Landreaux Honored at Youth Ranches Awards Dinner
Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches recognized Entergy Arkansas CEO Laura Landreaux at its 31st Annual Arkansas Children's Award Dinner.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Awards
The Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches honored Laura Landreaux, CEO of Entergy Arkansas, at its 31st Annual Arkansas Children's Award Dinner on October 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock. The event also marked the organization's 50th anniversary.
Why it matters
The award recognizes years of advocacy for the Batesville-based organization's mission to provide loving homes for Arkansas children. The honor highlights the role of private support in a program that has served more than 2,300 boys and girls since 1976.
The Youth Ranches operate on a 600-acre campus where children live in large family homes run by house parents. Services are free and privately funded, and the organization has served more than 2,300 boys and girls since 1976.
The players
Laura Landreaux
Landreaux is CEO of Entergy Arkansas, the state's regional electric utility, and was recognized for her sustained support of child welfare efforts in the state.
Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches
The Batesville-based nonprofit has provided family-style homes for children in Arkansas since its founding in 1976 and is funded privately.
The details
David Bazzel served as master of ceremonies, and speakers included Vincent W. Foster III of Bank OZK, Tom Kennedy, and Patrick Schueck. Ray Dillon, president of the Youth Ranches Board of Trustees, presented the award alongside CEO Nancy Fulton, and the evening included a story from a former ranch resident.
Timeline
- 1976: Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches founded in Batesville.
- October 26, 2026: 31st Annual Arkansas Children's Award Dinner honors Laura Landreaux at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock.
Culture Shift
The recognition reflects a longstanding Arkansas model in which sheriff-linked nonprofits rely on private donors and corporate partners to care for children rather than depending solely on state funding. The 50th anniversary underscores how this privately supported approach has endured in the state for half a century.
Arkansas families and donors can see how privately funded child care continues to operate across the state through organizations like the Youth Ranches. Residents interested in supporting similar programs can look to corporate and community partners named at the dinner.
The takeaway
Sustained community backing, including corporate and individual support, remains central to child welfare programs that provide family homes. Recognizing long-serving advocates helps keep attention on the needs of children in Arkansas.
Further reading
Explore more Awards coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
