In Little Rock, Arkansas, lives change for the better through partnerships and community activities. These programs promote collaboration in performing arts, neighborhood programs and celebrations for people in recovery for substance abuse and mental health issues.
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| (Left to Right: Darryl Swinton, BCD Director of Housing & Economic Development; Paul Bax Founder of Brandon House Cultural Arts; Dr. Pamela Bax, Vice President of Brandon House Cultural & Performing Arts; Deborah Bell, Director of Better Community Development.) |
BCD collaborates with local business to restore endangered theater
Better Community Development (BCD)is working in partnership with Brandon House Cultural and Performing Arts to restore the Lee Theatre. This new partnership will rehabilitate and restore the Lee Theatre, an endangered property in the Little Rock area. Theatre programs will offer creative and performing arts activities for youth and adults of all ages. The Brandon House staff hope to unite the community by offering high-quality performances in visual and performing arts.
Fundraising golf tournament
The second-annual Neighbors Building Communities golf tournament was held Oct. 16. BCD hosted this event to raise money for its programs and missions. The executive director, the Rev. William H. Robinson Jr., came out to support the event. Golfers enjoyed a continental breakfast, goody bags, door prizes and awards for the top two teams.
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Keys to Empowerment summit
In September, BCD collaborated with the General Board of Global Ministries, Ministry with the Poor and Theressa Hoover Memorial United Methodist Church to provide a quality two-day summit for United Methodist congregations, community organizers and others.
The conference hosted about 50 individuals from around the United States. Workshops focused on keys to engaging the community, asset-based community development, addiction and recovery ministries, supportive ministries, affordable housing and economic development.
Guests experienced Sunday worship at Theressa Hoover Memorial United Methodist Church, toured some of the more than 100 homes built by BCD and explored the greater Little Rock area. Participants learned how to connect with community leaders and government partners on key components of effective outreach ministries and programs.
2015 Recovery Jam
September was National Recovery Month, and BCD celebrated with people in recovery who suffer from mental or substance-abuse disorders. National Recovery Month educates Americans on the value of addiction treatment and mental health services to promote healthy and rewarding lives. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavior health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
BCD celebrated its annual Recovery Jam to bring awareness to the public about substance abuse, mental health disorders, treatment and recovery. Dino Davis, a local artist, and his band provided live music with special appearances from audience members. Activities included face painting, shopping, free food, games and door prizes. Vendors set up displays and provided information on resources offered to the community as well as recovery services in Arkansas.
BCD, Inc. e-newsletter, Fall issue
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with one another. The special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and work with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
When you give generously on Human Relations Day, you encourage ordinary people to have a voice in changing the world. Give now.
