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2023

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Anti-Human Trafficking: Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force

 

Greater New Orleans
Human Trafficking Task Force

 



 

 

LFF_Blog_Feb2023_AHT

Greater New Orleans
Human Trafficking Task Force

Written by Jennifer Paul Ray,
Coordinator Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force

On October 1, 2022, Covenant House New Orleans and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office were awarded the joint Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking program funding. The funding supports the activities of the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, co-led by Covenant House New Orleans and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office along with its Core Team.

The Core Team includes the Federal Bureau of Investigations New Orleans Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Field Office, and United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana. Comprehensive case management funding awarded to Covenant House New Orleans includes the following victim service provider sub-recipients: Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, formerly Eden House; New Orleans Family Justice Center; Sexual Trauma Assault Response (STAR); and Institute for Indian Development.

Collectively, the recipients coordinate under the Office for Victims of Crime’s comprehensive case model with a network of twenty service providers established under a memorandum of understanding. The Task Force partners implement a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach included in pro-active law enforcement investigations and operations and prosecutorial case development. Victims identified by law enforcement are referred to the victim service provider recipients who stabilize victims and support clients through comprehensive care.

This is the third round of funding for the Task Force, which started in 2015. Since its establishment, the Task Force has provided support and services to over 700 trafficked persons and has conducted over 670 new investigations, which resulted in over 250 related arrests and the identification of more than 290 confirmed victims in the Greater New Orleans – Metairie Metropolitan Area.

Social media handles:

Twitter: @GNOHTTF

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nolatrafficking/

Website: http://www.nolatrafficking.org/

Twitter: @CovenantHouseNO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CovenantHouseNOLA

Website: https://www.covenanthousenola.org/

Twitter: @orleansparishda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orleansparishda

Website: https://orleansda.com/

This content was produced by Jennifer Paul Ray, Coordinator Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, under 15POVC-22-GK-03656-HT and 15POVC-22-GK-03655-HT, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this manuscript are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

LFF_Blog_Feb2023_WomensHealth

Women’s Health – Teen Dating Violence

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG February 2023

Teen Dating Violence

Written by Ashlé N. Young

Did you know that February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month? Since 2004, Congress has designated the first week of February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week. However, in 2010, Congress declared Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month each February. The focus calls on communities “to empower teens to develop healthier relationships.”  

What is Dating Violence?

Dating violence is physical, sexual, emotional, and/or verbal abuse of one partner by the other partner in a current or former dating relationship. Abusive behavior is any act carried out by one partner to hurt or control the other. Dating violence happens in male/female relationships as well as LGBTQIA+ relationships. Statistics show that approximately 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner before they become adults.

Types of dating violence?

  • Digital Abuse: Using technologies such as texting and social media to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate a partner.
    • Telling you who you can or cannot follow or be friends with on social media
    • Texting you often to make you feel like you can’t be away from your phone
    • Sending threatening messages or posting negative comments on social sites
    • Pressuring you to share passwords

  • Emotional Abuse: The non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, and constant check-ins.
    • Telling you what to wear or do
    • Embarrassing you in front of others intentionally
    • Preventing you from seeing or communicating with family and friends
    • Blaming abusive or unhealthy behavior on you

  • Physical Abuse: The intentional, unwanted contact causing injury.
    • Hitting, biting, strangling, choking, or kicking
    • Threatening to use or using a weapon on you
    • Forcing you to have sex or perform sexual acts

  • Sexual Abuse: The pressure or coercion to do something sexual in nature that you would prefer not to do.
    • Forcing someone to have sex or perform sexual acts
    • Preventing someone from using protection that could potentially lead to sexually transmitted infections
    • Unwanted kissing, touching, rough, or violent sexual activity
    • Unwanted sexual advances

How to have a conversation with your youth about dating violence?

As a parent, we tend to avoid difficult conversations with our kids, but we can start discussing healthy relationships before our children get to the dating age. As a former domestic violence advocate, I introduced my son to his hands and safe touch at one and a half years of age. I would constantly shape our morning routine with Hands Are Not for Hitting by Dr. Martine Agassi and the book I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private by Zack and Kimberly King. Now that he is five years old, I still quiz him and ask questions during random conversations. I also plan to practice this with my daughter, who will soon turn one. My goal is to constantly provide a safe space where they feel heard without fear. 

In day-to-day tasks, you can bring up what healthy vs. unhealthy looks like and try to model it. With this routine, they will constantly feel you are there, even when they fear the repercussions. So, you can ask your child questions about healthy relationships and awareness of dating violence, such as:

  • What is a healthy relationship? What do you want from the relationship if you were in one?
  • Are your friends in relationships? If so, what does that relationship look like from the outside? Is it healthy?
  • What would you do if you experienced or witnessed dating violence? Do you feel that you can be open with me without judgment?

If you feel your teen may be experiencing dating violence, encourage them and make them aware of your support and willingness to help them through it. It’s essential to be clear, not blame them, and be there to help them get additional support. Also, get advice and resources from a domestic violence agency.

How is Louisiana helping with this?

Louisiana has been working to prevent domestic violence by working with students to provide instruction to youth from grades seven through twelve. Louisiana Teen Dating Violence Law LA R.S. 17:81 requires all Louisiana school districts to:

  • Provide instruction to all school employees having contact with students in such grades relative to the definition of dating violence, dating violence warning signs, and how to address suspected or reported dating violence involving students appropriately.
  • Include the definition of dating violence in the student code of conduct.
  • Collect data about the number of incidents of dating violence reported to school employees and the actions taken by school employees to assist victims of dating violence.

Although most districts are still navigating implementation, local domestic violence programs offer support to the community to help with awareness and prevention.  If you need additional support, please reach out to your local domestic violence organization for resources to guide the conversation on what to look for and guides on establishing boundaries.  

Where to go for help and resources:

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About Ashlé N. Young

Ashlé N. Young is the Executive Director of Louisiana Youth for Excellence (LYFE), a program through the Office of Governor John Bel Edwards that was created to promote positive youth development and to build awareness of consequences for at-risk behaviors for today’s vulnerable youth, such as children in foster care, children in poverty, and children in juvenile detention centers. LYFE works with schools, non-profit and faith-based organizations, parents, and the community to teach goal setting, leadership development, character building, and integrity. 

Young has proven herself to be a pragmatic and solutions-driven administrator. She oversees funding for community organizations working directly with the youth of Louisiana. She also has 15 years of experience with faith-based communities and non-profit organizations. 

Young is a native of Baton Rouge, LA, and is a two-time graduate of Southern University and A&M College, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. She recently obtained her Master of Science in Leadership and Human Resource Development from Louisiana State University. Additionally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a wife and mother of two amazing kids.

 

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Blog – February 2023

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BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS

Seeing is Believing
– In Yourself

February 2023

This month, as we celebrate Black History Month, I am reminded of a story told to me by a high school counselor. At a job fair held at a high school, this counselor spoke with a very bright, intelligent senior who told her she wanted to attend Junior College and aspired to be a Personal Care Attendant. The counselor was confused, as this girl was near the top of her class and could easily attend a 4-year college. She asked the senior why she aspired to be a PCA, and the girl replied, “Well, that is what my mom does.” The counselor offered that she should attend nursing school and become a Registered Nurse. The girl replied she had never thought of that.  

This high school student was only familiar with what she knew. Her mom had an excellent job and was great at what she did as a PCA, but this young girl had never been introduced to any other career in this field of work. Like so many across our state, her town was small and rural. The exposure and understanding of job opportunities is so important. Representation is even more critical.

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Why does it matter if there are leaders in high-powered visible leadership positions who look like us? Research shows that it’s empowering and necessary for minorities to have minority leaders to emulate. It helps us relate. It makes us think, “I can do that, too.” If we see people who look like us in leadership positions, we believe that we could one day be a leader.  

One longitudinal study in “Leadership Quarterly” examined the effect of female politicians elected to leadership positions. They found that, over time, more women were likely to be in leadership positions when a woman was elected as their leader. This result showed more females in top and middle management positions in public organizations, and in municipalities where women were elected as leaders – and not even in the same organization!  

I am proud of my husband for appointing many female and minority leaders to his executive cabinet. This act profoundly affected the number of women and minority leaders throughout our state’s leadership across all agencies. One of those women in leadership is Dr. Kim Hunter-Reed, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education. I can only imagine how many women she has influenced over her tenure to want to hold leadership positions like her. Other African American Cabinet leaders are Dr. Courtney Phillips, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Health, Ava Dejoie Cates, Workforce Commissioner, Terri Ricks, Secretary of Department of Children and Family Services, Dr. Chuck Carr-Brown Secretary, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Kevin Richard Secretary, Louisiana Department of Revenue, Colonel Lamar Davis, Superintendent, Louisiana State Police; Joey Strickland Secretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs who is a Native American and Dr. Shawn Wilson Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. These are just some African American women and minorities in leadership positions within the Governor’s cabinet and office.  

Having people of all races, nationalities, and ethnicities is vital to our state’s progress. Having all people represented in these leadership roles means that all our brothers and sisters of our beloved state are represented at “the table”. It’s important that we all come to “the table” and bring our different points of view, thoughts, and challenges. This is the only way to bring success to all people. When our children see someone who looks like them serving in these roles, they believe they can “Rise Up” to serve in such leadership roles.

I pray that we will all encourage one another to be all we can be. This is how we will bring our state to the level of excellence that we all desire.

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Seeing Is Believing – In Yourself

February 2023

LFF_Blog_2023_FirstLady

 

This month, as we celebrate Black History Month, I am reminded of a story told to me by a high school counselor. At a job fair held at a high school, this counselor spoke with a very bright, intelligent senior who told her she wanted to attend Junior College and aspired to be a Personal Care Attendant. The counselor was confused, as this girl was near the top of her class and could easily attend a 4-year college. She asked the senior why she aspired to be a PCA, and the girl replied, “Well, that is what my mom does.” The counselor offered that she should attend nursing school and become a Registered Nurse. The girl replied she had never thought of that.  

This high school student was only familiar with what she knew. Her mom had an excellent job and was great at what she did as a PCA, but this young girl had never been introduced to any other career in this field of work. Like so many across our state, her town was small and rural. The exposure and understanding of job opportunities is so important. Representation is even more critical.

Why does it matter if there are leaders in high-powered visible leadership positions who look like us? Research shows that it’s empowering and necessary for minorities to have minority leaders to emulate. It helps us relate. It makes us think, “I can do that, too.” If we see people who look like us in leadership positions, we believe that we could one day be a leader.  

One longitudinal study in “Leadership Quarterly” examined the effect of female politicians elected to leadership positions. They found that, over time, more women were likely to be in leadership positions when a woman was elected as their leader. This result showed more females in top and middle management positions in public organizations, and in municipalities where women were elected as leaders – and not even in the same organization!  

I am proud of my husband for appointing many female and minority leaders to his executive cabinet. This act profoundly affected the number of women and minority leaders throughout our state’s leadership across all agencies. One of those women in leadership is Dr. Kim Hunter-Reed, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education. I can only imagine how many women she has influenced over her tenure to want to hold leadership positions like her. Other African American Cabinet leaders are Dr. Courtney Phillips, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Health, Ava Dejoie Cates, Workforce Commissioner, Terri Ricks, Secretary of Department of Children and Family Services, Dr. Chuck Carr-Brown Secretary, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Kevin Richard Secretary, Louisiana Department of Revenue, Colonel Lamar Davis, Superintendent, Louisiana State Police; Joey Strickland Secretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs who is a Native American and Dr. Shawn Wilson Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. These are just some African American women and minorities in leadership positions within the Governor’s cabinet and office.  

Having people of all races, nationalities, and ethnicities is vital to our state’s progress. Having all people represented in these leadership roles means that all our brothers and sisters of our beloved state are represented at “the table”. It’s important that we all come to “the table” and bring our different points of view, thoughts, and challenges. This is the only way to bring success to all people. When our children see someone who looks like them serving in these roles, they believe they can “Rise Up” to serve in such leadership roles.

I pray that we will all encourage one another to be all we can be. This is how we will bring our state to the level of excellence that we all desire.

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FEATURE

BUILDING ON A LEGACY –
ADVANCING EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

 Dr. Kim Hunter Reed
Commissioner of Higher Education

As an educator committed to talent development in Louisiana and across this country, my Black History Month thoughts honor education trailblazers and reflect my commitment to build upon the legacy of their work. Education is transformational for individuals and families. That reality propels us to expand educational opportunities for all of our citizens. It’s why we set a state goal of having 60% of our population holding a higher education credential of value by 2030. Today we sit at 47.8%, but African Americans lag the statewide degree attainment rate by more than 10 percentage points. This gap highlights the critical work we must do to ensure that access and opportunity exist for all citizens, regardless of race or place. To reach our goal we must more than double the number of credentials earned annually in our state, erase equity gaps and support student success. The numbers hold us accountable by measuring our progress, but it’s the people who are our focus – people who need a strong education-to-employment pipeline to move from poverty to prosperity.

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Mary McLeod Bethune was a woman who understood the power of education. She was first in her family to be born free, in the late 1800s, and to receive a formal education. A skilled activist and presidential adviser, her calling was to pay it forward, so with meager funds – $1.50 – but unlimited faith, she opened a school for African American girls in 1904.  From these beginnings, her school went on to become Bethune-Cookman College, a Historically Black College (HBCU), and she served as the college’s president. Visiting her home on her college campus, I touched the desk where she worked and stood in the parlor where she hosted leaders as she advocated for education, healthcare and opportunities for women. I spoke to her granddaughters (pictured here) about her relentless commitment to education, equity and opportunity. A women of countless firsts, she is a trailblazer who understood the connection between learning and social mobility and so much more, and used this understanding to improve the lives of so many.

As we seek to reach our educational goals, one big focus for us is expanding access to dual enrollment. Today almost 29,000 Louisiana students start college in high school and over the past few years we’ve been proud to see an increase of 1,500 African American students participating.

To bring this opportunity to our students, particularly the equipment needed to support career and technical courses, we deployed mobile labs, which now visit high schools across the state. The labs are praised for their utility and effectiveness in getting college-level experiences to high school students. It’s a concept I saw first-hand at another HBCU. This was not a new shiny mobile lab parked out front at Tuskegee University, but a historical one in the museum honoring George Washington Carver. I knew and admired him as an agricultural powerhouse, scientist and inventor, “The Father of the Peanut Industry.” I had heard of his outreach efforts to farmers in communities near and far, but I was delighted to see the “movable school” he created to teach responsible farming practices, fertilization, and preservation of fruits and so much more.  Hailed in its time as an effective way to bring lessons to people, it is still a practice whose value is proven today across Louisiana and the nation.  

Whether our students come to a college or university campus or if we bring the learning to them, progress hinges on access to strong, high-quality education that prepares citizens for viable careers and prosperity. I am proud to stand on the shoulders of these African American giants, to learn from them and to answer the call to extend their legacy as fierce advocates for education, equity and talent development. That’s how Louisiana will prosper.

FEATURE

BUILDING ON A LEGACY –
ADVANCING EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

 Dr. Kim Hunter Reed
Commissioner of Higher Education

LFF_Blog_Feb2023_Feature_mobile

As an educator committed to talent development in Louisiana and across this country, my Black History Month thoughts honor education trailblazers and reflect my commitment to build upon the legacy of their work. Education is transformational for individuals and families. That reality propels us to expand educational opportunities for all of our citizens. It’s why we set a state goal of having 60% of our population holding a higher education credential of value by 2030. Today we sit at 47.8%, but African Americans lag the statewide degree attainment rate by more than 10 percentage points. This gap highlights the critical work we must do to ensure that access and opportunity exist for all citizens, regardless of race or place. To reach our goal we must more than double the number of credentials earned annually in our state, erase equity gaps and support student success. The numbers hold us accountable by measuring our progress, but it’s the people who are our focus – people who need a strong education-to-employment pipeline to move from poverty to prosperity.

Mary McLeod Bethune was a woman who understood the power of education. She was first in her family to be born free, in the late 1800s, and to receive a formal education. A skilled activist and presidential adviser, her calling was to pay it forward, so with meager funds – $1.50 – but unlimited faith, she opened a school for African American girls in 1904.  From these beginnings, her school went on to become Bethune-Cookman College, a Historically Black College (HBCU), and she served as the college’s president. Visiting her home on her college campus, I touched the desk where she worked and stood in the parlor where she hosted leaders as she advocated for education, healthcare and opportunities for women.

I spoke to her granddaughters (pictured here) about her relentless commitment to education, equity and opportunity. A women of countless firsts, she is a trailblazer who understood the connection between learning and social mobility and so much more, and used this understanding to improve the lives of so many.

As we seek to reach our educational goals, one big focus for us is expanding access to dual enrollment. Today almost 29,000 Louisiana students start college in high school and over the past few years we’ve been proud to see an increase of 1,500 African American students participating.  To bring this opportunity to our students, particularly the equipment needed to support career and technical courses, we deployed mobile labs, which now visit high schools across the state. The labs are praised for their utility and effectiveness in getting college-level experiences to high school students. It’s a concept I saw first-hand at another HBCU. This was not a new shiny mobile lab parked out front at Tuskegee University, but a historical one in the museum honoring George Washington Carver. I knew and admired him as an agricultural powerhouse, scientist and inventor, “The Father of the Peanut Industry.” I had heard of his outreach efforts to farmers in communities near and far, but I was delighted to see the “movable school” he created to teach responsible farming practices, fertilization, and preservation of fruits and so much more.  Hailed in its time as an effective way to bring lessons to people, it is still a practice whose value is proven today across Louisiana and the nation.  

Whether our students come to a college or university campus or if we bring the learning to them, progress hinges on access to strong, high-quality education that prepares citizens for viable careers and prosperity. I am proud to stand on the shoulders of these African American giants, to learn from them and to answer the call to extend their legacy as fierce advocates for education, equity and talent development. That’s how Louisiana will prosper.

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LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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Heart Health Month

Teach Mam
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State Launches Hotline
for Reporting Juvenile Sex Trafficking

Louisiana Foster's
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Greater New Orleans
Human Trafficking Task Force

Human Trafficking

GOVERNOR’S MANSION

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation is excited to introduce the 2023 Christmas ornament celebrating 60 years of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. The sunflower has historically been an integral symbol of Louisiana due in large part to Governor Jimmie Davis. When he recorded “You Are My Sunshine,” the sunflower quickly became associated with him and the song. In fact, this legacy is reflected in the foyer of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion, which showcases a mural hand painted by world-renowned artist, Auseklis Ozols. In the northeast corner of this mural, two symbols honor Governor Jimmie Davis – a guitar and a sunflower to represent this song.

Click HERE to purchase your ornament today!

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Visit the Governor's Mansion Store
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Women’s Health

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

by Ashlé N. Young

Did you know that February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month? Since 2004, Congress has designated the first week of February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week. However, in 2010, Congress declared Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month each February. The focus calls on communities “to empower teens to develop healthier relationships.”  

What is Dating Violence?

Dating violence is physical, sexual, emotional, and/or verbal abuse of one partner by the other partner in a current or former dating relationship. Abusive behavior is any act carried out by one partner to hurt or control the other. Dating violence happens in male/female relationships as well as LGBTQIA+ relationships. Statistics show that approximately 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner before they become adults.

Types of dating violence?

  • Digital Abuse: Using technologies such as texting and social media to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate a partner.
    • Telling you who you can or cannot follow or be friends with on social media
    • Texting you often to make you feel like you can’t be away from your phone
    • Sending threatening messages or posting negative comments on social sites
    • Pressuring you to share passwords

  • Emotional Abuse: The non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, and constant check-ins.
    • Telling you what to wear or do
    • Embarrassing you in front of others intentionally
    • Preventing you from seeing or communicating with family and friends
    • Blaming abusive or unhealthy behavior on you

  • Physical Abuse: The intentional, unwanted contact causing injury.
    • Hitting, biting, strangling, choking, or kicking
    • Threatening to use or using a weapon on you
    • Forcing you to have sex or perform sexual acts

  • Sexual Abuse: The pressure or coercion to do something sexual in nature that you would prefer not to do.
    • Forcing someone to have sex or perform sexual acts
    • Preventing someone from using protection that could potentially lead to sexually transmitted infections
    • Unwanted kissing, touching, rough, or violent sexual activity
    • Unwanted sexual advances

How to have a conversation with your youth about dating violence?

As a parent, we tend to avoid difficult conversations with our kids, but we can start discussing healthy relationships before our children get to the dating age. As a former domestic violence advocate, I introduced my son to his hands and safe touch at one and a half years of age. I would constantly shape our morning routine with Hands Are Not for Hitting by Dr. Martine Agassi and the book I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private by Zack and Kimberly King. Now that he is five years old, I still quiz him and ask questions during random conversations. I also plan to practice this with my daughter, who will soon turn one. My goal is to constantly provide a safe space where they feel heard without fear. 

In day-to-day tasks, you can bring up what healthy vs. unhealthy looks like and try to model it. With this routine, they will constantly feel you are there, even when they fear the repercussions. So, you can ask your child questions about healthy relationships and awareness of dating violence, such as:

  • What is a healthy relationship? What do you want from the relationship if you were in one?
  • Are your friends in relationships? If so, what does that relationship look like from the outside? Is it healthy?
  • What would you do if you experienced or witnessed dating violence? Do you feel that you can be open with me without judgment?

If you feel your teen may be experiencing dating violence, encourage them and make them aware of your support and willingness to help them through it. It’s essential to be clear, not blame them, and be there to help them get additional support. Also, get advice and resources from a domestic violence agency.

How is Louisiana helping with this?

Louisiana has been working to prevent domestic violence by working with students to provide instruction to youth from grades seven through twelve. Louisiana Teen Dating Violence Law LA R.S. 17:81 requires all Louisiana school districts to:

  • Provide instruction to all school employees having contact with students in such grades relative to the definition of dating violence, dating violence warning signs, and how to address suspected or reported dating violence involving students appropriately.
  • Include the definition of dating violence in the student code of conduct.
  • Collect data about the number of incidents of dating violence reported to school employees and the actions taken by school employees to assist victims of dating violence.

Although most districts are still navigating implementation, local domestic violence programs offer support to the community to help with awareness and prevention.  If you need additional support, please reach out to your local domestic violence organization for resources to guide the conversation on what to look for and guides on establishing boundaries.  

Where to go for help and resources:

Read More...
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People of
Louisiana

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Rochelle Wilcox <br> SCHOOLS

Rochelle Wilcox
SCHOOLS

Veterans' Online Access <br> MILITARY

Veterans' Online Access
MILITARY

Carolyne Hoyt <br> COMMUNITY

Carolyne Hoyt
COMMUNITY

SCHOOLS

Rochelle Wilcox

SCHOOLS
MILITARY

Online Access for Veterans

MILITARY
COMMUNITY

Carolyne Hoyt

COMMUNITY

RECIPE

from the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion

On First Lady Donna Edwards’ first Valentine’s Day married to her sweetheart, Governor John Bel Edwards, she happened upon a heart-shaped waffle maker she just HAD to have. Over 30 years later, their trusty waffle maker still churns out her Family’s Valentine’s dinner!

Try it out and see what you think! Click to download.

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Memorable Verse

Feburary 2023

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THE FIRST DOGS

February 2023

Happy Mardi Gras from the first dogs!

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.

Delery earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. She completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.

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Anti-Human Trafficking: National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

 

National
Human Trafficking
Awareness Day

#WearBlueDay

 



 

 

LFF_Blog_Jan2023_AHT_WearBlueDay

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January 11th was #WearBlueDay in honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. We were excited to see so much participation this year. Thank you to everyone who wore blue to raise awareness!

 

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The Governor’s Mansion: Be A Part of History

Governor’s Mansion:

Be A Part of History

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Be A Part of History

Be part of history by purchasing a personalized brick at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. Personalized bricks have been part of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation fundraising efforts for almost 30 years and will continue for generations to come. Each brick is customizable and comes with a certificate of purchase. A personalized brick makes an excellent gift for any time of year and gives back to the Foundation that focuses on preserving the Governor’s Mansion.

Email Preservelagovernorsmansion@gmail.com to request a personalized brick today!

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Visit the Governor's Mansion Store

 

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People of Louisiana – Military (January 2023)

 

Open House at the
Louisiana Department
of Veterans Affairs

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Open House

Join the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs for an Open House at the Louisiana Veterans Home. Visit with the staff and veterans on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Did you know that there is NO monthly fee for veterans with a service-connection between 70-100%? AND did you know that veterans’ spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission with a monthly fee of $4,500?

For more information about the Open House, or the home, call 225.634.5265.

Louisiana Veterans Home Open House
Thursday, Jan. 26
2-6 p.m.
4739 Highway 10, Jackson, La.
FMI 225.634.5265

 

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People of Louisiana – Community (January 2023)

 

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 COMMUNITY

CATHERINE
DEANO



CATHERINE DEANO

Catherine Deano is the Founder of Twist Brands, which includes Painting with a Twist, a sip and paint studio franchise; Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own pottery franchise; and TD Art Supply and Chesapeake Ceramics, the supply companies that service these industries. She has always had a strong affinity for art and admiration for artists. It is not only the beauty and aesthetics that appeal to her but also art’s contribution to culture and history. 

Additionally, Catherine appreciates documentation from Washington University and many other institutions that show that art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress. Many studies have confirmed that making art reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) in the human body. Catherine’s belief that art is important to any community has compelled her to volunteer in other cultural art arenas. www.paintingwithatwist.com 

Catherine is serving her second stint as President of The St. Tammany Art Association. STAA was founded in 1958 by a group of community organizers dedicated to bringing the arts to St. Tammany Parish. The mission of STAA is to provide quality programming and cultural enrichment to the community, support established artists, promote emerging artists, produce educational arts-related activities for adults and children, and enhance life in St. Tammany Parish. In addition, STAA holds art exhibitions where local and national artists can apply and show their art in a professional, well-designed exhibition space. 

STAA also holds art classes for children as well as adults. Pottery, drawing, and painting are just some classes that can be taken at STAA. https://www.sttammany.art/ 

Catherine’s sitting on The Friends of the Dew Drop board in Mandeville, LA, rounding out her dedication to the cultural arts. 

The Friends of the Dew Drop was created to preserve a building constructed in 1895 as a Social and Benevolent Hall. Situated in the African-American community, it was a gathering place for early jazz and social endeavors, including feeding the needy and providing temporary housing. 

Sitting on Lamarque St. in old Mandeville, it is considered the world’s oldest, unaltered rural jazz hall. Kid Ory, Bunk Johnson, and many other great jazz musicians played the Dew Drop. 

There is also ample evidence that Louie Armstrong played there while visiting relatives on Jackson Avenue. In addition, the Friends of the Dew Drop hold spring and fall concerts. People fill the quaint jazz hall, sitting on benches or setting up chairs outside to hear the music of local jazz and blues artists. 

Kenny Neal, Ed Wills, Dr. Michael White, Amadee Fredricks, and Don Vappie are some wonderful musicians who graced the stage at The Dew Drop. www.dewdropjazzhall.com

In addition to Catherine’s enthusiasm for the arts, she is also interested in philanthropy. Under the Painting with a Twist umbrella, Catherine created Painting with a Purpose, the non-profit arm of Twist Brands. 

Realizing how important giving back to the community is for any business to succeed, PWAP has become an integral part of the business system. Each studio teams with a non-profit once a month, and 50% of all revenue goes to the non-profit. To date, Painting with a Purpose has donated over 7 million dollars to charities in the communities where studios are located. In addition, once a year, a system-wide Painting with a Purpose is conducted for a national non-profit. Wounded Warriors, Dave Thomas Foundation, and The Vera Bradley Foundation, among others, have participated in this initiative. 

Her most recent accomplishment was a listing in Forbes 50 Over 50 in the Lifestyle category. https://www.forbes.com/50over50

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintingwithatwist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintingwithatwist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/painting-with-a-twist

 

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People of Louisiana – Schools (January 2023)

 

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MICHAEL HILTON

Principal, Lowery Middle School 

2023 Middle School Principal of the Year 

 

 
 
 
 
 

MICHAEL HILTON

Principal, Lowery Middle School 
2023 Middle School Principal of the Year 

Inspire Desire In The New Year

Life is like a vending machine. This metaphor has shaped my life as an educator and given me a clear way to help my students, staff, and stakeholders understand a simple truth of life that I have stumbled upon – a truth that I believe is the key to achievement in every facet of life. That simple truth is this: you must first desire a thing before you can ever achieve it. To every educator reading this blog post, I have some good news. I have a New Year’s resolution that I think we may all find helpful to keep throughout the new year. The 2023 New Year’s resolution I am thinking of is this: Inspire Desire!

People often don’t keep New Year’s resolutions because they generally make them out of an emotional state of mind as they think about the things that they did not accomplish the year prior. Making New Year’s Resolutions is a good practice for everyone if they are made according to our purpose and not according to our preference. Let me explain. As an educator, my purpose is to equip and empower students with the essential knowledge and skills for success in life. I am responsible for inspiring a desire for more out of life and showing them that education is the key to gaining access to those desires. “Inspire Desire” is my resolution, but it is not just for the year 2023. This is my purpose and my passion; this is my why. Moreover, I believe we all have the responsibility to inspire the children under our care to be their best selves. 

Life is like a vending machine! So let’s unpack this metaphor. 

A vending machine is a straightforward machine. While there are different types of vending machines, they all function the same: offer a snack, charge a price, and deliver the item – simple. This process is a picture of life for everyone, especially our students. 

#1 Like a vending machine, life presents us with several options. I always tell my students that one of the greatest benefits of living in a free country is having options. However, it is also true that our range of options is either limited or enhanced by our level of education. As educators, we are responsible for helping our students see the entire world and the possibilities that exist in their lives. Education gives them options, and the level of education each student can achieve will significantly enhance their life options. This knowledge inspires and encourages us as educators to provide our students with our all. We don’t just give our best to our most “at risk” students; we provide all students with our best so that all students can see the full potential of their lives. 

#2 Like a vending machine, we have to DESIRE what life presents if we ever hope to obtain it. As an educator in a high school, I often watched students turn away from a vending machine because the items inside were fat-free. This occurrence was comical, but it is an all too common fact that kids don’t always know what’s good for them. Parents know this all too well, so they will dress up vegetables so their kids will be encouraged to eat them. The vegetables are good, but the kids don’t desire them. Likewise, our students must desire what life offers, and we should do all we can to make life’s options look pleasing. I have seen under-performing and gifted students reject the good options of life because they didn’t perceive them as pleasing. No one will pay the price for something that they don’t want. This leads me to the final similarity between life and a vending machine. 

#3. Like a vending machine, we have to be willing to pay the price to obtain the object of our desire. I tell my students “you cannot receive something from a vending machine that costs $1 if you only pay ninety cents. You have to pay the full amount.” Nevertheless, we have all met students who can only pay ninety cents, and that’s okay. We have all likely borrowed a dime from a friend to secure an item from a vending machine. Educators are the friend of every student that needs a dime, but they must still pay their full amount. 

In conclusion, yes! Life is like a vending machine; what we put into it will determine what we receive back. This truth rests for educators and students alike and is why we must INSPIRE DESIRE. As educators, we can see the options and opportunities that our students cannot see. We know what’s good for them, even when they can’t see it, and we are willing to help them pay the price if they give their all. The key is DESIRE. This remains true for students and educators alike. We cannot give students something we don’t have. When we desire to fulfill our purpose of educating children to be their best and pay the price to obtain that desire, we receive it. What do you desire in 2023? Make your resolution to inspire desire in the lives of those you serve. 

Happy New Year!

–Mr. Michael Hilton, III
2023 Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year
Lowery Middle School, Principal/Ascension Parish Public Schools  

School Website: https://lowerymiddle.ascensionschools.org/

Social media:

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Louisiana Fosters – Grandparents, Relatives and Other Caregivers Play Important Role in Foster Care

 

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Grandparents, Relatives and Other Caregivers Play Important Role in Foster Care

 

 

Grandparents, Relatives and Other Caregivers
Play Important Role in Foster Care

 

DCFS has approximately 3,300 children in foster care on any given day in Louisiana. Of these, about 38% are placed with either a relative or “fictive kin” who are like family but not actually related to the child in their care. Grandparents, relatives, and fictive kin all play an essential role in caring for a child whose parents cannot do so.

When a child or teen temporarily lives with a relative or fictive kin, it’s called kinship care. The living arrangement can be a formal one through DCFS or an informal agreement among family members. DCFS looks to kinship caregivers to maintain meaningful relationships, minimize disruption in a child’s life, and preserve connections and cultural ties.

DCFS partners with Louisiana 211 to operate a Kinship Navigator program which provides information, resources, and a referral network for current or potential kinship caregivers. Louisiana 211 provides grandparents, relatives, and fictive kin with information about resources and assistance available in their communities. When caregivers dial 211 or text KinshipLA to 898-211, they are linked to assets for helping children succeed.

Since the partnership between DCFS and Louisiana 211 began, more than 5,000 clients have relied on Louisiana 211 to locate specialized help and support for kinship caregivers in local communities throughout our state. The top 5 needs categories met by referrals to available help include:

  • Housing: 1,047
  • Income Support/Assistance: 870
  • Individual, Family, and Community Support: 818
  • Utility Assistance: 782
  • Food/Meals: 672

More information about DCFS’s Kinship Navigator Program can be found at dcfs.la.gov/kinship-navigator, by dialing 211 or texting KinshipLA to 898-211. Kinship caregivers can also contact Family Resource Centers (FRCs) for more information and services. DCFS operates 9 FRCs across the state that provide direct, referral, and concrete services for those caring for relative or fictive kin. FRCs work to strengthen family engagement and well-being, provide stability to improve child safety, reduce family trauma and build community connections to wrap around our families.

Family members and other trusted adults who are like family are our vital partners in ensuring the well-being and safety of children whose parents may be struggling. Whether a family is involved with DCFS or not, we will work to support kinship caregivers as they step in to meet the needs of the children in their care.

DCFS always needs kinship caregivers. If you are interested in serving as a kinship caregiver for a child or youth in foster care, please get in touch with the child or youth’s foster care worker. DCFS also needs foster parents to serve the general population of children and youth in foster care. Please visit our website or call your regional office for more information if you feel the call to serve in this capacity. For more information, you can also email DCFS.HomeDevelopment@la.gov with your name and parish of residence.

January Adoption Feature

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Each month we feature two children who are available for adoption in Louisiana. For January, we’d like to introduce you to Emerial Lawrence and Christian Reed from the Alexandria Region.

Emerial is a special-needs child who is 12 years old. She enjoys a good meal and loves listening to music, watching TV, playing Patty Cake, swinging, and playing in the water. Emerial would benefit from parents who can meet her needs with love and patience and help her reach her full potential.

Christian is also a 12-year-old child from the Alexandria Region. He is an excellent student and loves animals and the outdoors. He also enjoys Cajun food and attending church. Christian is looking for a patient, supportive family who will help him explore and learn new things.

If you are considering adoption or fostering a child, take that first step by attending a free virtual orientation session. For more information about becoming a foster/adoptive parent and the training available, visit dcfs.la.gov/foster.  

Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

 

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Teach MAM – Remember Your Why

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

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

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TEACH MAM

Remember Your Why

Written by Carolyn Scalfano
Teach MAM Art Ambassador

We are here to inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, each of us can change our world for the better. – Simon Sinek

Have you ever experienced “burn-out,” difficulty completing everyday tasks, difficulty concentrating on your work, or could not effectively meet your professional responsibilities due to chronic job stress? At my school, there were recently two years that we dealt with a considerable increase in behavioral challenges. Many factors contributed to the situation, including re-configuring our schools’ population, the fallout from Covid, and changes within faculty. Thankfully, all our students are now accustomed to our school-wide expectations, to the point that when we receive new students, they adapt accordingly and rise to the standards set by our other kids. However, it took us some time to get to this point.

After the first year of challenging discipline issues, we began implementing trauma-informed discipline, which helped tremendously. In addition, we teach the “Zones of Regulation” curriculum school-wide to help students and staff identify and regulate their emotions and make intelligent choices on and off campus. Still, there are days when no matter how complete your toolbox is, it just seems like problems can’t be fixed.  

In beginning this New Year with your school, I encourage you to return to your roots. As educators and mentors, we must all be on the same page. It is the anchor in the storm. The thing that holds us steady. Here’s how it works at my school:

Our what – we teach 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students at a high-poverty school.

Our how – where things get tricky – because our how makes us unique, and we sometimes may even hold opposing views when implementing expectations, lessons, etc.

Our why – shows us that regardless of our “hows,” we are all here for the same reason. We can’t let the differences in our “hows” keep us from accomplishing our why.

We all mess up sometimes. We all do. Yet, we are all taking action daily to accomplish a common goal. We are here to educate, inspire, and believe in others, even when they don’t believe in themselves.

When a group of teachers shares the belief in their ability to affect students positively, it is commonly known as collective teacher efficacy. Collective teacher efficacy is ranked as the NUMBER-ONE factor influencing student achievement (Hattie, 2016).

What does the research say?

With an effect size of 1.57, collective teacher efficacy is:

  • More than three times as predictive of student achievement as socioeconomic status.
  • More than double the effect of prior achievement.
  • More than triple the effect of the home environment and parental involvement.
  • More than three times more likely to influence student achievement than student motivation, concentration, persistence, and engagement (Hattie, 2016).
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To learn more about these topics, I encourage you to visit: https://www.leaderinme.org/teacher-efficacy/

Here is an amazing video that really brings home the message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo&authuser=0 

And don’t forget – Begin with the End in Mind! 2023 is a new start for us all. So collaborate, stay positive, and be kind and supportive to colleagues as we continue to encourage, inspire, and educate the aspirant generations..

 

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