Press Releases

Family Ark is looking to Award the 18th Annual Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarships

Jeffersonville, IN, Feb. 26, 2019 – Family Ark has been providing quality human service programs within Southern Indiana communities since 1973. Family Ark has provided many services to those communities such as Foster Care, Home-Based Services, Behavioral Health Services & Sexually Reactive Youth Treatments, continuously for the last 46 years. All these services are vital to strengthening families and building a healthy community.

The Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship is given every year in memory of a beloved Family Ark foster parent Virginia Walker. Since 2001, the scholarship has awarded more than $77,000 to students of varying ages. Scholarships range between $500 and $5,000. All scholarship dollars must be used for tuition, fees, books and/or room and board. The Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship is open to all current or past clients of Family Ark, dating back to our founding.

Application Deadline: March 29, 2019

For additional information or to apply for the Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship, please visit www.thefamilyark.org/scholarship


WHAS Crusade for Children Therapeutic Room

Jeffersonville, IN, Oct. 18, 2018 – Family Ark has completed the construction and furnishing of their new Therapeutic Room, with funds from the 2017 WHAS Crusade for Children funds granted. Completed in September, the room is used for expressive and family therapies.  It is furnished with comfortable seating and play therapy equipment.  It also provides an observation room with one-way glass to allow for observed play and family dynamics.  The room is located in the Behavioral Health Center, part of the 83-acre Family Ark campus, 101 Noah’s Lane, Jeffersonville, IN. 

“This is the culmination of a plan for comprehensive therapies available to children, adolescents and adults.  These are offered by experienced professional staff, including a licensed psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and clinical addictions counselors”,  says Family Ark’s President/CEO Jeanean Jacobs.  “WHAS Crusade for Children has been a valued supporter of Family Ark for many years, and the children we serve and their families greatly benefit from this grant.  ‘Every Family Matters’ at Family Ark.”


6th Annual “Giving Hope to Families” – Family Ark Fundraiser

August 30, 2018. Angie Fenton of WHAS11 “Great Day Live!” and Editor in Chief at Extol Magazine will be the emcee at Family Ark’s 6th Annual “Giving Hope to Families” fundraiser on September 13, 2018 from 6:00-9:00 pm! Scheduled at the Lodge on the Family Ark campus, 101 Noah’s Lane, Jeffersonville, IN, the event will feature dinner from Huber’s Catering and exciting live and silent auctions. During the event to benefit child and family programs in Southern Indiana, we will be presenting the 2018 “Champion for Families” award to Indiana Senator Erin Houchin. The evening will also feature video presentations of testimonies of families helped by Family Ark programs. Major sponsors include The Hazel and Walter T. Bales Foundation, LMH Architecture and Anthem Blue Cross. For more information about sponsorship, individual tickets ($100) or to donate auction items, contact [email protected] or phone Jim Evans at (502) 407-1345.

For more than 40 years, Family Ark, a nonprofit social services agency, has provided quality programs to promote positive change in the lives of children and families in Southern Indiana. Family Ark is located in Jeffersonville, Indiana.


Free Workshop on Human Trafficking

June 23, 2015 Family Ark in Jeffersonville, Indiana, will host a free training (offered by Prevent Child Abuse Indiana) on Monday, June 29th from 12:00-1:30 pm. The training – Human Trafficking: Myths & Realities – is targeted to those who work with youth. This workshop will provide an introduction to the issue of human trafficking, including scope, definitions, vulnerability factors for victims, indicators of possible trafficking, services available, and how to identify and report. The training is free and a box lunch is also provided free of charge! Save your spot! Contact [email protected] to register or call (812) 288-6800.


A Night of Music to Benefit Family Ark 

June 11, 2015 Family Ark is pleased to announce a music benefit that will support their work with children and families in Southern Indiana. A Night of Music is scheduled for 7:00-10:00 pm, June 26th at 300 Spring in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This great venue features a cash bar and lots of open space to hear Alex Wright (LMA Singer/Songwriter of the Year), Danny Flanigan, (veteran singer/songwriter and staple of the regional music scene), and Craig Wagner (LMA Jazz Artist of the Year). Silent auction items will be available along with snacks. Suggested donation for the event is $10. To find out more, call (812) 288-6800 or email to [email protected]. Don’t miss out on this night of great music and fun within walking distance of the Big Four Bridge!


Family Ark Announces 2015 Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship

June 11, 2015 During the May Board of Directors meeting, Family Ark presented the 2015 Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship to Leonard Kwitonda, a student studying international business at IUPUI in Indianapolis. Each year, Family Ark awards scholarships to children who are current or previous clients of the agency. Since 2001, the Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Virginia Walker, an agency foster parent, has awarded more than $65,000 to students of varying ages.


Judge Vicki L. Carmichael – 2015 Champion for Families

May 20, 2015 Family Ark was pleased to present the 2015 Champion for Families award to Judge Vicki L. Carmichael during the 3rd Annual Giving Hope to Families event. The Champion for Families award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates exemplary, ongoing commitment to improving the lives of children and families in Southern Indiana. As Judge of Clark County Circuit Court and through work on other committees, Judge Carmichael has been a strong advocate for family well-being, education and community partnerships. Her love of education is demonstrated through an annual Doll Adoption Day in her courtroom for young children where she talks with them about the responsibilities of being a good parent. She also shares her knowledge of the justice system by teaching students at local universities. Judge Carmichael’s focus on juvenile justice best practices led to Clark County’s participation in the national Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI). Family Ark’s own new program, Day Reporting and Treatment, is a direct result of JDAI and is a thriving reminder of Judge Carmichael’s vision for life-changing programming for the children and families of Southern Indiana.


Register for Free Stewards of Children Workshop

May 18, 2015 Register now for a contemporary version of the award-winning Stewards of Children training! Family Ark in Jeffersonville, Indiana is hosting this free training at the Lodge on the Family Ark campus on Wednesday, May 27th from 12:00-3:30 pm. A free box lunch will be provided. CEUs are available.

Stewards of Children (a product of Darkness to Light) uses survivor stories and expert insight to supply practical steps to help prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. This workshop is open to the public and may be of interest to youth serving organizations, parents, foster parents, educators, childcare providers, and faith centers. To register or to find out more, email to [email protected] or call (812) 288-6800 x207.


Help Celebrate the 3rd Annual Giving Hope to Families

March 13, 2015 Join Emcee Angie Fenton from WHAS11 “Great Day Live!” at Family Ark’s 3rd Annual Giving Hope to Families fundraiser on April 16th from 6:00-9:00 pm! At the Lodge on Family Ark’s campus, the event will feature food from Stumler’s Catering, music by local musician Todd Hildreth, and exciting auction items. During the event to benefit child and family programs in Southern Indiana, we will be announcing the 2015 Champion for Families award winner. For more information about sponsorship, individual tickets or to donate auction items, contact [email protected].


Free Information Meeting for Potential Foster Parents

February 12, 2015 Family Ark will host a free information meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2015 for anyone interested in becoming a foster parent. The information meeting is from 5:00-6:30 pm at the Lodge on the Family Ark campus at 101 Noah’s Lane, Jeffersonville, Indiana. Light snacks will be provided. Come and find out the steps and requirements to becoming a foster parent! Call (812) 282-8479 or email [email protected] for more information. Family Ark can be found online at www.thefamilyark.org.


Family Ark Offering Scholarships

February 2, 2015 Each year, Family Ark (formerly Regional Youth Services, Inc.) awards scholarships to children who are current or previous clients of the agency at any point since its founding in 1973. The applicants will be selected based on several criteria including an interview, letters of recommendation, financial need, academic record, and extracurricular and community activities. Previous scholarship winners may reapply. Scholarships are a minimum of $500 and up to a maximum of $5,000. The Board of Directors determines the amount and number of scholarships awarded each year, which may be used only for tuition, fees, books and room/board. The Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Virginia Walker, an agency foster parent. Since 2001, the fund has awarded more than $60,000 to students of varying ages. The next deadline for application is February 27, 2015. Call (812) 288-6800 for more information or go to www.thefamilyark.org.


Trivia Night Fundraiser to Benefit Family Ark

September 3, 2014 Family Ark will hold a Trivia Night fundraiser on Friday, September 19th from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Quad Café in Jeffersonville, Indiana. All proceeds will benefit Family Ark’s Raise the Roof Campaign. The Campaign’s goal is to raise $10,000 by December 1, 2014 in order to receive a recent challenge grant award of $90,000 from the Ogle Foundation. The grant will provide funding to replace all roofs, gutters and downspouts on buildings at the Family Ark campus. For more information or to register your team, call (812) 288-6800 x207 or email [email protected]. Family Ark provides foster care and other community services to the children and families of Southern Indiana.


Alex Wright to Perform at Family Ark’s Annual Fall Celebration

October 2, 2014 Family Ark will hold its Annual Fall Celebration on October 25th from 1:00-4:00 pm. The outdoor event is open to the community and features free admission and parking. Highlights of the day include guided nature walks, food and drinks and other family friendly seasonal activities. Featured artist and 2014 LMA winner – Singer/Songwriter of the Year, Alex Wright will be on hand to share his award winning style. Family Ark is located at 101 Noah’s Lane, Jeffersonville, Indiana on 83 acres right in the heart of Jeffersonville. For more information, email [email protected] or call (812) 288-6800.


Ogle Foundation Awards $90,000 Challenge Grant to Family Ark

August 4, 2014 The Ogle Foundation has generously awarded a $90,000 challenge grant to replace aging roofs, gutters and downspouts on all buildings at Jeffersonville’s Family Ark campus. Before receiving the $90,000 grant, Family Ark must raise $10,000 in donations between now and December 1, 2014. Donations (or pledges up to one year) can be designated to the “Raise the Roof” campaign and can be given online at www.thefamilyark.org or mailed to 101 Noah’s Lane, Jeffersonville, Indiana, 47130. Family Ark provides foster care and other home based support to children and families in Southern Indiana. For questions or more information, contact Deborah Nichols, Development Director at (812) 288-6800 x207 or email [email protected].