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Williams-Stokes Named Director of Division of Services for the Blind

12/03/2018

For Immediate Release
December 3, 2018

Media Contact
Marci Manley
Deputy Chief of Communications
[email protected]
 

Williams-Stokes Named Director of Division of Services for the Blind

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Monday that Cassondra Williams-Stokes has been confirmed as Director of the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB). 

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the division and continue my work to ignite the passion and efforts of our staff to serve those Arkansans who are blind and visually impaired through the programs and services our agency offers,” Williams-Stokes said. 

The goal of the division is to offer supports and services to those Arkansans who have visual impairments so that they can achieve independence and make informed decisions about their lives. The division’s programs focus on assisting clients in find employment opportunities; providing rehabilitative education to help clients develop new skills; and supporting clients who seek operations to prevent blindness and restore their vision.

“Cassondra believes that partnerships and mentoring can change people’s lives, and she’s demonstrated that during her years with DHS,” said Keesa Smith, DHS Deputy Director for Youth and Families. “I know Cassondra will continue to advance the mission of the division in her role as director and look for innovative ways to connect people to the resources they need to live independently.”

Williams-Stokes had served as Interim Director of the division since August 2018, when the previous director retired after more than 20 years with the agency. Williams-Stokes served as Assistant Deputy Director of DSB beginning in January 2009, and she holds a doctorate degree in management. 

Williams-Stokes has worked for years to advance the interests of vulnerable Arkansans, including in her previous roles in the DHS Division of Youth Services and as the manager of an emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children. She also served in the United States Army Reserve from 1989 to 2003.

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