2019

January 8, 2019

Anti-Human Trafficking – Sister Norma

Metanoia Manor

WORDS FROM SISTER NORMA

Happy New Year 2019 from Metanoia Manor,

As we celebrate the most wonderful time of year, and the most awesome event in human history, the coming of God to earth as a little child in the manger, we come to you to celebrate. As we celebrate Christ’s birthday, we want to wish you God’s blessings for the care you have given to Metanoia Manor. Without your help, we could not provide the much needed comfort to our young girls.

Metanoia Manor has been fully operational since February 2018 with the arrival of our first resident. The stories of our girls in the hands of traffickers are vicious and cruel. The girls’ tears have no limit. The wounds are fresh. The scars, ever-present. Only God can heal them completely. Please pray for the girls and for us so we may have wisdom and strength.

The trauma therapy, substance abuse, group therapy, individual counseling, psychological help, medications, spiritual assistance, and doctor visits are some of the ways the girls are beginning to heal. Afternoons are dedicated to home schooling; so that when our residents leave Metanoia, they can move forward in society. Weekends bring time for fun outings and recreation just like other conventional teens.

Thank you for every penny spent, your valuable time, your energy, your talents shared, food cooked and the many other donations towards Metanoia. “Whatever you do for the least of these children, you have done unto me.” Mt 25:40. Let us join hand-in-hand to help save so many young girls.

May your heart be filled with joy, peace, and love which are the real blessings that Christmas brings. May you receive the gift of faith and the blessings of hope, and may all your Christmas dreams come true. May the brightness of the star of that silent and holy night illuminate your life with the love that the new born Christ brings. Wishing you a bright, beautiful, joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year full of God’s favor and blessings.

Thank you and Happy New Year,

Sister Norma Nunez

To learn more please visit http://metanoia-inc.org

5b.Blog.Jan19.LFF.Fosters.JamesStorehouse.picture2

January 8, 2019

Louisiana Fosters – James Storehouse Louisiana

James Storehouse
Louisiana

In partnership with Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services, James Storehouse fulfills needs such as cribs, twin beds, bunkbeds, and wheelchair ramps to help ready homes, as well as dormitory fees and transportation costs for youth aging out of the system. They have even gifted senior rings and cap and gowns to celebrate foster youth who are graduating high school.

James Storehouse expanded their footprint after First Lady Donna Edwards launched Louisiana Fosters. Through that network, James Storehouse heard about a program called Open Table that helps to provide a strong support system for our youth who need to be empowered to transition well. Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation awarded a grant to James Storehouse Louisiana to bring the program to the Florida Parishes (Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Washington, and St. Helena).

In this spirit of collaboration, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington then donated 4800 square feet of space to become James Storehouse Louisiana Youth and Family Development Center, a family-friendly community center that specifically serves our kids and families in the Foster Care system. Children visit with their biological parents in beautiful rooms filled with art supplies to enjoy together. Conference rooms filled with healing art hold family team meetings. Teens have a bright space where they play games, use computers, and attend life skills classes. A community room, complete with a kitchen, is available for special events and trainings for caseworkers and foster families. There is a library for kids of all ages for tutoring. James Storehouse Louisiana desires to see a community center near every child welfare office.

There is power in a strong network. James Storehouse Louisiana has become part of the Louisiana Fosters community to help build a stronger bridge from resource and relational supports to those in foster care.

There is a movement happening on behalf of our most vulnerable because local communities are stepping up and into foster care. One of the greatest reforms in the system is that the system would be known as a community, because it functions as one.

Kim Bigler, Founder, James Storehouse Louisiana

For more information about James Storehouse, including a list of resources available for foster parents, visit https://www.jslouisiana.org

January 8, 2019

Teach MAM – Certification

Teach MAM

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

Teach MAM Certification Program

The children of Louisiana deserve a joyful, well-rounded education that connects them with Louisiana’s rich culture and prepares them for the 21^st century creative workforce. As a former music teacher, the First Lady knows first-hand the value of arts education in children’s lives. The Louisiana First Foundation is excited to announce the Teach MAM (Music, Arts and Movement) Certification program, an innovative new partnership with the New Orleans Arts Education Alliance (ArtsEdALL) to help Louisiana public schools increase access to the arts for children across the state.

The Teach MAM Certification program will begin its pilot phase in January, working with a representative group of schools from diverse parishes to develop a shared “road map to excellence” in arts education. The result will be a Teach MAM Certification badge program that K-12 schools can use to develop school-wide arts education plans, celebrate their efforts with the education community, and access funding, resources and professional development to build their programs. Participation in this program will also include support for schools in adapting to the new state education policy (ESSA) which will include arts education.

ArtsEdALL and the Louisiana First Foundation will use the findings from the pilot program to launch the full Teach MAM Certification pilot that all schools can participate in during spring 2019. By working directly with schools and engaging with other leading partners, this program will develop a shared vision for K-12 arts education, laying the groundwork for children in Louisiana to experience music, arts and movement for generations to come.

January 8, 2019

Ladies of Louisiana – Business (Jan. 2019)

Christina Couvillion

Owner and President, Quality First Marine

Christina Couvillion

After earning her BS in Microbiology from Louisiana State University in 1996, it wasn’t long before Ms. Couvillion found her true passion in the marine industry.

Established in 2005, Quality First Marine, a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, was started by Ms. Couvillion with just two employees, one boat, and a lot of hard work. Since its inception, QFM continues to reinvest in its business, its people, and the community, showing growth each year. The company currently employs 25-30 local residents and owns an extensive fleet of boats and other heavy equipment.

Instrumental in her growth and strategic business planning and operational strategies was the assistance she received from several local business resource providers, including Louisiana Economic Development. SBA, The Urban League’s Women’s Business Resource & Entrepreneurship Center, Louisiana Small Business Development Center, and Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Ms. Couvillion serves as member and/or participates in the following organizations: Society of Military Engineers, 10K Goldman Sachs Alumni, SBA/ 8(a), DBE, Woman Business Enterprise National Council, National Minority Business Enterprise Southeastern, SBA Emerging Leaders 2014, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, Plaquemines Associations Business and Industry, and Greater New Orleans Barge & Fleeting Association to name a few.

As a business owner and a single mother of three sons, Ms. Couvillion continues to take active roles in her community by using her business as a platform to contribute to the livelihood of Louisiana, donating to several local businesses and community efforts including St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, Hope House, Urban League of Greater New Orleans, Restore the Earth Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Link-Stryjewski, St. Tammany Humane Society, Innocence Project New Orleans, A Child’s Wish, Good Work Network, and Second Harvest Food Bank, among others.

January 8, 2019

Ladies of Louisiana – Military (Jan. 2019)

Sandy Franks

Veteran, United States Air Force

Sandy Franks Veteran, United States Air Force

Sandy Franks was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. She served 23 years in the United States Air Force and retired in 1997 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. She was a licensed practical nurse when she entered the Air Force, was later trained as an EMT and Paramedic and spent many years working in the Emergency Room at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. She served in the First Sergeant career field for 7 years and was the first woman in the Air Force to be First Sergeant of an Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron. She also served as First Sergeant, 501^st Tactical Missile Maintenance Squadron, Greenham Common Air Base, England and the 377^th Security Police Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She was assigned to Barksdale AFB in 1993 and worked at the 2^nd medical group. She completed her career as the Chief of Protocol for the former 2^nd Bomb Wing Commander, Brigadier General Dave Young.

Her decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (5 awards), the Humanitarian Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award (3 awards), and the AF Organizational Excellence Award. She is the recipient of numerous military recognitions to include Airman, NCO, Senior NCO and First Sergeant of the Year and was promoted under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

After retirement Sandy worked in marketing and public relations in the private sector. She was also the Chief Executive Officer for the local Girl Scout Council and the Public Affairs Officer at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center from 2007 until 2014.

She is especially dedicated to programs for Veterans, women and children. She is the founder and President of the Women Veterans of the Ark La Tex, a non-profit organization which supports and assists women Veterans in the community.

She is proud of her service and proud to be a Veteran.

January 8, 2019

Ladies of Louisiana – Schools (Jan. 2019)

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Melissa Martin Stilley

Superintendent

Melissa Martin Stilley Superintendent

When local historians look back on 2018, Tangipahoa Parish School Superintendent Melissa Martin Stilley says she hopes it will be remembered as a turning point for her home parish.

In June, the local school board named Stilley as their new superintendent—and the first woman ever appointed to that position in Tangipahoa Parish.

“It’s an honor and a privilege that comes with a lot of pressure,” Stilley said, noting she is keenly aware that her performance could play a huge role in paving the way for future female superintendents, not only in Tangipahoa but also across the state.

The timing of her rise to superintendent could not have come at a more critical time in the parish’s educational history. One of the state’s fastest-growing parishes is mired in a more than half-century-old federal desegregation case and strapped for recurring local revenue. The public has twice turned down tax proposals to help the district, and the parish finds itself tapping the last of its savings to keep the public school system operational.

These challenges push Stilley even harder, as she champions public education throughout the community.

“Some would say Tangipahoa Parish is like a diamond in the rough; I see limitless potential that we haven’t even begun to explore,” Stilley said.

In her first six months as superintendent, Stilley has tackled challenges head-on, going into the community to address concerns one-on-one. Her series of “coffee talk” sessions held during the summer months was a smashing success and surprised everyone—including Stilley.

“In the back of my mind, I wondered if anyone would even sit down with me,” Stilley said with a smile. The first session drew more than three-dozen visitors. By her fourth stop, she had a packed house and the two-hour gathering expanded well past breakfast and into the lunch hour.

“People have been so encouraging, so open to talking about their concerns and their fears about our school system. I have no doubt that as a community, we share a common goal of building something better. How we go about doing that from here—that’s going to make the difference.”

Stilley sees her role two-fold. She wants to unify the parish, and she wants to empower the community to take ownership in their schools.

“When we come together and focus on a single goal, we can do anything,” Stilley said.

“We are doing things differently than we ever have. I actually enjoy it when I hear people say, ‘We have never done this before’, because there is a great opportunity in change.”

One such opportunity was a pep rally Stilley and her team planned at the start of the fall semester to welcome back her teachers. An event that size was too big for any facility at her public school campuses, so Stilley reached out to Southeastern Louisiana University, who welcomed them to the University Center. First Lady Donna Edwards was the featured speaker.

“It was GREAT!” Stilley said, adding that she heard from employees who were there how much they loved it and from employees who could not be there and want to attend the next one.”

A spring event to celebrate students from every one of the parish’s 32 schools is next on her agenda.

“We have great things happening in Tangipahoa Parish, and I’m so proud to be able to serve at this critical time in our history,” Stilley said. “I have no doubt that a year or two from now when you hear the words ‘Tangipahoa Parish School System,’ it’s going to be synonymous with excellence in public education. That’s my goal.”

January 8, 2019

Ladies of Louisiana – Community (Jan. 2019)

Carolyne Hoyt

Founder, NextSTEP of Central Louisiana

Carolyne Hoyt NextSTEP of Central Louisiana

Carolyne Hoyt founded NextSTEP of Central Louisiana in 2006 to provide domestic violence programs to the communities of that region. In 2009, recognizing the need to break the intergenerational cycle of violence by reaching out to young people while they are still making choices and forming adult behaviors, Ms. Hoyt launched A Fight We Can Win to teach area teens about healthy relationships. Applying what they have learned from pre-instruction surveys and post-instruction evaluations, Ms. Hoyt and her team have designed a unique and extremely effective program for students, parents, educators, law enforcement agencies and healthcare professionals.

Prior to launching NextSTEP, the highlights of Ms. Hoyt’s career include her service as executive director of a regional non-profit agency managing six programs dedicated to strengthening individuals and families, the development and facilitation of family life education programs as well as training programs for hospitals and community service organizations.

Ms. Hoyt earned her Master’s Degree in Family Life and Environment from Louisiana State University. Her thesis research was published in the Journal of Home Economics.

January 8, 2019

Magnolia Room

Magnolia in the
Governor\’s Mansion

At the request of First Lady Donna Edwards, contemplation and work began on a Magnolia painting to hang in the “Magnolia Room” of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. As the Edwards have long been collectors of RC Davis’ work, the artist was honored to have been chosen to create this one-of-a-kind artwork and hoped to excel.

The Magnolia Room is brightly lit on the East Wing of the Mansion and seemed to require something of a decorative, contemporary flavor…something to symbolize the importance and status of the (political) wall upon which it would hang. As Gov. John Bel Edwards had taken art lessons in his youth, the artist elicited his symbolic hand in the work, and indeed it was the Governor who applied the only pure white tint in the work. Prose to elucidate the symbolism was also composed and inscribed on the back of the work, with the Governor’s approval, making the piece historically unique and significant. A highly-collectible, limited edition reproduction, with the signatures of both Gov. John Bel Edwards and RC Davis, is being offered to collectors who desired to support the Governor\’s Mansion Preservation Foundation and collect this extraordinary Louisiana artwork.

The theoretical, scientific essay entitled “The Fermi Paradox” says there are 10,000 stars for every single grain of sand on every beach on planet Earth. The scope and time-lapse of our expanding Universe is incomprehensible, and the essay questions why – given the overwhelming odds and probability of other life forms being present – there are none currently known. It posits the idea of a “Great Filter” that may end the forward evolution of complex life forms who still being ruled by instinctual, biological traits, cannot wisely control the technology they acquire. We are very…special. Enter Politics.

Excerpts from the Prose on the back of “The Governor’s Magnolia”:

“It was politics that put Jesus on the cross, and given the extremely powerful knowledge and technologies that we are on the verge of acquiring…”

“The Magnolia in full bloom symbolizes both the idea of beauty, and the beauty and power of truth. The looming Louisiana State Capitol – with periods of shadow and light – is ever-present, symbolizing and celebrating those who publicly serve our collective task toward the discovery of truth. The buds symbolize tomorrow’s potential. And of course, the Love-Bug…elaboration unnecessary. “

“God speed us toward our lofty and worthy goal of Greater Love.”

– RC Davis

January 8, 2019

Metanoia Manor – Senator Ronnie Johns

METANOIA MANOR

Words from
Senator Ronnie Johns

As we go through life, there are times when we have difficulty remembering what happened last week. And then there are those defining moments that we will remember forever. One of those moments in my life was in January of 2012 when I first met Father Jeff Bayhi, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Zachary, La. We immediately connected and today we enjoy a very close and spiritual relationship. In 2013, Father Bayhi began to share with me his work on human trafficking and his vision to do something significant here in our state to address this horrible tragedy. I knew nothing about human trafficking at that time. I had read about it but like so many other bad things in life I figured that this was something that happened halfway around the world and not in “our backyard”. The more I learned the more I understood that indeed it was happening in “our backyard”.

In 2015, I made my first of multiple trips to Rome, Italy to meet with Sister Eugenia Bonnetti, who is perhaps the most well versed authority in the world on human trafficking and has devoted many years of her life to working with victims and bringing worldwide awareness to the bondage of human lives. Father Bayhi shared with me his vision for building and operating a shelter in Louisiana for minor female victims. These young women were being rescued from this modern form of slavery but had nowhere to go to receive help to rebuild their fragile lives. This is how the vision of the Metanoia Manor was born and how I became involved so deeply in this project.

As a state senator, I was in a position to make policy changes in our state through legislation and since 2015, I have sponsored and passed many pieces of legislation that have increased penalties for perpetrators, allowed for the licensing of shelters such as the Metanoia Manor, insured the protection of victims, provided for forfeiture of assets of the trafficker, and other issues. The most satisfying part of this work however has come from watching the Metanoia Manor come full circle from a vision to a reality. Today, we have in Louisiana a first class, safe home for these young women whose lives have been destroyed. Providing a roof over their heads and three meals a day is not the only answer to their rehabilitation. These young ladies need extensive psychological help, health care, education, spiritual guidance, and a whole lot of love. That is what Metanoia Manor is now doing, and it will continue to grow as we all learn how to deal with and help these young, fragile lives.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards for their absolute commitment to Metanoia and its success. They have been tireless advocates for the work that Metanoia Manor is doing, and its success lays in great part to the both of them. The Department of Children and Family Services, led by Secretary Marketa Walters, has been an amazing partner to work with and their continued support of our mission insures our long-term success.

In closing, I would encourage everyone in our state to join the fight to put an end to this modern day form of slavery called human trafficking. With awareness, resources and hard work we will continue to make a difference in so many lives. It is our responsibility as citizens to fight for those who sometimes cannot fight for themselves. I’m proud to be a part of this mission, and I’m very proud to be a part of Metanoia. Please join us in this fight as we make a difference in the world in which we live.

-Senator Ronnie Johns

January 8, 2019

Blog – January 2019

JANUARY 2019

Volume 1, Edition 3

JANUARY 2019

A word from the First Lady of Louisiana

Happy New Year 2019!

In December 2011, I started the spiritual practice of choosing a Word for the Year – a word to meditate on and delve deeper into its meaning for my life. Sometimes I don’t receive my words until January and they can come to me in a variety of different ways. Most of the time, they stand out through my meditations, prayer, readings, messages from friends, etc. The Holy Spirit just seems to highlight a special word over and over again until I get it. Believe me, I don’t always get it initially so He has to pursue me. So this year my word is FAITH! I wasn’t really excited about the word initially, but it has become obvious to me that this is my word. So, I’m embracing it.

So what does FAITH mean? The dictionary defines it as follows: 1. Complete confidence or trust in someone or something; 2. Firm belief that is not based on proof; and 3. Strong belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

This practice has proven beneficial to me in countless ways. I highly recommend it to anyone who has started or is continuing on their spiritual journey. If you’re interested in finding your word for this year, just ask God! It really is that simple. Ask, and then be still. Spend some time slowly reading scripture passages. Watch for the Lord to illuminate a particular verse or word.

I believe I have a strong faith, but I’m trusting that God must have more to teach me about faith in 2019.

Speaking of 2019, it’s here! The older I get the faster the years go. I’m sure that’s the case for many of you. With the New Year, we have new opportunities to make positive changes in our lives. So what changes will you make this year? Eat healthier, exercise more, spend more time in prayer, read more books, spend more time with family and friends? Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes for me! We all start off with good intentions, so what happens? We’re human! That’s what happens. But we still strive each day to do a little bit better and try a little bit harder.

Perseverance is an admirable quality and perseverance happens to be my dad’s favorite word. As the New Year begins we all tend to look at our lives, our work, our family, our faith and so many other areas of our lives. We ask ourselves questions like, “Am I making a difference? Am I learning and growing? Am I giving my all to achieving and being productive in this or that area of my life?” My morning ritual, before I begin my daily activities, is to connect with God and grow closer to Him. This is my source of strength and peace for the day ahead, especially the unexpected challenges. As I embark on the journey into 2019, I am immensely grateful to God for the gift of a new year, a new year to give back, to give to others, to be a light and to have FAITH in God’s plan for me, my husband, our family, our friends and our great state. I realize that all of us have challenges, struggles and fears. The New Year gives us a chance to make a choice to be different, think differently and do differently.

The truth is, all of us can choose to look at this New Year and see it as “our year.” That’s why I’m going to go into 2019 with the faith and trust that it is going to be my best year ever. So, I’m going to eat better and exercise more. I’m going to laugh more. I’m going to continue to work hard and support my husband and his vision for a better state for our children. I’m going to continue to use my voice in ways to lift others up and make a difference. I’m going to pray more and spend more time with God. I want this for myself and for you too. I hope and pray we can all try and step into the New Year with a profound sense of gratitude and always see our challenges as disguised opportunities to grow. Ultimately, it is up to each of us to set our own course. This year, we will all start with good intentions. So, let’s encourage one another and be accountable to one another to keep to our New Year’s resolutions. And remember that small changes ultimately add up to huge results — one step at a time, one day at a time. Have faith! May God richly bless you all!

A Note On Human Trafficking

John Bel has joined other governors and the president in recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Month. As many of you know, John Bel and I are passionate about shining a light on this senseless and horrible crime that’s destroying the lives of so many children and adults. It impacts both girls and boys and unfortunately, it’s prevalent in our state. The good news is that Louisiana is very progressive in its efforts to identify, treat, and prevent human trafficking. This month, I joined John Bel as he proudly announced that Louisiana has been awarded a $1.2 million dollar grant from the United States Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime to improve outcomes for child victims of human trafficking. Since 2015, only 7 other states have received such funding. We were also joined by the Governor’s Office Children’s Cabinet, the Human Trafficking Prevention Commission, Human Trafficking Prevention Advisory Board and other stakeholders. It is important for children and families to be aware of the cunning ways in which victims are recruited, and we want citizens to know that our state is doing everything possible to increase public safety. The Children’s Cabinet, under the leadership of Dr. Dana Hunter, will serve as the state’s lead agency in implementing a multi-year federal project known as The Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative.

I encourage each of you to learn more and engage more on how we can all actively work to prevent and end this vicious abuse of innocent victims. We all need to continue the battle to abolish modern slavery and restore the lives of those affected by human trafficking. It takes all of us together to make a difference. Even those of us not in law enforcement can be attentive to the things happening around us and the people we see moving about in our lives, whether in stores, on the streets, in restaurants and malls. Pay attention. It’s possible that you can save a life by just paying attention to others around you and reporting unusual or strange situations. Those who are used and abused need you, so pay attention and call for help!

Words on Metanoia Manor from
Senator Ronnie Johns

In 2015, I made my first of multiple trips to Rome, Italy to meet with Sister Eugenia Bonnetti, who is perhaps the most well versed authority in the world on human trafficking and has devoted many years of her life to working with victims and bringing worldwide awareness to the bondage of human lives. Father Bayhi shared with me his vision for building and operating a shelter in Louisiana for minor female victims. These young women were being rescued from this modern form of slavery but had nowhere to go to receive help to rebuild their fragile lives. This is how the vision of the Metanoia Manor was born and how I became involved so deeply in this project.

Click for more…

Louisiana First Foundation

Yes Mam, No Mam, Thank you Mam = Teach MAM!

TEACH MAM

An Exciting Partnership to Strengthen Arts Education Across Louisiana – The children of Louisiana deserve a joyful, well-rounded education that connects them with Louisiana’s rich culture and prepares them for the 21st century creative workforce. As a former music teacher, the First Lady knows first-hand the value of arts education in children’s lives. The Louisiana First Foundation is excited to announce the Teach MAM (Music, Arts and Movement) Certification program, an innovative new partnership with the New Orleans Arts Education Alliance (ArtsEdALL) to help Louisiana public schools increase access to the arts for children across the state.

Learn More

LOUISIANA FOSTERS

James Storehouse Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves the foster care community with physical and relational resources that help to provide homes for kids coming into the system, and to transition youth aging out of the system into independence. From cribs to college, they serve kids in foster care. In partnership with Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services, James Storehouse fulfills needs such as cribs, twin beds, bunkbeds, and wheelchair ramps to help ready homes, as well as dormitory fees and transportation costs for youth aging out of the system. They have even gifted senior rings and cap and gowns to celebrate foster youth who are graduating high school.

Learn More

METANOIA

Happy New Year 2019 from Metanoia Manor! As we celebrate the most wonderful time of year, and the most awesome event in human history, the coming of God to earth as a little child in the manger, we come to you to celebrate. As we celebrate Christ’s birthday, we want to wish you God’s blessings for the care you have given to Metanoia Manor. Without your help, we could not provide the much needed comfort to our young girls. Metanoia Manor has been fully operational since February 2018 with the arrival of our first resident. The stories of our girls in the hands of traffickers are vicious and cruel. The girls’ tears have no limit. The wounds are fresh. The scars, ever-present. Only God can heal them completely. Please pray for the girls and for us so we may have wisdom and strength.

Learn More

MAGNOLIA IN THE
GOVERNOR’S MANSION

The Magnolia Room is brightly lit on the East Wing of the Mansion and seemed to require something of a decorative, contemporary flavor…something to symbolize the importance and status of the (political) wall upon which it would hang. As Gov. John Bel Edwards had taken art lessons is his youth, the artist elicited his symbolic hand in the work, and indeed it was the governor who applied the only pure white tint in the work. Prose to elucidate the symbolism was also composed and inscribed on the back of the work, with the Governor’s approval, making the piece historically unique and significant. A highly-collectible, limited edition reproduction, with the signatures of both Gov. Jon Bel Edwards and RC Davis , is being offered to collectors who desire to support the Governor’s Mansion Foundation and collect this extraordinary Louisiana artwork.

Click for more…

Ladies of Louisiana Making a Difference

COMMUNITY

Carolyne Hoyt founded NextSTEP of Central Louisiana in 2006 to provide domestic violence programs to the communities of that region. In 2009, recognizing the need to break the intergenerational cycle of violence by reaching out to young people while they are still making choices and forming adult behaviors, Ms. Hoyt launched A Fight We Can Win to teach area teens about healthy relationships. Applying what they have learned from pre-instruction surveys and post-instruction evaluations, Ms. Hoyt and her team have designed a unique and extremely effective program for tudents, parents, educators, law enforcement agencies and healthcare professionals.

SCHOOLS

When local historians look back on 2018, Tangipahoa Parish School Superintendent Melissa Martin Stilley says she hopes it will be remembered as a turning point for her home parish. “It’s an honor and a privilege that comes with a lot of pressure,” Stilley said, noting she is keenly aware that her performance could play a huge role in paving the way for future female superintendents, not only in Tangipahoa but also across the state. In June, the local school board named Stilley as their new superintendent—and the first woman ever appointed to that position in Tangipahoa Parish.

MILITARY

Sandy Franks was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. She served 23 years in the United States Air Force and retired in 1997 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. She was a licensed practical nurse when she entered the Air Force, was later trained as an EMT and Paramedic and spent many years working in the Emergency Room at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. She served in the First Sergeant career field for 7 years and was the first woman in the Air Force to be First Sergeant of an Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron. She also served as First Sergeant, 501st Tactical Missile Maintenance Squadron, Greenham Common Air Base, England and the 377th Security Police Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She was assigned to Barksdale AFB in 1993 and worked at the 2nd medical group. She completed her career as the Chief of Protocol for the former 2nd Bomb Wing Commander, Brigadier General Dave Young.

BUSINESS

Christina Couvillion is the owner and president of a Louisiana based marine transportation and construction company. During her leadership, along with the support of her loyal staff, the company has steadily grown 1200%. After earning her BS in Microbiology from Louisiana State University in 1996, it wasn’t long before Ms. Couvillion found her true passion in the marine industry. Established in 2005, Quality First Marine, a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, was started by Ms. Couvillion with just two employees, one boat, and a lot of hard work. Since its inception, QFM continues to reinvest in its business, its people, and the community, showing growth each year. The company currently employs 25-30 local residents and owns an extensive fleet of boats and other heavy equipment.

Chef Bonnie Breaux’s
Louisiana Shrimp & Grits

Creamy Cajun shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish that’s been elevated with flavors of sweet smoky shrimp and cream and Tasso grits.

For full recipe, click here

The First Dogs

2019

Metanoia Manor

WORDS FROM SISTER NORMA

James StorehouseLouisiana

Teach MAM

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

Teach MAM Certification Program

Christina Couvillion

Owner and President, Quality First Marine

Christina Couvillion

Sandy Franks

Veteran, United States Air Force

Sandy Franks Veteran, United States Air Force

Melissa Martin Stilley

Superintendent

Melissa Martin Stilley Superintendent

Carolyne Hoyt

Founder, NextSTEP of Central Louisiana

Carolyne Hoyt NextSTEP of Central Louisiana

Magnolia in the Governor\’s Mansion

METANOIA MANOR

Words from Senator Ronnie Johns

JANUARY 2019

Volume 1, Edition 3

JANUARY 2019

A word from the First Lady of Louisiana

A Note On Human Trafficking

Words on Metanoia Manor from Senator Ronnie Johns

Louisiana First Foundation

TEACH MAM

LOUISIANA FOSTERS

METANOIA

MAGNOLIA IN THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION

Ladies of Louisiana Making a Difference

COMMUNITY

SCHOOLS

MILITARY

BUSINESS

Chef Bonnie Breaux’s Louisiana Shrimp & Grits

The First Dogs

The First Dogs are busy working on their New Year’s Resolutions of getting in more daily physical activity! Stay tuned!

Something to Discern

Let us know what you think or share your story!

James Storehouse
Louisiana

Magnolia in the
Governor\’s Mansion

Words from
Senator Ronnie Johns

Words on Metanoia Manor from
Senator Ronnie Johns

MAGNOLIA IN THE
GOVERNOR’S MANSION

Chef Bonnie Breaux’s
Louisiana Shrimp & Grits

The First Dogs are busy working on their New Year’s Resolutions
of getting in more daily physical activity!
Stay tuned!