April News Letter 2023
April News Letter 2023
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The Director's Corner

We are close to four months into the calendar year and Brandon House continues to make progress. Since our last communication, Brandon House was awarded a third contract through the City of Little Rock Department of Community Programs to create a program called Fall In Deep. The Fall In Deep initiative grew out of a need for Little Rock teens to have a safe space and safe place to address hard, tough, sensitive, and challenging topics and address social and emotional experiences that can lead to trauma in their later years. Additionally, the rising crimes in the city of Little Rock, which have been perpetrated by teens, led Brandon House to create this program calling it Fall In Deep because the youth expressed a need to have open, honest, and deep conversations about their social and emotional experiences as teens and the issues of being pressured by their peers to engage in juvenile delinquent behaviors.

Brandon House is on the front line working within low-income communities to identify high-risk youth and engage them in positive youth development experiences. The FALL IN Deep Program target opportunity and disconnected youth, ages 13 to 18, and is an arts-based youth prevention the program is designed to offer opportunities for older youth to address their social and emotional health through academic enrichment, career and college awareness, theater and drama, and youth empowerment strategies using media and digital interactions. Brandon House is driven by a critical need in the communities we serve for middle and high school students, opportunities, and disconnected youth to be educated and trained in career readiness and 21st-century workforce skills to prevent them from perpetuating the school-to-prison or the pipeline-to-prison trend.

Brandon House was awarded a half-million dollar grant to implement our DreamStarters. Program at our West Little Rock [WLR] site. The DreamStarters Program is a creative arts-based youth prevention program designed to expose elementary students to arts-infused learning experiences as a way for the youth to address their personal, academic, social, and emotional development needs and to prepare them to build skills for life. Brandon House’s WLR site will enroll 50 youths, ages 5 through 13 years of age; with 30 of the slots reserved for families who are eligible for the Arkansas Department of Human Services child care voucher. Stay tuned to our monthly newsletters to learn more about the DreamStarters Program at our WLR site. As we gear up for our summer programs which will begin June 5, 2023, we are excited about the opportunities we can provide for our youth. To enroll in BH programs, complete the online enrollment form on our website.  Click Here For the Enrollment Form.

City Wide ReUp Recap

The success of BH's annual City Wide Re-Up event showcased the community's dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles. The panel discussion on the harmful effects of tobacco was an important aspect of the event, as it provided a platform for young people to share their stories and experiences. The fact that 315 pledges were made to be tobacco-free in homes and cars demonstrates the impact of the event on the attendees.

It's worth noting that the event was made possible through the sponsorship of MISRGO Be Well, a local organization that is committed to improving the health and well-being of the community. The promotion of the event through a radio ad on 96.5 The Box was also a smart move, as it helped to reach a wide audience.

Overall, the success of the City Wide Re-Up event serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in promoting healthy habits and behaviors. Through events like this, we can come together as a community to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of ourselves and those around us.

We Trippin' Spring Break Recap

Check out these stunning snapshots from our unforgettable spring break spent with our beloved Brandon House Family! We had an absolute blast exploring new places and making unforgettable memories together. Take a peek at our adventures through these incredible photos!

First Picture: Dancing Dall at Creative Expressions boot camp,  Second Picture: Campus Visit to SAU, & Third Picture students Duing See. Spot. Run. Studio Experience.
Picture Above: Students in attendance for Kickin' It On The Yard Musical, Picture Two: Cast Of Kickin' On the Yard

Feel The Vibe

Feel The Vibe is an annual event that takes place on May 29th to celebrate World No Tobacco Day. This community health festival aims to educate Little Rock residents about the harmful effects of tobacco use, prevent smoking initiation, and celebrate those who quit smoking. The event features live performances, local vendors, and resources to promote a healthy lifestyle. Mark your calendar and join in on the fun.

Pop Up Open Mics

Brandon House Arts Over Tobacco Program is offering #ARyouthDont Pep Rallies and Pop-Up Open Mics to promote tobacco-free youth. Their Street Team Talent Squad, complete with a full band, sound equipment, poetry and rap performances, and youth advocates, will inspire youth to engage in positive artistic activities instead of using tobacco products. To book an AOT Pop Up Open Mic at your school or organization, please contact Ashley Alexander at artsovertobacco@brandonhousearts.org.

Event Center Updates

Brandon House's Event Center is getting a revamp! Our youth programs are getting a bigger and better space, with construction expected to finish by July 1, 2023. Keep an eye out for our grand reopening and exciting events to come.

BH Productions Specials 

Don't miss out on BH Production's limited-time offers this April! Take advantage of our buy-one-hour-get-the-next-one-50%-off deal for filming services. Plus, our promo videos are on sale for only $125, and graphic flyers are for just $50. Make your project stand out with BH Production's affordable and high-quality services today.
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Brandon House Cultural & Performing Arts Center
12120 Colonel Glenn Road Bowman Plaza II, Suite 6400 | Little Rock, AR | 72210 US