. Smith;  open on Thursdays from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

FEED MY FLOCK FOOD PANTRY - located in Moutainburg to serve residents in that immediate area;  please call Susan at 479-369-2761 for specific information.

COMPASSION CENTER - located at 709 Oak St. in Clarksville, AR;  hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - Noon and
5 pm - 7 pm;  for more information call 479-754-2930.


A WEB SITE VISITOR ASKED THIS QUESTION:  "Do you have a section relating to pets?"
This web site does indeed have a pet section and can be accessed by clicking HERE.  Also,  this section or any section can be accessed by going to the Home Page (click HERE) and clicking on CATEGORIES OF SERVICES (about midway down the page).
CATEGORIES OF SERVICES can also be directly reached by clicking HERE.

From August 4,  2006

HUMANE SOCIETY (SEBASTIAN CO.) -  has a new web address:  sebastiancountyhumanesociety.org.

FORT SMITH MULTI-CULTURAL CENTER - has a new web address:  www.fsark.com/culture/multicultural/process.php?id=59.

THE BOYS SHELTER of Fort Smith is now accepting donations of vehicles.  They will handle title transfer requirements and provide donors with a tax-deductible donation receipt.  For more info call 479-646-2819.

A WEB SITE VISITOR wanted to know about discounts on water bills for Ft. Smith residents.  Discounts on water usage, sewer, and sanitation may be available to Fort Smith households meeting low-income guidelines.  For more specific details call 479-784-2262 or visit the City's web site at www.fsark.com.

We welcome questions from web site visitors.  To submit your question(s), e-mail us at:
questions@informationandreferralfortsmith.com


From June 26,  2006

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA MID-SOUTH CHAPTER - an organization that supports research for the cure of spinal cord injuries, provides needed wheelchairs and prosthetic equipment for the disabled (both vets and non-vets),  advocates for the rights of the disabled, and aids in the rehab of spinal cord injured vets through sports and recreation programs;  the local unit runs a thrift store at 3500 Jenny Lind in Ft. Smith and may be contacted by phone at 479-494-7282.

RIVER VALLEY NATURE CENTER - A new nature center packed with interactive exhibits, educational programs and natural beauty is coming soon. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is the third in a series of four nature centers planned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with money from the conservation sales tax.  The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is being built on 170 acres of former Fort Chaffee land next to Wells Lake, in Fort Smith. Wells Lake is a popular spot for fishing and picnics. The chosen site is typical of the River Valley region, and is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Each of the nature centers will showcase the nature, environment, history and unique features of its surrounding area. They are designed to be multifaceted, easy to use and accessible to the mobility impaired.  Visit their web site at www.rivervalleynaturecenter.com.

A WEB SITE VISITOR WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ORGAN DONATIONS: A good source of information about organ
transplants, donor cards, and links to organ donor services can be found at www.organdonor.gov.


From May 31,  2006

COOKSON HILLS ELECTRIC CO-OP SCHOLARSHIPS - each year this electric company awards four $500.00 Herman Driscoll Memorial  scholarships to students whose parents are customers;  for more info contact the company at PO Box 539,  Stigler  OK  74462 or call 918-967-4614.

ARKANSAS-OKLAHOMA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (AOAS) - a group that promotes all things astronomical;  to learn more about this organization,  visit their web site at aoas.org .

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES -  offered by Southside Baptist Church at 2400 Dodson in Ft. Smith,  this program provides food at great discounts,  usually 50% or higher;  menus do vary from month to month;  cash, checks and food stamps are all accepted;  for more 
information call 479-782-5041.

NOTE: The following services have asked that their listings be modified to accurately reflect their current programs and services.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (Arkansas Valley) - the Habitat For Humanity International affiliate for Crawford & Sebastian counties;  located at 318 S 17 in Ft. Smith;  479-782-8255;  e-mail address is avhfh@mynewroads.com and web site is www.avhfh.org 

ARKANSAS VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - 318 S 17, Ft. Smith;  479-782-8255; helps low-income families to become home owners;  Habitat families must provide 300-400 hours of "sweat equity," currently live in substandard housing,  meet income guidelines, and have a steady income;  avhfh@mynewroads.com ;  www.avhfh.org 

From April 27,  2006

CAVANAUGH FREE WILL BAPTIST FOOD PANTRY -  Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church at 2825 Grinnell in Ft. Smith is
offering a food pantry  Monday and Wednesday from 1:30 till 3:30 p.m. (These hours have been shortened from their previous listing.)

HOPE CHEST - (operated by Westark Church of Christ)  this service wants to emphasize that they assist families in need of primarilyclothing   without charge to approved applicants;  location is 717 North H Street in Ft. Smith and is open Tuesday, Wednesday &
Thursday from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m.;  furniture may be available from time to time but this is not their main service;  more information may be obtained by calling 479-784-9715.

NOTE: The following services have asked that their listings be modified to accurately reflect their current programs and services.

PREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER - prevention programs for Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk, Scott & Sebastian counties;  a
literature clearinghouse is open to the public by appointment;  training on varied topics is also available;  479-783-1916.

HARBOR HOUSE, INC. - 615 North 19th,  Ft. Smith  AR  72901 (479-785-4083);  alcohol and other drug treatment for men,  both residential and outpatient programs;  Chemical-Free Living Centers are available and also a Family Awareness Program.

ARREST PROJECT - 479-783-5017;  provides support services for smoking cessation in Crawford, Franklin and Logan counties.

TRI-COUNTY SUBSTANCE ABUSE COALITION - provides support services in the area of education of the dangers of alcohol ,
tobacco and other drugs,  servicing Crawford, Franklin and Logan counties;  479-783-5017 & 479-783-1916.

From March 30,  2006

WORKING DISABLED MEDICAID - a health care program of the Arkansas health & Hguman Services Dept. for the working disabled that covers a wide range of health care services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and various therapies;  covers

EMPLOYMENT SOURCES HOTLINE - an excellent source of information on a broad range of employment services,  issues, and
resources;  1-866-283-7900.

LIVING WATERS FOOD PANTRY (Chester, AR) - 305 North Front in Chester;  open 3 to 5 p.m. every 3rd Tuesday of the month;  no calls (walk-in only).

From Feb. 28,  2006

VISION USA - a clearinghouse for putting people needing vision assistance in touch with local clinics that provide eye exams and glasses at greatly reduced rates;  a phone call and corresponding interview by phone are required at 1-800-766-4466.

A WEB SITE VISITOR ASKED IF THERE WERE OTHER DENTAL CLINICS,  in addition to the Community Dental Clinic of Fort Smith, that served people in the River Valley area.  There are!  The 3 listed below will accept clients from the Ft. Smith region:

  1.  NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FREE HEALTH AND DENTAL CLINIC - a small fee, based on income, is required;  please call
        479-444-7548 for more info.
  2.  RATCLIFF DENTAL CLINIC - services are restricted to low-income persons only;  call 479-635-4800 for more info.
  3.  MENA DENTAL CLINIC - uses a sliding scale fee based on income;  call 479-437-3449 for more info.

TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE - provided by Tax-Aide and VITA volunteers to give free tax preparation services and electronic filing assistance;  locations are RSVP Center in Ft. Smith,  Grand Ave. Baptist in Ft. Smith,  First Christian Church in Ft. Smith,  Southside Senior Center in Ft. Smith,  BancorpSouth Bank in Alma,  and Citizens Bank in Van Buren;  for more information call 1-479-426-6386.

VISION USA - a clearinghouse for putting people needing vision assistance in touch with local clinics that provide eye exams and glasses at greatly reduced rates;  a phone call and corresponding interview by phone are required at 1-800-766-4466.

A WEB SITE VISITOR ASKED IF THERE WERE OTHER DENTAL CLINICS,  in addition to the Community Dental Clinic of Fort Smith, that served people in the River Valley area.  There are!  The 3 listed below will accept clients from the Ft. Smith region:

  1.  NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FREE HEALTH AND DENTAL CLINIC - a small fee, based on income, is required;  please call
        479-444-7548 for more info.
  2.  RATCLIFF DENTAL CLINIC - services are restricted to low-income persons only;  call 479-635-4800 for more info.
  3.  MENA DENTAL CLINIC - uses a sliding scale fee based on income;  call 479-437-3449 for more info.

TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE - provided by Tax-Aide and VITA volunteers to give free tax preparation services and electronic filing assistance;  locations are RSVP Center in Ft. Smith,  Grand Ave. Baptist in Ft. Smith,  First Christian Church in Ft. Smith,  Southside Senior Center in Ft. Smith,  BancorpSouth Bank in Alma,  and Citizens Bank in Van Buren;  for more information call 1-479-426-6386.

From January 20,  2006

SPECIAL NOTE (REVERSE MORTGAGE) - in recent months several older clients of the Clearinghouse have inquired about "Reverse Mortgages" which allows the homeowner to get cash while still living in the home,  with the lender being repaid through the sale of the home only when the homeowner moves out or dies;  detailed information about this type of mortgage can be found at www.aarp.org/revmort

INFORMATION UPDATE -  Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church at 2825 Grinnell in Ft. Smith runs a food pantry.  Current days and hours of operation are Monday & Wednesday from 1:30 till 4:30.

THE HOPE CHEST - operated by Westark Church of Christ,  this is a service to assist families in need of furniture without charge to approved applicants;  location is 717 North H Street in Ft. Smith and is open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m.;
more information may be obtained by calling 479-784-9715.

FLOOD INSURANCE - a visitor to the web site has asked about where to get information on flood insurance;  a good source is
www.floodsmart.gov

From November 22,  2005

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSISTANCE OBTAINING EYEGLASSES - 1. The Good Samaritam Clinic provides glasses to both adults and children on Tuesday evenings.  Persons must call first at 783-7103 to make applications and obtain appointment times.
2.  Needy children in Ft. Smith schools may be eligible for eyeglasses through the school system.  Parents must contact their school's nurse to begin the process.

RESTORATION HOUSE - a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility operated by Hearts of Hope in Alma, AR for both male and female;  for more complete information call 479-632-8253.

A visitor to this web site has asked about getting a free credit report.  Federal law requires that a consumer receive a FREE credit report once a year.  A useful web site for this is www.annualcreditreport.com or consumers may directly contact the major credit bureaus:
Equifax (800-685-1111) and Transunion (800-916-8800).

COMMUNITY MENTORING PROGRAM has requested that their fax number and e-mail address be listed:  Fax (479-471-1520) and E-mail address (CommunityMentors@sbcglobal.net).

From October 6, 2005

ARKANSAS RADIO READING SERVICE FOR THE BLIND - broadcasts 24 hrs. a day and 7 days a week on the S.A.P. channels of AETN (channels 2, 6, 9, 13, 19);  readings are presented from many different newspapers,  including the Times Record, the Arkansas Democrat,  the New York Times, and the Wall St. Journal.

ARKANSAS TELEPHONE READER - a computer system that reads the Arkansas Democrat and the Arkansas Times by a combination of digitized and human speech;  to hear a demonstration call 501-852-5127 or 1-800-550-7633 and use the ID number 1777;
to apply for the service call 501-852-5125 or 1-800-645-8125;  for further information e-mail arkansas_blindnet@prodigy.net or visit the web site at pages.prodigy.com/blindnet/.

DIABETES CARE PATIENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - offered by Abbott Pharmeceuticals;  will provide test strips and lancets and also a glucometer if needed to patients who qualify;  for more info or to apply call 1-866-224-8887.

COALITION FOR TOBACCO EDUCATION & PREVENTION - a sponsored program of St. Edward Mercy Medical Center whose mission is to improve the health of people by reducing the burden of tobacco using the methods of prevention, education and advocacy; for more information call 479-314-5707 or e-mail ASummers@ftsm.mercy.net.


From August 26, 2005

PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE - a nationwide program that brings together diverse medical groups to help
qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need from participating public and private programs;  this program serves as a "clearinghouse" for prescription assistance programs and can help people locate the best assistance program to help get their medications either free or at greatly reduced rates;  htere is no cost to use this service;  call 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or go to their web site at www.pparx.org.

MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS - starting January 1,  2006,  Medicare will offer plans to help on the costs of prescription medications for those who have Medicare Part A and/or  Part B (coverage may also be available to those in a Medicare
Advantage Plan);  the facts of this plan can be complicated and those interested are encourage to get detailed information by calling
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or by going to the web site www.medicare.gov.

MENTORING PROGRAM OF CRAWFORD COUNTY is now known as the COMMUNITY MENTORING PROGRAM at
614 Webster St.,  Van Buren  AR  (72956) 479-410-1500;  mission continues to be "to effect change in the lives of single at-risk
mothers to break the cycle of poverty and dependence and establish secure and stable homes for them and their children through training, education and guidance from volunteer mentors."

NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL - has an update!  There are now local contacts:  Jack at 479-883-1212 and Randy at 479-221-0102;  the rest of the information as follows remains the same:  phone is 800-844-0381; education, referrals, advocacy & support groups. Serving Arkansas residents. Call for meetings information. Services are free. To go to their web site click here:
www.nami-ar@nami.org

From July 12,  2005

CAREGIVER INFORMATION WEB SITE - a web site developed by the Home Instead Senior Care Advisory Board that provides a broad range of information for caregivers,  including a caregivers stress assessment test;  the web site address for information is
www.caregiverstress.com.  The web site for the Home Instead Senior Care Advisory Board is www.homeinstead.com or call
888-484-5759.

FREE CREDIT REPORTS - Arkansas consumers can now get free basic credit reports from the 3 major credit report agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228 (more detailed credit reports are available on a fee basis).

From April 26, 2005:

FOOD SAFETY NATIONAL HOTLINE - 1-800-424-9121 - a contact number to use in cases where someone has questions on
particular food safety issues relating to transporters, warehouses, distributors, retailers and restaurants.

NOTE:  A visitor to the web site has asked for information for child support enforcement offices serving the Fort Smith area.  Questions from users are always welcomed and can be addressed to us at this e-mail address:  fsclearhou@aol.com .  Here is the information:

CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT OFFICE - (serving Crawford, Franklin, Logan & Sebastian counties) 479-471-8855 or write to:  Child Support Enforcement Regional Office,  3132 Alma Blvd., Van Buren  AR  72956.


UPDATED INFORMATION:  The hours of operation of Habitat For Humanity's Restore Warehouse have changed.  The new hours are included below in the complete listing for this service:

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE WAREHOUSE - offers to the public household appliances, improvement items, and yard supplies at discount prices; located at 800 South 6th St. in Ft. Smith; open 10 a.m. till 5 p,.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; all proceeds benefit Habitat For Humanity; for more info call 479-651-0086.


From March 28, 2005:

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE WEB SITE - an online resource for comprehensive information about Alzheimer's Disease:  go to
www.alzheimersdisease.com .

FAMILY CAREGIVERS RESOURCE WEB SITE -  a site that provides family caregivers a huge database of information on family care-giving topics;  go to www.caregiving.org/content/fcrc.html .

CENTER FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS - a non-profit organization that provides online support and educational materials to family caregivers;  go to www.familycaregivers.org 

TAX HELP -  the IRS offers a special tool to help tax-paying workers correctly figure out how much to have withheld from their paychecks;  go to www.irs.gov and type "withholding calculator" in the search box.

Held Over from Feb. 28, 2005:

GAM-ANON - a group for family and friends of compulsive gamblers; currently meets at 6 pm on Tuesdays at the Fort Smith MillerBranch Library at 8701 Soutrh 28th Street.

RECALL INFORMATION ON DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS - for a listing of defective products that have been recalled by the government,  go to www.recalls.gov .

USA FREEDOM CORPS - a government organization that maintains listings of humanitarian and chartiable groups that are deemed to be reputable for persons nationwide to donate to for worthy causes. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.gov .

Held Over from Jan. 31, 2005:

CELEBRATE RECOVERY - a Christ centered recovery program that helps people gain freedom from "all kinds of hurts, habits, and hang-ups" and uses the traditional 12 steps of recovery plus 8 Biblical principles based on the Beatitudes;  local contact can be made through the following area churches:  Grace Community (646-1177),  Greenwood First Baptist (1-996-2166), Harvest Time Tabernacle (646-6001), Heritage Methodist (474-6424), Goddard Methodist (785-1415), St. Paul Methodist (783-5908).

LYELL COLLEGE - a Bible college in Ft. Smith that offers the following degrees:  Associate of Biblical Studies, Bachelor of Biblical Studies, Bachelor of Theology,  and Master of Theological Studies;  located at 12500 Fort Smith Blvd in Ft. Chaffee;  for more
infomation call 479-478-0222.

RADIO PROGRAMS ONLINE - a source for radio programs available from your computer by going online covering a large array of topics; go to www.aarp.org/leisure/radio/pt/


Held Over from Dec. 6, 2004:

SINGLE PARENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND - provides supplemental financial assistance to those single parents who are pursuing a course of instruction which will improve their income-earning potential (scholarships may be used for tuition, books or other financial needs);  serves Crawford and Sebastian counties;  for more info call 479-782-1311;  applications are available at the web site
www.aspsf.org (look under the subheading for Crawford or Sebastian county).

QUESTION:  a visitor to this web site e-mailed the following question - "Is there any place online that has information on those
electronic devices that has a button you can push in an emergency to summon help?"  YES, there is.  Information on Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) is available at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/pers/htm.

*IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION,  PLEASE E-MAIL FSCLEARHOU@AOL.COM.

INFORMATION FOR PET LOVERS:

PETFINDERS - provides information and resources for pet adoption and pet care;  visit the web site at http://learn.petfinder.com or call 800-666-5678.

HUMANE SOCIETY - promotes the protection of all animals;  for more info visit the web site at www.hsus.org or call
202-452-1100 (a local contact number is 479-783-4395 in Ft. Smith).

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) - an advocacy group that works to prevent abuse in all animal groups;  for more info call 757-622-PETA or visit the web site at www.peta-online.org.

Held Over from Nov. 19, 2004:

SINGLE -PARENT OUTREACH SERVICES now has a web site:  www.singleparentoutreachservices.com.

LEADERSHIP FORT SMITH, a training program through UA-Ft. Smith, now has a web site:  www.LeadershipFortSmith.com.

CHILDREN'S ORGAN TRANSPLANT ASSOCIATION - a national charity that works with families who have members in need of transplants and the local community in raising funds needed for the transplant;  for more info call 800-366-2682.

Held Over from Sept. 15, 2004:

PHONE FRIEND HELPLINE - a phone service for children ages 5 - 12 who need someone to talk to about anything at all;  available 24 hrs., 7 days a week;  call 1-888-723-3225.

TEEN HOTLINE - for teens with any type of issue they need to talk about;  available 24 hrs., 7 days a week;  1-800-798-8336.

CREDIT PROBLEM ASSISTANCE - for information on ways to fix credit problems, call 877-FTC-HELP or go to
www.ftc.gov.

GRIEF and LOSS ASSISTANCE -  provides publications and online resources for those dealing with the death of a loved one;
sponsored by AARP;  go to www.griefandloss.org.

HEALTHY EATING INFORMATION - provided by the American Dietetic Assoc.;  go to www.eatright.org.

Held Over from Sept. 15, 2004:

NEW FOOD PANTRY -  Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church at 2825 Grinnell in Ft. Smith is offering a food pantry from Monday through Friday from 1:30 till 4:30 p.m.

WELCOME NEIGHBOR CLUB OF GREATER FORT SMITH (Updated Info) - a non-profit social women's organization serving new and long-time residents of Ft. Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood and other neighboring communities;  for more info call 479-649-0618.

BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS - information to promote safe bicycle riding is available at www.aaos.org (go to the "Prevent Injuries
America" section) or call 800-824-BONES.

NEXT STEP DAY ROOM/INTEGRITY MINISTRIES - provides a day room and assorted casework services for the homeless at 123 North 6th St., Suite 200 in Ft. Smith.

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY - provides information on these diseases;  visit their web site at www.leukemia-lymphoma.com
or call 800-264-2873.

Held Over from August 23, 2004

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULAR SKELETAL SKIN DISEASE - an information resource for these various diseases, including Lupus (301-496-8190).

WELCOME NEIGHBOR of GREATER FT. SMITH - New Information:  call 479-452-5123 or e-mail mkirkpatrick96@hotmail.com.

HEART TO HEART PREGNANCY SUPPORT CENTER  -  has moved to 216A N. Greenwood Ave., Ft. Smith  AR  72901.
This group offers support services, pregnancy test, abortion alternatives, counseling, referrals. Monday-Friday,10am-2:45 pm. All
services free.


RIVER VALLEY TOBACCO-FREE COALITION - provides education on the dangers of tobacco use and second-hand smoke and cessation materials;  for more info contact Mona Clemons, Project Coordinator, 2321 Rogers Ave.,  Ft. Smith  AR  72901 or call 479-782-3260 (fax is 479-782-3686) or e-mail to rvtfc@cox-internet.com.

NEW INFORMATION on the Local Representative for ARKIds First - A local representative for Crawford and Sebastian Counties may be contacted by calling Mona Clemons, ARKids First Outreach Specialist, at 479-494-5700 ext. 1686 or by fax at 479-484-9991 (Vista Health, 10301 Mayo Rd., Barling  AR  72923).  To go to the web site click here: www.arkidsfirst.com.


FORT SMITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY - a membership group with 430 members;  publishes the Fort Smith Historical Journal every 6 months;  has an office at 422 North B St. (Yoes All State Plaza building);  visit their web site at www.fortsmithhistory.com.

TWO NEW FOOD PANTRIES have been added to the Food Pantries section of the PERSONAL NEEDS page.  These are
Sugarloaf Christian Fellowship Food Pantry (35204 Midway Rd., Poteau  OK) and New Life Center of Waldron AR (phone number is 479-637-3093).  To go immediately to the PERSONAL NEEDS page click HERE.

Held Over from July 19, 2004

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION - the web site address has now been listed:  www.diabetes.org.

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY - the web site has now been listed:  www.nmss.org.

NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION - provides an extensive list of patient and caregiver resources;  800-327-4545;
web address is www.parkinson.org.

NATIONAL STROKE ASSOCIATION - provides comprehensive information on stroke symptoms and listings of resources for caregivers and stroke survivors;  800-787-6537;  web address is www.stroke.org.

CAREGIVERS RESOURCE CONNECTION (by AXA Foundation) - an information site for a broad range of topics relating to caregiver issues;  www.caregiving.org/content/fcrc.html.

AIDS CLINICAL TRIALS INFORMATION SERVICE - go to www.hivatis.org.

AIDS-HIV RESOURCE CENTER - provides access to current information and treatments; www.healingwell.com/AIDS/.

ALS (AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS) ASSOC. (Lou Gehring's Disease) - provides information for patients, medical professionals, and caregivers;  800-782-4747;  web site address is www.alsa.org.

NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE - provides information on eye diseases and current eye research;  301-496-5248;  web address is
www.nei.nih.gov.

PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA - provides information on community and patient services, programs and research;
800-331-2020;  web address is www.preventblindness.org.

OFFICE OF MINORITY RESOURCES (HEALTH) - works to eliminate disparities in health between different racial and ethnic populations;  800-444-6472;  web address is www.omhrc.gov.

THE MEDICINE PROGRAM - assists persons nationwide who have prescription needs but lack the financial ability to have them met;
573-996-7300;  web address is www.themedicineprogram.com.

HILL-BURTON PROGRAM - has information on assistance for hospitalization and prescription costs;  800-638-0742;
web address is www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr.

HELPING PATIENTS - a web site that has information for persons needing financial aid for prescriptions;  web address is
www.helpingpatients.org.

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