The Kids On The Block (KOTB) community 4-H Club was recognized recently by the Pine Bluff, Arkansas City Council for adopting a spot in the city’s 3rd Ward. Led by Verna Perry, CEO of the Carpenters’ Daughter Apprenticeship Program, the KOTB Club introduces youth to trades including landscaping, carpentry and plumbing.
“KOTB obtained an “Adopt-A-Spot” in Ward 3, which is why they were recognized at the City Council meeting,” Teki K. Hunt, director of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) 4-H Youth Development Program, said. “Ms. Perry was also presented with UAPB’s 2024 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award during the meeting.”
Hunt said the club has been active for two years and is directed by three trained volunteers. Members learn leadership by participating in the basic 4-H club process. They are also introduced to various trades by professionals and participate in community service.
“Ms. Perry has led apprenticeships in Juvenile Justice Centers around the state. Since starting the KOTB 4-H Club she has also begun a partnership with Ambassadors for Christ to serve youth transitioning out of juvenile detention into apprenticeships,” she said. “Ms. Perry is a 4-H alumnus. She chose to lead a club to bring the knowledge and connections that she was using with incarcerated youth to other youth in the community.”
It is hoped that 4-H clubs will be established in all four wards in Pine Bluff as well as to other counties.
“To join, youth can attend a club meeting, and parents can complete a UAPB 4-H enrollment form,” Hunt said. “For information, meeting locations and monthly topics, they can contact me directly at (870) 575-8538 or [email protected].”
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Photo cutline – Pictured from left to right is Verna Perry, CEO of Carpenter’s Daughter Apprenticeship Program; Teki Hunt, UAPB 4-H youth development director; Anila Wilson (age 12); Alaya Wilson (age 8); behind her is 3rd ward city council member Lynette Frazier; Faith Perry (age 10), Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers; Layden Crumpton (age 10); Colin Scott (age 11); 3rd ward city council member William Fells; Kelli Kennedy, director of Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful.
