What does the Department of Community Programs do?
Initiated in 1996 to address specific issues and concerns of Little Rock citizens, the Department of Community Programs was developed as the human services aspect of the City. We contract with community-based organizations and other non-profit organizations to assist in youth development, helping people to self-sufficiency, and programming to fight substance abuse.

What specific kinds of programs does the Department of Community Programs support?
We provide funding, technical and administrative support to over 60 programs in the areas of youth development, substance abuse and treatment, and welfare to work. Some of our programs include the Youth Initiative Project-targeting gang involvement; Insure the Children- assisting with substance abuse treatment for youth; and the Fatherhood Initiative- getting non-custodial fathers more involved with their children.

Does Community Programs provide direct services?
Community Programs does not provide direct services. We contract with local community non-profit entities such as community-based organizations, hospitals, and government agencies to provide services.

What is an RFP, and what is the process?
RFP stands for Request for Proposals. This is the process that the Department of Community Programs uses to award contracts to agencies and organizations that provide a service to a specific population for a determined period of time. For a fuller explanation of this process, or if you are interested in knowing if the Department is advertising any RFP's at this time, please visit our Funding Opportunities page (create a link Here).

Do we provide training and technical assistance?
Yes, at the request of local citizens and organizations we provide opportunities for training and technical assistance.

I (or a member of my family) have a drug abuse problem. Can you help me?
We can help you to find help. We fund a number of quality drug and alcohol abuse programs that are listed in our resource guide on the Substance Abuse page of this website. (Create a link here)

I am new to the City, what programs for children do you recommend?
Through the Department of Community Programs, the City of Little Rock funds over $1.5 million per year in After-School and youth development programs. To see what program is near you and of interest to your children, visit our Funded Partners page. (Create a link here)

Can you help me (or my child) find a job?
If you are an Arkansas TEA recipient residing in Little Rock, you may qualify for our Welfare to Work program, which can provide you with transportation, child care, job training and education, and other services which will prepare you and link you to full-time employment. You may also link to the City's Human Resources pages on this website to view their current job listings. Many of the summer programs funded by the Department of Community Programs offer employment to youth. Contact those organizations directly for information by finding names, phone numbers, and email addresses on our Funded Partners page.