Father Ben Riley blessed Harrison’s first Safe Haven Baby Box July 16 at the Harrison Fire Department at 523 S. Pine Street. It is the 30th Baby Box dedicated in Arkansas. 

Speakers at the event included Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, and Jerry Hogue of the Knights of Columbus. Father Riley, pastor of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, also offered remarks.

Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said, “The Safe Haven Baby Box in Harrison would not have been possible without the local advocates, the Knights of Columbus, who worked tirelessly to bring this resource to their community.”

Arkansas Right to Life in Little Rock announced that executive director Rose Mimms will be leaving her leadership role by the end of the year. Mimms was hired in April 1993 as office manager and, after a few years, was promoted to executive director, a title she has held for 30 years. 

“I have always considered this work as a mission from God, and though I’m stepping aside as the director, my role at Arkansas Right to Life will change as the new director assumes leadership,” the member of St. Jude Church in Jacksonville said.

“I don’t call it retiring. I will be able to focus on special projects, including traveling the state, supporting and developing Arkansas Right to Life regional chapters.”

Mimms added, “It is comforting for me, as I step to the side, to know that our organization is in good hands with our new board president, Dr. Sharai Amaya, and the new executive director we know the Lord will provide.”