The next generation of leaders and philanthropists is already making an impact in Little Rock.
This year, Home for Healing launched its inaugural co-ed teen leadership program, Diamonds & Studs, inviting central Arkansas high school juniors and seniors to step into service while supporting the nonprofit’s mission.
For more than 20 years, Home for Healing has provided a place where cancer patients, caregivers and ICU families can stay at no cost while receiving treatment. The nonprofit has welcomed more than 5,000 guests from 35 states and several countries to its 13,500-square-foot home in Little Rock, complete with everything guests need to feel comfortable and supported.
The idea for Diamonds & Studs began with a simple question. When a parent approached executive director Kristin Trulock about getting her daughter involved in volunteering, the conversation sparked a larger vision.
Trulock worked with the parent to develop the concept before bringing in board members Rennie Jenkins and Ari Crum to help launch and shape the inaugural class.
According to Trulock, Diamonds & Studs offers young people the chance to experience the mission up close.
“This program allows students to see the heart of what we do,” Trulock says. “It’s not just about collecting volunteer hours. It’s about learning compassion, leadership and the importance of giving back.”
Through development, education, volunteer work and fundraising, 36 students committed their time and energy to advancing the organization’s work. Participants volunteered at Home for Healing, assisted with service projects, interacted with guests and raised funds to support families staying at the home.
In addition to 30 service hours, each participant is responsible for raising a minimum of $1,000 to support the program. Through practical training, students can earn certifications in CPR, first aid and Narcan administration.
With a minimal enrollment fee and few additional costs throughout the year, students from a variety of backgrounds can participate without significant financial burden. This intentional design was essential to ensuring the program remained accessible.
“Diamonds & Studs provides a wide range of leadership, volunteer and fundraising opportunities that are not typically found together in other programs,” Trulock explains. “Additionally, the program is open to both juniors and seniors and includes both young men and women. This creates a collaborative environment where students learn to lead, serve and grow together, something that is uncommon in many traditional programs that often focus on only one grade level or one gender.”
The inaugural class will be recognized this spring at the nonprofit’s newest event, Studs & Stones: An Evening in White.
Jenkins and Crum, who also serve as event co-chairs and co-chairs of the first-ever class, have watched the program’s growth firsthand.
“Our inaugural class of 36 students has been incredible. Watching their growth, confidence and dedication over the past year has exceeded our expectations,” Crum says, noting the organization hopes to expand the program in the years to come. “We want to reach even more teens and continue offering opportunities for leadership, service and scholarships. The potential for this program is limitless.”
Part of the foundation of that potential is a distinct focus on the future. Each year, five scholarships will be awarded that can be used at both in-state and out-of-state colleges as well as trade schools, giving students the chance to pursue the path that best fits their long-term goals.
“These trainings equip students with life-saving skills that can make a real difference in emergencies,” Jenkins says. “It’s about preparing them to serve their communities in meaningful ways.”
Each student will also have the opportunity to share that meaningful connection with the community by taking part in a walk during the Studs & Stones event. Each walk will honor someone who has impacted their life, whether through cancer, a NICU stay or another serious medical experience.
“This moment allows the students to reflect on the personal reasons that inspired their service,” Trulock adds.
The inaugural class has established a strong foundation for the future of the program, with some students raising more than $10,000 individually. Currently, dozens of students have already signed up to pledge their service to the nonprofit’s 2027 class.
For Jenkins, the most inspiring moments of the program have come from witnessing students deeply moved by the stories of the residents staying at the home.
“At the beginning of every meeting, we have a ‘mission moment,’ where a resident shares their story,” she says. “Watching the students connect with those families has been incredibly meaningful.”
For Crum, helping launch the program has been deeply personal.
“This program is bigger than any one of us,” she says. “Being part of its launch has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
As she looks to the future of the nonprofit, Trulock says the mission of Diamonds & Studs is essential to expanding Home for Healing’s impact.
“These students leave with a deeper understanding of service and a lifelong connection to helping others,” she says. “That’s one of the most powerful ways we can continue the mission of Home for Healing for years to come.”
Meet the inaugural class of 36 students here.
Studs & Stones: An Evening in White, Benefiting Home for healing
May 2, 6 p.m. | North Little rock Event Center
Info: homeforhealing.org/diamonds-studs
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
CLOTHING
BARBARA/JEAN