In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Hallum, President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, shares her personal and professional journey from small-town Oklahoma roots to leading one of Fort Smith’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.

Jennifer opens up about her family’s experiences caring for aging parents, her early memories of visiting senior centers with her grandmother, and how those moments shaped her passion for helping others. She explains how the Area Agency on Aging provides vital programs — from transportation and home health to the new GUIDE Program for Alzheimer’s care — all designed to help families “know us before you need us.”

Packed with laughter, heart, and local flavor, this episode also explores Fort Smith’s strong sense of community, favorite local restaurants like Diamond Head No. 2 and George’s, and the people who make this city a place of compassion and connection.

Relevant Links (from DiscoverFortSmith.com):

• Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/area-agency-on-aging

• Fort Smith Little Theatre: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-little-theatre

• National U.S. Marshals Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/national-us-marshals-museum

• Fort Smith Symphony: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-symphony

• George’s Restaurant: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/georges-restaurant

• The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district