Arkansas woman quits 6-figure job to create one of the largest black non-profits for at-risk youth …
Some of the most profound words you may have never heard, but everyone needs to hear and be reminded of….
“ We are not created for our own purpose but for the purpose of serving others.”
Such powerful and poetic words come from the heart of the Director/Founder of one of the largest black-owned nonprofits in the state of Arkansas - Annette Dove. This prolific non-profit organization is TOPPS, Inc, and its headquarters can be found in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. TOPPS, Inc was founded and created by Dove in 2002, and her goal was simple. Not only to continue the legacy of her late husband, who had served the youth of Pine Bluff and surrounding areas for so many years but to ensure that black and brown children had a fair chance to reach their full potential and not be robbed of the chance to live a great life because of academics, poverty, mental health, and the many other social issues impacting communities not only in Pine Bluff but all across the United States of America. Dove’s philosophy has always been that every child has a chance to be successful in this life. However, sometimes those children need a helping hand because they may have been born into a situation where things such as sustainability, a two-parent home, a warm meal, a comfy bed to sleep in, and a calm environment are luxuries those beautiful brown babies were not blessed with.
She just wants every child to have a fighting chance, even when their current situation may have all the odds against them. Outside of Pine Bluff, Arkansas being the most poverty-stricken city in the state of Arkansas – it has also been labeled as one of the most “dangerous small cities” in the country, according to sources. As you can imagine, naturally, a child constantly exposed to poverty, violence, anger, lack of education, and opportunity usually produces negative results. You may even see these results brewing in your own respective city & state — no matter how big or small it may be.
Dove created TOPPS, INC because even though the staggering crime and violence rates were and are constantly on the rise – she chose not to run and complain about those problems but instead created a solution. Several solutions at that. TOPPS, Inc offers a number of unique programs and community initiatives intending to help the youth, their families, and the overall community to be able to sustain themselves and live a higher quality of life. Those programs focus on the many social issues within Pine Bluff and the surrounding areas, such as food insecurity, lack of youth mentorship, mental health, academic struggles, and so much more.
One of the main questions in the world of business and non-profits is – what separates this organization from all the others? And the answer is very simple. Pine Bluff is a rather small city compared to others. Therefore, it is a bit easier to identify the issues plaguing this once-prestigious community. And, instead of running, making excuses, or complaining – TOPPS has fought, strategized, and found a way to combat those issues and make their community better than it was before. Most importantly, ensuring the spirit of the late Mr. Dove and others like him never die, and the citizens of Pine Bluff know there is someone out there who cares.
TOPPS cares, Ms. Dove cares, and they prove it day in and day out.
If you or someone you may know believes in this mission and work being done by this amazing organization — there are several ways in which you can donate and support.
Zelle: topps@toppsinc.org
CashApp: $TOPPSPB
Written by: Will Zee’ Tidwell
