/news-archive/tag/world-services-for-the-blind/ ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:00:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /news-archive/2020/01/30/34k-grant-to-uddc/ Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:00:50 +0000 /news/?p=76117 ... Congressman French Hill joins banks in announcing $34K grant to University District]]> UDDC, a nonprofit that administers a revitalization program benefiting the residential and commercial neighborhoods adjacent to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will use the funds toward operating costs such as building maintenance, permit fees, and taxes. The ceremonial check presentation took place at a community development roundtable hosted Jan. 24 in Little Rock by FHLB Dallas and attended by local dignitaries. A $475,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant was also presented to , a nonprofit that operates one of the most comprehensive rehabilitation centers in the world for the blind and visually impaired. “UDDC is an organization that does great work for the betterment of the Little Rock community,” Congressman Hill said. “The work they do cannot be done without the financial support of institutions like Bank OZK, Arvest, First Security Bank, Simmons Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.” The grant will go a long way toward UDDC expenses. “The Partnership Grant Program gives certain flexibility to organizations. It allows us to partner with FHLB Dallas members and apply those funds to impact the community,” said UDDC Executive Director Barrett Allen. “The PGP helps fill a critical gap for nonprofits and I’m thankful for the program.” This is UDDC’s third PGP grant. “There is an undeniable need for affordable housing and Bank OZK is honored and appreciates working with organizations like UDDC to address this need in the community,” said Lasha Marshall, community development manager for Bank OZK. Andrea Lewis, assistant vice president, community outreach/business development and marketing at First Security Bank, said the bank is honored to help provide funds that will be reinvested in Little Rock. “First Security Bank is very grateful to serve the community,” said Lewis. “We are proud to work with the UDDC to invest in the communities we serve and build relationships.” Jim Cargill, president and CEO of Arvest Bank in central, northeast and southwest Arkansas, said the PGP will help restore the Little Rock community. “This is a necessary endeavor that will restore the university area to the vibrant community it was only a few decades ago,” said Cargill. “The support we provide our neighbors often returns to us tenfold in the form of more hopeful and successful individuals, and stronger communities altogether. We share the mission of the UDDC of investing in people, as well as our city.” Martie North, senior vice president and director of community development at Simmons Bank, said the PGP is an important part of relationship building in their community. “Affordable housing is the cornerstone for strong and vibrant communities. The UDDC works hard every day to provide quality housing that is affordable and attractive within the University District,” said North. “Investing in the communities in which we operate, work and play is a priority of Simmons Bank. The FHLB Dallas Partnership Grant provides us a wonderful opportunity to financially support organizations like the UDDC in their efforts to strengthen our communities. We believe in the work the UDDC is doing and value our partnership.” With the PGP, FHLB Dallas member institutions like Bank OZK, First Security Bank, Arvest Bank and Simmons Bank contribute $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3:1 ratio. In 2019, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 25 member institutions to assist 27 CBOs. Combined with FHLB Dallas member contributions, a total of $442,500 has been awarded to the organizations. “We are very thankful to our members Bank OZK, First Security Bank, Arvest Bank and Simmons Bank and Congressman Hill for showing support in the community,” said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “FHLB Dallas is honored to partner with these institutions and continue to create affordable housing options for Little Rock residents.”  ]]> /news-archive/2017/02/27/keep-little-rock-beautiful-cleanup-day/ Mon, 27 Feb 2017 16:57:24 +0000 /news/?p=66446 ... Keep Little Rock Beautiful cleanup day planned at Curran Conway Park and Oak Forest Community Garden March 11]]> Volunteers are needed to help improve Curran Conway Park and Oak Forest Community Garden as part of the l citywide clean-up campaign Saturday, March 11.  Curran Conway Park is located in the Oak Forest/Fair Park neighborhood, on South Harrison Street, between 24th and 26th streets. The cleanup will be a half-day event starting with volunteer check-in at 8 a.m. Organizers will meet at 2400 S. Harrison St., the parking lot in front of , the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan baseball stadium. Coffee and donuts will be provided by World Services for the Blind. Work will begin at 8:30 a.m. A hotdog cookout with food provided by the Fair Park Residents Association will start at noon. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty, staff, and students as well as members of the public are invited to volunteer during the cleanup day. Groups partnering with the cleanup effort include Interfaith Arkansas, University District Neighborhoods Association, Fair Park Residents Association, University District Development Corporation, City of Little Rock, Keep Little Rock Beautiful, World Services for the Blind, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Children International, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Oak Forest Community Garden. For more information, contact University District Director Barrett Allen at blallen@ualr.edu or 501.683.7361.  ]]>