ASPSF volunteer, Susan Akin (left) with scholarship recipient, Karmen Sanak (center), and visitor speaker, Jessica Holmes (proper), at a scholarship ceremony.
The Arkansas Single Dad or mum Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is honored to acknowledge Susan Akin of Monticello as our December 2025 Volunteer of the Month. A retired speech therapist and lively group supporter, Susan has been volunteering with ASPSF for almost a 12 months. She brings heat, dependability, and coronary heart to each occasion she touches.
Susan first realized about ASPSF via her shut pal and ASPSF program supervisor, Makayla Washington.
“I heard about ASPSF via Makayla Washington,” Susan stated. “She shared the fantastic work the group was doing, and I hopped on board when requested. I like my pal.”
Makayla’s ardour for ASPSF’s mission, serving to finish single father or mother poverty via larger schooling, drew Susan in instantly.
“I turned a volunteer to assist help Makayla and the superb mission she works so onerous for,” Susan stated. “I like being a part of one thing that lifts up single dad and mom who’re working to higher their lives.”
Supporting a Mission That Adjustments Lives
By versatile scholarships of as much as $1,600 per semester and wraparound providers, ASPSF empowers low-income single dad and mom to remain at school, graduate, and construct secure, family-supporting careers.
Volunteers like Susan play a necessary function in making these providers attainable, from serving to arrange workshops to adorning for scholarship ceremonies to providing encouragement on a very powerful evening of all, the award ceremony.
Every semester, scholarship recipients stroll throughout the stage to simply accept their award — typically with kids, household, or mates cheering them on. It’s a second that by no means fails to encourage Susan.
“One in all my favourite moments is watching recipients stroll throughout the stage on the scholarship ceremony,” she stated. “The grins, the sensation of accomplishment — it will get me each time. It’s stunning to witness their onerous work being acknowledged and celebrated.”
Why She Volunteers
Susan’s service is grounded in empathy and a real need to uplift others throughout a difficult chapter of their lives.
“I like volunteering with ASPSF as a result of it permits me to help single dad and mom throughout a significant and infrequently difficult chapter of their lives,” she stated. “Understanding that even a small effort on my half can brighten somebody’s day or assist them really feel inspired makes each second value it.”
Her enthusiasm is matched by her admiration for the ASPSF workers, particularly Makayla.
“I’d additionally similar to to say that it takes onerous work to make these massive issues occur, so seeing this group simply get it finished is so thrilling,” Susan stated. “I really get pleasure from seeing Makayla in all seasons of this work, dedicating numerous of hours to make all of it occur.”
When she’s not volunteering with ASPSF, Susan serves because the board secretary for the SEARK Live performance Affiliation, and but, irrespective of how busy she is, she all the time finds time to indicate up for single dad and mom.
“I get pleasure from being of assist after I can, wherever I’m wanted.”
We’re grateful for Susan’s kindness, her dedication, and the enjoyment she brings to each ASPSF occasion.
Congratulations to Susan Akin, our December Volunteer of the Month!
