Kickstart Cleveland County
The Kickstart Cleveland County Community Development Initiative is a grassroots effort started in 2015 to improve Cleveland County and the communities within. Kickstart Cleveland County serves as an umbrella organization for the “action teams” that work within individual communities and programs within the county. Kickstart Cleveland County meets on a quarterly basis at different locations across the county. Call Britt Talent at (870) 325-6412 or Danielle Watson at (870) 325-6321 to learn more.
Like Kickstart Cleveland County on Facebook.
Rison Shine
Rison Shine Community Development, Inc., is dedicated to the restoration and revitalization of the downtown area of Rison. The group helped establish the FBT Community Park in downtown Rison. It has also sponsored clean-ups in downtown, the Cleveland County Christmas Parade, the Rison Farmers Market and other community events, such as Trunk-or-Treat each Halloween. The group’s largest event is the annual Rison in the Fall Festival which draws huge crowds with vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. Headliners current and past include Twitty and Lynn, Julie Roberts, Erin Enderlin and David Nail. Other projects have included painting handrails along Main Street and hosting a healthcare heroes parade through town honoring frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group meets on an as-needed basis. For more information, call President Celeste Beatty at (501) 909-9441, Vice President Kristy Strother at (870) 550-0071, or Secretary/Treasurer/Rison in the Fall Organizer Douglas Boultinghouse at (870) 510-2433.
Like Rison Shine and Rison in the Fall on Facebook.
Re-New-ing Edinburg
Re-New-ing Edinburg is a grassroots effort started in 2015 dedicated to cleaning up and developing New Edinburg and the surrounding area. The group has taken an active role in establishing the New Edinburg Community Center Veteran’s Park, the New Edinburg Farmers Market, the Farm To Market 5K Run/Walk, hosting theatrical presentations of the Cleveland County Community Theater, and conducting an annual clean-up of the historic Marks Cemetery and the entire New Edinburg community. The group is also involved in promoting the Marks Mill Civil War Battlefield. Re-New-ing Edinburg meets monthly. For more information, contact Roger or Patricia McClellan at (870) 643-0150.
Like Re-New-ing Edinburg on Facebook.
Kickstart Kingsland
Kickstart Kingsland was established in 2015 to help revitalize Kingsland and the surrounding area. A primary focus of the group is to establish a visitor’s center in Kingsland that would promote the community’s affiliation with country music legend Johnny Cash and college football icon Paul “Bear” Bryant, from nearby Smith Chapel community. For more information, call Sharon Crosby at (870) 348-5848 or Kelly Taylor at (870) 692-0800.
Wake Up Woodlawn
Wake Up Woodlawn is currently inactive, but if community interest warrants restarting the group, contact the Cleveland County Herald office at (870) 325-6412.
Cleveland County Fair Association
The Cleveland County Fair Association host the annual Cleveland County Fair, rodeos and other special events throughout the year at the fairgrounds, located at 310 Mockingbird Lane in Rison. The Cleveland County Fair Board President is Roy Phillips. For more information, call (870) 461-0581.
Cleveland County Community Theater
The Cleveland County Community Theater formed, launching its first production of “Murder at the Pie Auction” in July 2016. The active group hosts a variety of events throughout the year from youth performances, dinner theaters, holiday productions and the Cleveland County Ole Time Jamboree, a variety show full of musical and comedy numbers. To learn more, contact Stacy Walz at (870) 818-4883.
For the latest information about auditions or performances, visit the Community Theater Facebook Page.
To contribute to the Friends of the Community Theater backing group, click here.
Cleveland County Extension Homemaker Clubs
If you are interested in improving your quality of life through continuing education, leadership development, and community service, then an Extension Homemakers Club is right for you. The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Clubs (AEHC) make up one of the largest nonprofit volunteer organizations in Arkansas. The Extension Homemaker Clubs in Cleveland County are looking for new members. EHC offers the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills while making new friends. You will have the opportunity to help others and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that goes along with it. The group work of Extension Homemakers has made an impact in Cleveland County and beyond. Last year, Cleveland County Extension Homemaker Clubs completed over 13,757 hours of volunteer community service valued at $332,094. For more information on becoming an EHC member or the time and location of their next meeting, contact:
- County Cultivators – President Marty Bowlin: 870-540-7545
- Friendship EHC – President Arnette Guyer: 870-866-5422
- New Home EHC – President-Marilyn Glaze: 870-357-2029
- Rye EHC – President Beverly Harlow: 870-866-3762
- “Y” EHC – Vice President Sheila Jackson: 870-325-6586
- Stitching Sisters – Information TBA
- EHC Extension Office Phone 870-325-6321
The CALL in Cleveland County
The CALL is a faith based organization working hand in hand with the Division of Family and Children Services to find caring, loving homes for children in need. The mission is simple; to educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care in Arkansas. For more information please contact Lisa Prescott at 870-818-3040.
Join The CALL on Facebook.