LITTLE ROCK (Sept. 11, 2015) – Little Rock’s youth population stands at 47,000, of which 23 percent reside in poverty and nearly 350 are reported homeless. These youth are considered at-risk for making choices that could damage future opportunities for success and a quality life. 

To counteract potential negative outcomes, the City has begun a process to implement constructive alternatives that will lead to positive results for the children, youth, and families in Little Rock. The development of a comprehensive Youth Master Plan, led by an advisory committee of local youth-related advocates, aims to devise action steps based on best practices for increasing opportunities for the youth of Little Rock while improving their quality of life.

WHO:            • Youth Master Plan Advisory Committee: Tammie Cloyes, Arkansas Department of Education; Ron Copeland, UALR University District Partnership; Mark DeYmaz, Pastor, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas; Scott Gordon, Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Paul Kelly, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families; Kareem Moody, Pulaski Tech Network for Student Success; Laveta Wills-Hale, Arkansas Out-of-School Network; Sheena Lewis, DIVAS, Inc. and Children, Youth & Families Commission Chair; Beth Echols, Gill Law Firm and Children, Youth & Families Commission Member;  James W. Lagrone, Retired Pastor and Children, Youth & Families Commission Member; Jo Thompson, AR Department of Human Services and Children, Youth & Families Commission Member

• Bruce Moore, City Manager, City of Little Rock 

• Dana Dossett, Director, City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs 

• Youth Master Plan Consultants: Lori McClung and Rebecca Cohen - Advocacy and Communication Solutions LLC; Cory Anderson, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation; Joseph Jones, Social Justice Institute, Philander Smith College

• Concerned Little Rock citizens

WHAT: Youth Master Plan Advisory Committee Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: MetroPlan Board Room, 501 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201

###