Children in Little Rock have a new place where they can play and learn! Saint Mark Baptist Church celebrates the opening of its 50,000 SF Children and Youth Center this weekend, June 10-12. The center will offer programs seven days a week in its classrooms and meeting spaces equipped with tablets, computers and digital whiteboards.

In addition to semiweekly, age-appropriate worship services, the center will host educational workshops in conjunction with the newly created Tendaji Community Development Corporation, including:

  • Reclaiming Scholars, a partnership with the Little Rock School District and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will provide educational instruction, counseling and mentorship to those students who are placed in out-of-school suspension.
  • Program IMPACT (Improving Youth by Measuring Progress of Academics and Character through Transformation) will enrich after-school time for students at Franklin Elementary with activities tailor-made to meet these students’ specific needs.

Attend one of these Grand Opening Weekend events to experience the new center:

Youth Premiere Party Night: Children and youth ages 4-18 are invited to a free party that will feature a different theme for each age range (elementary, middle school and high school) and offer a variety of activities and food, tournament-style games as well as toy and gift card giveaways. High school graduates are welcome, but no one over 18 years of age will be admitted. 7-11 p.m. June 10.

Grand Opening Reception: Enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres and live music in the Center’s atrium and banquet hall. Tickets for this semi-formal fundraiser are $100 with proceeds benefiting the Tendaji Community Development Corporation. 5-7 p.m. June 11.

Ribbon-Cutting: Along with Governor Asa Hutchinson, Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and state Senator Joyce Elliott, church leaders will cut the ribbon and welcome visitors inside for tours. Immediately following 11:30 a.m. service June 12.

For more information, visit SMark.org.