BENTONVILLE, AR. - A special group of cowboys and cowgirls is getting ready for an important journey across Arkansas. They will ride horses 220 miles to help children and families in the state's foster care system.
This effort, called "The Long Road Home Project," involves seven riders and twelve horses traveling from Bentonville all the way to Little Rock. Their main goal is to bring attention to the difficulties faced by foster children and families, and to make sure their voices are heard.
The idea for this project came from Andrew Martin, who has a very personal connection to foster care. "I grew up in foster care and was adopted," Martin explained. "This is incredibly important to me. I will always be a strong supporter of foster care."
During their long ride, the group will carry handwritten letters from foster children, foster families, and the social workers who help them. These letters will be given directly to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, sharing real-life experiences and suggestions for improvement.
Among those supporting the project are Jacob and Jamie Fitzgerald, who were once foster parents. Their son, who was adopted through the foster system, will be one of the riders. The Fitzgeralds believe that hearing personal stories can truly change how people view important issues.
The riders will start their trek on April 8th. They plan to cover about 13 to 14 miles each day, traveling over different kinds of roads. Flint Creek Youth Ranch is providing the horses and making sure they are well-cared for. Many people in communities along the route have offered their homes and land for the riders and horses to rest.
A recent fundraiser helped cover the costs of the journey, ensuring the horses and riders have everything they need. The team hopes to arrive in Little Rock by April 22nd. They will also make a stop at the Washington County Fairgrounds on April 9th, where the community can meet them and learn more about their mission. Martin emphasized, "We want to show respect and value to everyone involved in foster care - the families, the kids, and the hardworking caseworkers."
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North Arkansas Performing Artists Coalition (NAPAC) / The Harrison Post