Small Works to open at Russellville
The 2024 Small Works on Paper, an annual touring visual arts exhibition that showcases the work of Arkansas artists, will open at 10 a.m. March 1 at the River Valley Arts Center in Russellville.
The Small Works exhibition will feature 39 artists from across Arkansas. Locals include Matthew Howard, Pine Bluff; Kimiara Johnson, Pine Bluff; Alexia Lams, Pine Bluff; and Crystal Jennings, Rison. A reception will be held March 16 from 2-4 pm. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
The artwork will be on view through March 29. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The display will tour nine venues statewide, according to a news release.
HUD announces program aid
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced more than $128 million to 835 public housing agencies and Project Based Rental Assistance owners for the 2023 Renewal and New Family Self Sufficiency Program grants. This funding highlights efforts to support families by providing financial resources to achieve economic independence. Public housing agencies and PBRA owners in Arkansas received $927,825.
Renewal funding in southeast Arkansas includes:
Pine Bluff Housing Authority, $161,353, Pine Bluff.
McGehee Public Residential Housing Facilities Board, $39,961, McGehee.
The FSS program is a voluntary initiative offered to families in HUD-assisted housing. Participants receive coaching, referrals to services, and establish a family escrow savings account. FSS Program Coordinators provide coaching and develop local strategies to connect participating families with public and private resources. These resources aim to increase their earned income and financial empowerment, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, and facilitate progress toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
Free active shooter awareness set
Protect His House, a faith-based safety trainer, invites the community to its free Active Shooter Awareness Training from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 24 at Oak Grove Central Missionary Baptist Church in Tucker.
This seminar is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to active shooter incidents. Protect His House recognizes the importance of readiness in facing unexpected events and believes that preparedness is paramount in safeguarding lives, according to a news release. Participants will engage in comprehensive discussions and practical exercises. Topics include:
Understanding what to expect during an active shooter incident;
Enhancing sensory perceptions for better situational awareness;
Providing critical information to law enforcement and 911 dispatch;
Understanding law enforcement response procedures;
Developing actionable plans for surviving an active shooter incident;
Exploring preparation strategies;
Understanding the fight or flight response.
Registration is open to the community. To secure a spot, people are asked to register at https://www.phhtraining.com/event/p-r-e-ss-active-shooter-defense-level-1-tucker-ar-1pm-4pm/
Use promocode “PHHCares” for free tickets, according to the release. Details: www.phhtraining.com or 855-743-1424.