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| Jay Gresham-Founder/Director grew up in Northwest Arkansas. He graduated from Winslow high school in 1992 and then joined the US Navy were he served until 1998 as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He returned to Northwest Arkansas and worked for Capstar Communications until 2000 when he became employed with AT&T as Network Systems Technician, all the while volunteering in various youth programs. In 2004 the dream of a youth outreach program weighed heavy on Jay’s heart in 2006 he quit his job with AT&T to raise support for Bighouse Youth Outreach, Inc. He has been married to his wife Melissa since 1994. They have two children, J.T., 12 and Claira, 8. The Gresham’s currently live in the Prairie Grove community. In his own words, “I founded Bighouse because I wanted my life to count for something and I LOVE teens!” Favorite Quote: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot |
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| Melissa Gresham-Secretary grew up in Farmington, AR and graduated high school in 1993. She went on to study at the University of Arkansas when she got swept of her feet by a handsome sailor in 1994. She volunteered at Whidbey Island Crisis Pregnancy Center for 2 years, MOPS International for 5 years and various youth programs for 13 years. She currently volunteers at Bighouse and home schools her two children. In her own words, “Bighouse is a blessing to me. I love seeing teens of all types walking up and giving me or my kids a hug. I have become so attached to our “Bighouse kids”. It is my first opportunity doing “life on life” mentoring and I never want to go back to being apart of event driven programs. This has been so rewarding!” Favorite quote: “The only person that can change your attitude is YOU!” -My Mom |
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| Joe Elledge-Co Chairman grew up in North Little Rock, AR. He acquired a B.S., through the United States Military Academy, 1981. He served in the U.S. Army from 1981-89. He then went on to get his MBA at the University of Texas in Austin and finished in 1991. He is currently employed as Logistics Manager with Procter & Gamble Co. He married Rosie Elledge in 1984. They have two daughters, Jessie (22) who is studying at Truman State University in MO and Jamie (20) who is studying at the University of Central Arkansas. The Elledge’s currently live the Prairie Grove community. In his own words, “I am committed to Bighouse because I want to support the ministry of Jay and Melissa Gresham as they glorify God by caring for the youth of Prairie Grove, AR.” Favorite quote: “To solve our current problems, we must rise above the level at which we created them…” | |
| Rosie Elledge-Co Chairman grew up in Ft. Pierce, FL. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Business Administration in 1983. She is currently Secretary for Association of NorthWest Arkansas Riding Clubs, Secretary/Treasurer for Arabian Riders And Breeders of Northwest Arkansas and volunteer at Bighouse Youth Outreach. In her own words, “I felt God’s urging to be involved with the youth in Prairie Grove. Bighouse opened its doors at about this same time and after going to the Open House and speaking with Jay and Melissa, I knew that’s where God would have me be. Teens in our area need a place to hang out, but more importantly they want someone to listen to them, give them a hug, and love them. I can do those three things and while doing them I can share with them the hope and love of Christ.” Favorite Book: The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge | |
| Ken Childress—Treasurer was raised in Fayetteville, AR. He got his CPA and MBA at the University of Arkansas and has worked as a CFO for several NWA companies. He is currently employed as CFO for Kimbel Mechanical and volunteers his services to Bighouse. He has also been on the board of directors for Lightbearers Ministry International since 2001. In 1993 he married his wife Leah and they have two children Samantha, 13 and Grady 11. They currently live in the Prairie Grove community. In his own words, “I was involved with Bighouse for several years before we ever opened and will be there till we close. I know the heart of Jay and Melissa and BH is more than a place for kids to hangout. It is there to show kids that adults care for them and encourage them to grow up to become better people. To give them something solid to stand on so they can be encouraged to climb higher than they currently think they can. To show them that there is unconditional love in this world and what that source of love is.” Favorite quote: “Get R Done!” | |
| Leah Childress grew up in Monroe, LA then moved to Camden, AR where she finished high school. She has a degree in Education from Southern Arkansas University and a Master of Science from the University of Arkansas. In college she worked at a landscape firm and in graduate school she worked as a research assistant. After the UofA she worked as a County Extension Agent and a high school Science teacher. She currently home schools her two children, is a 4-H club leader and assists with classes at a local home school association. In her own words, “I am committed to Bighouse because the kids keep coming. They come for acceptance, for direction, and just to have a safe place to go after school. The mentoring programs are challenging kids to realize their potential, and to live more meaningful lives. Mostly, I support Bighouse because it meets a critical need in my community that previously was not being met.” Favorite quote: “Leave things better than you found them.” | |
| Larry Little was raised in Ashland City, Tennessee. He spent 9 years active duty in the United States Air Force, 4 years in youth ministry and is currently employed as Diversion coordinator for Washington County Juvenile Court. He has been married to Sara (Watson) for 8 years. They have two children Lara, 3 and Myra 9 months and they all currently live in the Prairie Grove community. In his own words, “I am committed to the Bighouse because I am committed to anyone or anything that is set out on the purpose of making a difference in the lives of today’s youth with the intent of affecting generations to come. I have seen firsthand what a difference Bighouse and namely Jay and Melissa have made in the lives of the youth of Prairie Grove. God is using Bighouse to do great things and I am honored to be a part of it.” Favorite quote: “I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.” Robert E. Lee | |
| James Patterson was raised in Prairie Grove, AR. He went on to receive a BS in education at the University of Arkansas. He worked as a teacher/coach in the public school system and then started his own carpentry business. He is currently self employed with Cornerstone Creations and volunteers at Bighouse. He married his wife, Jennifer, in 2000 and they are hopeful for children in the future. The Patterson’s live in the Prairie Grove community. In his own words, “Young people are at a very critical stage in life as they begin to learn how to make decisions on their own. I think they can benefit from older people who have already been through that stage. I also believe they need to know someone other than their parents truly cares about them.” Favorite quote: “Everything is made to center upon the initial act of accepting Christ and we are not expected, thereafter, to crave any further revelation of God to our souls.”- A.W. Tozier | |
| Jennifer Patterson was raised in Prairie Grove, AR where she graduated from high school and then went on to complete one semester at the University of Arkansas. She didn’t continue her education to focus on being a new wife! She worked as Administrative Assistant for four years at Prairie Grove Christian Church. She currently works at Kimbel Mechanical Systems, Inc. and volunteers at Bighouse. In her own words, “I feel there is a hole in the local mission field for teens. I want to be apart of a group who sees this and wants to try and bridge the gap between school and church. Many of the teens that are apart of Bighouse don’t have any stimulation for spiritual growth and are home alone after school. So, it is a place with open doors until parents get home, that is my opportunity.” Favorite quote: “Fine China once broken is twice as strong with the mending.” |
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