Editor's Note: This is the second in an occasional series on young leaders and entrepreneurs trying to make a difference in Texarkana. The first article, on Alley Cats owner Michael Perry, published Sunday, June 5.
TEXARKANA, Texas -- Jennifer Lacefield began a life of service to the community and to those in need long before she accepted her current post as executive director of Randy Sams Outreach Shelter.
Originally from Tyler, Texas, Lacefield moved to Texarkana in 2010 to work at Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center as a grant program director. The organization serves children and young people with mental health diagnoses.
In time, Lacefield was drawn to Domestic Violence Prevention agency, where she continued her work in grant writing and fundraising. The assignment deepened her love for community involvement and led to her assuming leadership at the shelter in 2019..
"Skills learned from prior positions and civic involvement, such as United Way, helped prepare me for some of the tasks involved in my role at Randy Sams," she said.
Lacefield speaks humbly about her work, saying "the community and grantors' support has made it possible for us to carry out our mission to improve the lives of the homeless."
She also has a staff on deck ready to carry out any tasks necessary to keep Randy Sams in operation.
Lacefield's reliance on others is understandable in light of the many other civic hats the executive director wears. She is a member of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, Altrusa Club of Texarkana, Greater Texarkana Young Professionals and the Texarkana Area Community Foundation.
"My advice to those considering working in similar fields, there are a myriad of roles that can be sought and enjoyed in social services and the nonprofit sector, she said. "Don't be afraid to be open to new opportunities and potential growth."
Throughout her various endeavors, Lacefield said one thing she's learned is the importance of surrounding herself with hard workers devoted to serving others. Doing so has led to solutions and arrangements she said she may not have developed on her own.
On Aug. 6, the second annual Randy Sams Invitational, a bag toss tournament, will be held at Crossties in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas. Randy Sams also has an annual spring fundraiser called 2 Pianos held at Crossties.
"We thank everyone who supported the 2 Pianos event recently through sponsorship and ticket purchases," she said.
Besides specific annual events, year-round support is essential to the shelter's success, Lacefield said.
In a moment of reflection, Lacefield said there are five qualities essential for any community leader: discerning, objective, ethical, goal-oriented and grateful.
"These are important qualities that we at Randy Sams try to implement."
Randy Sams provides emergency shelter services, food and clothing, in-house case management, medication cost assistance and referral to mental and physical health appointments.