Jett Harris of Fort Smith

Financial donations are the most straightforward solution when it comes to helping those without stable housing. Yet , money is only one piece of the puzzle. Proper support for the homeless community means looking deeper into their daily struggles and finding creative, hands-on ways to make life more manageable. People can build stronger connections and offer genuine pathways toward dignity and stability by going beyond cash contributions . Moreover, practical action can empower individuals in ways that money cannot. These contributions can significantly impact people, whether they’re sharing skills, volunteering time, or offering emotional support. Every act of kindness has the potential to transform lives and remind us that homelessness is a human challenge—not just an economic one. Give Your Time Where It Matters Volunteering remains one of the most impactful ways to support those experiencing homelessness. Shelters, food banks, and community centers constantly need extra help to...

Leadership often evokes images of boardrooms, strategic planning , and corporate decision-making. Yet some of the most profound leadership lessons are learned far from the office. Mentoring teenagers offers an unfiltered view of human development and provides experiences that sharpen a leader’s ability to inspire, guide, and adapt. By stepping into the role of a mentor, leaders engage in a dynamic relationship that fosters growth not only for the teen but also for themselves. What makes mentoring teens unique is its demand for authenticity. While employees may adapt to hierarchy, teenagers demand honesty and consistency. Leaders who take on this challenge develop a clearer sense of purpose, learn to connect more meaningfully, and carry these lessons back to their professional environments. Communication That Builds Trust Mentoring teens requires leaders to rethink their approach to communication. Professional jargon and lengthy explanations rarely resonate. Instead, leaders must break ...

Volunteering with youth is more than just a community service activity; it can be a transformative experience for both the volunteer and the young people they work with. When I first decided to give back by mentoring youth, I never anticipated the profound impact it would have on my perspective of leadership. While it’s easy to view leadership as a top-down relationship where one directs others, my experience taught me that leadership is more about guiding, listening, and empowering others. As I spent more time with these young individuals, my leadership style evolved in ways I hadn’t expected. Understanding the True Role of a Leader At the onset of my volunteer work, I approached the role of a mentor with a preconceived notion that leadership was about providing answers, solving problems, and giving direction. However, as I began spending time with the youth I mentored, I quickly learned that authentic leadership isn’t about being the person who always knows what to do. Instead, it’s...