NEW DIGS
Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. That is, until your nonprofit is helping so many people it outgrows its quarters.
The Centers for Youth and Families — an organization that provides counseling, treatment and more for kids, teens and families across Arkansas — recently announced a move into west Little Rock’s Market & Merrill office and retail center. The move will offer more than 17,000 square feet of space for the nonprofit to expand services, including its role as one of the state’s only human trafficking treatment centers.
Nine months ago, The Van announced its own move was in the works from a rented warehouse on the outskirts of North Little Rock to new headquarters at 4500 W. 61st St. in south Little Rock.
Through droves of donations and the blood, sweat and tears of its volunteers, The Van officially moved into its new space in September. Not only is the space better suited to equip its mobile team caring for people experiencing homelessness, but it also includes needs like walk-in freezers, expanded shower and laundry assistance and an indoor loading area.
Aaron Reddin, president and founder of The Van’s parent company The One Inc., hopes the move will make the team more efficient and encourage volunteers with a more centralized location.
“I’m just really excited to get it to a good place and invite the hundreds of people who paid for it to come see what we’re doing with it,” Reddin says.
An open house is in the works for later this month to celebrate the new space. Check out The Van’s Facebook page for details.
FRESH TAKE ON CREEPY CLASSIC
Ballet Arkansas, the state’s professional ballet company, is working in partnership with the creative team at Cranford Co. and the Historic Arkansas Museum to breathe new life into “Sleepy Hollow,” the troupe’s first production of its exciting 2019/2020 season.
“The story has so many angles, which gives the choreographer a lot of room to explore,” says Michael Fothergill, Ballet Arkansas’ executive and artistic director. “We’ve taken a rather ambiguous storyline and infused it with narrative that dives much deeper into the relationships of those present in the town. It’s a mystery to the end, and it’ll leave you on the edge of your seat.”
According to Fothergill, narratives like these are what stretch the company and make it a competitor on a national scale.
“Not only do we tell stories at Ballet Arkansas, but we tell them well and in unique ways,” he says, noting this production features photo and video projections, 360-degree sound and vibrant contemporary choreography.
“This is a true blending of classic and modern — and eerie — through and through.”
“Sleepy Hollow” hits the stage at UA – Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater Oct. 18-20. Tickets are available at BalletArkansas.org or by calling 501.812.2710.
BIG MOVES
► Christina Drale has taken over as chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
► The Economics Arkansas Foundation found its first-ever director in Elizabeth Sullivan.
► The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute named Dr. Michael Birrer as its new director.
SAVE THE DATES
Strut Your Pup
Oct. 17
Fido’s looking fierce at this doggy beauty pageant benefiting the North Little Rock Animal Shelter.
Update: This event has been postponed until spring.
Go!bbler Turkey Trot 5K
Nov. 28
Take to the streets before you hit the table at this fun-run-turned-Thanksgiving-tradition that also serves as a giant food drive for the Arkansas Foodbank.
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