December Volunteer of the Month: Susan Akin of Drew County
ASPSF volunteer, Susan Akin (left) with scholarship recipient, Karmen Sanak (middle), and guest speaker, Jessica Holmes (right), at a scholarship ceremony.
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is honored to recognize Susan Akin of Monticello as our December 2025 Volunteer of the Month. A retired speech therapist and active community supporter, Susan has been volunteering with ASPSF for nearly a year. She brings warmth, dependability, and heart to every event she touches.
Susan first learned about ASPSF through her close friend and ASPSF program manager, Makayla Washington.
“I heard about ASPSF through Makayla Washington,” Susan said. “She shared the wonderful work the organization was doing, and I hopped on board when asked. I love my friend.”
Makayla’s passion for ASPSF’s mission, helping end single parent poverty through higher education, drew Susan in immediately.
“I became a volunteer to help support Makayla and the amazing mission she works so hard for,” Susan said. “I love being part of something that lifts up single parents who are working to better their lives.”
Supporting a Mission That Changes Lives
Through flexible scholarships of up to $1,600 per semester and wraparound services, ASPSF empowers low-income single parents to stay in school, graduate, and build stable, family-supporting careers.
Volunteers like Susan play an essential role in making these services possible, from helping set up workshops to decorating for scholarship ceremonies to offering encouragement on the most important night of all, the award ceremony.
Each semester, scholarship recipients walk across the stage to accept their award — often with children, family, or friends cheering them on. It’s a moment that never fails to inspire Susan.
“One of my favorite moments is watching recipients walk across the stage at the scholarship ceremony,” she said. “The smiles, the feeling of accomplishment — it gets me every time. It’s beautiful to witness their hard work being recognized and celebrated.”
Why She Volunteers
Susan’s service is grounded in empathy and a genuine desire to uplift others during a challenging chapter of their lives.
“I love volunteering with ASPSF because it allows me to support single parents during a meaningful and often challenging chapter of their lives,” she said. “Knowing that even a small effort on my part can brighten someone’s day or help them feel encouraged makes every moment worth it.”
Her enthusiasm is matched by her admiration for the ASPSF staff, especially Makayla.
“I’d also just like to say that it takes hard work to make these big things happen, so seeing this organization just get it done is so exciting,” Susan said. “I truly enjoy seeing Makayla in all seasons of this work, dedicating countless of hours to make it all happen.”
When she’s not volunteering with ASPSF, Susan serves as the board secretary for the SEARK Concert Association, and yet, no matter how busy she is, she always finds time to show up for single parents.
“I enjoy being of help when I can, wherever I’m needed.”
We’re grateful for Susan’s kindness, her dedication, and the joy she brings to every ASPSF event.
Congratulations to Susan Akin, our December Volunteer of the Month!
