Arkansas Community Foundation works locally through a network of 28 affiliate offices around the state. Each affiliate has a staff person and local advisory board comprised of passionate community leaders who understand the special needs of each town and city. Read more about Mattie Collins, a local board member of our affiliate in the Pine Bluff area.
Mattie Collins was born and raised in Pine Bluff to parents who understood the value of education and giving back to the community. As an educator, Mattie taught students for 39 years before she retired. Now she continues to work with students through her service to the local Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to teach students about the importance of giving back to improve the lives of youth and families in their local community. After 9 years of working with YAC, she officially joined the board of directors in 2010.
We asked Mattie a few questions about her service with the Community Foundation and some of her favorite things about Arkansas. Keep reading to meet Mattie!
What’s your favorite Arkansas past-time?
“My favorite thing to do in Pine Bluff is to work with our youth encouraging them to finish high school with a high GPA and a having good ACT score so that they can go on to further their education by completing degrees at a four-year college, two-year junior college or join the military. I totally agree with the quote by Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'”
How were you introduced to the Community Foundation?
“I first learned about the Community Foundation in the early 2000’s. Chris Castoro who was Executive Director at that time invited me to work with the Youth Advisory Council of the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation. The kids were great!! He encouraged me to join the Pine Bluff Area Board in 2010.”
What do you find most special about the local community?
“First of all, I love Pine Buff! I love that the Pine Bluff Community always gives back, even when times are tough. I serve on numerous boards within my community and have volunteered with a number of different organizations since high school. I am always impressed and pleased with the love and kindness shown towards the success of our youth.
Through our new Go Forward Pine Bluff initiative, we are making great strides in the areas of education, economics (reviving downtown), improving health, entertainment, more restaurants etc.”
What’s something memorable that your local board/affiliate accomplished during your service?
“I am grateful for the way we make grants to non-profits in the community to ensure the success and positive outcomes through Giving Tree Grants; JRMC Community Gift Grants; Scholarships (offered to high school seniors and college students) and more. I serve on the scholarship committee and have had the honor of presenting scholarships to outstanding students at each high school in Jefferson County during their Honors and Awards Assembly.”
Why would you suggest that people support their local Community Foundation?
“I think of three reasons why people should support our Community Foundation. First, we are supporting our number one asset through scholarships, giving tree grants and other grants that support health and education in the community: our kids. Second, we’re providing important training for YACers to become organizers, community leaders and young philanthropists. Last, our YAC and local office PBACF work hand in hand with area nonprofits to provide support. For example, in 2017 the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation awarded more than $53,000 in grants to nonprofits in our community. In addition, the YAC awarded $2,000.00 in grants to non-profits that benefit youth. Our kids are great!!”
Learn more about Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation.