Unity Adult Day Care, Inc.
Sandra Fuller, Owner
Conway, Arkansas

As a result of caring for her elderly father-in-law, Sandra Fuller became interested in owning her own adult day care center. This dream became a reality in 1997 when Fuller opened Unity Adult Day Care Center in Conway, Arkansas with the help of an SBA guaranteed loan. From the start, her desire was to provide a warm and caring environment for elders to celebrate the aging process.

In 2001, Fuller was referred to Phil Harris, business consultant at the ASBDC lead center, to discuss possible expansion. Harris assisted Fuller with another SBA guaranteed loan from First State Bank. This loan enabled the business to expand by purchasing a new building, refinancing existing debt, and providing working capital. Harris has continued to work with Fuller. During 2002, he provided business planning and assistance in obtaining another loan to open a second location in Russellville, Arkansas. This location opened in January 2003.

Unity Adult Day Care has grown consistently each year. Today, UADC has a daily enrollment of twenty-five seniors, with licensing for thirty. Fuller has expanded into transportation services, respite care, and housing for seniors. UADC employs 10 full-time and 11 part-time staff. The new Russellville location is licensed for 30 seniors and employs two full-time and three part-time staff. Harris continues to provide assistance to Fuller as she grows her business.

The Arkansas Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran’s status, or disability.