Courtesy of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Earlier this summer, the city of Eudora, a rural community in southeast Arkansas, faced multiple challenges with water consumption. As a result, numerous residents experienced having little to no water and various other complications. Seeing the need, UAPB’s Project SEARCH program, along with the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, partnered to deliver 400 cases of water to the city of Eudora.
The city of Eudora Mayor, Tomeka Butler, spoke with KATV ABC 7 news in Little Rock about the issue. She stressed the importance of what they were experiencing and urged everyone to conserve as much water as possible. Mayor Butler also spoke about the complications of getting help from companies that were hours away. “I understand why people seem to think the city isn’t doing anything, and it’s not true. We’re doing all that we can with the resources that we have”, Mayor Butler spoke in her interview. Although the city of Eudora was approved for two projects to assist them with the severe issue, they lacked the funds to find immediate remedies to help the current emergency.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) prides itself on global and community engagement. Therefore, UAPB participated in the collaboration efforts. “The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has a strong heart for giving back and is committed to supporting the efforts to aid in the water crisis in the city of Eudora,” according to Frank Dorsey, UAPB Dean of Student Involvement & Leadership. He added, “UAPB National Pan-Hellenic Council and student leaders committed to meeting the needs of the southeast Arkansas community. We are thankful to be considered partners in the effort led by the UAPB Project SEARCH initiative.”
UAPB’s Office of Student Involvement and Leadership prepares students for leadership development, social engagement, and extracurricular activities. Learn more about the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership at UAPB.
Project SEARCH Arkansas is an international, business-led, nine-month employment readiness training program for young adults with developmental disabilities. Program participants at the Project SEARCH UAPB site may intern within three different areas of the university. Each internship consists of 10 weeks of learning and training to help participants develop the skills needed to gain competitive and integrated employment.
