Our Mission
The mission of The ARK is to provide a safe space that nurtures and fosters personal development, community, and growth for citizens of Jackson, MS through creative arts, sports, fitness, education and other programming. Our vision is to provide leadership that results in area restoration and transformation by investing in the people and communities of Jackson and surrounding areas. That investment is facilitated by providing participants with the programming, resources, exposure, and information needed to become the best versions of themselves, while contributing positively to the community around them. Built on values of faith, family, community, growth, impact and vision, The ARK utilizes a community model with designated community areas of programming structured to positively impact its participants. The ARK is and will be, “A Place Where Everything is Community and Community is Everything,” as well as “A Place Where There is Something for Everyone.”
Our team
Ronnie Crudup, Jr.
Founder, The ARK
Executive Director/Administrator, New Horizon Ministries, Inc.
Representative Ronnie C. Crudup, Jr. was born and raised in Jackson, MS. He is a graduate of Murrah High School and Belhaven University. A committed family man, Rep. Crudup is married to Andrea Crudup and together they have 3 beautiful children. Rep. Crudup and his family reside and work in Jackson where he is Executive Director of New Horizon Ministries, Inc. and a Mississippi State Representative for District 71.
Representative Crudup, a dedicated public servant, activist, and pastor has shown commitment to the work of restoration and transformation for the people of Jackson (and beyond) for over 10 years. He has been a strong advocate for better infrastructure and roads, economic development and job creation, affordable housing and blight removal, public safety and criminal justice reform, youth development, as well as quality education. He organized the New Horizon Ministries food pantry during the height of COVID and the water distribution efforts in Jackson during the water crises. Representative Crudup has also been a strong advocate for the next generation. Rep. Crudup had a major hand in the creation of the Faith Scholarship in the State of Mississippi, which gives full college scholarships to current and former foster youth.
Representative Crudup is responsible for fundraising and reopening of the Hertz swimming pool in South Jackson that was closed for three years. His team successfully staffed and ran the pool for five years. Most recently, Crudup is responsible for fundraising and the building of a new sports complex in South Jackson called The Ark. This recent venture is a testament to Crudup’s commitment to community health, youth empowerment, and economic development in south Jackson.
quote:
“They can come in [and] have a great time. The kids know when you come here to The Ark, it’s a safe place where you can enjoy yourself."
Dr. Adrianne L. Swinney
Executive Director/Administrator, The ARK
Dr. Adrianne L. Swinney, a Jackson native, is a gifted visionary, problem solver, servant leader and change agent who seeks to bring about positive transformation and impact to the people and places around her. It is her heart of service that has led her to serve in the role of Executive Director/Administrator at The ARK. In this role, she strives to help establish operational, systemic excellence that leads to transformational educational, competitive, and community programming for The ARK participants.
Dr. Swinney has spent the past 20+ years of her career in college athletics, most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO)/SWA of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Athletics department. Adrianne boasts a unique career path having served as a certified athletic trainer, head basketball coach, and as an athletics administrator. She also served as a member of the NCAA Division I Board of Directors as the National SWA appointee, as a member of the Women Leaders in College Sports Board of Directors, and as a member of the Board of Directors for ADs for Christ. She is no stranger to executive leadership and service whether in the public sector or non-profit ranks.
Dr. Swinney returned to Mississippi in May 2021 and with great enthusiasm, she is glad to be back home serving others and making a difference in her community.
Education:
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Provine High School
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MS State University (B.S. in Education)
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Dallas Baptist University (M.A. in Management)
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Jackson State University (PhD in Educational Administration)
quote:
“I can remember when this was just a vision in our heads…a raw, bare warehouse. To see it now is a testament to God’s goodness and favor. It’s a privilege and a responsibility to serve others. We are making a difference here with this place. The best is yet to come! Stay tuned!”
Katina williams
Senior Manager, The ARK
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Katina Williams is a native Jacksonian and proud product of the Jackson Public School District. Katina was raised in Northwest Jackson and has a heart of service for others, especially those right here in the City of Jackson. As the Senior Manager of The Ark, Mrs. Williams dedicates her time, talents, and thoughtfulness to the team and patrons of The Ark. You can find her on a Saturday morning handing out big smiles while ensuring smooth operations of the front desk and other operational areas of the facility. Her goal is to ensure that the team serves well and that patrons enjoy their experiences within the bounds of The Ark guidelines/rules.
Katina has spent over 20 years working for Baptist Physical Therapy in various capacities as an integral member of their team and office operations. She also serves diligently at We Are One United Methodist Church helping to lead the media team, coordinate church announcements, and much more. Mrs. Williams is also the owner of MiStyle701, a bold and eye-catching fashion and accessory boutique. Additionally, she is experienced in miming, play acting, and is a "budding" horticulturist.
Katina Williams is married to Michael Williams and is mother to two beautiful daughters, Hannah Smith and Ava Grace Williams. She still resides in the city she loves and serves.
Education:
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Provine High School
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University of Southern Mississippi (B.S. in Athletic Training)
quote:
"'Be the reason someone smiles today!' This is may daily attitude for the work I do at The Ark."
Charles Lewis
Director of Program Development, The ARK
CEO/Founder, The Development Academy (TDA)
Coach Charles Lewis is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and a proud product of the Jackson Public School District. Charles has been a visionary, committed and dedicated to youth development and empowerment through the game of basketball. He founded The Development Academy (TDA) in obedience to a God-given vision to use the game to reach area youth. Being obedient has led to Coach Charles training some of the top players in the state and in the nation, including several collegiate and overseas professional basketball players. Bigger than basketball, TDA has been able to encounter and impact hundreds, possibly thousands of youths throughout its tenure. Coach Lewis has over 8 years of
experience as a basketball development specialist, and 3 years as a varsity assistant coach. He also played an instrumental role in helping to shape the vision of THE ARK as a hub for basketball-related programming.
Education:
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Wingfield High School
coach's quote:
“I’ve been dreaming about it [a place like The ARK since 2012. Just growing up here…and they believed in the vision; they believed in what we saw and gave us this opportunity.”
