Little Rock, Arkansas – In a major step toward addressing poverty and promoting long-term self-sufficiency across the state, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the launch of the 10:33 Initiative pilot program. Uniting government agencies, faith communities, and nonprofit organizations, the program is designed to provide Arkansans in crisis with immediate support while guiding them toward meaningful career opportunities and sustainable economic independence.
The announcement, made in collaboration with the White House Faith Office, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, and other key partners, marks a bold new approach to poverty relief. Organized by Governor Sanders’ Faith-Based Initiatives office, the 10:33 Initiative is inspired by the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, emphasizing the importance of compassion, connection, and community in helping individuals in need.
“The 10:33 Initiative isn’t another government welfare program; it’s a groundbreaking project carefully curated to give Arkansans a hand up, not a handout,” said Governor Sanders. “By leveraging the power of technology and connecting Arkansans in need with faith-based and community partners willing to help, this initiative will strengthen families and transform lives. I’m incredibly grateful to my Faith-Based Initiatives office for spearheading the launch of this program, and thankful for our stakeholders and the White House Faith Office for their support. Together, we will build a stronger future for every Arkansan — and help create a model for the nation.”
At its core, the 10:33 Initiative seeks to move Arkansans from crisis to career, combining immediate assistance with long-term workforce and educational resources. The pilot program will focus on Pulaski, Union, and Pope counties, reaching between 300 and 500 Arkansans over the next 12 months. Participants will receive help meeting urgent needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, while also gaining access to resources that support career development and financial independence.
“This program will transform lives in each of the pilot communities, and we are incredibly excited and honored to support it,” said Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Janet Mann. “It takes all of us working together in communities across this state to help Arkansans emerge from poverty, attain economic independence, and truly improve their lives. That’s what the 10:33 Initiative is all about, and I’m so grateful to Governor Sanders for her leadership and to our faith-based and community partners who understand the need and appreciate the potential we can reach when we come together to support those in crisis.”
The program is being powered by Restore Hope’s HopeHub, a collaborative case management and data-sharing platform currently in use across 19 Arkansas counties. HopeHub connects individuals to community advocates who assess needs, mobilize local faith and nonprofit partners, and create tailored support plans. These plans address immediate challenges while simultaneously guiding participants toward longer-term solutions, such as housing, healthcare, education, and career opportunities.
“The 10:33 Initiative is a compassionate, forward-thinking approach to serving Arkansans by meeting immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term economic independence,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “When individuals are empowered with meaningful career opportunities, it not only transforms their lives—it strengthens entire communities.”
Once participants achieve stability through HopeHub, they are introduced to Arkansas LAUNCH, a skills-based platform that connects jobseekers with career opportunities and training programs. LAUNCH offers 16,217 unique users access to 5,807 jobs from 593 employers, along with career exploration videos and skill-based job matching, allowing participants to seamlessly transition from support programs into the workforce.
Faith and community organizations are playing a central role in the initiative. Director of Restore Hope Paul Chapman said, “The 10:33 Initiative represents the best of Arkansas – government, faith, and community partners working side by side to help families move from crisis to stability. Through HopeHub and the Restore Hope Model, we are honored to support this pilot by connecting families with caring advocates and resources that address both urgent needs and long-term opportunities. This initiative has the power not only to transform lives here in Arkansas but also to serve as a model for the nation.”
Other nonprofit partners, including The Contingent, CarePortal, and For Others, are integral to the program’s success. “We’re grateful for the incredible work of our partners Restore Hope, The Contingent, and CarePortal in Arkansas, whose commitment to children and families reflects the heart of our mission at For Others,” said For Others Founder Chris Tomlin. “We commend Governor Sanders for her vision and leadership in launching the 10:33 initiative. Her desire to bring the faith community together around vulnerable kids and families is inspiring, and it’s a powerful example of what can happen when government, churches, and nonprofits link arms. Together, we are showing the nation what it looks like to bring hope and lasting change to families and children in crisis.”
The 10:33 Initiative is open to businesses, nonprofits, and community or faith-based partners, providing a variety of ways for organizations to participate in supporting local Arkansans. A simple one-page document outlines opportunities for engagement, allowing stakeholders to contribute resources, mentorship, or programmatic support to the individuals and families participating in the pilot.
Governor Sanders launched Faith-Based Initiatives earlier in her administration to bring together Arkansas’ diverse faith communities around pressing social issues. Over time, these efforts have led to programs addressing childhood hunger, maternal health, foster care, and more, with an emphasis on leveraging community resources in coordination with government services. The 10:33 Initiative represents the culmination of these efforts, providing a holistic approach that addresses both immediate crises and systemic challenges that contribute to poverty.
With this pilot program, Arkansas is seeking not only to improve the lives of individual participants but also to create a replicable model that other states might adopt. By combining technology, community networks, and government oversight, the initiative aims to demonstrate how targeted, collaborative efforts can move individuals from dependency to self-sufficiency.
As the program launches in Pulaski, Union, and Pope counties, Governor Sanders and her partners remain optimistic about its potential. The initiative’s focus on personalized support, career readiness, and community engagement positions it as a promising solution to long-standing issues of poverty and economic instability in the state.
“The 10:33 Initiative is about hope, opportunity, and practical solutions,” Governor Sanders said. “By providing immediate support while opening doors to career advancement, education, and community connection, we are creating a pathway for lasting change. This program is a model for what can happen when faith, community, and government come together to lift people up.”
As the pilot progresses over the next 12 months, officials will monitor outcomes closely, adjusting strategies and expanding successful practices where appropriate. With its combination of technology, collaboration, and faith-driven motivation, the 10:33 Initiative has the potential to redefine poverty intervention in Arkansas, offering a blueprint for the nation and a brighter future for those it serves.
More information about the program, including participation opportunities and pilot locations, can be found on the Arkansas Faith-Based Initiatives website.
