Photography by SARAH ODEN | Makeup by ANGELA LANE with BARBARA JEAN
Chief People Officer Allison Cox encourages friends, family and colleagues to “be yourself, everyone else is taken.” At Encore Bank, she manages an array of projects – from human resources to marketing and customer experience. She recognizes that “life is messy; it’s never going to be perfect” and helps bring out the best in everyone. This perspective as well as her role as a mom, wife and business leader blends seamlessly into her service to Centers for Youth & Families.
As Evolve Gala Chairmen, Allison and her husband Sean are excited to host the event later this month. Allison credits her initial interest in Centers for Youth & Families to life during the pandemic. “As many people did during COVID, I felt like I needed to be doing more for our community. I reached out and The Centers put me to work right away!” Be A Bridge, the theme for this year’s gala, reflects the legacy of the organization and its continued commitment to all Arkansans. Patrons will gather for an evening that celebrates the mission fulfillment work, the people who make it possible and the Champions of Hope.
Centers for Youth & Families is the oldest continuously operating nonprofit organization in Arkansas. From its beginning as the Children’s Aid Society to The Centers that serves the state’s most vulnerable residents, the vision remains steadfast – building healthy children, families and communities. “The Centers continues to help children and families who need it most,” Allison notes 6,000+ people last year. “Those who might otherwise not have access or financial resources to receive the help they need.” This continnum of care includes child + adolescent residential care, therapeutic foster care, day treatment programs, substance use treatment programming, prevention services, outpatient counseling, and a 24/7/365 crisis hotline. Proceeds from the Evolve Gala support these life-changing programs at Centers for Youth & Families – specifically the Human Trafficking Treatment Program, the only residential program in the state for victims. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of 65 young men who have completed a year of service through the Champions of Hope program as well as the Hero of Hope Award to Ron Boyeski. “It is truly a magical night of supporters who want to answer the call and give to The Centers for all the important work that’s done there.”
