THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD I have a very different life than my mom had growing up. My mom has been telling me from the time I was born that her life was not great and that she was instilling certain values into me. There has never been a question that I am to make A/B honor roll and go to college. She even made me start saving for college when I was 7 years old.

I kind of thought my mom was crazy, but it all began to make sense in the fall of 2012, when our family structure changed. I could really see the differences that my mom had been talking about, and it really affected me. I became angry, withdrawn, and just emotional. My grades dropped a lot and I just wanted to stay in my room all the time.

I’m glad for the experience because it SHOWED me the difference. I am once again an A/B honor roll student. I have a good school life, lots of friends, have played sports since kindergarten, and hope to do something with medicine some day. ~ Chandler Morris, Child of an SPSF/BC Graduate

I am a little uncomfortable and embarrassed to give accolades about myself, but I want you to know that I represent many wonderful single parents with changed lives because of SPSF/BC!

My story began while living in a halfway house. I made a promise to my baby that things would be different for him from the way I grew up. Because of you, single parent scholarship staff, volunteers, and donors, I have changed my family tree and am so blessed.

I stayed in high school and graduated from NWACC and the UA. I’ve been a teacher for 7 years now -- a job that requires a college degree and certifications.

Every semester I wanted to quit. Instead, I received counseling, support, paper goods, scholarships, extra resources, educational direction, and a caring “family”. I became a Family and Consumer Science teacher because it taught me how to live. School and SPSF/BC taught me things my parents didn’t.

I’ve been off of ALL government assistance programs since college graduation. I have a nice car that I can depend on to take me anywhere I want to go. I’ve been able to take vacations with my child that I could only dream of as a kid. I recently sold my house that I bought in 2003 and purchased a nicer, bigger house in a better neighborhood. I am living the American dream.

So many of you give to this program with your time and resources. Chandler and I thank you for supporting SPSF/BC, who became, and still remain, our family. ~ Nichole Mannion, SPSF/BC Graduate, and Chandler’s mother

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County

Board of DirectorsMary M.W. Schneider, Chair

KMBS&P Law Firm

Judy Hammond, Vice ChairRetired

Sean Moran, 2nd Vice ChairSchreiber Foods

Brian Wood, Finance ChairARVEST Asset Management

Rebecca Riley, TreasurerUnited Bank

Barb Smith, SecretaryRetired

Members at LargeSarah Alderson

Walmart

Jerry CavnessRetired

Michelle CordellNWACC

Jay H. Elliott Infinity Compounding Solutions

Phil GehlhausenMercy Medical Center

Hank SchepersColgate-Palmolive

Kristin StricklandOutdoor Cap Company

2601 SW “D” StreetBentonville, AR 72712

(479) 254-8550 (479) 254-8885 Fax

spsfbc@spsfbc.comwww.spsfbc.com

Dear Friends of Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County,

We have had another great year at Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County (SPSF/BC)! I am excited to be Board Chair in 2014 as SPSF/BC is turning 30 this year and with that comes celebration!

For 30 years, we have been making a difference in the lives of single parents

pursuing a better life through higher education, which in turn has made a difference in the

lives of their families and their children, and has benefitted our community as a whole. One of the great things about our program is that our students leave with a great sense of “paying it forward.” The recipients so often give back to us by volunteering to serve on our Alumni Council, but they also give back to the community, choosing to remain here and be part of the Benton County work force and community. SPSF/BC’s students become real assets to this community.

2013 saw some changes at SPSF/BC. We have a new director, Jack Eaton, who comes to us with an impressive background working with the nonprofit sector. Jack has only been here a few months and has already accomplished big things for us. Also, in 2013, we saw Sally Conduff return to the position of Academic & Career Advisor—a job she was born to do. She is a real asset to SPSF/BC as are all the staff, Kim Vest, Fran Brown, Aana Hazelip-Sears, and Andrea Milton. Without our staff, we would not be where we are today.

Be watching for some big changes in 2014. We are becoming a real 21st Century organization with increased technological capabilities as well as an increased presence on the World Wide Web.

Last but not least, let me say, SPSF/BC could not exist without the generosity of our donors, and for that, may I lead a cheer in thanking all of you for making SPSF/BC the success it is in all its 30 wonderful years.

Best wishes and here is to a great 2014!Mary M. White Schneider, Board ChairKeith, Miller, Butler, Schneider & Pawlik, PLLC

Spring 2014 Scholarship Recipients145 Recipients

Average Age: 31

EDUCATION76% have a high school diploma24% have a GED

54% are the first in their family to go to college

ABUSE ISSUES67% of students were victims of abuse or violence 34% were abused spouses 19% were molested as a child 20% were abused as a child 17% have experienced violent crimes 6% are victims of date rape13% of children experienced abuse

HEALTH AND INSURANCE33% of parents do not have health insurance14% of parents are being treated for depression

8% of children have private health insurance55% of children are on ARKids First or Medicaid 3% of children do not have health insurance34% no response

11% of children have a disability

CHILDREN AND CHILD SUPPORT200 children

40% of children are under the age of 657% of children are 7-18 years old59% of 108 families receive $0 child support15% have problems receiving child support

$16.33 a day average child support received per family

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE/BANKRUPTCY

77% receive the following government assistance: HUD Housing, Food Stamps, Childcare and/ or Medicaid17% filed bankruptcy 62% due to divorce and credit cards 38% due to medical bills

STUDENTS AND HUNGER51% receive food stamps27% report an insufficient amount of food45% participate in free or reduced school lunches20% have visited a food pantry

$9.27 average food stamps per family/per day

Meet Our New Staff

Outcomes 20132013: 31 Recipients Earned Credentials• 12 earned associate degrees or certificates and continue in school • 2 earned Bachelor’s degrees and continue in school • 3 are December graduates looking for work• 13 employed• 1 unable to contact• 4 graduated Magna Cum Laude• 1 graduated Cum Laude

EmploymentAverage income of employed graduates is $32,800.When beginning the program, average income for this group was $16,304.

100% of working graduates are above the poverty level

• Employed in health, education, and business• Reduced or eliminated government assistance• Became more economically self-sufficient• Increased independence• Began paying taxes• One graduate purchased a home!

Andrea Milton joined our team as Development Coordinator in February. We are very excited to have her. Andrea graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Recreation Administration and Event Management. She has spent the last 4+ years with the Arthritis Foundation in Omaha, Nebraska, serving in various capacities including Special Events Director, Development Associate and Special Events Coordinator.

New Student Orientation 2014

Held in January, NSO provided an opportunity for new scholarship recipients to meet and begin building a support network. Because of the weather in early 2014, the SPSF/BC office did something a little different. Instead of having one big session with all the new students, the office held 4 smaller sessions at a later time. The 24 students received information on financial aid/student loans, financial management/budgeting, teamwork/communications, counseling services, and SPSF/BC processes.

Held in January, Spring Awards included the following workshops: - “Street Smarts” offering job search, application and interview tips;

- “Survival 101” offering tips from Alumni on time management, financial reality, a reality check on managing multiple roles, and professional dress; - “Stress Management” providing information about stress management, as well as identifying personal stressors and ways of effective coping; - “Professionalism and Thank You notes” highlighting the importance of presenting ones self professionally in in any environment, and focusing strongly on well written and meaningful Thank You notes.

During the awards program, 139 students were recognized and 55 anticipated graduates were honored.

Spring Awards Program 2014

ALLIES

Rachel AdairDana Alton

Bryce & Jean AndersonTimicka BagleyDolores Bartizal

Shirley BeattyBella Vista Homesteaders

Sharon BentonBenton County Republican Women

Lanell BlackwellDonald & Lee Blair

Annette BlakeVickey Boozman

Randy & Julie BoysenBarbara Bronstrup

Fran BrownMindy Brown

Steven W. Burch, CPA, PAMary Byers

Heather CampbellVirginia CampbellTim & Julie Chval

Lisa ClardyBill & Mary Jane Cole

Scott ComiskeyDenise CrippsMuriel Cross

Carissa CummingsAlexander & Cynthia Curchin

Debbie’s Gourmet ToffeeGeorge & Rebecca Delong

Robert & Karen DobbsChelsea Draisey

Andra DrakeJan Dunham

Wesley & Katy EatonChristopher & Laurel Elliott

Debra L. Ewing-HightCindy FieldsKathy ForbesAdeline T. FryRuth I. Gabriel

Jack & Beverly GentryDeana George

Cathy Deann GladdenJ.W. & Bonnie Grimes

Anne HaleElizabeth Hall

Jean HardyJohn & Kaye HarrisTom & Molly Harris

Victor & Marlene HartzlerJim & Mona Harvey

Vanda HawkinsAana Hazelip-Sears

Ruthanne Hill

Alice HinesJackie Humbard

Julie JarrettDavid & Faye Jeffery

Paula JenkinsKathy Jennings

Mary Jane JenningsSusan Johnston

Gladys M. KeenenWilliam & Vivian Keller

Jamie KempLandscape Creations by S Jasan

Bill & Carolyn LayLarry & Nancy Long

Toni LuetjenJohn & Harriet Mack

Corey & Roxann MaishCarl Marugg

Richard & Karen McKelveyJoel & Letha Meier

Louise MeierNathan & Ashlea Meier

Jeff Milford Nestle USA

Lorraine NewberryPEO Chapter BO/BY

PEO Chapter USid & Charlie Phillippy

Barbara PhillipsBette Pickrel

Christine PinkleyShannon Pointer PrP Consulting

Deb Raiees-DanaClint & Dawn Richards

Karen RobbinsMartha Roberds

Alice RogersRogers High School Class of 1951

Patricia RoycroftRandi Ruiz

Robert & Phyllis SchatzPat Schram

Don & Joan SchroederKaren SchrollSylvia Scott

John & Jean SearsMargaret Seba

David & Kathy SeitzDoug & Helen Shepherd

Dorothea SherwoodMark & Maria Smith

Mark StampsLynn StanberryRhiannon Steele

Susan StiersSandy Stout

Jeanie Strachan

Kristin StricklandBala Subramanian

Shirley SuttonKatie Tennis

The Merl and Betty M Haga Living Trust

Phyllis ThurmanPatty TomlinsonChelsea TuckerSam & Kay Voss

Lori WalkerKassondra WeeksWeichert Realtors/

The Griffin CompanyScott and Vicque White

Tim WhiteSusan Withrow

Orvil & Louise WobigKimberly Woods

Terri YoungChristine Zini

BUILDERS

Barbara AllenDon & Julie Amos

Stewart & Karen BaguleyLee & Alice Balzer

Roger & Annmarie BeamBedford Camera & Video

Bell Office SupplyBella Vista Methodist Quilters

Patricia BirdRick & Sheryl Brazile

Karen CauldwellDonald & Margaret Christianson

Bob & Kim ClinardKevin & Michelle Cordell

Allan & Jan CulmerPete & Bettye Jane Davey

DaySpring CardsMichael & Mary Jo Denny

Diamond FoodsDavid & Gloria DibleJohn & Emily Douglas

Jack & Sue EatonEvelyn Espe

John & Audra FarrellFlynn ProductionsPhil Gehlhausen

David & Nanci GreenEdward & Ruth Grosshuesch

Marcia HainesHal Smith Restaurant Group:

Krispy Kreme DoughnutsHank & Cheryl Harrison

Denny HigginsBetty Hilton

2013

don

ors

Ray & Debbie Hobbs Richard & Elizabeth Horne

Carol HowertonJanet Hunter

Johnny Carino’s Italian RestaurantLarry & Glena JohnsonMark & Kelly Johnson

Charles & Evelyn JorgensonSherry Kavanagh

Michael & Mary KoenigsJay & Katie Kraner

Darwin & Nancy Jo KrumreyMark & Linda Krysl

Carolyn LarimerLearning RXMegan Lewis

Lovely Purchase Chapter NSDARLorrie MaddenSue S. Martin

Dwain & Pam MayerBob & Lana McCaslin

Stephanie MeehanPete & Marj Metzger

John P. & Mary MiddletonBill MillagerGayle Nelson

Charles & June NesbittDean & Jeanne Newberry

Northwest Technical InstituteNeva O’BrienJean O’Dell

Olive GardenKaren Parker

Bob & Teri PassM. June PelphreyLadonna Penner

Kenneth & Doris PerryOJ & Charlie Pierson

Kitty PolichPreceptor Alpha Upsilon

Presbyterian Women of Bella VistaNorm & Shannon Prestage

Jane PrichardAllyson RansomAgnes L. ReaganHoward Records

Revlon/AlmayRhoads Law Firm

Col. Lucile M. Roberts, Ret.Richie Roberts

Bob & Cathy RossTennie Russell

Doug & Sharon SchrantzCharley & Frances Scott

Paul & Deborah SealPaul & Winnie Shanor

Dorothy ShepherdBrina Smith

Roland & Bernice SmithRichard & Barbara Sterup

Sherrice StevensJohn Swearingen

Thrasher & Chambers, Inc.Bob Toney

Todd ToombsDick & Nancy TrammelDon & Debbie Trammell

TruistAnne Turner

United Lutheran Church Men’s Club of Bella VistaJerry & Kim Vest

Wal-Mart Health & Wellness Replenishment Team

Terry & Kathleen WarrenRobert & Suzanne Webb

Frances WilliamsBrian & Amy Wood

William L. Yoos, O.D., P.A.

CHALLENGERS

4 State Seafood, Inc. DBA Crabby’sAbundant TreasuresAltrusa of Rogers

Lois BoutonJohn & Stephania Brown

Casey’s Marketing CompanyCherokee Nation Entertainment

CotyCoupon Club of Northwest Arkansas

Bill & Aggie DanenhauerDon & Arline Daut

James FarleyMary Eva GeorgeGeorgia Harris

Jimmy & Sherry HarrisHartz Mountain Corporation

Highlands United Methodist WomenJimmy Holloway

Ray & Barbara HostetlerLouise Wade Hunter

Asa & Susan HutchinsonHoward & Elaine Kerr

Norman KoellerKruger Products

Erin KwyzlaAlbert & Maxine McClain

Richard & Carol MilesPat Reid

Republican Women of BentonvilleRogers Early Risers Rotary Club

Steve & Sally RossJan Smith

Tom & Carrie SmithThe Wine Group

Dawn ThompsonThrivent Financial

Kai & Wendy TogamiJim & Susan von Gremp

Ron & Debbie WannManny & Debra WindhamLarry & Eleanor Winter

MENTORS

Advantage Sales and MarketingAltrusa of Bentonville/Bella Vista

Howard & Kay AndersonClarence Archer

Bank of the OzarksBradshaw International

Brian Gibson PhotographyCarroll Electric Cooperative Corp.

Club Marketing ServicesColliers International

Cooper Communities, Inc.Jay & Arwen Elliott

Leroy & Barbara FleemanGibson Overseas IncJohn & Vicki Halley

Highlands United Methodist MenJohnelle Hunt

Hutchinson Group, LLCIllinois Tool Works FoundationKeith, Miller, Butler, Schneider,

& Pawlik Law FirmKruger Products

Laureate Alpha Nu of Beta Sigma PhiBurnis Leavens

Max & Charlene McGaughNWA Sales & Marketing Oftedahl’s Fine Portraits

OlivetDr. Charles & Carey Pollard

Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista Regions BankFelicia Saenz

Danny & Mary SchneiderJames & Joanne Spainhower

Spectrum BrandsBrent & Shelle Summers

Sun Products Corporation Peggy Swain Stein

SWEPCOShawn & Christina Taylor

Tyson FoodsUnited Lutheran Church Women

of Bella VistaUnited Way of Gentry

Vi-JonJohn Wolfe

John & Lanita Wright

Charlotte Allen

Pat Barron Charles Baskett Solveig Berry

Leonard & Mary Nell Brown Bob Breaux

Jack Cavness Carmen Champaign Reagan Christians

Bob & Bonnie CrowVickie Louise Crow

Don DobbeBarb EbkerJewel Fisher

Bill FleemanHomer & Lillian Fleeman

Bill Fugitt Doyle L. Guthrie Russell Haugen

Grant Haws David Herr Grace Hill

John HolseyLou Johansen Neil Leavens

Jack & Anne Lebert Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe

George McClary

John & Virginia Mocivnik Rudy Moore Jr. Barbara Nelson Rita NesselhaufRalph K. Porch

Mary Sue Reagan Pat Reid

Stephanie Row Robert Schatz

Edward “Chuck” SernettJohn & Evie TateDonald E. White

Francis & Pauline Wilson Jo Wright

MEMORIALS FOR 2013

All donations in memory of loved ones are welcome.Memorial donations of $500 or more are recognized in the memorial brochure.

PARTNERSAARP Chapter 109 of Bella Vista

Bank of America Charitable FoundationBank of OklahomaBoyce Billingsley

Bob & Marilyn BogleDavid & Tina BogleLinda Allen Brown

Steve & Marilyn BrownJerry & Valerie Cavness

Charlotte & Delbert Allen Charitable & Scholarship Trust

Clifton Eoff PhotographyColdwell Banker Harris

McHaney & FaucetteWayne & Sally Conduff

Gary & Mary CrowMary Dryden

First United Methodist Church Men of BVJeannie Fleeman

John & Elaine FossFrost, LLP

Goodmark - USABill & Sharon Hall

John & Judy HammondMeza HarrisVan Haywood

Helping Hands, Inc.Ruth Ireland

JB Hunt EmployeesLa-Z-Boy ArkansasLeDee Foundation

David Schumacher & DeLinda MaceTom & Becky McCoy

Sean & Jenni MoranNorm the Tire Man

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.PEO Chapter CX

Russ & Kristin PotterProfessional Business Systems

Joey & Annie ProiettiPSAV Presentation Services

Reynolds Consumer ProductsRogers Rotary ClubJim & Hazel RussellDavid & Deb Short

Signature Bank of ArkansasSiloam Springs Rotary Club

Wade & Barb SmithSnyder’s-LanceSun Products

Jeffrey & Ellen TateThe Concerned Group

UnileverUnited Lutheran Church of Bella Vista

United Way of Central MarylandVOC, LP

Jason & Christie VogelDolores White

Mike & Marjorie WhitmoreWIN of Northwest Arkansas

FACILITATORSRod & Arlene AlfordArkansas Department of Higher Education

ARVESTCoca-Cola North America

Colgate-PalmoliveChristine LebertEric & Lisa Low

McCormick & CompanyOutdoor Cap Company, Inc.

Schreiber Foods

GUARDIANSArkansas Single Parent Scholarship FundCarl & Alleen McKinney Charitable Trust

CornerStone Healthcare, Inc.Endeavor FoundationFlossie Foundation

Greenwood Gearhart Inc.Don & Jo Soderquist

United Way of Northwest ArkansasMrs. Willard WalkerWalmart Foundation

Walton Family Foundation

Donation Categories:

Allies: $20 - $99 Builders: $100 - $249 Challengers: $250 - $499 Mentors: $500 - $999 Partners: $1,000 - $4,999 Facilitators: $5,000 - $9,999 Guardians: $10,000 +

SAVE THE DATE2014 Corporate Luncheon

John Q. Hammons Convention Center, RogersMay 20, 2014 11:30 am -1:00 pm

Featured speaker Bill Simon, CEO and President of Walmart U.S.

Contact Andrea at 479-254-8550 or andrea@spsfbc.com for sponsorship opportunities and tickets.