At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), our mission extends far beyond the care and refuge for wild animals—it reaches into the heart of our local community. We believe that a strong connection with our neighbors isn’t just valuable, it’s vital. One of the clearest examples of this belief in action is seen in the work and dedication of our Maintenance Director, Victor Smith.
Victor and his wife, Amanda Smith—who also serves as TCWR’s treasurer—have spent the past decade enriching the lives of local youth in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Recognizing a need for recreational outlets, the Smiths took it upon themselves to build youth basketball and baseball programs from the ground up. Before their involvement, children in kindergarten through seventh grade had no organized sports to turn to. Today, thanks to their commitment, these programs serve as an essential part of growing up in Eureka Springs.
But Victor’s work with local youth does more than provide recreation—it helps build a foundation of values that echo the very heart of TCWR’s mission: responsibility, compassion, and stewardship. By investing in young people, he’s helping to raise a new generation that understands the importance of community service and care for others—be it neighbors or animals in need. These youth programs are not just about baseballs and basketballs—they’re about building character and inspiring future activists who may one-day champion animal welfare, environmental protection, or community leadership in their own right.
Victor also serves as the assistant coach for the Eureka Springs High School baseball team, pouring his time and energy into mentoring young athletes. This past year, Victor and Amanda led a fundraising campaign that raised over $30,000 to bring the town’s baseball fields up to code. From organizing donors to overseeing the dozing and dirt work, Victor’s hands-on leadership was instrumental in transforming the space—and in recognition of his contributions, the field now proudly bears his name.
In addition to his work with youth sports, Victor is a board member at the Eureka Springs Community Center, another local nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents. He even operates a beloved catering business that not only brings people together at festivals and local events but also supports the Refuge during special functions.
Victor’s deep roots and active engagement in the community serve as a powerful reminder of why community involvement is so important for nonprofits like TCWR. These connections foster trust, inspire collaboration, and create a sense of shared purpose. When we invest in our community, our community invests in us—through support, advocacy, and a mutual commitment to growth.
At TCWR, we are proud of our work with wildlife. But we are just as proud of the people behind the scenes—who show every day what it means to serve with heart, both inside and outside the Refuge.