Domestic Violence Advocate Phyllis McClendon Shares Her Story

From a Jim Crow-era plantation to leading a domestic violence shelter, McClendon reflects on her journey, faith, and fight to keep The Haven serving Northeast Arkansas.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Phyllis McClendon, director of The Haven of Northeast Arkansas, shares her personal story growing up on a plantation during the Jim Crow era and her path to becoming a community leader and advocate for domestic violence victims. McClendon has worked at The Haven for over 10 years, helping hundreds of individuals and families find shelter, safety, and support. Despite budget challenges, she remains committed to the organization's mission and celebrating the progress and accomplishments of the African American community.

Why it matters

McClendon's story highlights the ongoing impact of systemic racism and segregation, even decades after the Civil Rights Movement. Her work at The Haven provides a critical service to vulnerable members of the community, helping domestic violence survivors break the cycle of abuse. As a Black woman in a leadership role, McClendon's journey also serves as an inspiration, particularly during Black History Month.

The details

McClendon grew up on the Ohlendorf Plantation in the Jim Crow-era South, where her family's home was one of four on the property. She attended a segregated elementary school before integration, and experienced the difficulties of busing and racial divides in the education system. Despite the challenges, McClendon's parents instilled the value of education, with all five siblings going on to college or the military. After working in offices, McClendon found her calling 10 years ago when she became the director of The Haven, a domestic violence shelter in Northeast Arkansas. Under her leadership, The Haven has weathered budget cuts and continued to provide essential services to clients, though McClendon notes the work can be emotionally difficult at times.

  • McClendon grew up on the Ohlendorf Plantation in the Jim Crow era.
  • McClendon attended a segregated elementary school before integration began in the area.
  • McClendon has been the director of The Haven for 10 years.

The players

Phyllis McClendon

The director of The Haven of Northeast Arkansas, a domestic violence shelter, and a community leader who grew up on a plantation during the Jim Crow era.

The Haven of Northeast Arkansas

A domestic violence shelter that has provided shelter, safety, and support to hundreds of individuals and families over the past 30 years under McClendon's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“It has its sad moments but it is an exciting job. It is all about the clients and their success. This position has taught me what a true servant leader is.”

— Phyllis McClendon, Director, The Haven of Northeast Arkansas (osceolatimes.com)

“We have had monumental success stories. We had one lady who came in with nothing. She stayed a year, and when she left, she had an apartment, two jobs, and dependable transportation.”

— Phyllis McClendon, Director, The Haven of Northeast Arkansas (osceolatimes.com)

The takeaway

McClendon's personal journey from growing up on a plantation during segregation to leading a domestic violence shelter highlights the progress made, but also the work that remains, in the fight for racial equity and justice. Her unwavering commitment to serving her community and empowering survivors serves as an inspiration, particularly during Black History Month.