Little Rock
2012 Director’s Community Leadership Awards
| Little Rock | Joyce Mosley Raynor |
|
The Little Rock Division is pleased to honor Joyce Mosley Raynor, executive director of the Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits, as a recipient of the 2012 Director’s Community Leadership Award. The Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits is a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy for victims of violence. It was a violent act that moved Ms. Raynor to form the organization under the umbrella of the Women’s Council of African American Affairs, Inc. In 2001, Ms. Raynor’s son, Charles Raynor, Jr., was killed, and she credits the support she received from her community with aiding in her recovery. Today, Ms. Raynor and the center have helped more than 500 families cope with the aftermath of violence through direct assistance and referral services. In 2008, Ms. Raynor facilitated a crime summit—the first of its kind—with participation from more than 500 law enforcement officials, legislators, parents, youth, and community leaders. She also secured an Edward Byrne Memorial discretionary grant to advance efforts to reduce crime in the African-American community. Through her dedication to the Black on Black Crime Coalition, the group’s efforts were entered into the U.S. Congressional Record. Ms. Raynor has received numerous accolades, including the Arkansas attorney general’s Victims Advocate of the Year Award. |