Meet the People Behind The Faces!
Dr. Phillip D. Fletcher
Founder and Executive Director |
Phillip Fletcher founded CoHO in 2007 with the dream to see individuals flourish and discover meaning in life. When he isn't running a nonprofit or molding minds as a professor at Philander Smith College, Phil can be found reading, building Legos, and collecting comic books.
"If I fail, I will do so while doing great things." |
Tara Ward
Chief Operating Officer |
Tara came to CoHO originally as a volunteer in 2021. It was immediately apparent that her energy and love for the community would benefit CoHO and our mission. She quickly rose from volunteer director to become our Operations Director and is responsible for handling CoHO's daily affairs.
"In serving my community, I've discovered that the greatest strength lies in the unity of hearts, where every act of kindness is a step towards a brighter future." |
John Williams
CoHO Case Manager
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John came on staff at CoHO in the fall of 2021, though he had worked previously with CoHO's Hope Home back in 2017. Today, John handles case management and the implementation of various services under our CoHO CARES program.
"Act in pursuit of justice, have an obsession with mercy, and walk humbly in everything you do." |
Lana Thurman
Nutrition & Small Market Director |
Lana joined CoHO in February 2023 as our new Nutrition Director and leader of the Small Market. If she isn't at the Small Market, you can often find her working in the community garden or foraging for fresh edible food to bring to the community!
"To know even on life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Bessie A. Stanley |
Billy Parrott
Hope Home Director |
When Billy first started working at CoHO as an intern, we knew he would be a valuable and much-loved addition to the team. His dedication and passion for serving our community made him the natural choice for Hope Home Director, where he helps men get off the streets and take the necessary steps to lead a fulfilling life.
"Where love exists, hope is alive." |
Jay Kennon
CoHO Academy Instructor |
My name is Jay Kennon and I am an academy instructor! I attend UCA as an undergraduate majoring in criminology and double minoring in marketing and psychology. I started at COHO as a volunteer, and once I was offered a position I knew it was the perfect fit for me! The students have grown to hold a special place in my heart and I am very excited to be apart of the COHO team!
“I didn’t come this far just to come this far and not be happy” -Kim Kardashian |
Claudia Fountain
CoHO Academy Instructor |
Welcome Claudia Fountain, known to most of our Hispanic community as “La Maestra.” She attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she studied Spanish with a specialization in ESL. Claudia has over 10 years of teaching experience. In 2005, she served as secretary for LULAC in Faulkner County and received recognition as Volunteer of the Year in 2019 for CoHO. She holds certifications in Bilingual Medical, Child Trauma, Law Enforcement, and First Responders Spanish, as well as the coveted ABICE-Arkansas Bilingual Interpreter Credential in Education. Claudia is a co-author of two books: "Girl Power," by Phyllis Hodges, featuring women from various ethnic backgrounds, and "¡Sí Se Puede!" written by Claudia herself. Since 2015, she has volunteered for The City of Hope Outreach, assisting English and Spanish-speaking parents in Brookside and serving as their in-house interpreter. Claudia has been a part of the steering committee for Hope Village since 2018 and continues to contribute her resources and expertise. She is deeply passionate about connecting needs with resources and excels in this endeavor. Claudia finds great fulfillment in her role within this forward-thinking nonprofit organization and is committed to its mission for the long term.
“NO JUZGUEZ CADA DIA POR LA COSECHA QUE RECOGES SINO POR LAS SEMILLAS QUE SIEMBRAS!” - Robert Louis Stevenson |
Caleb Marple
Strategic Development VISTA |
Caleb joined the CoHO team in January 2023 as our Strategic Development VISTA. His role in CoHO involves data collection through the development of surveys, audits, and questionnaires which he uses for grant applications and program development. In his free time, Caleb enjoys hiking with his German Shepard, Berlin.
"One can not be just a ball in a mountain stream, or a leaf on the wind. We must engage ourselves in life, and only when we do are we perfectly human." |