After receiving unfavorable national attention in
January 1993 when Little Rock, Arkansas surpassed New York and Los Angeles
to become No. 1 in the nation for its number of homicides per capita, the
stunned community subsequently mobilized to better the opportunities for
at-risk youth. Programs were refined, and through individual, private,
public and social agencies, tremendous strides have been made. The following
are examples of those noteworthy programs.
Let Our Violence End (L.O.V.E.). A
non-profit organization that serves as a facilitator to network businesses,
churches, schools, law enforcement and volunteers, assists communities in
developing community-based approaches for the prevention of violence in the
schools and community, and offers hands-on assistance in implementing those
programs. Contact Robert Holt, Post Office Box 21408, Little Rock, AR 72221;
(501) 228-4669.
The Koban Project. A program established in
a high-crime area in east Little Rock, funded by a grant from the Eisenhower
Foundation and in collaboration with the City of Little Rock's community
oriented policing program, the Koban Project serves its neighborhood by
providing activities, tutoring and resources for the residents and children.
Rev. William Rufus, Post Office Box 420, Little Rock, AR 72203; Tel: (501)
374-3440; Fax (501) 374-2080.
Civilian Student Training Program (CSTP). A
state-support program operated by the Arkansas National Guard for at-risk
kids with measurable results. Contact Tom Copeland, Program Director, CSTP,
P.O. Box 1-Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72199-9600;
Tel: (501) 212-5364; Fax (501) 212-5369.
Joseph Pfeifer Camp. A wilderness camp
setting teaching at-risk kids life and survival skills. Contact Sanford
Tollette, Executive Director, 5512 Ferndale Cutoff, Little Rock, AR 72211;
(501) 821-3714.
Watershed Human & Community Development
Agency. A successful oasis in the heart of one of the most crime-ridden
areas in metro Little Rock offering neighborhood support in the form of
activities and tutoring. Contact Rev. Hezekiah Stewart, 3201 Confederate
Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72206; (501) 378-0176.
Friendly Chapel F.L.A.M.E. A church-based
organization that operates a soup kitchen, housing for the homeless and many
other self-help programs to improve the quality of life for the residents
and children in their neighborhood. Contact Brother Paul Holderfield, 116 S.
Pine St., North Little Rock, AR 72114; (501) 371-0912.