Founded on February 24, 2015, by William E. Morris, The Morris Youth Foundation (MYF) was born out of a deep conviction: that people with disabilities deserve inclusion and leadership in the decisions that shape their lives. As a disabled leader and self-advocate with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors, Mr. Morris envisioned an organization that would not merely serve individuals with disabilities but equip, elevate, and empower them to shape systems, guide providers, and inform government policy from the inside out.

Since its founding, The Morris Youth Foundation has grown into a local Little Rock-based force for change. It is recognized for its rigorous training programs, policy development partnerships, and capacity-building work with grassroots advocates and institutional leaders. The organization is committed to advancing best practices in disability services by training self-advocates, direct service providers, and public officials alike, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned in the pursuit of dignity, equity, and self-determination.

A Timeline of Growth and Leadership

The organization’s first major expansion came in 2016, hiring Israela Islam as Vice President of Finance and Administration. A visionary leader with exceptional operations and organizational strategy acumen, Ms. Islam quickly became indispensable to the Foundation’s mission and infrastructure. In 2017, she was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a role in which she continues to serve with distinction. With nearly a decade of leadership, Israela Islam is the longest-serving EVP in the history of the Foundation and remains its principal architect of internal systems and executive operations.

Building upon this strong foundation, The Morris Youth Foundation deepened its executive leadership team in the following years. In 2021, Sarah Barger, previously Vice President of Finance and Administration, was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Under this structure, Mr. Morris positioned Ms. Islam as his top second-in-command and Ms. Barger as his trusted third-in-command, establishing a uniquely effective executive triad focused on mission fidelity, financial sustainability, and organizational impact.

Statewide Reach, Community-Centered Focus

Today, MYF provides a comprehensive range of services and supports across the state. Its programs include:

• Self-Advocate Leadership Training – Equipping youth and adults with disabilities to speak, lead, and organize around the issues that matter to them.

• Provider Education – Offering evidence-based, culturally responsive training to providers seeking to improve service quality and compliance.

• Policy and Systems Advocacy – Advising state agencies and legislators on best practices, regulatory design, and the lived experience of disability communities.

At every level, The Morris Youth Foundation remains grounded in its founding vision: that leadership belongs to those most affected, and that systems change begins when self-advocates are not just consulted—but empowered.

As MYF looks to the future, it does so with the strength of its leadership team, the trust of its community partners, and a steadfast commitment to justice, accessibility, and opportunity for all.