Earlier this year, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Children International received $400,000 from Children International to renovate its facilities. 

Located at 2510 Fair Park Blvd., the site is the only Children International location in the country and serves about 2,700 central Arkansas children and youth.

Now members of the UA Little Rock community and public are invited to view the long-awaited changes during Children International’s grand reopening celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

For those who cannot attend the reopening, members of the public can also stop by UA Little Rock Children International to see the renovations and check out volunteer and community service opportunities during its normal operating hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16, to Friday, Oct. 20.

The funds were used to renovate the main Children International building. The redesigned space offers a new reception area, a computer lab for Children International families, new work areas, a conference room for community programs, and a hangout space that Children International students helped design.

Renovating the building has been an ongoing goal of the staff and children involved in Children International. Youth members raised more than $700 to help furnish the hangout space.

Children International offers a variety of programs, including after-school programs, summer enrichment programs, a dental clinic, a health clinic, and cooking classes.

The nonprofit organization also runs youth empowerment programs geared toward strengthening life skills and increasing social responsibility. Students in the sixth- through 12th grade participate in a youth council, college and career readiness programs, and the “Love Campaign,” where they complete self-initiated community service projects.

Additional parking for the reopening celebration is available at Oak Forest United Methodist Church, 2415 Fair Park Blvd., and UA Little Rock Lot 13 East parking lot. Shuttles will be available.

In the upper right photo, a mural inside the UA Little Rock Children International building is shown. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/UA Little Rock Communications.