Graduated Student Profile
Robert Irby
When Robert Irby had his last serious fight he was at P.A.R.K. and in the ninth grade.” We had to get him away and talk him down. He was full of rage,” explained Program Director Kareem Moody.
Today Irby is a social worker at Youth Center where he is the one counseling young, angry men. Asked how he made this 180 degree turn in his life, Irby said “P.A.R.K. saved me. It really, truly unraveled me and helped me blossom into the young man I wanted to be.” Growing up in Southwest Little Rock, Irby became involved with gang member at a young age. “Gang bangers and dope dealers were like superstars,” he quietly stated. “When I was selected (for the P.A.R.K. program) in the eighth grade, I was terrible. I was in the peak of my gang activity. (P.A.R.K.) gave me a place to go after school to keep me from getting involved on the street.”
Then came that infamous fight in the ninth grade. Irby says that’s when he turned the corner and decided the way he had been living was not worth it. While in suspension he decided to become focused on becoming a better student and person. His grades shot up after that to a 3.4 in the next nine weeks, and then to a 4.0. “We had to reprogram him to learn to trust education,” explained Moody. “I thank the Lord for providing me with the ability to come to P.A.R.K.,” added Irby. “Without the Lord none of this would be possible.
A graduate of Arkansas State University, which he attended on a P.A.R.K.—secured scholarship, Irby has dedicated himself to helping young people. He still lives in Southwest Little Rock where he tries to be a role model for others. He has become an advocate of P.A.R.K., having directed several relatives through the doors. “The chips were stacked against him,” said Moody. “He is the poster child for why you need this program.”