HOT SPRINGS -- In 1977, Ouachita Children's Center was born of a need for an emergency shelter for youths in crisis.
On June 23, the center -- housed in a 1928 building once known as the Interstate Orphan's Home -- celebrated its 40th year with an afternoon party that also doubled as a retirement celebration for executive director Linda Ragsdale.
Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe, staff, board members and other well-wishers gathered in the building cafeteria for a short program. McCabe read a proclamation naming the day as Ouachita Children's Center Day.
For her years of service, Ragsdale was lauded with a glowing description based on the letters in her first name -- "L" for love (loving leadership, love of the children and staff); "I" for inspiration; "N" for nag (as in nagging her staff "lovingly" to do their best); "D" for devotion; and "A" for attitude. Tokens of appreciation included a wooden rocking chair. She then cut her cake, which was served to guests along with assorted hors d'oeuvres.
Ouachita Children's Center is an emergency shelter for youths who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, those who have been referred by juvenile courts, runaways and families who need help managing situations beyond their resources. Services include case management, aftercare for incarcerated youths, educational support groups; advocacy for the needs of youths in crisis and their families, and an outreach center in Arkadelphia. Ragsdale, a licensed social worker formerly of Fort Worth, was named the center's executive director in June 2010.
-- Story and photos by
Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 07/02/2017