By The Jonesboro Sun | April 29, 2021

Operation Transformation was a huge success Saturday, April 24. Many people participated in the event, toured the new Joe and Helen Harris Center for Opportunities, participated in the silent auction and enjoyed lunch and snacks from IMAD, Black Hound BBQ and Tropical Sno! The event raised over $10,000 in donations and pledges.

The Joe and Helen Harris Foundation was founded in March 2016 by Dan Harris in memory of his parents who cared deeply for the community of Newport. The Foundation is dedicated to building resources for a positive change in the community. Within the facility is a Mentoring Center, the CASA office, and many different activities.

The committee for the event consisted of Michelle Johnson, Ami Norris, Tara Salinas, and Christel Taylor. On site for the event was the Arkansas State University-Newport Criminal Justice Program providing ChildPrint ID Kits, which assist parents in easily creating a confidential and comprehensive record of their child’s personal and medical information to keep at home for use in case of an emergency, officers from the Arkansas State Police, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and Newport Police Department to help complete the kits.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the mission of the Foundation can join the Harris Heroes program for as little as $10 a month. For more information on becoming a Harris Hero, contact Sheridan Chadwell at 870-512-8565.