Press Releases

Thank you to Trinity Presbyterian Church for giving our Barton girls a super fun Pizza Party! The kids were so excited that, even in this time of limited activities, the house was filled with excitement!

After watching the pure joy our youth experienced at such a simple pleasure, we want to throw Pizza Parties for the other 3 houses.

Will you help us throw 3 more pizza parties?? Each party costs only $101.00.

Please message our page for information on how to donate. Or donate online now at www.veralloyd.org. ... See more

Check out our Lenten Devotional Series, now through Easter. You can read today's message below.

Sign up for the FREE full series at: https://www.veralloyd.org/events/devotional-series/

Donations to Vera Lloyd can also be made at:
https://www.veralloyd.org/donate/donate-now/

Day 22
Wednesday, March 18
“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God.’ ” Leviticus 23:22

Most of us reading these words don’t know the extremes of desperate poverty. Our family has been on mission trips and seen people living in huts and cardboard boxes, but we don’t know what that’s like. It’s like seeing a movie on the French Revolution. We can observe, we can think, but we’re not the ones using the chamber pots.

That said, I write this cautiously knowing that I don’t know. But, I have to care.

The U.S. is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and it is important to note that our ‘poor’ look like kings to some other people around the world. But, in this current time of social distancing, it’s important that we consider the ripple effects in our community and world effecting our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.

There has been a lot of talk about the school closings and child hunger. I’m glad…this is important. But, I hope we widen the conversation. How do we support those working for low wages or tips in service industries, small businesses and other vulnerable neighbors? The ‘non-essential’ things that we’ve likely skipped in the last week will mean the loss of precious income. The FDIC reports that 29% of Americans have less than $1000 in savings. When crisis hits, all the rocks show… that means that not only are we facing a health crisis, but we are going to see lots of other societal issues come to the surface.

I know I’m not a lot of help… I don’t have a prescriptive answer.

What I do know is that we live in a culture that is very me-centric; the antithesis of how Christ calls us to live. Our spiritual walk is a slippery slope, if we only focus on ourselves. So, be generous – with your prayers, with your understanding and with your resources. It’s safe to say that every non-profit is worried right now. At Vera Lloyd, we have to keep taking care of our kids – our doors don’t get to close. Our country needs service organizations to bridge the gap more than ever.

I pray that we can all open the doors of our hearts and focus on walking together.

Prayer
Holy God,
You have always taken special care of the least of these among us. From ancient days, your scripture has made provisions to support those who cannot support themselves.

In days of comfort and days of chaos, give us ears to hear the cry of the needy and your spirit of compassion. Unite us as your people who love, share and serve in your name. ... See more

Devotional Series Sign up to receieve news about Vera Lloyd’s Devotional Series! * indicates required Your support is essential to changing the lives of youth. Donate Today Because of you, our team improves the lives of more than 130 children and youth from all over the state every year. Administr... ... See more

We would like to update our supporters on Vera Lloyd's efforts with regards to current health concerns. Our primary priority is the safety and health of our youth and Direct Care Staff as well as our friends in the community. With this in mind, we are currently only accepting specific types of Gift-in-Kind donations: toilet paper, female health products, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, latex gloves and other cleaning supplies.

If you would like to donate any of these items, please email us at info@veralloyd.org and we will arrange a pick up.

These measures are intended to honor current recommendations regarding social distancing, protect our children and you.

We will keep our Facebook page and website updated with any campus needs. Thank you so much for your understanding and support! ... See more

Thank you so much First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith for the loving support of all the children, youth and families Vera Lloyd serves. We could not provide the heart-driven services we do every day without partners like you. ... See more

Wonderful to see old friends and new! #presbyteryofarkansas

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day! Everyday, each and every one of us has a chance to be kind, reach out to someone in need, or simply make a friend, coworker or stranger smile.

Thank you to all of the Donors, Staff, Board Members and Volunteers who work to make the youth at Vera Lloyd smile more! ... See more

It's National Hug Day! A hug is one of the most basic signs of love, caring and protection, but for many of our youth, a hug means much more. It means letting someone in close, facing anxieties and fears, and building trust. A hug at Vera Lloyd means, "You're safe, and I'm here for you, no matter what it takes." ... See more