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Cornerstone Project: Little Rock's Safe Haven for At-Risk Youth

NCJ Number
172400
Journal
Profile Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: complete issue
Author(s)
R Maniglia
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Cornerstone, Inc., was initiated in 1987 and now provides a supportive, safe setting for more than 200 at-risk youths in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the inner city of Little Rock, Ark.
Abstract
The founder, Dennis Beavers, applied for and received a VISTA grant to establish what were then called Healthy Family Centers. Beavers and an initial group of four volunteers used the grant to plan youth activities for the poorest, most dangerous Little Rock communities. The program received an abandoned school building in 1989. It began providing educational services to 100-150 youths each evening from the end of school until about 10 p.m. A local hospital provided a free hot meal. A major part of the effort is the Exceller Program, in which youths ages 12-18 agree to take part in 15 hours of academic enrichment, personal growth, and volunteerism each month. Students participate in group classes, personal tutoring, and a support group. Students are also exposed to job opportunities at the center and are paid in credits according to their grade point averages. They use exceller credits to purchase items at a store containing items donated by local businesses. The Cornerstone program also included a summer camp, a monthly newsletter, a weekend club that includes dancing and games. Dennis Beavers also helped found the Pulaski County Coalition for Youth-At-Risk to help turn around the lives of many at-risk youth. Cornerstone has been recognized as a point-of-light program and was 1 of 15 programs designated as a prevention model by the National Office on Substance Abuse Prevention. Photographs