Welcome to Open Arms Celebrations
Our organization aims to provide five Pre-Foster families a year with a foster care shower/party to help celebrate this big transition in the families lives.
We believe in the power of a joyful beginning. Open Arms Celebrations is dedicated to organizing baby-shower style events for families preparing to foster, ensuring every child is welcomed with community, care, and celebration.
Voices from Our Community
"Communities rally around their people for every big life event, whether it is a graduation for a young scholar, a wedding shower for the happy couple, or a baby shower for expecting parents. Our foster families deserve the same support and celebration."
— Kimber Barber-Fendley, OAC Supporter
Our Story
I adopted my two daughters from foster care...
Throughout this process, I recognized the tremendous support from DCFS caseworkers, staff, and other support systems, yet I also saw that their support started after the first foster care child had been placed.
As everyone who is a part of this process knows, a significant amount of work goes into preparing the home to welcome the first foster child, from installing new smoke detectors, baby gates, fire alarms, cabinet locks, and much more, Foster parents are expected to have all of this prepared before the foster care process starts; and unfortunately, long before government support is provided.
Although my husband and I understood why this gap in support existed, we were still concerned about the expense of beginning the foster care process.
During this time, something amazing happened. The community around us, our family, friends, even coworkers, rallied in response to our concerns and threw us an, “It Takes a Village” Party. This party functioned similarly to a standard baby shower, but instead of providing clothes, diapers, and wipes, it provided us with all of the items needed to prepare our home for foster children. I will be forever grateful for our community's support of our family.
Two years later, a work colleague let me know that his family was also opening up their home for foster care children. I was thrilled that I got to pay this gift forward, and went on to offer them the same support by throwing them their own “It Takes a Village Party.” During the party planning process, explaining the concept to a partygoer, they responded, “This is a fantastic idea! Every foster family deserves this support.” That is when I became inspired to start this non-profit organization.
- Jessie Perry, OAC President
Our Board
Marie Simmons
Jessie Perry
Treasurer
Marie is the financial backbone of our organization, ensuring that we operate with integrity, transparency, and sound financial stewardship. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and brings extensive experience working with numerous nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(3) programs throughout Arkansas.
President · Event Coordinator
Jessie serves as the first point of contact for our foster families and oversees the planning and coordination of every celebration. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering Technology and founded Open Arms Celebrations after experiencing the foster care journey firsthand through the adoption of her two children.
India Beavers
Sponsorship Coordinator
India serves as the first point of contact for both our corporate sponsors and individual donors, cultivating meaningful relationships from the very first conversation. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and brings a unique combination of analytical thinking, compassion, and enthusiasm to our team.
Catherine Switzer
Secretary · Marketing Coordinator
Catherine is the creative force behind the polished and professional look of our organization. She has a bachelors degree in both Graphic Design and Web Design and Development. Her many talents have shaped our organizations visual identity and helped present our mission in a way that is both beautiful and impactful.