Programs
Click below to view the programs and services offered to the community of Little Rock.
Positive Prevention Programs (PPP) provide relationships and opportunities to participants ages six through twelve years-old that encourage social, emotional, and academic learning, promote health, wellness, and safety, instill workforce readiness, and increase parental, family, and community engagement. The goal of PPP engagement is the experience of positive environments, equipping participants to embrace a growth mindset, to make good choices, to effectively handle conflict, and to become responsible adults. PPPs use data, evidence-based practices, and standardized processes to ensure they are accountable and continually improving.
The City of Little Rock’s Summer Youth Employment Opportunity (SYEO), managed by the Department of Community Programs, offers six weeks of paid work experience for residents ages 16–21 from June to July. Participants work Monday–Thursday, 32 hours per week. About 66% of worksites are in City departments, state and county offices, colleges, and nonprofits, while 34% are with private-sector partners. Worksites host one to six interns per supervisor. For external sites, participants are paid by the City but report to the host organization.
Marcus, Collaboration Paved the Way
After repeated instances of disruptive behavior in his after-school reading sessions, Marcus was referred to the Boys & Girls Club in addition to E-STEM, which specializes in supporting students with learning difficulties. After just three months of targeted intervention, Marcus demonstrated:
- Improved participation in reading activities.
- Reduced outbursts and increased willingness to try.
- Enhanced self-confidence when reading aloud in small groups.
His mother expressed heartfelt gratitude during a follow-up meeting: “I thought Marcus wasn’t trying, but now I see he just needed help. Thank you for not giving up on him. I’m so grateful for the Club and everyone here.”
The early identification of Marcus’ dyslexia and the implementation of targeted interventions not only improved his academic performance, but the collaboration between staff, parents, and tutors continues to pave the way for Marcus to thrive academically and emotionally.
*To safeguard his identity, the student’s true name is not disclosed.
Adrian Chilliest, A Commitment to Development
Street Outreach Team member, Adrian Chilliest, works to connect young men with resources and opportunities in our community. A recent example is Chris Thomas, a 24-year-old from Southwest Little Rock. Although living with a disability in a single-parent household, Chris demonstrated a strong desire for employment. Adrian’s support, including resume preparation, and completing job applications, led Chris to secure a position at Movie Tavern Little Rock, where he has excelled and is now in line for a lead custodian position.
Adrian’s ongoing commitment to Chris’s development has been invaluable, helping Chris manage his disability while encouraging accountability in his daily life.
Aaliyah Malvin, In Her Own Words
“The Summer Youth Employment Opportunity (SYEO) is a great way to step into your adulthood and learn new skills. I was in the SYEO for two years. Luckily, I was placed in the Human Resources Department in my second year. After the program ended, the HR Team wanted me to stay while working my way through college.
I can proudly say that after working in the HR department, I am now a full-time employee while still in college! If you work hard and pursue greatness, you never know where this program will take you in the long run. This was my success story, and I know there will be many more to come.”
Keith Saine, Making A Significant Difference
Keith Saine serves as a School-based Interventionist with the Department of Community Programs at Central High School. His efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of young individuals. Under his guidance, he routinely connects students with community service projects, coordinating volunteer opportunities at various locations such as the Watershed, Arkansas Baptist College, and assisting elderly residents in Little Rock with landscaping. He actively recruits students to the DCP 6-week Summer Youth Workforce Development Institute, where they engage in a curriculum designed to foster critical skills such as decision-making, workforce skills, and leadership. Since working with students, their academic performance has notably improved, and they have received positive feedback from their teachers. Additionally, their attendance, once inconsistent, is now a priority. Keith also played a crucial role in helping students secure their first jobs and are track to graduate.
Ryan, Transformed Skills & Mindset
When Ryan join Lightdentity, he was struggling both on the basketball court and in the classroom. Through personalized training sessions and consistent academic support, Ryan transformed his skills and mindset. His grades improved significantly, and he gained the confidence to excel athletically. Today, Ryan is not only performing better in school but is also a more disciplined and motivated athlete, embodying the growth our program strives to inspire.
*To safeguard his identity, the student’s true name is not disclosed.
Sunny Spicer, An Outstanding Candidate
Sunny Spicer was referred to the DCP Re-Entry Team by a colleague and a representative from The City of Faith Federal Halfway House. From out initial meeting, it was evident that Sunny possesses a remarkable personality and a positive attitude that, combined with her skills, made her an outstanding candidate for various opportunities. Through our extensive network of employment partners, we found that her qualifications aligned perfectly with the needs of EcoPump–a local HVAC company. Since then, Sunny has excelled as EcoPump’s office manager, delivering exceptional customer service to the company’s clients. She credits the City of Little Rock’s Department of Community Programs ReEntry Program with helping her rebuild her self-confidence after her release from prison. The program played a crucial role in helping her overcome barriers to employment and secure a position that offers a livable wage.
- Submitted by the Re-Entry Team
Tariq, A Choice to Follow His Father’s Footsteps
At 15, Tariq was reserved with poor communication skills but excelled athletically, finding solace in the gym. He eagerly participated in programming activities like “Math Hoops,” but it wasn’t until later that he finally opened up about his struggles, particularly the loss of his father, his closest friend. This loss caused him to withdraw socially and academically, leading to poor school attendance and declining grades.
With support from counselors and program coordinators, Tariq worked on his academic performance and social skills. Through mentorship and his love for basketball, he regained confidence and became more productive. After graduating from Premier High School, he earned a basketball scholarship to Arkansas Baptist College. Now, he has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the Armed Forces.
*To safeguard his identity, the student’s true name is not disclosed.
Eugene Scott, A Communication to Transformation
Eugene Scott visited our Re-Entry office seeking employment opportunities after spending several years in prison. He demonstrated a commitment to transforming his life, and we successfully placed him with the City of Little Rock, which firmly believes in providing second chances to city residents. Today, Eugene is a full-time employee thriving in his role and has became a valuable asset to his department’s team. Although we have numerous success stories, we take the time to celebrate Eugene’s achievements, as his journey exemplifies resilience, perseverance, and dedication.
- Submitted by the Re-Entry Team