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Bridges to Health

Education

Adult Education & GED Program
In partnership with ASU Newport, JCDC offers adult learners the tools and support they need to complete their GEDs and pursue further education or career advancement. This program helps open doors to opportunity by building confidence and foundational skills in a supportive environment.

Cooking Matters Classes
Through hands-on classes and shopping tours, participants learn how to prepare healthy meals on a budget. The program empowers families to make smarter food choices and stretch their grocery dollars while prioritizing nutrition.

Type 2 Diabetes Education
Designed to increase awareness and improve outcomes, this program equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to prevent, understand, and manage Type 2 diabetes. Classes are focused on lifestyle changes and practical steps toward better health.

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community development

Community Development

Neighborhood & Infrastructure Advocacy
We work hand-in-hand with residents to enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods by advocating for cleaner parks, safer streets, and more walkable, connected communities. Our approach is collaborative, community-led, and rooted in equity.

Transportation Support
Recognizing that access is a key barrier, we provide transportation assistance to ensure residents can attend medical appointments, educational programs, job training, and civic events. This support promotes both health and civic inclusion.

Voter Registration & Civic Engagement
We help community members register to vote, understand the issues, and stay informed about elections. Through education and outreach, we foster a stronger, more engaged electorate that reflects the voices of all residents.

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Access to Resources

Health Fairs & Screenings
Our annual health fairs bring free screenings, wellness resources, and health education directly to the community. With support from healthcare partners, these events provide a vital entry point to ongoing care and healthier living.

Direct Assistance Programs
JCDC staff help individuals and families navigate complex health and social service systems by connecting them to vital resources—whether it’s healthcare, housing, food assistance, or support programs that address urgent needs.

Upcoming Community Events & Workshops
Throughout the year, we host a variety of workshops and gatherings that focus on wellness, financial literacy, civic participation, and more. These events are designed to build skills, foster connection, and strengthen community resilience.

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resources
food-pantry

Food Pantry

Community Food Pantry – Open Mondays 10 AM to 2 PM

Our community food pantry is open every Monday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, located right inside our office at 911 Magnolia Rd. 

We believe everyone deserves access to food and support, no ID, proof of income, or paperwork required. If you need assistance, you qualify. No questions asked.

Anyone wishing to donate can call or email us, and we’ll gladly arrange for pickup or delivery of donations.

Together, we can make a difference one meal at a time.

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Bridge the Gap—Join Us in Creating Healthier Communities

Get Involved

Brenda Butler

Arkansas Community Corrections - Board Member

Brenda A. Butler is a 1983 graduate of Brinkley High School. A graduate of Arkansas State University, from which she earned degrees in both Criminology and Psychology. Brenda is a licensed minister at Fullness Of Joy Ministries in Jonesboro, AR. She is a Notary Republic, She is a writer, author, poet, playwright and monologist.  

She is a member of AAADAC Arkansas Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. She serves on the board of NEA Divine Intervention (founder Shalinda Woolbright) and In His Wings Ministry (founder Jennifer Tarwater). 

Miss Butler is presently employed by The Department of Correction where she holds the position of Assistant Treatment Program Manager. She has been with this state agency 27 years serving as a treatment coordinator, substance abuse program leader and drug court advisor.

Lillie Fears

Arkansas State University – Chairman of the Board

Coming soon…

Emma Agnew

Founder & CEO

Emma Agnew is a seasoned community leader and social justice advocate with over 30 years of experience championing equity, health, and economic empowerment for underserved populations in Northeast Arkansas. As the Founder and Executive Director of the North Jonesboro Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), she leads initiatives that address social determinants of health, promote financial literacy, and support the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population—working individuals who struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed. 

Before establishing NJCDC, Emma served as the Program Coordinator for the City of Jonesboro’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, where she managed federal funds aimed at improving housing and community development for low- and moderate-income residents. She also coordinated the North Jonesboro Neighborhood Initiative (NJNI), fostering community engagement and organizing events like the “Spread Your Change” Festival to unite and uplift local residents. 

Emma’s commitment to public service extends to her involvement in local governance; she has dedicated seven years to local government and nonprofit community service, advocating for the needs of marginalized communities. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her a place on the Community Advisory Board of the Delta Population Health Institute, where she collaborates with other leaders to address health disparities across the region. 

Driven by a passion for social justice, Emma Agnew continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all voices in her community are heard and that equitable resources are accessible to those in need.

Shamal Carter

CRDC – Board Member

Shamal Carter is a dedicated community leader, public health advocate, and champion for equity and education. He currently serves as Chair of Concerned Citizens of Jonesboro and President of the Craighead County NAACP. Shamal holds a Master’s in Public Health from Liberty University and is a proud alumnus of Arkansas State University. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Early Learning, where he helps guide initiatives that support children and families across the state. With a strong commitment to social justice, Shamal has led numerous grassroots efforts focused on youth empowerment, health equity, and civic engagement.

Corey Mills

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation - Treasurer

Corey Mills is a native of West Memphis, AR, and a graduate of the West Memphis Blue Devils Class of 1994. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Management from Arkansas State University, where he also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Corey has a diverse background in business, finance, and community development. As an entrepreneur, he has owned and operated several businesses in the entertainment and music industry, tax preparation franchises and service bureaus for tax preparation companies, real estate acquisition and management. He also spent time working in the nonprofit sector during the Obama Care era where he helped expand healthcare access to those in need.

His career in mortgage banking began as a Community Development Mortgage Lender for Cadence Bank (formerly BancorpSouth), where he helped individuals and families achieve homeownership. He is now a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, licensed in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.

Beyond his professional work, Corey is committed to community engagement. He founded the Black Professionals Network of Jonesboro, which supports networking and growth opportunities for black professionals in the area. He also serves on the Land Bank Commission of Jonesboro, working to revitalize and repurpose vacant properties for community benefit.

Corey is a devoted husband to Ruth Hegwood-Mills and a proud father to Chance and Jayden Mills. He values family, community, economic development, and helping others achieve financial stability.

Sharon Johnson

ASU-Newport – Secretary

Sharon Johnson is a member of the Refreshing Springs Ministry Church of God In Christ. Sharon serves as a licensed Evangelist Missionary. She is a teacher, youth leader/mentor, and intercessory prayer warrior.

She is an active member of her community. For two consecutive years, she received the City of Jonesboro Volunteer Award for her work in the community. She has assisted with the development of low-income housing for underprivileged and marginalized communities and worked as a volunteer in the Church of the Highland Dream Center’s After School Enrichment Program for several years. 

As an educator and businesswoman, Sharon has excellent communication and leadership skills with proficiency in student academics, retention, and student support. Sharon is an interdisciplinary individual with experience in teaching, academic administration, recruitment, academic counseling/advising, student performance, and mental conditioning with both youth and adults.

Sharon is a proud alumnus of Arkansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources and later her Master of Science in Education. 

Sharon is presently employed at Arkansas State University-Newport Adult Education, where she serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator.