03/20/2025
❤️
A note from SJ Director, Sandy DeCoursey:
Your outpouring of love and support for St. Joseph Center of Arkansas is overwhelming. I've just gotten home and am now reflecting on the events of the day. Smoke permeates our clothes and lungs as reminders of the devastation. I'm so very grateful to all those who worked tirelessly to try and salvage the building while putting out fires all over the property. Thankfully, there was no loss of life (humans or animals). But, the loss is great indeed.
This building is home to what we lovingly refer to as 'farmily'...the staff, volunteers, artists, gardeners, farmers/interns, animal ambassadors, Farm Stand patrons, and others who have poured their heart and soul into the restoration of this place over the last 15 years. The community of North Little Rock/Little Rock has helped St. Joseph's thrive and grow. And, we're going to need your help to bounce back.
Tomorrow, in the morning light, we will assess next steps and keep everyone informed as we regroup and plan the path forward. Ironically, today is the actual Feast of St. Joseph (3/19), We had planned to celebrate the 11th Annual Feast of St. Joseph on the 22nd with the blessing of the gardens and a community spaghetti lunch. If feasible, we may still gather on the grounds and give thanks for our gardens/farm and blessings of the bounty it brings to share with others. Stay tuned...
One of the messages received tonight called SJ 'the NLR Notre Dame'. May it be so that we rise from the ashes to preserve and restore this historic treasure.
https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/help-st-joseph-farmily-3192025-fire