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October2020

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Women’s Health – October 2020

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG October 2020

We Are Louisiana Strong!

Written by Gisele McKinney, MD

This phrase is awe-inspiring and catchy! It is not by accident that the strongest and deadliest hurricanes in Louisiana are all named in honor of women: Katrina, Rita, and now – Laura.  She carries the distinction of being the strongest storm in Louisiana history.  We are indeed grateful that Marco limped toward the coast and didn’t bring the anticipated storm surges forecasted initially. The sheer devastation of Laura will take our small area, Lake Charles, many years to overcome. But overcome, we will.

Rendering healthcare in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura has had some unique challenges.  With the destruction of the Women’s Campus of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s plant operations facility, the obliteration of Archer Institute, and the lesser damage to the Main Campus and the other area hospitals taking damage, we made care we were accustomed to a memory. 

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The most heart wrenching were those without the means to evacuate, no running water, electricity, food, or diapers for their children.  You see, the pandemic and its long ranging ramifications left many without means to fill their tanks, much less find a place to land safely if they could evacuate.  For those, the loss of basic amenities like water and food took a physical and emotional toll.  Our neighbors came to our rescue with services from The Red Cross, Jennings, and many other neighboring communities, religious and secular organizations.

Some five weeks later, many have not returned to this area with an estimated 1800 plus still unable to return safely.  Yet in this climate, we still manage to continue to provide care weathering explosions at our hospital, repeated internet cable destruction, and lack of potable water, to name a few. Babies continued to be born because they come despite the pandemic and a hurricane.  Louisiana is strong because she knows nothing else.  She has a volunteer and survivor’s spirit that, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she continues to push forward.

Times like these remind us of 2 Corinthians 2:19.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

We are Louisiana strong!

 

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People of Louisiana – Military (October 2020)

 

GOLD STAR FAMILIES

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

GOLD STAR FAMILIES Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Each year on the last Sunday in September, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes and honors the Gold Star mothers and families who have lost a son or a daughter in the service to our country. While it was not possible to gather in the Veterans Memorial Park on the grounds of the State Capitol this year as we have in years past, we have not forgotten the sacrifice these mothers and families have made. This year, they were honored virtually through a video with stories from three Gold Star surviving spouses.

We hope that you will set aside some time to watch the video at https://youtu.be/sGarc2gHpTk in honor of the fallen and their families.


 

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Louisiana Fosters – H20 Ministries

 

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Louisiana Fosters

H2O Ministries

Louisiana Fosters
H2O Ministries

In January of 2017, Kerri Vinyard’s phone rang with a familiar voice on the other end. The caller was a young lady who had aged out of the foster care system years before. Kerri had the privilege of meeting her while doing volunteer work with a local girls’ group home. This dear young lady was frantic as she explained that she and her toddler would be homeless in the morning.  This single mother did not have the resources to get a room at even the cheapest of motels in the area.  When morning arrived, and Kerri looked into the hopeless set of eyes before her, she recognized this as a pivotal point in the story of H2O Ministries.

God began revealing that there were no resources in Tangipahoa Parish to provide adequate housing and support for teenagers who have aged out of the foster care system.  Not only was God educating her, but He was breaking Kerri’s heart to become part of the solution. Eventually, this young mother had to go to New Orleans to receive the help she was looking for due to the void of resources in Tangipahoa Parish.

Soon after, God began to build a team of volunteers from Woodland Park Baptist Church and River Fellowship who would become prayer partners for these young girls in foster care. These volunteers came alongside the local teenagers to do life with them and be a mentor and confidant when they had none. As these youth aged out of the system with nowhere to go, they began to reach out to Kerri and their prayer partners with desperate pleas for help.  Kerri and the prayer partners answered calls from hopeless young women who were homeless, stranded on the side of the road, hungry, sick, and alone.  God used each of these situations to reveal the deep need for housing, support, and encouragement that lacked for these young men and women.  He also used it to show the lack of available resources to fill these needs.  In November of 2018, God rallied this team together with a common interest to create a non- profit that will help youth who have aged out of the system.   It was effortless to determine that God was working through this, as scripture shows us God’s heart is for orphans.” Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27) The board members God joined together for this much-needed task are as follows: Roberta Flanagan, Ken Howe, Ginger Jones, Judy Liner, Shonda Kinnison, Wende Powell, Randy Ray, Angie Thomas, and Kerri Vinyard.        

For the first few months, the ministry board was very generic in their approach towards assisting the aged-out foster children. It was not until the board members did a group 3-day prayer that God made the ministry’s direction unanimously clear. In a meeting following the board’s prayer emphasis, they realized that He was calling this team to delve into the messy housing arena for the vulnerable youth of Tangipahoa Parish and beyond. Thus, H2O Ministries was the name chosen for this endeavor, which stands for “Housing Source 2 aging Out Youth”. This team knew that they wanted to provide housing while leading these young adults to know that Jesus is the living water, which is the source of life. “They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” (Isaiah 49:10)

The board members began networking with people around the state to gain wisdom while developing their programming. While in the transition period, the ministry continued to help the young adults that had previously aged out by providing other support such as assisting with rent, purchasing tires, providing furniture, and spiritual support every time they reached out to the group. This team also implemented an Open Table to come alongside a young lady who had recently aged out and was attending SLU. This ministry advocates for the youth in different areas of life, such as community, education, transportation, finances, and employment, to name a few.

As of August 2020, the ministry signed a year lease on a house in Tangipahoa Parish. They have been furnishing the home with financial donations from locals who also desire to see a solution to a rampant problem. By the time this article releases, the home should be housing up to four young ladies in a home with a house coordinator. A donated van provides needed transportation for the young ladies. This organization’s goal is to share Jesus, offer job training, educational support, financial budgeting advice, and a stable environment in which to thrive. After completing their time in the home, these young ladies should be better positioned and equipped to live independently with success. God willing, H2O Ministries will eventually purchase their own home in Tangipahoa parish and even begin another housing program for the young men who age out. There is no limit to what God can do, and H2O Ministries is grateful to God for all His provisions.

For those who would like to financially support this ministry to transform a young adult’s life forever, please check out their website at https://h2othesource.com/ 

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Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

 

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People of Louisiana – Community (October 2020)

 

FOURTH DISTRICT
MISSIONARY BAPTIST
ASSOCIATION

Hurricane Laura
Relief Efforts

FOURTH DISTRICT MISSIONARY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Hurricane Laura Relief Efforts

Disaster Relief Management is a division of the Fourth District Missionary Baptist Association of Louisiana, a non-profit Christian community of over 65 churches from six parishes. Included are East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, and Pointe Coupee. The goal of the Disaster Relief division is to aid in prompt assistance without discrimination to victims of human-made and natural disasters, achieve rapid recovery to those impacted, and avoid potential losses through safety training.

Whether through monetary gifts or acts of service, we work to lend a helping hand to those in need. In 2016, we helped to recover the devastation left after the “Great Flood” by volunteering to rebuild family homes. Although the Greater Baton Rouge area is our specific target, we also provide relief assistance to those in our neighboring districts, states, and beyond. In 2017, we provided supplies and donations to Texas communities following Hurricane Harvey. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian challenged us to extend our aid internationally to the people of the Bahamas.

After one hundred and fifty mile-per-hour winds swept Louisiana’s coastline through Lake Charles and surrounding areas, Hurricane Laura became our most recent effort. In response, our Disaster Relief Management team organized fundraisers to support the needs of those impacted. In ten days, we raised over $13,000 and collected over 10,000 lbs. of nonperishable food, water, cleaning products, toiletries, and other essential items. We also partnered with our National Baptist Convention, located in Nashville, Tennessee, to donate more than $10,000 in gift cards.  Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville, Louisiana, was the destination for our deliveries. Pastor Joseph Garner held a community drive disseminating the supplies to the community on September 19, 2020.

The Fourth District Missionary Baptist Association is committed to serving others. We will always be ready and willing to assist those in need with compassion and generosity. Galatians 6:2 states, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This Bible verse reminds us that one way to demonstrate our love for God is to act here on Earth by helping others. It may not always be easy, but God calls us all to serve others. In doing so, we bring God’s love into our communities.

For more information about this and other community initiatives, contact us at:

Fourth District Missionary Baptist Association
PO Box 74439, Baton Rouge, LA 70874
(225) 383-5403 | fourthdistrictmbala@gmail.com 

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Featured Recipe: Recovery Red Beans and Rice

 

RECOVERY RED BEANS AND RICE

Recipe Courtesy
Chef Amy Sins

RECOVERY RED BEANS AND RICE

Ingredients:

1 lb. dry kidney beans
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 lb. andouille sausage, sliced
4 cups water
2 cups long grain white rice

Directions:

Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.

Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.

 

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Disaster Outreach Efforts
from Local New Orleans Chefs

After the landfall of Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles, Louisiana, New Orleans chef Amy Sins was ready. The well-known Flood and Disaster Outreach- New Orleans Cooks is on stand-by for moments like this. The group began coordinating with local restaurants, food distributors, and chefs about four years ago. Over the years, the group has become more organized under the leadership of Sins. The group quickly began providing meals to those who were displaced by Laura and evacuees displaced in New Orleans.

Immediately after landfall of Laura, Sins posted a Facebook call to action. It read, “Chefs- I have product – RED BEANS and RICE, about 2000 lbs. of each. If we could get some of this to you, could you cook it and chill it for us? We can have the foodbank pick it up. They’re maxed out on capacity between COVID and Hurricane Laura, but I need the cooked product to send out”. Another post followed shortly after, “Are any chefs or kitchen teams interested in volunteering at Second Harvest this week to prepare meals for disaster relief? If so, please message me. I am also accepting prepared meals made in a commercial kitchen if you need to move out anything in the freezer.” When asked about the post, Chef Amy replied, “This is how we roll. We come together as a team and feed people most in need after a disaster strikes.”

The organization, known as Flood and Disaster Outreach- New Orleans Cooks, has spent the last six months providing meals to New Orleans residents affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Donations totaling $7,000 bought food, water, and supplies. The group flew provisions to the Lake Charles area in donated private planes. “It’s a group effort from New Orleans volunteers,” offered Sins. “We will be around whenever we are needed.”

You can follow the group on Facebook here:  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/floodanddisasteroutreachnola

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People of Louisiana – Business (October 2020)

 

BRIDGET TATE

Owner, Lighting Stylist

CAPITAL CITY LIGHTING

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BRIDGET TATE Owner, Lighting Stylist: CAPITAL CITY LIGHTING

After 14 years as a stay at home mom, Bridget Tate got a part-time job at a small local lighting boutique. She began by working with the occasional walk in to help pick out a fixture from the showroom floor. Within two years, she worked full time and had more than doubled this small boutique’s sales. How? She knew that social media was an essential tool for growing a business in an age where everyone has their phone with them at all times. Bridget launched an Instagram account and added some refreshing content to its Facebook page to increase its content and following. She launched a website that she built in her time off, and she networked.

Networking comes naturally to this spunky Cajun with a big smile and a bigger personality. Bridget knew there was a way to sell more than just one or two chandeliers. She began to seek out builders. For four years, Bridget opened accounts with 40 lighting and accessory lines. She researched and learned everything she could about lighting, scale, LEDs, commercial and residential applications. Her objective was to get builders to send in their clients and have a steady stream of referrals and business. Every client had a lighting budget that included everything from floodlights, doorbells, undercabinet lighting to chandeliers. She figured out how to fulfill the entire order by opening with lines that carried all the items she needed. Bridget got referrals from clients she worked with, builders and friends. Her strong work ethic and ability to connect with each client kept the referrals coming. She talked to people while ubering, in the grocery checkout line, and once while getting her tires changed, she connected with a client that worked with her on a gorgeous Highland Road estate. She worked and networked all the time. Evenings and weekends. Vacations, she was answering emails and sending quotes. Every client had her cellphone and became a friend.  She became well known in the community for her work on residential and commercial work. After working with many new homeowners to select lighting for their new homes and several restaurants and commercial projects that praised her input and project management, she was happy and successful. Bridget had found her calling and honed in on her skills and knowledge.

But this isn’t where the story ends. It is just the beginning. After five and a half years of running a showroom that was not hers, she wanted to work this hard for herself, her family, and her dream. Bridget realized she needed to separate herself and her brand, so she began a personal lighting blog, “This Lil Light O Mine,” where she introduced herself and her feisty, funny, and fabulous personality. Paired with an Instagram account of the same name, @this_lil_light_o_mine became a lighting portfolio of her work and a lifestyle blog.

“After preparing for something that I felt was on the horizon and not knowing what my next step would be, I got an offer I could not refuse,” says Tate. Her new business partner, Toby Courville, was moving his flooring store of 30 years and downsizing. Toby owned Best Buy Flooring for over 20 years. The colossal building and overhead was something he wanted to make more manageable. He rebranded into Capital City Design Center and offered to partner with Bridget to bring on Capital City Lighting, and their new slogan, “From Floor to Ceiling,” was born. “Toby is a partner and a mentor to me. He connects with people and services the customer in a friendly, no-pressure way, which I always aim to do,” remarks Tate. “The way we make sales is on the same path. I adore Toby and his wife, Angie. It just felt right to go into business with them.” Toby knew firsthand what Bridget could do in business. He had worked with her on his own home and loved her business savvy and style. Getting her on the team made the new venture complete.

Capital City Lighting just celebrated one year of lighting up the Capital City. They offer Creative Curated Lighting Design, and Bridget describes herself as a Lighting Curator. She says it has been her best year ever, personally and professionally. While working harder than ever, she is happier than ever. She has set personal records that she can not believe and is grateful and humbled by the community’s support. She has put her stamp on the city and has become a trusted resource for all things lighting. In a single year, she has opened over 50 lighting and accessory lines, a real feat, and a testament to her perseverance and hard work. She has figured out how to bloom, even when the environment is harsh. She flourished during quarantine and had her biggest sales month in her career in May. “I decided to just up my social media game. I didn’t know what business would be like, but I thought I should stay front of mind for my existing and potential customers when everything returned to normal.” Little did she know that the construction industry would not slow down, and that, paired with everyone at home, scrolling on their Facebook and Instagram feeds brought in dozens of new clients and projects. She invested in a 12-week business coaching course for social media and business development, thinking she would have plenty of time to work on assignments. When business increased, and there was no time for studies, she stayed up late on weeknights and worked on coursework on the weekends. Bridget launched a fresh new website and continued to engage with her social media followers in a way that endears her to them. This woman is a networking guru, and she cannot tell you how. It’s just innate. She is just real. People trust her.  She loves her clients, and they love her.

What is next on the horizon for this self-proclaimed Lighting Goddess? “I’m focusing on growing my team and outsourcing some tasks that will free up my time to work with more clients. I’ve just added hardware to my selections, and I’m loving learning about all things new and beautiful. I can’t wait to go back to Lighting Market and get inspired by the innovations and trends. I’m just loving where I am professionally and letting my light shine!” There is no stopping the momentum of this inspiring BRIGHT woman. Keep smiling, keep shining, keep lighting up lives and homes.

Website: www.capitalcitylighting.com

Check out my portfolio: https://www.capitalcitylighting.com/portfolio

Read my blog: https://www.thislillightomine.com/

Shop my online catalog: https://www.shopcapitalcitylighting.com/catalog

And use code SPARKLE15 for 15% off of your online lighting order.

Bridget will be featured in The May issue of The Scout Guide Baton Rouge and appeared in Southern Flair, featured on the Red Stick Strong Podcast and has been a contributor for In Register Magazine.

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Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Docents

 

Louisiana
Governor’s Mansion
Docents

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Louisiana
Governor’s Mansion Docents

Pictured: Sue Potts, Governor John Bel Edwards, First Lady Donna Edwards, Alice Fay Smith, and Leona Benoit.

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion has provided private visitor tours for many years. In 2016, First Lady Donna Edwards had an idea to enrich the experience even further. Through the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation (GMPF), First Lady Edwards expanded and enhanced the Docents Program. As a teacher, the First Lady found an opportunity to ask retired teachers to participate as docents. Most of these wonderful women were already volunteering as tour guides for other State historical buildings, so this was a perfect fit! Currently, five docents volunteer to show visitors the first floor and grounds of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. With their teaching backgrounds, they give the most memorable experience to everyone who walks through the doors. The Governor and First Lady are grateful for their dedication to this program and host a Docent’s Luncheon every year to thank the docents. The table is set with fine china and baccarat crystal to create the most prestigious occasion honoring these women’s hard work over the years. Below you can “meet” some of the docents:

Bobbie Johnson – When Governor Kathleen Blanco became Governor in 2004, Bobbie Johnson began serving on the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation Board and helped each Christmas decorate the Mansion. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita became a large part of Governor Blanco’s administration, and things were so hectic, the Governor needed extra help. She offered Bobbie a job. Realizing what an honor it would be to work for the first female Governor in LA history, Bobbie accepted. On Bobbie’s first day on the job, there was a tour waiting for her, and as she states, “I was immediately in show business. I did go home that day and second guess myself, as the group that toured was the Governor’s Communication Director’s son’s class. I did a lot of studying!” This job began a 10-year role, which included hosting all of the tours. Bobbie says of her time at the Mansion, “Through the years I was able to meet so many wonderful people from around the world, and of course in the political world, which has been my greatest blessing. I would have to say the most interesting person was the day that my two granddaughters were here and I received a phone call saying THE Kevin Costner was 15 minutes away! That was pretty special”.  Bobbie continues her role at the Mansion as the tour director. Three wonderful docents that she has mentored work with her. Bobbie states, “It has been one of the most wonderful experiences I could ever imagine having in my life. How lucky am I to have had three wonderful Governors and Spouses in my life?”

Alice Smith – After moving back to Baton Rouge to be close to her children and grandchildren, Alice Smith visited the Old State Capitol with a friend for a quilt show. She met with the CFO there who told her they needed someone like her with young children’s experience and asked her to be a Docent. Alice made friends with another docent, Sue Potts. Sue was also working as a docent at the Governor’s Mansion and asked Alice to consider becoming a Docent at the Governor’s Mansion. She shadowed Sue on a tour and was hooked. She met First Lady Donna Edwards that day. The First Lady personally encouraged her to join the GMPF Docents, and she said yes! Alice states, “I started in January 2018, with over a hundred students and parents from the Lab School. My granddaughter was there. It has been the most wonderful experience showing all the hundreds of students (and some adults!) the beautiful Governor’s Mansion.” She continues, “It is so exciting for them to not only see it, but to meet First Lady!

From the Lake Charles area, Alice began a teaching career in 1971 at Bell City High School, a small school in a rice farming community south of Lake Charles. She was there only three years when her husband started LSU Law School, and they moved to Baton Rouge.  In the next several years, her husband’s career moved them to three states and seven schools.

Alice earned a Library Science certification with an emphasis on elementary grades in the late 1980s. “This was the best teaching experience I ever had, and it was as if I was born for this purpose of inspiring children using my Storybook Apron with my Binky Bee in my pockets!” Her last job was teaching English at the Ninth Grade School in the 2007-08 school year, which concluded her teaching career,

Sue Potts – After a long career in teaching, Sue Potts joined the Baton Rouge Area Retired Teachers Association and became president. During one meeting, the Old Governor’s Mansion’s educational director made a presentation and urged those in the group to volunteer as guides at Old Mansion. Sue decided that would be the volunteer job for her.  She enjoyed her work there so much and met so many amazing people and had so much fun. Sue decided to add the Old State Capitol to her guide work. Additionally, she worked for a while as a paid guide giving city and plantation tours.

One day, Sue thought, “I wonder if the current Governor’s Mansion gives tours?” She called, and it just so happened the new First Lady, Donna Edwards, also a teacher, was recruiting retired teachers to conduct tours around the Mansion.  Sue learned the information and began leading tours. She states of her time giving tours, “I met wonderful people and was afforded interesting and exciting opportunities. Not only was the Mansion full of gubernatorial history, but the First Lady has made many new additions. The Mansion is a delightful place to volunteer”.

Sue worked as a history and geography teacher for 40 years and loved every minute of it.  She retired after 40 years and began he work as a volunteer. She has also trained her dog to be a therapy dog. They often visit with patients at Our Lady of the Lake several times a month.  

Leona Benoit – Leona retired from Villa Del Ray Elementary after 34 years of teaching in East Baton Rouge’s public schools.  In the spring of 2017, Sue Potts suggested that she might like being a tour guide at the Mansion. Leona took her up on her suggestion. She states of her time volunteering, “I enjoy telling the history of this lovely home to the many visitors who come through.”

 

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Anti-Human Trafficking – October 2020

VIRTUAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING
AWARENESS & PREVENTION

 2020 SUMMIT

BY DR. DANA R. HUNTER

 
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2020 SUMMIT

History is in the making as the State of Louisiana has ramped up its efforts to address human trafficking and raise awareness of this horrific crime.  On September 9, 2020, First Lady Donna Edwards achieved what many would have considered a lofty dream.  She convened leaders from the Vatican, First Spouses from across the United States, and a host of national and state leaders in the anti-human trafficking sector for a Virtual Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Summit.  The event was the first of its kind and incredibly impactful.  First Lady Edwards opened the Summit with warm words to participants sharing why she and her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, are so passionate and dedicated to the cause of eradicating human trafficking.  After her heartfelt introduction, and a prayer offered by a local minister and law enforcement officer involved in anti-trafficking efforts, remarks were provided by Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Science and Pontifical Academy of Social Science in Rome.  Bishop Sorondo has led the fight against human trafficking in Rome and other countries for several decades.  Participants were able to glean from his knowledge and expertise.  Following Bishop Sorondo, we were privileged to hear from other First Spouses who have shown a commitment to the anti-human trafficking cause.  First Lady Yumi Hogan of Maryland, First Lady Marty Kemp of Georgia, and First Lady Cecilia Abbott of Texas each shared moving remarks on how they leverage their role as First Spouses and address human trafficking in their state.

The second half of the Summit continued with expert panelist presentations.  Deputy Director Bill Woolf from the United States Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (USDOJ, OVC) shared vital information on national efforts to engage states in fighting human trafficking.  Director Woolf recognized all USDOJ OVC “Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking” grantees, including Louisiana. Additionally, he praised Louisiana for its model to improve the state’s response to human trafficking, stating that Louisiana’s best practice model is a model that other states should be encouraged to replicate.  After Director Woolf’s incredible presentation, Louisiana Senator Ronnie Johns gave a bird’s eye view of legislation passed over the last decade to address human trafficking and criminalize the pimps that victimize innocent children and youth.  

Other panelists included appointed state agency leaders and Directors of Government and non-government entities, which lead the way in anti-trafficking efforts. The panelists are:

  • Department of Children and Family Service Secretary Marketa Walters
  • Former Commissioner of The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control Juana Lombard
  • Office of the Governor Children’s Cabinet Executive Director Dr. Dana Hunter
  • Jessica Milan-Miller, Director of Gingerbread House Child Advocacy Center
  • Father Jeff Bayhi, Catholic Priest and Founder of Metanoia Manor.

Each participant shared compelling presentations that included expert knowledge and information on anti-human trafficking initiatives and best practices implemented in the State of Louisiana. The final panelist was a survivor of human trafficking who shared details of her human trafficking encounter and the importance of using her voice to advocate for other survivors.

First Lady Donna Edwards closed the Summit with a special video presentation from Governor John Bel Edwards and an iceberg analogy.  Using this analogy, she encouraged everyone to do their part and chip away at the surface issues. She stated that if we all continue to chip away, eventually, we get to the problems below the surface and cause an avalanche of change.  Participants were encouraged to continue the fight and work together to end human trafficking.

The 2020 Virtual Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Summit hosted by the Louisiana First Foundation was a great success.  Feedback from summit participants was overwhelmingly positive and complimentary.  Our state is blessed to have leaders such as First Lady Edwards and her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, leading our state.  May God bless them, and may God continue to bless each of our national, state, and local leaders who are engaged in this fight against modern-day slavery known as human trafficking.  

If you suspect that someone may be a victim of human trafficking, please call the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 or Text “BeFree” to 233733.

 

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Teach MAM – No Equipment, No Problem

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

Teach MAM: An Exciting Partnership to Strengthen Arts Education Across Louisiana

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Key're Bradford Teach MAM Movement Ambassador

No Equipment, No Problem

Teaching in the new online, in-person, or hybrid environment can present a unique set of challenges for students, teachers and parents alike. It is important, however you are teaching or learning right now, to continue to move and exercise!

For those physical education teachers, classroom teachers, or parents that want to get their students moving and exercising while practicing social distancing and limiting equipment, here are a few exercise videos to help you get started.  While our new normal has changed, exercising and practicing healthy habits has not.  Here are a few really good videos to get your kids moving while having fun.  They require no equipment and no person to person contact.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhCM0C6GnrY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_A_HjHZxfI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_oIssULEk0

 

 

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Hurricane Laura and Her Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure

 

Hurricane Laura and Her Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure

 

Words from
Secretary Shawn Wilson, Ph.D.

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Hurricane Laura and Her Impact
on Transportation and Infrastructure

While the response to Hurricane Laura for some Louisianans is in the rearview mirror, the destruction remains at the forefront for those in her path. The recognition that the long and steep road to recovery is palpable.    

Mangled power lines intertwined with vegetative and construction-related debris, cause unmatched destruction from natural disasters like Laura and disable local infrastructure because it is built on an interconnected network.  Flooding and wind damage can destabilize virtually every basic service, as we saw with Laura because nearly every system depends on electricity.  Distribution and transmission power lines collapse under winds nearing 150mph.  Water damage erodes and undermines roadways, creating channels that destroy the foundations of roads, embankments, and the mechanics of movable bridges. Infrastructure damage after a hurricane is widespread and can affect all sorts of commonly used spaces and systems. Infrastructure disruptions caused by any natural disaster result in considerable costs to families and communities in months and years to come, not including the expense from the immediate need for interim living arrangements and personal property cleanup.  

In the days preceding and immediately following Laura’s landfall, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) collaborated with other state and local partners to assist in evacuating citizens to non-congregate shelters.  Using 58 school busses, 70 Coach Busses, and 15 para-transit vans, DOTD transported thousands of citizens to-date from southwest Louisiana to safer destinations. We continue to provide transportation to those individuals while they temporarily shelter in other parts of Louisiana.  This service includes convenient transportation to get groceries and personal items, medical appointments, and even to pet shelters if we evacuated their extended four-legged family members.

In Louisiana, we are no stranger to disasters. Unfortunately, we are juggling multiple disasters simultaneously.  As if a category four hurricane is not enough, where is the manual on responding while maintaining pandemic protocols (COVID-19) in a natural disaster? How many people can we fit on a bus while social distancing? Do we have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide? Can we safely transport and shelter our citizens when in need?

As soon as it was safe to do so, 1,700+ DOTD crew members from across the state emerged in Southwest Louisiana. These crew members removed debris from state highways, inspected bridges that were overtopped by the storm surge, installed temporary power (generators) to as many traffic signals as possible, and inspected and reinstalled traffic signs.  That is the first sign for many that a community is coming back.  The men and women of the DOTD did not hesitate to step up and respond, knowing 57 of our employees lost everything in the disaster.  Many traveled hours away from their home, working 12+ hours a day without very much to eat or drink and returned that night to a base camp with little to no electricity or water.  Some even slept in their trucks.  We are also very thankful for the teams of workers from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. They arrived with heavy machinery to assist our crews in clearing a path for the mass recovery to begin effectively.  

As I mentioned earlier, damage to infrastructure caused by a natural disaster results in considerable expenses to the state and local governments for years to come.  We estimate the damage to public transportation infrastructure will be over $23 million. This estimate is a small figure when considering the damage to private property. Following Hurricane Laura, the estimates were 143 roads closed, and 22 state bridges were inundated from water-related damages. We know that 203 traffic signals were damaged, and approximately 10,000 traffic signs were damaged, destroyed, or removed based on inspections to-date.  

One of the etched images in our minds as a reminder of Hurricane Laura is the floating casino barge’s image under the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles.  The Isle of Capri casino boat broke loose from its moorings and collided with the I-10 Bridge’s pilings, ultimately doing little to no damage. The boat captain remained on the vessel and assisted with the steering to not cause significant damage to the bridge.  While I-10 could have reopened much quicker, a chlorine fire erupted at a local chemical plant resulting in the immediate closure of I-10 in the local area as well as a shelter-in-place restriction.  This fire caused a delay in the inspection of the I-10 bridge as well as other responses.  

We have noticed a residual effect is the increase in congestion and the number of accidents seen on our roads near the state’s impacted areas.  We have also seen an increase in the seriousness of the accidents as well.  Please do your part not to drive distracted and pay close attention when you are in an area where there is debris removal, and the recovery has begun.  

Our infrastructure system is as resilient as our people.  Movable bridges are opening again, over 675,000 cubic yards of debris has been picked up in the first pass, and the thousands of signs and signals are restored. We will forever remember Hurricane Laura for the scare it leaves on our state the communities in her path.  Her impact will remain with us, and it is my fervent prayer that we use the lessons of this moment always to do better.

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