Our Mission

The Story

Bobby Ray grew up in Berryville, Arkansas surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. His mother was an angel, whom he held in high regard and his father was an abusive alcoholic. His brother was eight years older and his sister four years older. While Berryville was a nice place to live in the Ozark Mountains, coming home most nights was a different story. Bobby always said “Every Life has a Story” and his experience taught him that is an absolute truth.

Life happens, his brother’s son died of an accidental overdose at 19 and his brother took his life on the same date four years later. A few years later his sister took her own life. It was difficult for him to understand but his feeling is “I choose living and try to get the most out of it every day”.

Bobby has been contemplating a “Serenity Walk” for about three years and shared his idea with his first cousin Jim. As life would have it, Jim’s two older brothers had also taken their own lives. As the only remaining Harris boys, they wanted to help their hometown of Berryville, Arkansas. Jim retired as Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement at the University of Arkansas and in April 2023, six months later, died of a brain aneurysm. This is what led to the formation of this charity anchored in nature and the outdoors.

In many ways life can be compared to Winter and Spring with Winter being the dark and Spring being the light. Spring brings a sense of new beginnings and therefore HOPE and there is nothing that epitomizes Spring more than nature. Nature gives us a sense that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Time outdoors offers many benefits, mental rest and rejuvenation, improved memory and attention, enhances impulse control and boosts creativity in the general population. For example, children have shown improved school performance when having the opportunity to spend time and explore the outdoors. Even when disruptive events occur in the natural world, everything eventually rights itself. Storms die down, flood waters recede, and the sun comes back out. This reminds us that “Everything will be Okay” and it is happening right outside our window. Bobby chose gardening because it is a therapeutic way to connect with the outdoors. It gives people an opportunity to socialize and connect with one another. Additionally, it offers a sense of accomplishment, peace and tranquility. If you are doing physical labor out in nature there is a primitive biological reaction that can give you a lot of energy and strength. For example, a study on green space settings found that children’s ADHD symptoms were more manageable after their activities took place in green spaces rather than indoors. There are many examples of outdoor experiences that assist with releasing serotonin, the same neurotransmitter in antidepressant medications, and also assists with PTSD, lack of vitamin D, etc. Walking is the one exercise that tops all others in regard to longevity. Therefore, it is a natural fit to combine gardening and the walkway to maximize the benefits of nature and exercise.

Meet The Team