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12C The Sentinel-Record, Sunday, February 15, 2026 Hot Springs National Park, ArkansasThis message sponsored by The Garland County Farm Bureau1923 Albert Pike %u2022%u00a0 501-624-5691www.arfb.com%u2022 AAR%u2022 Alex & Kristi Dykes%u2022 All Things Arkansas%u2022 American Termite & Pest Control%u2022 Andy & Lauren Ault%u2022 Arkansas Furniture%u2022 Arkansas Repo Depo%u2022 Arkansas State Police Foundation-Troop K%u2022 ARVEST%u2022 ATS Capital Management%u2022 ATWOODS%u2022 Barry & Bridget Heath%u2022 Billy Gross%u2022 Bobby Adcock - American Termite%u2022 Bonnie Frazier%u2022 Brenda Simpson%u2022 Brenevity-Cindy Rucker%u2022 Brenevity-Shelby Willingham%u2022 Bruce Cozart, State Representative%u2022 C-B Construction%u2022 C.E.D. Mor Electric / Seth Driggers%u2022 Chad & Amanda Seamon%u2022 Chance Tillery%u2022 Coca-Cola Bottling Co of Hot Springs%u2022 Countryside Animal Hospital%u2022 Evcon Holdings%u2022 Evcon Rentals%u2022 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas%u2022 Fountain Lake School District%u2022 G E Hawthorn Meat Co%u2022 Garland County Cattlemen%u2019s%u2022 Garland County Conservation District%u2022 Garland County EHC %u2022 Garland County EHC Arts & Crafts%u2022 Garland County Farm Bureau%u2022 Garland County Farm Bureau Women%u2019s Committee%u2022 Garland County Farmers Assn%u2022 Gigerich Electrical %u2022 Glenn & Yolonda Wright%u2022 Greg%u2019s Hay & Straw%u2022 Griffith%u2019s Custom Butchering%u2022 H & H Utilities LLC%u2022 Hayden Gross%u2022 HJ Cattle Company%u2022 HJ Trailer Sales%u2022 Hot Springs Landlord Assn%u2022 Houser Saw Farm - Tommy Sorrells%u2022 Humphreys Dairy (Shane)%u2022 J A Farms Feed & Mercantile LLC%u2022 Jack Andrew Meredith%u2022 JD or DM Mitchell%u2022 Jennifer Delling%u2022 Jessieville School District%u2022 John Ballard - Live Healthy Farm%u2022 Johnson Family Properties LLC%u2022 Jon Dixon Construction %u2022 Judy Daniel%u2022 Keith & Wanda Dickerson%u2022 Keith Rucker-Hot Shot Home Improvement%u2022 Kimzey Regional Water District%u2022 Lake Hamilton School Dist%u2022 Larry Diggs Construction %u2022 Larry Don Suit%u2022 Lauren Ault%u2022 LF Feeds LLC%u2022 Live Like Bryce - The Bryce Briggs Foundation%u2022 Lloyd%u2019s Auto Sales%u2022 Lloyd%u2019s Auto Sales, Inc%u2022 Lost Creek Grill%u2022 Lynzie Dwello%u2022 Marsha Pittman%u2022 Mary Labuy%u2022 Matthew McKee, State Senator%u2022 McGrew Livestock Commission%u2022 Mike & Barbara Wright%u2022 Mountain Pine School District%u2022 Nikki Griffith Radley for Tax Collector%u2022 Power Welding/Gregory or Katie Power%u2022 Ray or Darla Thurber%u2022 Razorback Camper Sales%u2022 Reddin/White%u2019s LLC%u2022 Robert Jones%u2022 Sam & Cindy Ault%u2022 Samuel & Cynthia Gross%u2022 Scott or Kay Gross - Gross Farm%u2022 Senator Alan Clark%u2022 Southern Bancorp%u2022 Taylor Electric Inc/Caldwell Hardware%u2022 Thomas Brown%u2022 Tim & Karen Hangen%u2022 TKGA LLC - Toni Atkinson%u2022 Tractor Supply %u2022 Trevor Cozart%u2022 Tribe Land & Cattle Co%u2022 Village Construction Co%u2022 Vintage Pearl Market LLC%u2022 Wilson Farm HighlandMarshall Thurber and Grand Champion Steer %u201cDoc%u201d 2025 Garland County Fair.The Garland County Junior Livestock Committee, The Garland County Farm Bureau and the livestock exhibitors would like to extend sincerest thanks to the community for the support shown during the 2025 year. 567135-1First Step: Building momentum through partnerships, innovation and community supportFor more than six decades, First Step Inc. has been a steady presence in Hot Springs and surrounding communities %u2014 quietly changing lives while adapting to meet the evolving needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.In recent years, that adaptability has taken on renewed urgency, as families face increasing demand for specialized services and supports. Through strong partnerships, donor support and a commitment to innovation, First Step continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact across southern Arkansas.Founded in 1958 by parents, physicians and community advocates who wanted local services for children with special needs, First Step has grown from serving 12 clients in a single rented room to becoming one of Arkansas%u2019s largest nonprofit providers for individuals with developmental delays and disabilities. Today, the organization serves more than 1,500 individuals annually across 27 counties, with four primary locations in Hot Springs, Malvern, Glenwood and Fordyce, and more than 700 employees supporting its mission.While many developmental disability providers in Arkansas focus on specific programs or limited geographic areas, First Step has built a comprehensive, regionally based model designed to ensure continuity of care across the lifespan. Its breadth of services %u2014 combined with infrastructure such as transportation and residential supports %u2014 allows individuals and families to receive coordinated services close to home, rather than navigating fragmented systems across multiple providers.One of the most significant milestones in First Step%u2019s recent progress has been the expansion of its Applied Behavior Analysis program. Launched last year in response to growing community need, the ABA program provides evidence-based therapy for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. For many families in rural and mid-sized communities, access to ABA services can be life-changing %u2014 but often difficult to find.%u201cFamilies were telling us they needed more,%u201d said First Step CEO Brett Chancellor. %u201cRather than sending them elsewhere or putting them on waiting lists, we did what we%u2019ve always done %u2014 we found a way to bring those services here.%u201dThe development of the ABA program required more than clinical expertise. It depended on collaboration across multiple sectors, including healthcare providers, educators, donors and community partners. Through physician referrals and partnerships with local stakeholders, First Step ensured the program would reach children with the greatest needs while maintaining the organization%u2019s long-standing philosophy of providing services without delay.That philosophy %u2014 no waiting lists, no turning families away %u2014 has remained central to First Step%u2019s approach. When funding, staffing or space present challenges, the organization looks for solutions rather than limitations. This mindset has fueled not only program growth but also deeper engagement with donors and grant funders who share a belief in accessibility, inclusion and longterm impact.Donor support has played a critical role in helping First Step enhance its facilities and services over the past year. Through partnerships with individuals, foundations and community organizations, First Step has invested in new playgrounds, sensory rooms, therapy gyms and specialized equipment designed to meet the needs of children and adults with varying abilities.Sensory rooms, in particular, have become essential spaces within First Step%u2019s programs. Designed to support emotional regulation, focus and communication, these rooms provide calming environments where children can safely explore, learn and grow. For nonverbal individuals, assistive technology such as iPad-based communication devices %u2014 made possible through donor funding %u2014 has opened new pathways for expression and independence.%u201cThese are not extras,%u201d said Sara Brown, director of marketing at First Step. %u201cThey are tools that allow people to connect with the world in ways they couldn%u2019t before.%u201dTransportation is another area where community investment has made a meaningful difference. First Step operates an extensive transportation system with more than 100 bus routes, ensuring clients can reliably access preschool, school-age programs, adult services, employment opportunities, and residential supports. This level of transportation infrastructure is uncommon among regional providers, yet it is essential for removing barriers to participation and independence.Beyond clinical and educational services, First Step offers a full continuum of care across the lifespan. Programs include developmental preschool, school-age services, adult day treatment, supported employment, apartment living, and group homes. Together, these services promote stability, independence, and quality of life %u2014 allowing individuals to remain active, engaged members of their communities.Community involvement extends beyond service delivery. First Step staff and leadership are actively engaged in civic organizations, nonprofit collaborations and volunteer initiatives throughout Hot Springs and the surrounding area, reinforcing the organization%u2019s belief that community service is both a responsibility and an action.As First Step looks ahead, the focus remains on listening %u2014 listening to families, clients, partners and the community. Growth is not pursued for its own sake, but as a response to real needs. Whether expanding therapy options, enhancing facilities or strengthening access through transportation and technology, progress at First Step is driven by people working together toward a shared goal.%u201cOur success has always been rooted in partnership,%u201d Brown said. %u201cNone of this happens without the support of donors, businesses, healthcare providers, and a community that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.%u201dIn a rapidly changing world, First Step%u2019s progress is a reminder that lasting impact is built through collaboration, compassion, and a willingness to evolve %u2014 one program, one partnership, and one life at a time.Source: Advertiser submittedPrograms at First Step include developmental preschool, school-age services, adult day treatment, supported employment, apartment living, and group homes, services that promote stability, independence, and quality of life. (Submitted photo)Community involvement extends beyond service delivery, reinforcing the organization%u2019s belief that community service is both a responsibility and an action. (Submitted photo)First Step serves more than 1,500 individuals annually across 27 counties, with four primary locations in Hot Springs, Malvern, Glenwood and Fordyce, and more than 700 employees supporting its mission. (Submitted photo)