Member Highlight - Marissa Fahrig
- I was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri and recently moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas.
- We moved from our large family home in Joplin, to a cute modern loft right on the NWA trail. The proximity to the trail has definitely enhanced our desire to work out and walk around town.
- I have been married for 7 years to Scott Fahrig, we have two cats together. Our cat Wednesday is chubby and grey with a personality comparable to that of a confused teenager. We found our other cat Moe in the parking lot of Moe’s Southwest Grill, he is orange and loves to be close to us at all times. We both enjoy working with abandoned and homeless animals.
- I enjoy spending time with my close friends, Scott and I are both only children and value our friends as family.
Education:
- I have a Master’s in Business Administration from Missouri State University, business has always made sense to my little brain. I feel that working as a manager in a NPO is one of the most entrepreneurial endeavors and person can undertake.
- I currently teach online classes at Missouri Southern State University, I enjoy working with students at all age levels but college is particularly fun. My love for school has always been a constant, I’d love to go back again!
Work History:
- In 2010, I aided in the creation of a NPO called Art Feeds, Art Feeds does therapeutic art and creative education with elementary aged students. I wore many hats at this rapidly expanding organization from Director of Finance, to Intern Manager, to Merchandise Manager to the unfortunate office plumber role. After the May, 2011 tornado the need for our organization expanded rapidly, we were fortunate enough to be a part of so many amazing experiences and help the next generation of our community heal from this natural disaster.
- Art Feeds received a Mobile Art Studio from ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition following the May, 2011 tornado to aid in our outreach efforts. We were also fortunate enough to participate in NBC’s Great American Giving Awards and Vh1’s Do Something Awards, these were amazing platforms to promote our growing cause.
- Art Feeds also partnered with an organization based in Ghana, West Africa whose mission was to rescue children from child slavery in the fishing industry. We were able to travel to Africa, meet students, see slavery first hand and design specialized therapeutic art programs that fit these students specific needs. During this process we teamed up with a few designers from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to design, build and stock a creative art center for these rescued children.
- Art Feeds was the most amazing learning experience of my life.
- I am currently the Development Coordinator at the Arkansas Crisis Center, that title encompasses being the Director of 211 as well. I am new in the role and I am very excited to help the Crisis Center revitalize its existing programs and structure.
- The Arkansas Crisis Center is the only accredited Crisis Center in the state of Arkansas, we partner with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and focus on suicide prevention and crisis intervention.
- The Crisis Center also houses the online 211 program for the entire state and answers calls for Madison, Carroll, Benton and Washington country (Northwest Arkansas).
- We are excited to continue to learn from the MAK-AIRS group and expand our 211 into more robust service for the people of Arkansas.
