The Markley Administration Project, Theme, & Mission:
State Theme: “A journey of service should always lead you home.”
I wanted my pin to evoke home. Home for us is Arkansas. I thought about symbols of our state. The apple blossom is the state flower of AR. It’s what I have chosen to be my representation of HOME.
State Regent’s Project: Veterans Village of Jonesboro & AR VA Veterans Homeless Alliance
Many of you are familiar with the VA’s Homeless Alliance. We did a service project making kitchen kits for them at the 2022 ASDAR State Conference. However, you don’t likely know about the Veterans Village of Jonesboro because it’s the first of its kind in Arkansas.
The 13 counties that make up the Northern & Eastern counties of AR are not served (in general) by the programs of Arkansas. The veterans in these counties are served by Memphis, TN, and Poplar Bluff, MO. Jonesboro is centrally located in Craighead Co. In Craighead Co. alone, there are over 5000 veterans. Hundreds of these veterans live below the poverty line. Many are homeless.
The Veterans Village of Jonesboro will serve those who are homeless. It is not like other Veterans Villages around the state. They are not part of a VA system. They were built and operated from grants from the National Housing Trust Fund, the City of Jonesboro, and private donors. There are 7 single-family units of 550 sq. for individuals and 2 two-bedroom units at 950sq. ft. for families.
Each home is brand new and is completely furnished with everything from furniture to shower curtains and everything in between. After applicants are selected, they move into their homes for an 18-month period. This cyclical program moves veterans in/out every 18 months. During that time, the veterans will be assisted by professionals who will locate every resource they need. These resources may include, but are not limited to, medical, psychological, educational, vocational, and permanent housing needs. At the end of that 18-month journey, that veteran moves into permanent housing, because “a journey of service should always lead home.“
Scripture: “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”Hebrews 3:4 NIV
The MISSION of the Markley Team is to promote belonging by acknowledging with gratitude and friendship each member and her dedicated service and to energize members to join this journey of meaningful service in our country and communities as we raise awareness of DAR’s purpose, relevance, and vibrancy through wide and diverse public outreach. We will honor the spirit of our Revolutionary ancestors and educate the public about their sacrifices, and we will actively promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism so that we can celebrate Stars and Stripes Forever!