Congrats Micah Fellows Graduates!
In 2021, Faith Matters Network teamed up with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the Methodist Foundation of Arkansas to launch the Micah Fellows Program. The goal was simple but powerful: to support faith leaders in Arkansas who are working to end poverty and champion economic justice. Since then, the program has grown into a vibrant learning community. Over three cohorts in three years, more than 24 leaders have stepped forward to take on the challenge of poverty in a state where nearly half of households struggle to make ends meet.
Our most recent cohort of eight pastors and community leaders came together to learn, reflect, and take action. They gathered for retreats, joined monthly conversations on the skills needed for economic justice, and received one-on-one spiritual support. Each leader also received a mini-grant to design a project with their local community—projects focused on advocacy, awareness, and building resilience for families often described as “A.L.I.C.E.” (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are families who technically earn above the poverty line but still can’t cover basic needs.
The fellows used these grants to bring their visions to life—creating new opportunities for their neighbors and sparking important conversations about equity and economic mobility. In September, they came together to share stories, reflect on their journeys, and celebrate the growth they’ve experienced. Many are leaving this experience with fresh energy and a deeper call to continue shaping a more just and equitable Arkansas. We’re excited to share more soon about our fourth cohort, launching in 2026—and in the meantime, you can read more about each fellow’s project below!
Carla Thompson
RSource MXer
In partnership with Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care, RSource MXer, aligned with the Micah Fellows program’s emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact by concentrating on homelessness prevention. Its main objectives are to train individuals for community leadership, provide advocacy skills, and develop approaches to address societal issues. The initiative organizes structured events that allow participants to present and discuss topics related to community challenges, available resources, and policy matters. These events aim to support confidence and skill development, enabling participants to engage with community systems, which is an important aspect of the Micah Fellows program.
Jionni Olamide
1-Week Arts Healing Boot Camp
Through Jionni Olamide’s (formally Rev. Clarissa Rodgers) organization Alternative Tribe, this 1-Week Arts Healing Boot Camp themed “A Whole New World,” provides 50 youth with an immersive experience in healing arts centered on transformation, empowerment, and performance. Participants explore systemic challenges like capitalism, racism, and patriarchy, develop life skills, and engage in daily arts training to process trauma and build leadership. The camp concludes with a public performance highlighting each participant’s growth. The main objectives are to raise awareness of systemic issues, strengthen resilience and life skills, and amplify youth voices through collaborative art.
Christopher Washington
Stones of Hope: Restoring Union Chapel
In partnership with Mount Hebrew CME Church, Stones of Hope: Restoring Union Chapel is a project designed to achieve two primary goals: the physical restoration of the site and the promotion of resources for economic and social improvement among working families facing financial challenges. The project utilizes the A.L.I.C.E framework to connect historic preservation with economic considerations. By incorporating beautification efforts alongside resource provision, the initiative aims to restore a landmark while supporting the local community.
Project activities include:
- Beautification Activities: Community-organized cleaning and park restoration
- Resource Fair: Programs such as workforce development, small business support, and financial literacy organizations offering services like housing assistance, job training, and child care access for A.L.I.C.E families
- Community Leaders and Speakers: Presentations from local government and nonprofit representatives to discuss the issues affecting A.L.I.C.E families and advocate for policies related to wages, healthcare, and homeownership
- Cultural Reconnection: Gathering stories from individuals associated with the Union Chapel Community Center and revisiting its history. Activities may include the revival of traditional events such as a fish fry or community basketball games
Rick Lee
The ALICE Summer Initiative
In collaboration with Arkansas Community Foundation in Conway County, The ALICE Summer Initiative is a collaborative, faith-based program aimed at educating, engaging, and empowering communities throughout Arkansas to advocate for and raise awareness of the ALICE population. Drawing upon the principles and methodologies of the Micah Fellows Program, this initiative unites five churches and community organizations embedded within ALICE-adjacent communities to function as hubs for education, storytelling, and advocacy. By capitalizing on and enhancing established programs and events, the initiative seeks to integrate ALICE advocacy into the core activities of participating organizations—including church bulletins, sermons, youth initiatives, and digital communication. This approach aims to ensure that advocacy for the ALICE population is sustained beyond the summer, becoming an enduring element of each organization’s mission. With trained local advocates and a robust digital infrastructure, the initiative establishes a strong foundation for a resilient advocacy movement rooted in community engagement.
Ana Hurley
VOIS Fellows Program: Rest & Renewal Days
VOIS Fellows Program is a new initiative from Innovative Poverty Solutions (Circles NWA), designed to amplify the voices of ALICE community members through leadership development and advocacy training. The inaugural class—launched in September 2024—includes seven graduates of the Circles NWA program who have committed to ongoing trainings in Advocacy 101, Public Narrative, Public Speaking, Understanding Legislative Processes, and Communicating with Policymakers. This mini-grant allows for a vital, restorative element to the VOIS Fellows Program: Rest & Renewal Days. Each Fellow will have the opportunity to take a full personal day—on their own schedule—for healing, reflection, and uninterrupted self-care. These days will be intentionally designed to meet their unique needs, and will include access to childcare so they can truly focus on themselves. Fellows will be supported in experiencing a range of restorative practices from getting a massage, walking in nature, journaling, and sitting in stillness, to enjoying a quiet, nourishing meal—creating a day that is deeply restful, empowering, and fully their own. A key component of these days will also include receiving an individualized self-care plan tailored to the needs, preferences, and time each fellow has to dedicate to self-care each week. This will offer Fellows sustainable practices they can carry forward beyond the single experience.
Chandler Hickman
Job Well Done
In partnership with Young Community Advocates of Baring Cross, Job Well Done is an ongoing initiative, primarily active from August 2025 through March 2026, designed to support grade school students impacted by incarceration. The program’s overarching objective is to provide these students with comprehensive support aimed at facilitating high levels of achievement. Through Job Well Done, participants are offered positive experiences and learn the value and impact of giving back to their communities. The program targets children whose primary caregivers are currently incarcerated, have been recently released, or are in recovery from addiction. Its curriculum focuses on developing essential professional skills using a holistic approach. Follow- up activities will include special events or outings to publicly recognize participants’ accomplishments. Job Well Done specifically supports grade school students living at or below the poverty line, equipping them with resume- building and foundational career skills. Student identification is carried out in collaboration with Young Community Advocates of Baring Cross and local school district counselors. Program activities encompass tutoring, employment opportunities, networking skill development, and community engagement. Participants may work at community events where they are compensated for their efforts, enabling them to meet needs such as school supplies and food. Opportunities also exist for peer-to-peer tutoring, fostering a culture of mutual support. Eligible participants may also receive various supplies, hygiene products, clothing, meals, and additional resources as needed. Overall, Job Well Done offers a unique experience intended to foster self-confidence and encourage each participant to pursue and capitalize on positive life opportunities.
Kheila Holmes
“Lifting the Veil: A Trauma-Informed Mini-Series for Faith Leaders Serving ALICE Families”
In partnership with Birthing the Gifts, Inc. this is a pilot-initiative designed to launch the faith leader track of Birthing the Gifts’ upcoming trauma-informed learning collaborative. This project will engage 30 Arkansas based faith leaders who serve youth and families in ALICE communities. Through two interactive workshops and one follow-up session, participants will explore the lived realities of ALICE households, including the stress and trauma of navigating under-resourced, fragmented systems for healthcare, mental health, childcare, and financial support—often with limited success and diminished dignity. Faith leaders will be introduced to trauma-informed care (TIC) principles and guided to develop transformational, not transactional, approaches to support these families in ways that promote safety, dignity, agency, belonging, and healing. The series will also address the barriers to mental health help seeking in ALICE communities and equip leaders with tools and ideas for supporting access to care. A Family Resource & Reflection Guide co-developed during the series will be distributed to ALICE families to ensure tangible, lasting community benefit.
