For as long as she can remember, Jessica Schueck has aspired to being a mother. “As a little girl, you would find me mothering pretty much anyone who wanted to play with me – from the dogs, to the horses, to my siblings.” With a son of her own, Jessica enjoys helping with kids at his school and extracurricular activities. Now, with a blended family, Jessica feels fortunate. It was her mother-in-law Marge Schueck that introduced Jessica to Our House: a shelter for the working homeless that offers residents, regardless of circumstances, a safe haven to establish + redefine independence. Little Learners resonated with Jessica and she remains devoted to the most vulnerable Our House clients. “We agree on the importance of early childhood education. Our House seeks to break the cycle among the kids they serve, investing in their growth and success from the start.”
This family’s commitment to the organization is unwavering. “They have been longtime supporters; their generosity is the reason we will be able to open up four additional classrooms this spring devoted to early childhood education for our preschool aged kids.” Development Director Caroline Robbins elaborates. “Patrick’s mother, Marge, volunteered for years in Little Learners. Watching Jessica have the same passion and dedication has been very moving for us. As the CEO, Patrick is proud to have Lexicon, Inc. as the presenting sponsor this year.” The couple will welcome friends and fellow patrons to Dinner on the Grounds early next month. This family-friendly evening of Southern cuisine, spirits and sweet treats generates funding for the programs and resources that that Our House provides, like Little Learners. Jessica notes, “Little Learners is a state-of-the-art facility that allows Our House kids to flourish every single day! The staff is second-to-none, and the programming is also nationally accredited, an honor few organizations in the city, and even the state, can claim.”
Little Learners Child Development Center is an accredited center that incorporates exemplary early education, empowering the entire family with a two-generation philosophy. The curriculum promotes school readiness and enhances the children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Family Fun Night and parent-teacher conferences complete the continuum. Jessica notes this is a critical component of the Our House mission fulfillment work. “I wish more people understood that Our House is not your typical homeless shelter; it is a community of people loving and teaching each other to give themselves a better life. They are groundbreaking in their approach to supporting families.” For more than three decades, Our House has offered a strategic plan out of homelessness for families – empowering every individual it serves.
Jessica realizes the importance of consistency and comes to the shelter every week as a volunteer. “Nothing can replace the feeling of a child’s excitement to see you, especially when they jump into your arms and say, ‘You came back!’ I may only see them once a week, but they know they can count on me.” This feeling of joy + purpose reflects the Schueck family’s vision for building a brighter future for all Arkansans. “Success starts young, and Our House is making sure children have the best possible shot, right from the beginning.”