03/13/2026
In honor of Women’s History Month, the staff of Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. d.b.a. Mainstream would like to recognize our Late Executive Director, Ms. Rita Byers, one of the pioneers for the establishment of the incorporation of Mainstream in 1988. She was hired as the Programs Manager of Mainstream in the Spring of 1998 and shortly after was promoted to Executive Director. Ms. Byers led Mainstream with passion, persistence, and vigor for 27 years and 9 months until her sorrowful passing on December 25, 2025. The Independent Living Community is very grateful for Ms. Rita Byers’s dedication over the years; her legacy will not be forgotten.
Below are the words from the Resolution Submitted by Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. on behalf of the City of Little Rock
Though your days among us were too brief and our grief at your loss is never-ending, we draw, comfort from the knowledge that you have found safe refuge in the Lord and in our hearts, where no darkness or pain can touch you now. We bless you with love, light, and our gratitude.
Whereas, Ms. Rita Carol Jones-Byers was a proud native Arkansan and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology, laying the academic foundation for a lifetime of advocacy, service, and community leadership; and
Whereas, beginning in March 1998, Ms. Rita devoted 27 years of distinguished service as Executive Director of lndependent Living Resource Center. Inc. d.b.a. Mainstream. Little Rock. leading a consumer-driven lndependent Living Resource Center that empowers people living with disabilities across central Arkansas to live independently with dignity and choice; and
Whereas, prior to her tenure at Mainstream, Ms. Rita served as Programs Development Manager for Pulaski County Juvenile Services. Overseeing prevention and intervention programs for at-risk youth and their families, and served as Pro Bono Coordinator for Central Arkansas Legal Services, ensuring access to justice and support for low- to moderate-income individuals; and
Whereas, throughout her career, Ms. Rita exemplified servant Ieadership, demonstrating unwavering commitment to advocacy, peer support, community integration, and the development of comprehensive support systems that strengthen independence and inclusion for people with significant disabilities; and
Whereas, her leadership and vision were reflected in her active service on numerous boards, commissions, and advisory councils, including Encore Women's Health. the Pulaski County, ADA Advisory Board for People with Disabilities. UAMS Partners for lnclusive Communities Crime Victims with Disability Project Advisory Council. and the Arkansas Independent Living Council; and
Whereas, Ms. Rita's legacy is further embodied through her dedication to Mainstream's Ramp Program and partnerships with organizations such as the AT&T Telephone Pioneers and the City of- Little Rock's Community Development Block Grant Initiative, expanding safe and accessible housing, and as her life is remembered with love and gratitude; and
Whereas, her 73rd birthday would have been celebrated on January 10, 2026, serving as a moment to honor her enduring impact and the countless lives she touched through compassion, advocacy, and service;
Therefore, Let It Be Resolved that though Ms. Jones-Byers’s presence will be greatly missed, she leaves an indelible impression on those to whom she endeared herself, including her family and her friends,
Be It Further Resolved that this Resolution shall be made as part of the permanent records of the City of Little Rock and copy shall be given to the family
Humbly Submitted on this 10th day of January in the year of our Lord, 2026
Mayor Frank Scott, Jr
City of Little Rock
Below are the words from the Resolution submitted by Mainstream’s Board of Directors.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Ms. Rita Carol Jones-Byers
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. "
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. d.b.a.
Mainstream, do share in the homegoing of our beloved leader, colleague, and friend, Ms. Rita
Byers Executive Director of Mainstream; and
WHEREAS, the Disability Community lost a valued member, advocate, and leader on
December 25,2025, leaving a profound void; and
WHEREAS, since March 1998, Ms. Rita dedicated and served 27 years as Executive Director of
Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. d.b.a. Mainstream, Little Rock, a non-profit, non-residential, consumer-driven Independent Living Resource Center for persons with disabilities in
central Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, her dedication to the mission of Mainstream is unmatched, providing advocacy,
peer support, and other services which enable people with significant disabilities to live
independently in the community of their choice; and
WHEREAS, she tirelessly championed community projects e.g., Mainstream's Wheelchair
Ramp Program, that provides access to and from home for people with mobility impairments;
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Rita worked closely and cooperatively with other organizations and
community stakeholders, such as the AI&T Telephone Pioneers (formerly known as the
Southwestern Bell Telephone Pioneers) and the City of Little Rock Community Development
Block Grant Initiative that built and funded ramps according to the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) specifications.
WHEREAS, she has worked with numerous community programs and non-profit organizations
e.g., Encore Women's Health, Pulaski County ADA Advisory Board for People with Disabilities,
UAMS-Partners for Inclusive Communities, Crime Victims with Disabilities Project Advisory
Council, the Arkansas Independent Living Council and the other few Centers for Independent
Living (CILs) in the State of Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Rita's own disability, her fight for independence, and her legacy of faith and
service will continue to inspire everyone she met.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this resolution be presented to her family and loved
ones, as a testament to the profound impact she had on the many lives she touched.
Respectfully submitted in faith and appreciation for the gift of our time with Ms. Rita Byers, on
this day, January 3,2026.
Robert Maxwell, President of Mainstream's Board of Director
