BEING PREPARED FOR THE UNIMAGINABLE CALL
Start now. A readiness model exists for how communities, even small ones, can lead the way to help survivors in a crisis:
Community Led
Expert-guided
Survivor-focused
Transparent
Effective
On June 21, 2024, a mass shooting at the Mad Butcher Grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas claimed four lives, but countless others had their world torn apart that day. It was an unimaginable act of violence. The entire state mourned. And then—it moved into action.
Neighbors gave. Churches organized. Donors reached out. People across Arkansas and beyond asked, “How can we help?”
Arkansas Community Foundation established the Fordyce Survivors Fund to provide financial assistance to survivors—those who lost family members, those wounded, and others who were physically present and deeply traumatized.
A MODEL BUILT ON TRUST AND EXPERIENCE
From the very beginning, our response was guided by a simple principle: the community knows itself, and what it needs, best. Our role was to connect that local wisdom with partners who have walked this tragic path before.
Three nationally-recognized organizations: Mass Violence Survivors Fund, VictimsFirst and VTVCare, have decades of experience responding to communities who have experienced mass violence. So, we brought them to the table, and then we listened.
This is the only comprehensive guide that exists to help community leaders, politicians, and nonprofits in alleviating the chaos that follows an event like what happened in Fordyce.
The leading authority on financial assistance for victims of mass casualty events. MVSF provides strategic guidance, proven tools and community-based frameworks for survivor-led decision-making.
A nonprofit founded by survivors of mass shootings. VictimsFirst has responded to over 50 shootings since 2012 and created the nation’s only comprehensive best-practices guide for helping communities navigate the chaos of mass violence.
VTVCare is a nonprofit dedicated to funding long-term physical and psychological care for mass shooting survivors. By easing the financial burden, survivors have space to heal, recover, and reclaim their lives.
RESOURCES & MATERIALS
Be prepared. Download the playbook and access additional resources about the Fordyce Survivors Fund.
HER STORY OF STRENGTH
This interview details Ms. Melinda’s first-hand experience as a survivor of the mass shooting in Fordyce, Arkansas.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Through our response efforts, we gained insights about resilience, the importance of transparent fund management, and the power of local leadership in directing relief efforts. These invaluable lessons will guide our approach to supporting communities during future crises.
Sen. Matt Stone
Key Insights:
- Community-led response committees ensure aid is distributed based on local knowledge and needs.
- Transparent fund management builds trust and encourages additional giving.
- Long-term mental health support is as crucial as immediate financial assistance.
- State and local agencies are often ill-prepared to respond to mass violence events like shootings.
- Federal funding is available following mass shootings that must be accessed by state agencies.
WHO WAS HELPED
On December 3, 2024, the steering committee held its final meeting at Fordyce City Hall, where it approved the full distribution plan for all donations raised.
The committee placed survivors into three categories of impact:
4 families of the deceased
7 individuals injured by gunfire
23 individuals with non-gunfire physical injuries or psychological trauma
(All were physically present inside the Mad Butcher, Dollar General, or in the surrounding area during the shooting.)
Final disbursements were hand delivered by Foundation staff in December 2024 in accordance with the steering committee’s plan.
When compassion starts with listening—action is grounded in trust.
