ABBA ADOPTION LLC
Jonesboro, AR
268-1235 (2007)
ADOPTION ADVANTAGE, INC.
Jonesboro, AR
268-0422 (2007)
AMERICAN ADOPTIONS
Eugene T. Kelley - Legal Counsel
217 W. Chestnut St., Rogers, AR 72756
479-631-8223 or 1-800-236-7846
EMAIL (12/31/07)
Free 24-hour counseling and information. Provides a full range of services to adoptive families and birth parents across the country.
ARKANSAS ADOPTION RESOURCE EXCHANGE (DHS) (12/27/07)
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S565, Little Rock, AR 72203
DHS/DCFS Adoption Services Unit
(888) 736-2820 or 1-800-235-0002 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Adoption is available to children in DHS/DCFS custody who cannot be reunited with their birth/legal parent. Recruitment, retention, preparation and assessment of families and placement of children are provided, as well as services after a child is placed. The program focuses on finding families for older children, children of color, large sibling groups and/or children with disabilities. Many of the children are removed from their birth family or parent due to neglect, physical abuse, emotional and/or sexual abuse. An adoption cannot take place unless the birth parent or legal parent's rights have been terminated by the court.
Financial assistance may be available as monthly support to the child, one-time reimbursement for expenses related to initial expenses and a federal tax credit for the year in which the adoption takes place. The monthly subsidy is to meet the costs of providing for the child's daily needs who meet eligibility requirements. Subsidies may be available to help pay for medical or psychological services and legal fees to finalize an adoption.
ARKANSAS BETTER CHANCE (ABC) (Arkansas Department of Education)
To serve educationally deprived children, ages birth through five in developmentally appropriate programs, including HIPPY (Home Instruction Program for Preschool Children).
Students must have at least one of the following characteristics: Low family income, parents with low educational level, low birth weight, a teen mother at birth of the child, a family history of substance abuse/addiction, eligibility for Title I Services, eligibility of services under Public Law 99-547, a family with a history of abuse or neglect/be a victim of abuse or neglect or have demonstrable developmental delays.
PARTICIPANTS
Arkansas Aeroplex Migrant Head Start (MCAEOC)
Ann Dargan
2912 Lansing St. (Bldg. 527), Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 532-5393
Blytheville HIPPY (Blytheville School District)
FOCUS ABC Talk Project (FOCUS, Inc.)
Narissa Banks or Donna Tovar
701 S. Elm St., Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 763-2390
Keiser Pre-Kindergarten (So. Mississippi Co. School District)
Lee Ann Graham
209 E. Main St. (P.O. Box 18), Keiser, AR 72351
(870) 526-2633
Leachville Head Start (MCAEOC)
Phyllis Curnett
1300 E. 3rd St., Leachville, AR 72438
(870) 539-6554
Luxora Pre-Kindergarten (So. Mississippi Co. School District)
Lee Ann Graham
1122 W. Calhoun, Luxora, AR 72358
(870) 658-2768
MCAEOC Migrant Head Start (MCAEOC)
Betty Brown
1100 Byrum Rd., Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 763-1489
MCCC Kids Kollege (MCAEOC)
Betty Brown
2501 S. Division, Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 762-1020
Osceola Head Start (MCAEOC)
Louise Richmond
701 N. Walnut, Osceola, AR 72370
870-563-4543 (2007) or 563-2977
Wilson Child Development (MCAEOC)
Jane Terry
22-1/2 Adams St., Wilson, AR 72395
(870) 655-8570
ARKANSAS DISABILITY COALITION
FOCUS, Inc.
Ramona Hodges
305 W. Jefferson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401
1-888-247-3843 (870) 935- 2750
FAX: (870) 931-3755
Email
The ADC works to further equal rights and opportunity for Arkansans with disabilities through public policy change, cross-disability collaboration and empowerment of people with disabilities and their families. It is the only statewide, cross-disability advocacy group, combining the strengths of Arkansans with disabilities and families of children with disabilities.
This program shares a federal grant with the Arkansas Disability Coalition to administer a state-wide program to disseminate information to parents of school age children with disabilities. Some of the information provided:
- Understanding child development
- Finding appropriate services
- Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities
- Investigating options for transitioning beyond school referrals
- Resource information
Supported Services include:- Attending school conferences with parents
- Providing disability related support groups
- Locating specific disability related support groups
Training and workshops include:- Developing successful self-advocacy skills
- Effective communication between parents and professionals
- How to develop an IEP (individual education plan)
- Understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Act
- Understanding the law regarding children with ADD/ADHD
- Transitioning from Head Start to kindergarten
- Transitioning from high school to community, higher education and beyond
The program serves people with developmental disabilities of all ages. (2007)
ARKANSAS EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION
101 E. Capitol Su. 106, Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-4891
FAX: (501) 682-4897
Child Care Referral: (800) 445-3316
Advises the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education on the administration of the Child Care Facilities Loan Guarantee Trust Fund; provides technical assistance in the design of training programs to enhance skills of professionals in early childhood programs; assists in the development of a comprehensive long-range plan for the expansion, development and implementation of early childhood programs.
ARKANSAS PARENT TRAINING AND INFORMATION CENTER (Arkansas Disability Coalition/Arkansas Support Network)
FOCUS, Inc.
Ramona Hodges
305 W. Jefferson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401
1-888-247-3843 (870) 935- 2750
FAX: (870) 931-3755
Email
The ADC works with parents of children ages 0-21 with special education needs to teach parents about their rights under IDEA and how to work with teachers and administrators to develop and monitor effective educational plans for their children. The project also helps parents network with each other and organize support groups in their communities.
- Information - Understanding child development. Finding appropriate services. Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities. Investigating options for transition after school.
- Support - Finding someone to talk with and learn from. Having a friend attend school conferences with you. Meeting other parents in your community with similar concerns. Knowing someone will be there for you.
- Training - Develop self-advocacy skills. Communicating with teachers and administrators.
- Promoting long life successes for your child.
- Understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related laws. Preparing for IEP meetings.
ARKANSAS SAFE KIDS COALITION (Mississippi County Health Department/Arkansas Children's Hospital)
1299 N. 10th St. (P.O. Box 1047), Blytheville, AR 72316
Cheryl Warriner
870-763-7064 or 1-800-527-5302 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Extended hours on Thursdays.
Manila Branch
912 N. Davis, Manila, AR 72442
561-4932 8:15 AM - 3:30 PM
Osceola Branch
720 W. Lee, Osceola, AR 72370
563-2521 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
An injury prevention program for children ages 0-14 years. Information is available to children, parents and care givers on traffic safety, child passenger safety, bicycle safety, scald and burn prevention, drowning prevention, playground safety, poison prevention and home safety.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS
Family Resource Center
400 School St., Osceola, AR 72370
(870) 563-5912
FAX: (870) 563-5348 (4/04/2007)
MCAEOC Parent Center
Vivian Meadows, Co-ordinator
421 W. Main St., Blytheville, AR 72315
(870) 763-0882 or (870) 763-0534
FAX: (870) 763-0272 (4/04/2007)
Open from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday-Friday and later during the week, as well as Saturday and Sunday for special events.
CHILDREN'S HOME, INC.
5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR
239-4031 or 236-1607
Adoption service (2007)
FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE (MCAEOC)
Horace Howard, Director (6/3/07)
1400 N. Division (P.O. Drawer 1289), Blytheville, AR 72316-1289
(870) 776-1054 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
FAX: (870) 776-1875 or (870) 776-1567 Email (4/06)
To help fathers become more involved in their children's lives. It also refers them for educational opportunities, substance abuse programs and GED classes. (2002) This initiative focuses on two areas:
- Increased involvement of fathers of pre-school children. The Books for Kids Program (Wal-Mart and That Book Store in Blytheville) has provided over 600 books.
- The Fatherhood/Healthy Marriages Initiative encompasses issues related to healthy marriages and stable families. The Healthy Marriage Initiative is recruiting couples willing to serve as mentors for those contemplating marriage as well as people in troubled marriages. (2003) Working with incarcerated fathers who are about to be released. (2001) The Incarcerated Fatherhood Initiative focuses on three areas:
- Training and employment for fathers who are about to re-enter society.
- Increased family communication.
- Attitude and behavior improvement. (2001)
An annual MCAEOC Father of the Year Award is presented.
GLADNEY CENTER FOR ADOPTION
Jonesboro, AR
268-6984 (2007)
GOSNELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT CENTER (5/31/07)
Sharon Davis, Facilitator
600 Hwy. 181 K-2 Bldg. Rm 6, Gosnell, AR 72315
(870) 532-4003 8-30:-10:30 AM and 1:30—3:10 PM
FAX: (870) 532-4030
Serving Grades K-12. Staffed by parents and community volunteers to assist teachers and students with day-to-day activities. It also assists with students' special needs to help them learn. Computers are also available for parents to check grades online, conduct research, etc.
Anyone who would like to assist is asked to contact the elementary school.
GreatSchools.NET
301 Howard St. Su. 1440, San Francisco, CA 94105
FAX: (415) 977-0704
To improve K-12 education by inspiring parents to get involved, GreatSchools helps parents choose the best school by providing comprehensive profiles for more than 120,000 schools nationwide. Other features include exclusive ratings, parent reviews, search and compare tools and helpful advice. Resources help guide children from kindergarten through high school. Personalized email
newsletters provide school updates, grade-by-grade learning tools and seasonal advice on education topics.
GreatSchools' online library features hundreds of articles that help parents navigate the K-12 process, including advice from experts and parents.
GreatSchools is also conducting pilot programs to organize and support parents advocating for education excellence in their communities.
GROWL CHILDRENS MINISTRIES
Church of God Ruddle Road
Kathy & Frankie Read, Directors
1400 S. Ruddle Rd., Blytheville, AR
762-5510
EMAIL
Provides support, food, clothes, school supplies and uniforms to needy children; advocacy in court and support in school behavioral situations. (4/22/07)
H.I.P. (Hope, Inspiration, Protection) (Centers for Youth & Families/U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/Mid-South Health Service, Inc.)
Mid-South Health Systems
Leonard Oldums, Mentoring Services Co-ordinator
209 S. Lockard, Blytheville, AR
(870) 762-8277 or 972-841-6410 (6/10/07)
For any child:
Between the ages of 4 & 18 who has a parent incarcerated for one or more years in a correctional facility.
Has a legal guardian, custodial parent or state agency that agrees to the child's participation in the program.
Specifically trained, knowledgeable mentors serve the needs of these children and their families by being role models, friends and advocates on a weekly basis.
If you are interested in learning more about the H.I.P. Mentoring program, know of a child or caregiver who would benefit or are interested in becoming a mentor, please call.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MENTORS:
- Must be 21 or older.
- Emotionally stable, mature and maintain a sincere interest and commitment to develop a mutual and collaborate relationship with a child to realize his or her full potential.
- Have the ability to accept and relate to a child who may not share the mentor's values or lifestyle.
- Respect the child as he or she is at this point in time.
- Should exhibit common sense, intelligence, flexibility, friendliness, maturity, sensitivity, responsibility and commitment. A good sense of humor is an added benefit.
- Have safe and reliable transportation.
- Volunteers are asked to spend a minimum of one hour per week with the child. For children ages 5-8, all mentoring will be group-based unless approved by the site coordinator and a waiver signed by the caregiver. If the commitment ends at one year, the mentor will participate in giving closure to the relationship.
IN-HOME PARENTING (DHS)
(501) 682-8542
This effort provides one-on-one in-home parenting education and living skills training to parents of maltreated children.
MOMS OBTAINING MOTHERING SKILLS (M.O.M.S.)
LaNiesa Kimbrough
762-1788
A program for teen mothers which meets from 5 - 7 PM each Thursday at the Harrison Youth and Cultural Center, 624 W. McHaney in Blytheville. Refreshments are served and transportation and child care are available. (6/1/07)
OSCEOLA COMMUNITY OF SHALOM
First United Methodist Church
Coordinator: Rev. Allen Rainey
303 S. Pecan (P.O. Box 393), Osceola, AR 72370
Engages youth in the ministry through basketball camps and providing school supplies.
OSCEOLA SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENT CENTER
1230 W. Semmes, Osceola AR, 72370
870-563-1155
FAX: 870-563-2181
E-mail
PARENT-TEACHER CENTER
Letroy Gathen, Director
405 W. Park St., Blytheville, AR 7231
762-2053 Ext. 246
Monday; Wed. - Fri. - 8:30 AM - 4 PM
Tuesday - 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Closed 12 noon - 12:30 PM daily
For parents and employees of the Blytheville Public Schools, offering many free supplies and educational items to help students learn.
- Educational materials for parents to make. (The center will have someone to assist with making these materials.)
- There is a lending library where parents may check out books, tapes and recorders, etc. to help with their child's learning.
- Many resource books provide ideas for making educational materials (games, coloring sheets, worksheets, etc.) as well as the supplies to make them.
Parents are always welcome at school.
PARENTING FROM PRISON
(501) 682-8542
Specialized parenting education to male and female incarcerated parents. Focus is on absentee parenting, regaining authority and parent-child bonding.
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION FOR ADHD
1-888-247-3843
Meets from 6 to 8 PM the third Tuesday of each month at FOCUS, Inc., 305 W. Jefferson St. in Jonesboro. (support group)
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION FOR AUTISM
1-888-247-3843
Meets from 6 to 8 PM the 3rd Thursday of each month at FOCUS, Inc., 305 W. Jefferson St. in Jonesboro. (support group)
SERIOUS AND VIOLENT OFFENDER RE-ENTRY INITIATIVE
A state pilot program matching graduate students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with the most troubled juveniles at the Alexander and Dermott lock-ups. The mentor program is part of a larger effort by the state Youth Services Division to better equip soon-to-be-released youth with the skills and knowledge to help them continue their education, find jobs, improve their social skills and get therapy.
The mentors work not only with the young person but also with Youth Services case workers, Boys and Girls Club officials, job-assistance specialists and case managers from the lockup. The team, the child and his family work together to identify what that young person needs to be successful. (3/18/07)
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENT-TEACHER CENTER
20 Adams, Wilson, AR 72395
(870) 655-8580