When State Senator Jim Reynolds learned that former OU and NFL star Keith Jackson was interested in expanding his highly successful program for at risk kids to Oklahoma, he wanted to do everything he could to bring the All-American to Oklahoma City.
"Keith Jackson was at the height of his NFL career when he decided God wanted him to help young people in his home state of Arkansas. So he walked away from millions of dollars, and started Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids, the P.A.R.K. program. Since it began in 1997, it has helped literally hundreds of kids avoid the pressures of drugs, alcohol, sex and gangs. These kids have turned their lives around, thanks to Keith Jackson," said Senator Reynolds, R-OKC.
When Senator Reynolds heard that Jackson was interested in expanding his program into Oklahoma, he immediately contacted the two-time All-American and offered his services.
"The up-shot is that Keith Jackson is coming to the OKC metro area to meet with educators, civic leaders and others about his program and what it can do for at-risk young people. I hope as a result we'll soon see P.A.R.K. helping kids here the way it has in Arkansas," said Reynolds.
Keith Jackson will be speaking about the P.A.R.K. program on Friday, August 24, at 2 p.m. at the Del City Community Center, 4505 Southeast 15th in Del City.