Historical Society to Host "Into the Light"

JoLissa Blossom, Director of Development for "Into the Light," will headline the next meeting of the Baxter County Historical Society Tuesday, October 27th, at 6 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Library. Her program will provide an amazing story of how several local people decided to enter the dark world of child sex trafficking and try to end it. JoLisa has been a development professional for almost 20 years and has been with "Into the Light" since 2020. She is originally from the West Coast but is grateful to call Baxter County Home. She is the author of "Pillar in the Temple," a memoir available at Barnes & Nobel and also the Donald W. Reynolds Library.

In 2012 a prayer group at a local church formed "Into the Light" with a simple mission--"To end child sex trafficking and bring hope to survivors." Their uplifting story traces their organization's development from conducting simple community meetings to raise awareness, to a more formal 501-c(3) designation and working directly with juvenile detention centers to provide victim outreach. They began training law enforcement to identify warning signs and provide support for survivors.

Over their years their outreach continues to grow with offices in Mountain Home, Springdale and Little Rock. In 2023 a formal support agreement was signed with the state of Arkansas, and a number of individuals were referred by the Department of Children and Families. Frequent age of victims is 12-17. During 2025 "Into the Light" provided support for over 300 people in 31 counties in North Central, Northwest, and Central Arkansas. The public is encouraged to attent this eye opening program.

In other business at the meeting, a slate of proposed officers and board members for 2027 will be presented to the membership. Actual vote and approval will occur at the November meeting.

A "Special Night at Coltons" is scheduled for Thursday, Oct 29th from 4 to 9 p.m. Society members will be at Coltons to visit with patrons. The Historical Society will receive a portion of the evening proceeds. Patrons may win a special gift basket from the Society which includes a Coltons gift card.

 "Halloween at the Casey House" will be conducted Sataurday, Oct 31st from 5-8 p.m. This will give the public another opportunity to see the restoration of the most historic building in Mountain Home.

"Heritage Holiday at the Museum" is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 5th, from 10-2 p.m. at the Historical Museum, 300 Bomber Blvd, KTLO will be there with the Treasure Chest from 11-1 p.m. Special crafters are being scheduled.

For further information contact Kevin Bodenhamer at 870-404-1182 or Sonny Sharp at 870-404-8516.