In this episode of Views from the window, where faith meets real life, we sit down with Nick Shaw, the founder of The Forge.

Nick shares his powerful journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and seven years in and out of the prison system. Now, he is leading a visionary ministry in Saline County, Arkansas, focused on more than just prison reform—he’s calling it "manhood reform".

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Exit Strategy" Problem: Why 80% of people return to prison within 10 years and how the current "$100 gate check" system fails men leaving incarceration.
• The Forge Academy: A five-phase plan to provide men with a safe place to live, spiritual mentorship, and training in skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Affordable Housing & Homeownership: How The Forge plans to build 1,600 sq. ft. homes for approximately $34,000, giving men the opportunity to own their own property and achieve the American dream.
• Business Incentives: The surprising federal benefits for businesses that hire felons, including a 2,400 tax credit∗∗and∗∗25,000 in insurance coverage.

Nick’s story is a testament that a person’s past does not define their future. Join us as we look through the window at how the "Big C" church can mobilize to solve spiritual problems and impact society by breaking the cycles of poverty and crime.

Connect with The Forge: 🌐 Website: www.forgereentry.com

In this powerful episode of Views from the Window, host David Howell sits down with Art Heathcock, the founder of New Hope Ministries, to discuss the urgent and often hidden crisis of sex trafficking in Arkansas. For over a decade, New Hope has been dedicated to serving female victims aged 11 to 17, offering a path toward complete restoration.

Art shares the deeply personal story of how New Hope began—not through a traditional background in social work, but through a series of dreams that called him and his wife to action after 34 years as a paramedic.

The conversation tackles the harsh realities of exploitation, from the heartbreaking statistic that 30% of child victims are trafficked by their own families to the "F" grade Arkansas receives for its laws regarding survivor support.

Key topics in this episode include:
1. The New Hope Vision: Why a dedicated shelter is the "de facto standard of care" for healing the deep trauma of exploitation.
2. Closing the Gap: How New Hope is working to provide one of the few restorative programs in the nation for child survivors.
3. A Holistic Approach: The ministry’s commitment to healing the body, soul, and spirit through a Christian framework of hope and grace.
4. How to Get Involved: From volunteering your unique skills to supporting New Hope’s search for a secure, secret shelter location in the Pope or Yell County area.

Join us as we look through the window at the vital work of New Hope Ministries and learn how our community can move from silence to life-changing action.

Connect with New Hope: Visit their website to fill out a volunteer questionnaire or follow them on Facebook to stay updated on their mission

Find us on Social:
Views From the Window on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viewsfromthewindow
https://www.davidjhowell.com/podcast

Subscribe wherever you get your podcast: https://viewsfromthewindow.transistor.fm

David's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djhowell

New Hope Youth Ministry - https://www.facebook.com/newhopeyoutharkansas
https://www.newhopeyouth.org

Foster Care is a Mission Field. Are you ready to step in? 🏠✨

Imagine getting a call at 3:00 AM. A child is entering your care, and they have nothing—no bed, no clothes, and sometimes not even a toothbrush. This is the reality for many of the 300+ children in care across the River Valley.

In our latest conversation, Tristan Hines from Joseph’s House shares how they are "wrapping their arms" around these families by providing 24/7 free access to everything a child needs. From breaking generational cycles to trading personal comfort for a child's safety, we dive deep into why foster care is the ultimate "sacrificial giving".

Find us on Social:
Views From the Window on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viewsfromthewindow/
https://www.davidjhowell.com/podcast

David's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJHowell/

Joseph's House - https://www.facebook.com/jhofrussellville
https://www.josephshouse.info/