Van, Arkansas, offers a genuine slice of southern charm that makes it an inviting place to call home. This vibrant community is
rooted in tradition and rich in hospitality, boasting a welcoming atmosphere that draws people from all walks of life. Residents celebrate a close-knit community spirit, where neighbors know each other by name, and gatherings are a regular centerpiece of town life.
Living in Van means immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Surrounded by lush landscapes and rolling hills, this town offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The scenic trails and parks are perfect for both the adventurous and those seeking peaceful moments amidst nature's splendor.
Culture and history are woven into the fabric of Van, with local events that showcase its heritage and creativity. From arts festivals to farmers' markets, there's always something exciting happening that brings folks together. The dedication to community-driven initiatives ensures constant growth and improvement, making Van a town that looks ahead while embracing its legacy.
In Van, you’ll find more than a home; you’ll discover a community that thrives on kindness, warmth, and a shared passion for the good life.
Van, Arkansas
Van, Arkansas: A Warm Welcome Awaits
Van, Arkansas, offers a genuine slice of southern charm that makes it an inviting place to call home. This vibrant community is rooted in tradition and rich in hospitality, boasting a welcoming atmosphere that draws people from all walks of life. Residents celebrate a close-knit community spirit, where neighbors know each other by name, and gatherings are a regular centerpiece of town life.
Living in Van means immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Surrounded by lush landscapes and rolling hills, this town offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The scenic trails and parks are perfect for both the adventurous and those seeking peaceful moments amidst nature's splendor.
Culture and history are woven into the fabric of Van, with local events that showcase its heritage and creativity. From arts festivals to farmers' markets, there's always something exciting happening that brings folks together. The dedication to community-driven initiatives ensures constant growth and improvement, making Van a town that looks ahead while embracing its legacy.
In Van, you’ll find more than a home; you’ll discover a community that thrives on kindness, warmth, and a shared passion for the good life.
Recognizing When Pediatric Therapy May Be Helpful—Even Without a Diagnosis
Parents often wait for a formal diagnosis before considering therapy for their child, assuming that only medically defined conditions justify intervention. In reality, many children benefit from pediatric therapy long before any diagnosis is given, and often for challenges that seem modest but persist over
time. Subtle difficulties such as poor balance, selective eating, or recurring frustration during everyday tasks can be early signs of underlying motor or sensory integration issues. These are not always visible to others, nor are they typically cause for alarm in routine pediatric evaluations. Still, they
6 | HelloVan Buren, Arkansas • Fall Issue
Recognizing When Pediatric Therapy May Be Helpful—Even Without a Diagnosis
Parents often wait for a formal diagnosis before considering therapy for their child, assuming that only medically defined conditions justify intervention. In reality, many children benefit from pediatric therapy long before any diagnosis is given, and often for challenges that seem modest but persist over time. Subtle difficulties such as poor balance, selective eating, or recurring frustration during everyday tasks can be early signs of underlying motor or sensory integration issues. These are not always visible to others, nor are they typically cause for alarm in routine pediatric evaluations. Still, they may signal that a child is working harder than necessary to engage in daily routines that should feel natural and accessible. Pediatric therapists are trained to identify and support areas such as motor planning, sensory regulation, and executive functioning. A child who avoids playground equipment, becomes distressed by certain clothing textures, or frequently resists structured tasks may be exhibiting patterns that suggest sensory or coordination-related stress. Parents do not need to wait for these patterns to escalate into academic or behavioral concerns before seeking help. In fact, early engagement with therapy can often prevent those concerns from developing altogether. The most consistent indicator tends to be persistence—when small challenges do not fade with time, or when a child seems increasingly frustrated by what should be manageable situations. Pediatric therapy provides a structured, supportive environment to explore these patterns and, when needed, introduce tailored strategies to help children navigate them with greater confidence and ease. What matters most is not the presence of a label, but the presence of unmet needs.
Jocelyn Mitchelle
playground equipment, becomes distressed by certain clothing textures, or frequently resists structured tasks may be exhibiting patterns that suggest sensory or coordination-related stress. Parents do not need to wait for these patterns to escalate into academic or behavioral concerns before seeking help. In fact, early engagement with therapy can often prevent those concerns from developing altogether. The most consistent indicator tends to be persistence—when small challenges do not fade with time, or when a child seems increasingly frustrated by what should be manageable situations. Pediatric...
may signal that a child is working harder than necessary to engage in daily routines that should feel natural and accessible. Pediatric therapists are trained to identify and support areas such as motor planning, sensory regulation, and executive functioning. A child who avoids
Parents do not need to wait for these patterns to escalate into academic or behavioral concerns before seeking help.
About the Author
Jocelyn Mitchelle, President, Owner & Clinical Director of In‑Sync Pediatric Therapy Center in Van Buren & Fort Smith, AR, combines advanced occupational therapy expertise with leadership to offer comprehensive pediatric care. A certified occupational therapist, Jocelyn oversees clinical programs and guides the team’s mission to advocate for every child’s success.
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Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Van Buren who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
10 | HelloVan Buren, Arkansas • Fall Issue
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Van Buren who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Nestled along the Arkansas River in the western part of the state, Van Buren stands out as a strategic location for industrial and logistics operations. The city benefits from direct access to I-40 and I-540, providing seamless east-west and north-south transportation routes for freight and distribution. Its proximity to the Fort Smith Regional Airport and regional rail lines further enhances connectivity for manufacturers and shippers.
Van Buren’s industrial sector is supported by a mix of established business parks and available sites, with the Van Buren Industrial Park offering ready-to-build parcels and modern infrastructure. Local officials report a steady uptick in demand for warehouse and light manufacturing space, driven by the area’s competitive land costs and central location within the U.S. supply chain network.
Workforce development is a community priority, with resources like the Arkansas Office of
Skills Development and partnerships with the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith providing tailored training programs for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. Employers can tap into a regional labor pool known for its strong work ethic and technical skills.
Incentives at both the city and state levels help make Van Buren attractive for new and expanding businesses. Arkansas...
Industrial and Workforce Development
in Van Buren
16 | HelloVan Buren, Arkansas • Fall Issue
Nestled along the Arkansas River in the western part of the state, Van Buren stands out as a strategic location for industrial and logistics operations. The city benefits from direct access to I-40 and I-540, providing seamless east-west and north-south transportation routes for freight and distribution. Its proximity to the Fort Smith Regional Airport and regional rail lines further enhances connectivity for manufacturers and shippers.
Van Buren’s industrial sector is supported by a mix of established business parks and available sites, with the Van Buren Industrial Park offering ready-to-build parcels and modern infrastructure. Local officials report a steady uptick in demand for warehouse and light manufacturing space, driven by the area’s competitive land costs and central location within the U.S. supply chain network.
Workforce development is a community priority, with resources like the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and partnerships with the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith providing tailored training programs for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. Employers can tap into a regional labor pool known for its strong work ethic and technical skills.
Incentives at both the city and state levels help make Van Buren attractive for new and expanding businesses. Arkansas offers performance-based tax credits, infrastructure grants, and workforce training assistance, while the City of Van Buren and Crawford County can provide additional support for qualifying projects.
Local sites and infrastructure for manufacturing and distribution projects.
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Van Buren Statistics
Quality of Life & Other Advantages
Van Buren offers a low cost of living, affordable housing, and a family-friendly atmosphere with access to parks and historic downtown amenities.
The city’s location provides quick access to outdoor recreation in the Ozark Mountains and nearby state parks, appealing to both residents and relocating talent.
Reliable utilities, robust transportation infrastructure, and a supportive local government make Van Buren an efficient place to do business.
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Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
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18 | HelloVan Buren, Arkansas • Fall Issue
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These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
