CoHO And East Robins: A Story Of A Neighborhood Led with Generosity and Community Driven Renewal

On the East side of Conway, just over the railroad tracks and crossing Harkrider St, the E. Robins neighborhood is experiencing a quiet but profound transformation. Oakwood Trailer Park, seen once as a forgotten corner of our town, E. Robins St. is now the site of renewed momentum, fueled by the strength and generosity of its residents, and supported by the City of Hope Outreach (CoHO).

This transformation is guided by the principles of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which focuses on building from the inside out. Rather than centering on deficits or needs, the ABCD model begins with existing strengths, people, skills, relationships, and shared spaces. For CoHO and its community partners, this philosophy is not just theory, it is a daily lived practice.

“Our role is not to 'fix' this neighborhood, it is to walk with the families who live here, to amplify their strengths, and to support the dreams already in motion.” Said Tara Ward, COO of CoHO.

Through this lens, CoHO and residents are co-creating resident-led opportunities that blend neighborhood pride with collaborative as well as entrepreneurial action. These efforts include beautification projects, selective demolition and renovation of structures, and the creation of shared community spaces where connection, creativity, and culture can thrive.

Kindness and generosity are central to this movement. Kindness shows up not only in words but in everyday actions: conversations, on the porch, weekly walks through the community, shared meals, and educational programs designed to bridge communication and learning gaps. Leadership is often seen in the way neighbors extend understanding and communicate across differences. Exemplifying empathy and clarity, as one of many acts of kindness.

Generosity is seen in the ways residents offer time, talent, and resources from leading projects in the community garden to mentoring youth and supporting cultural celebrations that preserve the neighborhood’s deep history. As neighbors show up for one another, E. Robins is already a place of visibility, dignity, and shared ownership. Because it is not about programs alone, the transformation depends on the diverse people showing up.

For CoHO, this work is deeply aligned with our mission, with Hope Village, and future initiatives. By investing in residentially led solutions and embracing the ABCD model, CoHO supports communities where individuals and families do not just survive, but truly live!

The continued revitalization of E. Robins exemplifies what is possible when local applied knowledge, resident pride, and community generosity can come together. As this neighborhood continues to expand into its vision, it sends a message far beyond Conway, Arkansas that real, lasting change happens when people believe in their community, leading with love, kindness, and generosity, while building a future that's rooted in what's already strong. The foundation of hope is resilience and connection. 

​Tara Ward is the Chief Operations Officer of The City of Hope Outreach (CoHO), a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Conway, Arkansas.

 

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