- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock /news-archive/tag/paula-rogers/ ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:37:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International celebrates 25 years of helping children /news-archive/2019/04/24/ua-little-rock-children-international-celebrates-25-years/ Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:37:31 +0000 /news/?p=74105 ...]]> In 1994, Cheryl Chapman, the founding director of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, wanted to find a way for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to get more involved with helping students in the Little Rock School District.�� “We were tutoring in public schools in Little Rock, and we learned about the needs of the children in the schools. We also had students who wanted to work more with the schools, so it was a perfect match,” Chapman said. Then an assistant dean in the former College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Chapman and her colleagues applied for a grant from Children International. Initially called “Share America,” it represented Children International’s first domestic site in the U.S. “In 1995, under the leadership of Chancellor Charles Hathaway, the Office of Campus and Community Partnerships was born and Share America became part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s commitment to engage students in service and learning activities,” she said. The operation began small with just Chapman and one other employee located in an office on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s campus. Students from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Student Literacy Corps served as tutors to 60 students at Bale Elementary. In 1995, the Homework Center, Children International’s current office, opened. Students from Bale and Franklin Elementary schools received tutoring and attended after-school classes in art, computers, reading, and gardening taught by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate students and local artists. ��Vlog��ý Little Children International celebrated its 25th anniversary with an April 19 gathering at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, where many came together to share stories about the program’s accomplishments and impact on children in central Arkansas. Director Ryan Davis said the sight of so many friends and supporters at the celebration made him optimistic for the organization’s future. “When I look around the room, I see all the people we can count as friends, and that is a fortunate thing,” Davis said. “We are fortunate to have so many partners who have stuck with us for 25 years, and we are looking forward to many more. This success is made possible by our partnerships with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Little Rock School District, and so many wonderful parents, students, volunteers, partners, and supporters.” The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock program serves approximately 2,300 children and youth in central Arkansas. The program has grown extensively over the years and now offers a variety of school- and community-based programs, including after-school and summer programming, cooking classes, emergency food assistance, a children’s choir, and college preparation and career training. “We serve students in kindergarten through age 24 in four areas of focus,” said Paula Rogers, program engagement manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. “We want to make sure that our kids are healthy, educated, empowered, and employable. We have health programs to develop healthy habits and connect kids with the services they need. We provide quality after-school and summer programs. We build leadership, teamwork, and competence in our youth so they can go out and empower their communities. We help them develop life skills and social responsibility.” Vakeyia Dulaney, a graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International’s program, said being a part of the program changed her life. She started the program when she was 6, went on to graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and now works in forensic science for the state. “I feel like Children International was the best thing ever,” Dulaney said. “It was a great opportunity to meet kids from other neighborhoods. It offered me a lot of opportunities, and I went on to college with their encouragement and support.” During the celebration, Children International honored several key people and organizations that have supported the nonprofit over the years, including: Outstanding Youth: De’Meir King Outstanding Volunteer: Brandy Jones Outstanding Partner: Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Outstanding Supporter: Windgate Foundation Legacy Award: Little Rock School District Thanks to a generous donation from the Windgate Foundation, Children International will be able to provide additional art programming opportunities for children as well as more scholarships. To start, Children International will expand its summer art camp to include middle school students as well as extend the camp to Fridays. The theme of this year’s camp is “Art in Action.” It centers around creative and performing arts and will provide an opportunity for campers to explore the role they and art play in their communities. Children International will also be able to expand the Hope college scholarship from a one-time scholarship to a four-year renewable scholarship. Additionally, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation has been instrumental in working with Children International to provide dental services for children. In 2000, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International and its partner organizations established the Future Smiles Dental Program to provide services to children without access to adequate dental care. The program started with dental screenings, added a school-based sealant project in 2002, and opened the Future Smiles Dental Clinic in 2005. Delta Dental has provided generous funding for the program as well as medical personnel to staff the dental clinics. Dental students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences also volunteer at the clinics. Outstanding Youth De’Meir King, a junior at Hall High School, was brought to tears as she spoke about the impact Children International has had on her life. “When I hear about Children International, I get emotional. I love being a part of it,” King said. “CI has become my home away from home. I know that whatever I do, I will be greater because of CI. They have helped me find my voice. Thank you to CI for knowing that I have no limitations.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International celebrates its top supporters and partners during its 25^th anniversary celebration. Those pictured (L to R) include Joseph Lampo, director of development and external relations for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences: Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Poore; Outstanding Volunteer Brandy Jones; Outstanding Youth De’Meir King; Chrissy Chatham and Weldon Johnson of Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation; and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International Director Ryan Davis. Photo by Stephanie Jones.��]]> ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International to celebrate 25th anniversary /news-archive/2019/04/10/ua-little-rock-children-international-25th-anniversary/ Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:33:29 +0000 /news/?p=73973 ...]]> The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Children International will celebrate the 25th anniversary of a one-of-a-kind partnership that has transformed tens of thousands of lives in central Arkansas over the past 25 years.�� “Together, we cultivate hope in the lives of children and create generational change,” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International Director Ryan Davis said. “Help us celebrate those who make it possible: our dedicated staff, committed volunteers, partners, and certainly, the young people improving their lives and neighborhoods.” During the celebration, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International will honor several of the people, partners, and supporters who have made the nonprofit what it is today, including: Outstanding Youth: De’Meir King Outstanding Volunteer: Brandy Jones Outstanding Partner: Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Outstanding Supporter: Windgate Foundation Legacy Award: Little Rock School District Funded by the global Children International nonprofit organization, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock program serves approximately 2,300 children and youth in central Arkansas. Of the 10 countries that Children International serves, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International location is the only U.S. site. The program offers a variety of school- and community-based programs, including after-school and summer programming, cooking classes, emergency food assistance, a children’s choir, and college preparation and career training. “We serve students in kindergarten through age 24 in four areas of focus,” said Paula Rogers, program engagement manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International. “We want to make sure that our kids are healthy, educated, empowered, and employable. We have health programs to develop healthy habits and connect kids with the services they need. We provide quality after-school and summer programs. We build leadership, teamwork, and competence in our youth so they can go out and empower their communities. We help them develop life skills and social responsibility.” The celebration will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. RSVP to Ryan Davis at rddavis1@ualr.edu or 501-663-5541 by April 12. ]]> Outstanding Women of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: Paula Rogers /news-archive/2019/03/28/outstanding-women-paula-rogers/ Thu, 28 Mar 2019 12:53:09 +0000 /news/?p=73795 ...]]> In honor of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is featuring stories about the “Outstanding Women of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are serving as leaders and making a difference for the university and their communities. A University of Arkansas at Little Rock employee has dedicated her life to helping children in Arkansas get a better education and prepare for a better future.�� Paula Rogers, program engagement manager at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, spends her days finding partners and supporters for more than 2,300 students in the central Arkansas area enrolled in the Children International program. “We serve students in kindergarten through age 24 in four areas of focus,” Rogers said. “We want to make sure that our kids are healthy, educated, empowered, and employable. We have health programs to develop healthy habits and connect kids with the services they need. We provide quality after-school and summer programs with tutoring and mentoring. We build leadership, teamwork, and competence in our youth so they can go out and empower their communities. We help them develop life skills and social responsibility.” Children International celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and Rogers has been a part of the organization for 23 of those years. She began as a volunteer in 1996 as a neighborhood leader who taught art classes and came on board as a full-time education manager in 2002. Rogers ran after-school programs and summer camps for Children International. Rogers utilized her expertise in art education and her interest in social justice to cultivate numerous programs that have left a lasting impression on Little Rock youth. She loved developing programming that inspired the children to be better citizens who gave back to the community. The after-school program Kids’ Club includes homework help and tutoring as well as activities in art, literacy, and service learning. She began the “Mind Your Own Business” summer camp, where students become entrepreneurs by making and selling their own products to the community and then donate the profits to a local charity. Another favorite activity was the Empty Bowl Project, where students made ceramic bowls in partnership with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and then sold the bowls to raise money for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. “These children may have their own needs, but teaching them to give back is an important part of what we do,” she said. “The kids grow beyond themselves so they can see beyond their own circumstances and see a future that is much brighter.” She’s also recruited many ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students to volunteer at Children International. “All of the college students that come through our doors are just so grateful to have the opportunity to change a child’s life,” she said. “I’ve seen many college students change their majors after being involved in our after-school program.” In 2014, Rogers was one of 10 honorees – and the second Arkansan – who received the prestigious Lewis Hine Award. The National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) presents the award to those who have given a lifetime of unheralded and exception service to young people. It is named for the acclaimed NCLC photographer who documented the exploitation of children in the early 20th century. “To be honored with the Hine Award was a big honor,” she said. “It’s important to think that the work you are doing matters. I see kids who were in my after-school program in the third grade who are now sending me invitations to their weddings. I see all these kids I taught doing great things in life. When you see that, you know that somewhere along the line you made a difference.” Rogers has a long history as a staunch advocate for helping children and improving neighborhoods in Little Rock. As a single parent in the 1990s, Rogers experienced firsthand the lack of local after-school activities for her children. She decided to take action and organized a 4-H club to teach leadership and community action. She has been highly involved in the leadership of neighborhood organizations. Additionally, Rogers directed a puppet ministry for 15 years at Greater Center Star Baptist Church and previously served on the Single Parent Scholarship Fund Board of Pulaski County and the University District Board. She’s also a dedicated member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Staff Senate and organized last year’s Fall Open House event.�� “I live, work, and play in this neighborhood, and it’s very important to me,” she said. “I helped write the Oak Forest Initiative back in the 1990s and have always been an advocate for this community. Fighting for sidewalks and streets and the community garden was big for me. I’m fighting for the need to be a community. It’s still my hope that we can enlarge our capacity to service our kids in this community.” Rogers has a daughter, a son, and three grandchildren. Her biggest inspirations in life are her mother and daughter. “The woman I look up to the most is my mother. She’s a very strong woman. She went back to school late in life. She worked in the schools in Gary, Indiana, for 55 years and retired at 85. Anyone who is babysitting their great-grandchild at 90 and working until they are 85 is someone I want to be like,” she said. “My daughter is my inspiration as well. She’s shown me how to hold on to faith and hope. I’m a two-time cancer survivor, and I believe I am here because people prayed for me. My daughter has shown me what faith and love can really do. I think the women in my family are very strong women. We have four generations right now, and I am very proud of them.” Once Rogers eventually retires, she wants to take her vision of bringing art to communities across Arkansas on the road. “After I retire, I want to have an art bus where I can travel around from community to community,” she said. “I want the bus to be a mobile art room where we will go neighborhood to neighborhood and bring art to the community.” ]]> ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Staff Senate to host Fall Open House Dec. 5 /news-archive/2018/11/29/staff-senate-fall-open-house-dec-5/ Thu, 29 Nov 2018 14:33:25 +0000 /news/?p=72831 ...]]> The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate will host its annual Fall Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 5, to raise money for the holiday season for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock families in need. The open house will offer a reception for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees to visit and network, win door prizes, use the Employee Wellness Center’s new massage chair, play board games, and bid on fun prizes in the teacup and silent auctions. Light refreshments will be served during the event. Guests are invited to bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy in fellowship with their coworkers. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. The open house kicks off Staff Senate’s annual. Money raised and donations of nonperishable food items collected from the open house will be used to put together holiday meal baskets for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock applicants who would otherwise not be able to provide a traditional holiday dinner for their families. Tickets for the teacup auction are $5 for six tickets. Participants also can receive one free auction ticket, up to a maximum of five, for every two items donated from the list of items needed to create the holiday meal baskets. Check out the items for auction.�� Items needed include stuffing mix, cornbread mix, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, macaroni and cheese, green beans, green peas, black eyed peas, corn, rice, canned potatoes, canned yams, cranberry sauce, cake mix and frosting, Kool-Aid, and nonperishable juices. To purchase auction tickets or to donate items for the teacup auction or a door prize, contact Paula Rogers at 501-663-5541 or parogers@ualr.edu or Angie Faller at 501-916-5905 or amfaller@ualr.edu. Donations to the Staff Senate Helping Hands Campaign can be made online by visiting the Campus Campaign website at /giving/product/campus/. Under the Fund category, click “Other” and then type in “Staff Senate” or “Helping Hands.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock employees browse the teacup auction during the 2017 Staff Senate Fall Open House.]]>