Children International

Summer Camp Keeps Students Busy and Beats the Heat

ashten — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:35:38 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – LITTLE ROCK

CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL

June 20, 2011

CONTACT: Ashten Adamson, 1-501-663-5541 or abadamson@ualr.edu

LITTLE ROCK – UALR Children International is hosting the “Mind Your Own Business” summer camp from June 15 – July 13, 2011 at Wakefield Elementary School.

150 elementary students, K-5th grade, from six Little Rock elementary schools – Bale, Franklin, Stephens, Wakefield, Watson and Wilson – will create and implement a business plan. Students will learn about the importance of entrepreneurship and how to create and manage a business.

Each grade will choose to make its own products. Some past products included picture frames made of recycled cardboard, coasters, clay jewelry, bookmarks and t-shirts.

At the end of summer camp, the students sell their goods at the Little Rock River Market. All proceeds from the River Market sale go into the Children International scholarship fund to give graduating sponsored children a scholarship for college. The River Market sale will be held on July 12, 2011 from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.

UALR Children International Elementary Education Manager Kristin Koenigsfest said the “Mind Your Own Business” summer camp is unique because it helps working parents by providing a free, enriching and safe environment for their children ten hours of the day, and the children get to learn new skills and have fun.

“We help families by providing free services. The camp is free, they have access to our free dental clinic, and the students get free breakfasts, lunches and snacks,” she said. “We have the kids from 7:30 or 8 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon. The parents know where their children are and can trust that they are safe and not at home by themselves, sitting around during the summer or engaging in any potentially harmful activities.”

Students, also, work on literacy and math skills and attend numerous field trips throughout the duration of the camp. Field trips include a luncheon and workshop with law students from the Bowen School of Law, a trip to the movies, Wild River Country and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

“The children enjoy the field trips that we do every Friday, but they also enjoy the making of their products and the planning they get to do in their business committees,” Koenigsfest said. “This year, they are enjoying taking part in the Let’s Move campaign and learning Beyonce’s Move Your Body theme song for that, as well as learning how to recycle.

Koenigsfest said she loves taking time in the summer to have fun with the children.

“I love the chance to sort of let loose and have fun with the students. They have rules, and we have a structured environment, but our goal is to let them have fun and be kids! It is summer after all,” she said. “I also love the fact that they are learning about something that they may not know that much about, like business, and can try different things out.”

Share America Art Exhibit 3-22-04

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:16:08 +0000

What: Reception for UALR Share America Young Arkansas Art Exhibit artists and their families

Where: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 28, 2004

Where: Arkansas Arts Center

Children from UALR’s Share America program and their families will be honored at a reception on Sunday, March 28, 2004, at the Townsend Wolfe Gallery at the Arkansas Arts Center, where the children’s entries in the Young Arkansas Artist contest are on exhibit.

Children in the program submitted life-size portraits for the contest, which were accepted and will be on exhibit at the center through May 2.

UALR Share America, the only program in the United States funded by Kansas City-based Children International sponsorship organization, serves 1,800 children in Little Rock Public Schools.

Children International UALR, Partners Dedicate Dental Clinic

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:14:00 +0000

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 25, 2004) – Children International UALR dedicated its new Future Smiles Dental Health Clinic at Wakefield Elementary School today, working with UAMS, Little Rock School District, Children International, the United Way of Pulaski County, the Arkansas Department of Health, and other oral health partners to eventually provide dental care for about 2,000 children at six Little Rock schools.

Congressman Vic Snyder toured the fully equipped clinic at the dedication ceremony and praised participants of Children International UALR’s Dental Health Action Team of health officials and members of the dental profession for working together to bring better oral health to Little Rock children.

Cheryl Chapman, director of Children International UALR, said the new clinic will allow members of the Dental Health Action Team to treat some of the tooth decay problems they spot through an ongoing dental screening program at the six Little Rock Public schools involved with the program.

“Last year, we were unable to help the 150 to 200 children with emergency dental needs. With the new clinic, those children will not be left in dental pain,” Chapman said.

Children International UALR, the only program in the United States funded by the Kansas City-based Children International, provides health and educational enrichment for targeted children at six elementary schools near UALR’s campus:

Franklin, Bale, Chicot, Stephens, Wakefield, and Wilson. It has received over $5 million since UALR launched the program in 1994.

John Nazzaro, director of the United Way whose organization has committed $157,000 to the project, said the new dental clinic focuses on a high-priority community need.

“The premise of Future Smiles is to help provide comprehensive dental care to hundreds of children who presently get very little if any,” he said. “That’s what I call a high-visibility need in the community, and we are very proud to be associated with the program and to provide the initial seed capital.”

Chestin Platt, a fifth grader at Bale Elementary School, has received regular dental screenings and anti-cavity sealants applied by a hygienist at school, and regular tooth cleanings at UAMS through the Future Smiles program.

His mother, Shawntaine Platt, said the new clinic will be providing a much needed service. “I think it will be great for parents and children, especially those who do not have insurance,” she said. “Children International UALR is totally concentrated on our kids and their needs, with activities like the Homework Center, art classes, and museum trips. Now, with the new clinic the kids can focus on learning instead of toothaches. Thank you UALR and Children International.”

UALR has partnered with 13 dental health organizations and community professionals – including Arkansas Department of Health, students from the UAMS Dental Hygiene Program and area dentists. These professionals have voluntarily provided 8,054 children with dental screenings and 442 children with dental sealants since 2000. Children International UALR will continue to coordinate these projects along with the new clinic.

With the fully functional dental clinic at Wakefield, a full-time dentist can now provide treatment on a priority basis.

Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas, one of the Dental Health Action Team members, provided a grant in 2002 to purchase portable equipment so screenings can be performed at each school.

Earlier this month, Delta Dental presented Dental Health Action Team members with another $17,000 to help purchase supplies for the new Future Smiles Dental Clinic.

“This new dental clinic is a classic example of what an engaged metropolitan university like UALR can do to better the community and the city,” said UALR Chancellor Joel E. Anderson. “Our community is so fortunate to have committed partners like the the United Way, the Arkansas Department of Health, Delta Dental and all members of the Dental Health Action Team. They are truly making a significant difference in these childrens’ lives.”

For more information, contact Children International UALR at (501) 663-5541.

Dental Health Action Team Members:

Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Arkansas Dept. of Health
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas Minority Health Commission
Arkansas State Dental Association
Communications Etc.
Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas
Little Rock School District
St. Vincent Health System
Children International
United Way of Pulaski County
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

UALR Share America Helps Provide Anti-Cavity Sealants for Kids

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:06:56 +0000

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 10, 2004) – Hundreds of second- and third-graders at six Little Rock School District schools will have a chance to fight tooth decay this month thanks an ongoing UALR Share America dental health program, “Future Smiles.”

Throughout the month, members of dental health teams organized by UALR Share America will apply protective plastic sealants to the chewing surfaces and crevices of the teeth of participating children’s teeth. The plastic sealant will protect the teeth from bacteria, which accumulate on the chewing surfaces and crannies of children’s teeth causing cavities.

Cheryl Chapman, director of UALR Share America, said this month’s activities are part of an ongoing dental heath effort UALR Share America has organized at Franklin, Bale, Chicot, Wakefield, Wilson, and Stephens elementary schools.

“February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and ‘Future Smiles’ focuses on the importance of annual dental check-ups as an integral part of ensuring overall health,” said she said.

UALR Share American serves 1,800 children in Little Public Schools.

Chapman’s operation has partnered with 13 dental heath organizations and community professionals – including students from the UAMS Dental Hygiene Program and area dentists – to volunteer to dental screenings and sealants.

The Action Team has completed more than 6,000 dental screenings over the last three years in addition to the sealant program.

“The combination of community water fluoridation and dental sealants can prevent virtually all cavities,” said Dr. Lynn Mouden, director of the Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health.

Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas, one of the Action Team members, provided a grant in 2002 that purchased portal equipment that can be moved to each school to perform the screenings.

If a screening identifies a child needing additional dental care, UALR Share American helps parents find resources to obtain additional treatment.

UALR Share American is the program in the United States funded by Children International, a Kansas City-based child sponsorship organization. UALR Share America has received over $4 million since the program started in 1994.

For more information, contact UALR Share America at (501) 663-5541.

A complete list of the Dental Health Action Team members is provided in the media kit.

UALR UNITY Student Initiative Teaches Children Cultural Awareness

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:01:36 +0000

by Billy Bird

Children involved in UALR’s Share America program are getting a head start on learning about important topics such as cultural diversity and ethnic tolerance thanks to the efforts of a group of UALR students. Students in Dr. Mary Eicholtz’s Professional Communications course have formed an organization called UNITY (United Networking Influencing Tolerance among Youth) as part of a service learning project for the class. The group recently hosted a workshop for Share America students that included films, role-playing, skits, and many other educational activities designed to teach children about discrimination and individual differences, stereotypes, cultural awareness, and community involvement.

A second workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 20. According to student Carolyn Ryan, projects like the UNITY initiative give UALR students the opportunity to benefit the community while earning valuable work experience. “I believe it is critical for students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to help the community,” she said. “UNITY creates a win-win situation; we get the chance to teach children about diversity and tolerance, while gaining ‘on-the-job-training.’

Share America kids help “Save the Antibiotic”

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:56:35 +0000

It sounds like a typical children’s play: a tow-headed boy, dressed as an antibiotic, takes center stage, only to be joined moments later by yellow- and green-clad Viruses who rush to attack him, leaving him powerless as the curtain closes. But in this case, the play is a public health campaign, and the actors are children involved in UALR’s Share America Program.

“Save the Antibiotic. Don’t use it when you don’t need it” is a multi-faceted health care quality improvement project initiated by the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC), in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and UALR’s Share America Program. Their goal is to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and educate consumers about the danger of antibiotic resistance.

The campaign includes the production of The Road to Antibiotic Resistance, performed by the Share America children in front of a live audience on August 3 at 7 p.m. and August 4 at 2 p.m. A video of the play will then be distributed in an education kit for Arkansas public schools and through an educational web site designed for multiple audiences.

Cheryl Chapman, director of UALR’s Office of Campus and Community Partnerships, said the students, ranging from grades 5 through 9, will spend six weeks during Share America’s Summer Camps learning about health care and studying theatrical techniques like character development, diction, set design, and makeup. Because these topics were already part of the Summer Camp curriculum, Chapman added, the collaboration seemed like a perfect fit. The Share America Program provides after-school, Saturday, and summer educational programs; health care; and assistance to low-income families.

“It’s a great way to help AFMC get the word out about this important health issue, while at the same time offering our kids an instructional and creative outlet,” Chapman said.

Dr. Robert Hopkins, AFMC clinical consultant and associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at UAMS, said the campaign “has to combat over 40 years of misunderstanding and confusion.”

“It’s ingrained in the public’s mind that the antibiotic is a wonder drug,” he said. “But antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not on viral ailments like colds, coughs, and sore throats. Many times antibiotics are being used for the wrong reasons.”

Other campaign components include a “prescription pad” listing non-prescription antidotes, an education booklet, and a coloring/activity book. The materials were created in conjunction with FORZA Marketing Group, which has worked with AFMC on other health awareness programs in the past.

For more information about the campaign or antibiotic use, check out the website at www.savetheantibiotic.com.

UALR Share America’s Gospel Choir Performs at State Capitol

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:49:03 +0000

For more information contact:

Joan I. Duffy (501) 569-8600 Media Alert

What: UALR’s Share America Gospel Choir performs for the National Day of Pride and Prayer

When: Noon Saturday, Oct. 25

Where: State Capitol steps The gospel choir from UALR’s Share America Homework Center will perform on the steps of the State Capitol as part of the fifth annual National Day of Pride and Prayer sponsored by Arkansas CURE – Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants.

The choir is part of UALR-Share America, an outreach program that provides more than 1,800 children and their families from several Little Rock School District elementary with services ranging from after-school homework assistance, health screenings and learning enhancements. The program also provides classroom and public service learning laboratory for UALR students.For more information about UALR-Share America, contact Cheryl Chapman at (501) 663-5541.

School Dental Screenings Focus On The Importance of Regular Checkups

William A Stephens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:34:40 +0000

Little Rock, Ark. (February 4, 2003) – With mouths wide open, students at Franklin Elementary School in Little Rock will be the first to take part in the 2003 “Future Smiles” program. Second and 3rd grade students who have received parental permission will be given a complete dental screening as well as the application of sealants.

Nearly 90 percent of cavities in school children occur in the surfaces of teeth with grooves and crevices. Sealants, a plastic coating, can easily be applied to the teeth to protect them from cavity causing bacteria.

“Future Smiles” is a program made possible by the support and guidance of the Dental Health Action Team, a recently organized group of dental health, education and community professionals. The team was organized in response to a community needs assessment prepared by the Office of Oral Health, Arkansas Department of Health in 2001.

UALR Share America and the Office of Oral Health, Arkansas Department of Health lead the team, but they rely on their many partners to provide care and support.

Students from the UAMS Dental Hygiene Program and area dentists volunteer their time to screen students at Franklin, Bale, Chicot, Wakefield, Wilson and Stephens Elementary Schools and at the UALR Neighborhood Homework Center. Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas provided a grant last year that purchased the portable dental equipment to perform screenings.

After the screening process, if a child is identified as needing additional dental care, UALR Share America helps parents identify resources such as AR Kids First to obtain treatment. The Share America program serves 1,800 children in the Little Rock Public Schools.

“February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and “Future Smiles” focuses on the importance of annual dental check-ups as an integral part of ensuring overall health,” said Cheryl Chapman, director of UALR Share America.

“The combination of community water fluoridation and dental sealants can prevent virtually all cavities,” said Dr. Lyn Mouden, Director of Arkansas Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health.

The team is taking further action to spread the message of prevention by producing and funding a radio spot that reminds parents of the importance of sealants. The spot will play in Central Arkansas, Fort Smith, the Delta region and the statewide Hispanic radio network Hola! Arkansas.

For more information about “Future Smiles” contact UALR Share America at (501) 663-5541 or Office of Oral Health at 661-2595.

Note: A complete list of Dental Health Action Team partners is provided in this media kit.

“FUTURE SMILES” FACT SHEET DENTAL SCREENINGS – FEBRUARY 2003 Sealing Out Dental Decay

Rarely does a person go through childhood without some cavities and fillings. Sealing the teeth with a plastic coating to protect them from bacteria can prevent much of this tooth decay. A dental hygienist or dentist applies the sealant in a painless process that takes only minutes. The process is much like painting on nail polish. If worn away, the sealant can be reapplied easily.

2001 Dental Screening Report

The Dental Health Action Team published the 2001 Dental Screening Report, prepared by Dr. Lynn Mouden, Director of the Office of Oral Health, Arkansas Department of Health, on April 2001. The report stated: access to dental care is unattainable for many children, evidenced by the high number of children with untreated dental decay (37.6%). Efforts and resources must be targeted to increase the use of dental sealants and assure that specific preventive and restorative dental services be provided to those children at greatest risk of oral disease.

Report Findings

2,272 children were screened
57.5% of all children surveyed had been affected by dental disease with an average of almost three decayed teeth per child
1.7% of children examined, third grade and older, had at least one dental sealant; 37.6 % had untreated dental caries Future Smiles” and Its Successes
Scheduled 2,300 screenings during 2002-2003 school year
Implemented “Future Smiles”, a school-based dental sealant program and provided 109 sealants to children at Bale, Franklin, Stephens, Wilson, & Wakefield in 2002
Developed partnership with Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas to purchase additional equipment for expanding “Future Smiles” to serve more children in 2003
Published sealant brochures/PSA to support project

For more information about the project or interest in volunteering to assist with dental screenings, contact UALR Share America at 663-5541 or email cachapman@ualr.edu or cnstewart@ualr.edu. The Dental Action Team Members Specifically in the area of dental, UALR Share America formed the Dental Health Action Team, a coalition of organizations to address deficiencies and improve oral health of children. Share America and local partners have provided children with annual dental screenings, toothbrush kits, sealants, and transportation to dental clinics. The team members include:

Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Health
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas Department of Education
Cooperative Extension, University of Arkansas
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock School District
Arkansas State Dental Association
St. Vincent Health System
Arkansas Minority Health Commission
Community Volunteers
Colgate-Palmolive – Corporate Support