Dove is photographed inside TOPPS Graphics, a work experience program that gives at-risk teens the opportunity to learn skills in printmaking and t-shirt production.
Funding also improved when she garnered her first major grant for a girls mentoring program from the Department of Juvenile Justice. The grant was written to help 20 girls; they ended up with 52 and a waiting list. In fact, it was so successful within the first three years that representatives from the funding agency paid them a visit because they were impressed with the impact they were having.
CONTINUED GROWTH
About seven years later, an opportunity for growth of the program presented itself when the Big Rec Center in Townsend Park was renovated. She was contacted by Senator Stephanie Flowers who offered to donate the building to TOPPS. With two locations in Pine Bluff and pilot programs in Fayetteville and West Memphis, other services were added to the organization, including mentoring, college enrichment, after school programs, summer learning, and job training programs to at-risk youth. According to Dove, the job training initiative that resulted in TOPPS Graphics and DREAMS (Dreams Require Educating And Motivating Students) are the most popular programs. TOPPS Graphics gives at-risk teens the opportunity to learn skills in printmaking and t-shirt production as well as customer service, professionalism and interpersonal interaction with customers.
“It just excites me to see children learn. If I can help one child, then I’ve done my part.” Youth also receive job training by working in the after school and feeding programs. Developed by her son Mike Dove, DREAMS is a college enrichment program that helps at-risk students in high poverty areas graduate from high school and enroll in college. The program provides 10th-12th grade students in Fayetteville, Pine Bluff, and West Memphis, Arkansas, with a college mentor who will guide them through the entire process. Of the recent class of DREAMS students, all but one of them are currently attending UAPB. “We’re a small program, but we try to zero in on those kids that really need us,” she said. Future plans for the program include building a larger facility and offering transitional housing to homeless youth. Although her passion requires a lot of work, Dove says she is encouraged by the change that is seen in the children she serves. “It just excites me to see children learn.” Dove said. “If I can help one child, then I’ve done my part.”
Photograph by Brian Williams Fall 2016 39