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Governor’s Mansion Ornament 2020

 

Governor’s Mansion
2020 Ornament

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Governor’s Mansion
2020 Ornament

The 2020 Ornament represents the Governor’s Mansion Mural. The original mural was painted in 2000 by Auseklis Ozols, which took him six months to paint. He painted the four corners of the state and often hides things in his murals. Auseklis painted something for each Governor in service since 1963, which marks the year of the construction of the Mansion. There are also many other historical facts, flowers of the state, produce of the state, different areas of the state highlighted in each corner of the mural.

The Foyer has become the focal point of the Governor’s Mansion. School children enjoy it, tourists from other parts of the country and international visitors. It is unique in that it is a one of a kind piece of history. Auseklis has returned during each new administration to add items to the Mansion that are significant to the particular First Family holding office at the time.

At the end of the Foyer, in the Rotunda area, hangs a beautiful Baccarat chandelier that was donated by the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation during Governor John Bel Edwards’ Administration. Its beauty adorns the Rotunda area and completes the historical significance of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

 

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A Tribute to an Early Teach MAM Partner Cheryl Castille

 

A Tribute to an Early Teach MAM Partner:

Cheryl Castille

 

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A Tribute to an Early Teach MAM Partner:
Cheryl Castille

The Louisiana First Foundation was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Cheryl Castille, Executive Director of the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Cheryl was a shining light and constant advocate for the arts in Louisiana. From the very beginnings of the Teach MAM program, Cheryl was an esteemed and valued part of the implementation, design and enhancement in the early days. Constantly adding fresh and new ideas, Cheryl helped steer the direction of the partnership between the LDOA and Teach MAM. It was a blessing to know her and work with her.

“The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, along with the entire Louisiana arts community, was fortunate to work with Cheryl. She inspired so many people through her creativity, drive, and love of the arts,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “As Executive Director of the Arts, Cheryl brought such enthusiasm to every aspect of her work. She understood how the arts affected, and enriched, so much of our lives. She was an ardent supporter of arts education and valued her opportunities to work with the Louisiana First Foundation and Teach MAM to further arts education in Louisiana’s schools.  Cheryl will be remembered as a gifted leader and mentor in her promotion of arts and arts education around the state.”

Cheryl Larkin Castille was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Bill and Jan Larkin. The family moved to La Crosse Wisconsin shortly thereafter, where Cheryl graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse in 1977 and earned bachelors and master’s degrees in therapeutic recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.  Cheryl resided in Prairie Laurent, Louisiana with the love of her life, Blake Castille, whom she was married to for 27 years.

She was appointed by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser as the Executive Director of the Division of the Arts in 2016.  Cheryl brought extensive experience creating and implementing music, visual art, culinary arts, dance, creative writing, and theatre programs to her work for the State. An ardent champion of the arts and culture of her adopted state, her enthusiasm and loving spirit made a significant impact in the nearly four and a half years she served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

Previously, Cheryl served as assistant to St. Landry Parish President W. K. Bill Fontenot Jr., where she acted as a liaison between the Parish President’s office and community, economic, arts, culture, and service organizations; special projects manager for the St. Landry Parish Tourism Commission, where she developed community based art and cultural programs; program director of Cité des Arts, an arts incubator in downtown Lafayette; assistant director of Louisiana Folk Roots in Lafayette, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and presenting the diverse cultures and living heritage of south Louisiana; and owner/manager of What Bayou Trading Company, an art gallery and music shop.

First Lady Donna Edwards is forever grateful for the contributions Cheryl made to the Teach MAM program and other capacities she served within the state of Louisiana. “She was a beautiful soul and provided significant contributions to our state through her love of the arts. We will miss her energy and spirit.”

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Women’s Health – November 2020

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG November 2020

Mental Health During
a Pandemic

Written by Katie Corkern
Executive Director of Louisiana
Rural Mental Health Alliance

Louisiana families have endured more than our fair share of hardships in 2020. We must recognize the stressors we all are facing and the feelings they produce. A global pandemic that impacted our state harder than most compounded with the five hurricanes that hit Louisiana in a matter of months is more than anybody should have to bear. We need to take care of our mental health now more than ever.

Mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. The quality of our health is what allows us to function on a day to day basis. As we move forward, let’s be mindful of the well-being of ourselves and the people around us. Here are some ways we can check in with each other and truly be a good neighbor.

Monitor your loved one’s behavior and know when to be concerned.

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With all the challenges we have faced this year, some behavior changes are expected, so watch for severity, frequency, and duration of changes. You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, and increased or decreased desire to be around others. Other behaviors might include a heightened sense of energy or more significant irritability.

If these behaviors are long-lasting, severe, and different from the way they previously behaved, that’s where you should lean in and find out more. It is time to seek professional help when these behaviors impact their ability to carry out responsibilities.

Keep all lines of communication open.

Continuously have conversations with your loved ones during this time. They may not want to talk, but isolation is not the answer. Find creative ways to get them to open up like a shared journal, taking a walk together, or ask them if they’d prefer to talk to someone else like a trusted family member or friend.

It is entirely normal to feel all sorts of ways during this time. Be sure to validate their feelings and remind them how much they are loved, no matter what they say or do. Express their importance and why they are a valued member of your family. Also, share your feelings. When we tell others how we are feeling and how we are trying to cope, they can more easily see these feelings are normal.

Provide some structure and routine.

As difficult as it may be right now, we must put some structure back into our daily lives. Sometimes our minds wander, get bored, or focus on the wrong things when there is no routine. Knowing the day’s expectations gives a sense of predictability and control, thus helping calm our minds.

Limit media exposure.

While the media plays an essential part in our lives, educating and informing us, too much media can cause more harm than good. Our mental well-being is already fragile, and exposing ourselves to constant COVID-19 news, the aftermath of hurricanes, political stressors, as well as relentless negativity on social media is a recipe for depression and anxiety. Take note of how much media your family takes in either on the TV, computer, or smartphones and make a serious effort to limit your exposure. Use this newfound time to get outside, play games, or read books together.

Take care of yourself.

Numerous stressors are coming at us, but we can end 2020 with a renewed sense of mindfulness. We are all experiencing overwhelming emotions, and as parents, we must understand it is our job to show our children how to cope with these feelings. They learn best by our actions, not our words.

Some self-care strategies you could implement today are:

  • write in a gratitude journal
  • drink more water
  • eat healthier foods
  • take a warm bath after the kids are asleep
  • pray or meditate before jumping out of bed in the morning
  • go for a walk with the family
  • listen to music instead of watching the news
  • connect with friends outside a coffee shop or Zoom

If you find your daily responsibilities are becoming too difficult to bear, reach out, and get help. You are not alone. Your life matters. Your contribution to your family, friends, and community is irreplaceable.

When your head hits the pillow tonight, remind yourself that you’ve done an excellent job. Be patient with yourself and remember that big things are achieved not all at once, but one day at a time.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health for the body.” -Proverbs 16:24

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Blog – November 2020

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The November 2020 Blog

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01.

Volume 3, Edition 1

A Word from the
First Lady of Louisiana

Happy Anniversary to our
Loving Louisiana Blog!

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Happy Anniversary to our Loving Louisiana Blog!

This month we are three years old. We are so excited that we have shared amazing stories, highlighted our initiatives and businesses around our state, and given respect to those whom have served our country. Giving positive and encouraging recognition to Louisianans for their work in our communities and state has been such a joy. I have received many encouraging emails, messages from friends, and even emails of criticism and dismay. I am appreciative of them all.

My hope…is that this blog will continue to be a place to read about the importance of the arts in our schools and the need to be aware and learn the preventive measures of human sex trafficking in our state. I hope the blog will be a place to believe and understand the value of investing in our Louisiana Foster children, our children.

My hope… is that you will continue to learn about our Louisiana businesses here in our state and frequent those businesses when possible.

My hope… it that you will continue to read about our outstanding educators, military, and people making our communities even better by what they give back.

My hope… is that you will continue to discover new recipes by our amazing Louisiana chefs and pass those along to your families.

Lastly, my hope… is that you and I can continue “Loving Louisiana” by cherishing our people and encouraging each other on this journey together. You can count on me and my team to continue advocating for our children and highlighting others who are doing the same.

On a different note, I have been troubled by several tragedies that have recently occurred with some young college students. Tears come to my eyes as I type this out. It has been a tough time for all and especially young people. Since I have a college freshman, these situations hit close to home.

I read in the news about college students that had way too much to drink, and one ended up in a coma. I immediately dropped to my knees and prayed for God to help these students and their families. Why, because that is what we do, we pray for one another. Why, because as a mother, my heart aches for this family and their child. The next report I read was about a young girl that had committed suicide that same evening. I began to pray for the family and the tragedy that had just happened in their life. I received pictures of these two people—young, beautiful, and a full life ahead. I also received a message that same week that my sorority sister, who lives in another state, had lost her son to an accidental overdose. He was a wonderful young man that made a decision that cost him his life. These events were all in one week.  Now this week there has been another suicide at LSU. My heart has been so heavy for these families and these parents. I continue to pray for them all. I understand that the young man in a coma is now awake. I pray one day that he will use this crisis to help others.

This past weekend I forced myself to watch the funeral of my sorority sister’s son that was online. I have to be honest; I started and stopped it three times because I began to cry. As I watched and listened, I was looking for answers to “why”? Why are we losing our young people? We raise them in good families, love them when they are little ones, attend every activity, and cover them with all they need and want. WHY does this happen? I don’t have the answers, but I do know that we have to share, learn, and engage more about the effects of behavioral health.

Behavioral health is the study of the emotions, behaviors, and biology relating to a person’s mental well-being, ability to function in everyday life, and their concept of self. It encompasses mental health and addictive health issues. These are not always the cause, but they need to be understood and talked about out loud with the people we love. We are not perfect as parents, and I do not believe there is a perfect answer to why any of these crises I mentioned occurred.

 

However, we have to share and try to understand. And when we try and do not understand, we must seek help and support. Having a strong faith has always been what I lean on in times of confusion and uncertainty. Our faith gives us hope. And we must support one another through these times of hardship, even if it is praying from afar.

There was a time in my life that a close friend of mine shared that she had depression. There were days she could not get out of bed or get dressed. She had to force herself to get up and get her children ready for school and to be a Mom. I was so sad for her, but honestly, I did not understand. Then, it happened to me. I had my own experience with depression. I felt sad, confused, and even had panic attacks. Yes, I had to go to the doctor, find support, and lean on my faith. Thank goodness this worked itself out of my life, but I remember the feelings and emotions like it was yesterday.

A 2015 Mental Health America report ranked Louisiana 47th for overall mental health care, but thanks to Medicaid expansion and an increase in mental health care providers across the state Louisiana now ranks 30th. While this is great news, we can’t stop here. The need is still great and we must continue working toward meeting the needs of all those impacted by mental illness by electing leaders who value access to healthcare, advocate for legislation that increases mental health care access and funding, prioritize early intervention, improve licensed mental health professional reimbursement rates, and eliminate the stigma that’s associated with mental illness and seeking treatment. 

Some quick statistics in Louisiana pre-2020:

  • Every 12 hours someone in Louisiana commits suicide.
  • 20% of Louisianans have a mental illness, only 60% seek treatment.
  • Those who receive consistent outpatient treatment cut hospital stays by 40%.

https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/louisiana

Mental health America reports here: 
https://www.mhanational.org/state-mental-health-america-past-reports

 Louisiana Department of Health – Mental Health resources can be found here:
https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/97 

 As we journey together, let us lean on God and one another. We need to lift each other up. Do not avoid difficult conversations with one another, especially your children. I used these tragedies to speak to my son, to plead with him to make good decisions. EVERY decision we make, whether good or bad, affects not just ourselves but impacts others as well. Be open to your children and speak with them about the real dangers of drinking, and above all, remind them that no matter what they do in life, you will always be there to love them. We may be disappointed, mad, and upset with their choices, but we will ALWAYS love them. Remind them there is nothing they could do that is bad enough for them to take their own lives.

If you’re like me you will continue to wake up and go to sleep praying for our children. As parents, let us all continue to support each other. And let us all continue to pray for each other and for all families and their children.

May the loving arms of God hold you and give you a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Love,

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John 15:12
This is my commandment, that you love one another,
just as I have loved you.
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02. FEATURE

A Tribute to an Early Teach MAM Partner: Cheryl Castille

The Louisiana First Foundation was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Cheryl Castille, Executive Director of the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Cheryl was a shining light and constant advocate for the arts in Louisiana. From the very beginnings of the Teach MAM program, Cheryl was an esteemed and valued part of the implementation, design and enhancement in the early days. Constantly adding fresh and new ideas, Cheryl helped steer the direction of the partnership between the LDOA and Teach MAM. It was a blessing to know her and work with her.

“The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, along with the entire Louisiana arts community, was fortunate to work with Cheryl. She inspired so many people through her creativity, drive, and love of the arts,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “As Executive Director of the Arts, Cheryl brought such enthusiasm to every aspect of her work. She understood how the arts affected, and enriched, so much of our lives. She was an ardent supporter of arts education and valued her opportunities to work with the Louisiana First Foundation and Teach MAM to further arts education in Louisiana’s schools.  Cheryl will be remembered as a gifted leader and mentor in her promotion of arts and arts education around the state.”

READ MORE
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LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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

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Teach MAM
(Music, Arts, Movement)

Read More
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LOUISIANA
FOSTERS

Read More
Blog – November 2020

 

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Read More
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03. GOVERNOR'S MANSION

2020 Ornament

The 2020 Ornament represents the Governor’s Mansion Mural. The original mural was painted in 2000 by Auseklis Ozols, which took him six months to paint. He painted the four corners of the state and often hides things in his murals. Auseklis painted something for each Governor in service since 1963, which marks the year of the construction of the Mansion. There are also many other historical facts, flowers of the state, produce of the state, different areas of the state highlighted in each corner of the mural.

The Foyer has become the focal point of the Governor’s Mansion. School children enjoy it, tourists from other parts of the country and international visitors. It is unique in that it is a one of a kind piece of history. Auseklis has returned during each new administration to add items to the Mansion that are significant to the particular First Family holding office at the time.

At the end of the Foyer, in the Rotunda area, hangs a beautiful Baccarat chandelier that was donated by the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation during Governor John Bel Edwards’ Administration. Its beauty adorns the Rotunda area and completes the historical significance of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

READ MORE
VISIT GOVERNOR'S MANSION STORE
DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM
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WOMEN’S HEALTH

Mental Health
During a Pandemic

by Katie Corkern
Executive Director of Louisiana
Rural Mental Health Alliance

READ MORE
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PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA

Making A Difference

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Kevin McKee
The  Chapel

COMMUNITY

READ

Kate Youngblood

SCHOOLS

READ

Jill Eaves

MILITARY

READ

Michelle Ezell

BUSINESS

READ
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04. FEATURED RECIPE

Turkey and Sausage Gumbo

One of my favorite holiday traditions is taking the time to make homemade Gumbo with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. It gives me time in the kitchen and fills the house with amazing smells! I hope you enjoy this traditional recipe, or one from your own family. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

READ RECIPE
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SOMETHING TO DISCERN

05. PAST QUOTES

Gallery

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THE FIRST DOGS

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06. THE FIRST DOGS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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07. 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.

After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, she went on to receive a Masters in Non-Profit Management from Louisiana State University. 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.

Featured Recipe: Six Seafood Salad

 

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s
6 Seafood Salad

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll's 6 Seafood Salad

Shrimp Boil:

2 pounds of cleaned shrimp
1/8 cup crab boil seasoning
¼ cup salt
4 lemons, squeezed
2 Bay leaves
1/8 cup Creole spices
½ gallon water

Combine crab boil, salt, lemons, bay leaves, Creole spices and water in a large pot. Bring to a rapid boil and drop in shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes. Strain and let shrimp cool on sheet pan in cooler.

Green Goddess Dressing:

1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 bunches green onion, chopped
2 avocados, pitted and peeled
½ teaspoon diced fresh jalapeño
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayo
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ tablespoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon Tarragon, chopped
½ cup blended oil

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. If the dressing is bitter because of under ripe avocados add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors.

Toss boiled shrimp with Green Goddess dressing and place on washed bibb lettuce. Top with crispy onion straws and fresh lump crabmeat.

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Chef Alison Vega-Knoll

Born and raised in New Orleans, Chef Alison Vega-Knoll was naturally drawn to cooking from a young age, when her French grandmother taught her to appreciate the art of blending traditional French cooking with the rich, Creole flavors of the Crescent City. As her palate matured Alison gained an appreciation for Mediterranean flavors, marrying them with Louisiana’s indigenous foods, including soft shell crabs, crawfish, shrimp, Gulf fish and regional sausages.

Alison’s first job in a restaurant kitchen was at The Little Greek Restaurant in Metairie. That small experience drove her to learn more. Under the tutelage of chefs Daniel Bonnot and Susan Spicer, she gained knowledge about fresh herbs and local ingredients and was inspired to open her own restaurant.

 

Alison partnered in Zissis on Metairie Road, the same location where in 1996 she opened and operated the award-winning Vega Tapas Café. Here, Alison helped make small plates a big part of New Orleans’ dining scene.

Alison’s culinary skills have won her great acclaim in New Orleans and on the Caribbean island of Antigua, where she founded The Larder with husband Drew Knoll. When they were drawn back to New Orleans, Alison knew opening another restaurant was in her future. She and Drew opened Station 6 in 2016 with much praise and approval from locals and visitors alike. New Orleans Magazine named it Seafood Restaurant of the Year in its 2017 Best of Dining issue. In addition to running a successful restaurant in Bucktown, Alison is owner of Louisiana Caviar Co. with Alden Lagasse and Amy Hollister Wilson. Together they supply Cajun Caviar products to restaurants and connoisseurs around the country.

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Alice Foster – The Evolution of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation

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Alice

Foster

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The Evolution of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation

When I was contacted to post an article on Donna’s blog, I was happy to have that opportunity.  I’m equally excited about the subject because it’s a story I’ve always loved telling.  It’s been quite a while since I have thought about how the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation came about, but in doing so, it certainly has brought back great memories.  

When Mike and I walked into the Governor’s Mansion, it was with a heavy heart that I beheld this beautiful, stately building so lacking in the grandeur of what my perception of a Governor’s Mansion should reflect and represent. I asked Mike, “Can you afford to redo this place?”  The Governor laughed and said, “No, I can’t, and neither can the state of Louisiana.  I agree the work is necessary and I agree it needs a lot of work, but we don’t have the money in the state budget.  You’ll have to find it yourself.”

Hence the creation of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation.  I began soliciting ideas and concepts of what it would take to complete this incredible transformation.  I proceeded to form an Executive Board of people who would set policy and watch over the financial aspect of the Foundation. The newly formed Foundation assured the Mansion was decorated appropriately for a state home and kept up in the future.  I also created a Board of Trustees from throughout Louisiana to handle our fundraising efforts.  An Administrative Assistant was hired to conduct the day to day business of the Foundation.  Next, I was fortunate enough to secure designers from all areas of the state.  This incredibly talented group volunteered their services to help us return the Mansion to its original splendor.  

I am, and forever will be, appreciative of the response, concern, and support I received from the citizens of Louisiana all those years ago when called upon to assist in the renovation of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.  What began as a very challenging and overwhelming project in my eyes turned into one of which I am most proud to have started.  There are no words to thank the hundreds of people who generously donated their time, talent, and funding to accomplish the magnificent transformation we witnessed at the Mansion during Mike’s term in office.

Those years were a culmination of hard work, determination, frustration, excitement, disappointment, and productivity.  It taught me that with the guidance of a few and the strength of many, the seemingly impossible could become a reality.

Once again, eight years later, I felt that “heavy heart” feeling when it was time to leave the Mansion and the people who had become an extended family.  I departed, however, with a fantastic sense of satisfaction about the work we had accomplished.  My hopes were high that the new people in the Mansion would continue to preserve that beautiful building for what it is, The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion, home of the people.

About four years ago, a new First Lady, Donna Edwards, contacted me to meet with her and a group of ladies to discuss the future of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation.  I am honored that Donna wanted to hear of our journey with the Foundation.  She has done an excellent job, also with the help of many, to create the new Foundation.  It is my hope it will continue to flourish for many administrations to come.

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VISIT THE STORE

Please click the link to order and we thank you for your support of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation.
PRESERVATION FOUNDATION STORE
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The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

 

LACAC
The Louisiana Alliance
of Children’s Advocacy Centers

 
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The Louisiana Alliance
of Children’s Advocacy Centers

 

For over 38 years Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) have been caring for victims of child abuse in Louisiana. By providing a safe and child-friendly environment, CACs have helped to empower and restore the lives of thousands of kids. In 2018, CACs served over 6,000 kids across the state. Of those, 228 were either victims or at high risk of child trafficking.

Children who are trafficked first enter a CAC with law enforcement or child protection services. In a CAC, kids share their experience with specially trained and trauma informed interviewers. The CAC records the interview for court evidence, reducing the number of times a child has to talk about the details of their abuse.

Then, the CAC collaborates with all agencies involved in the investigation to ensure that children get the care they need. Throughout this process, victims meet with CAC advocates who provide support and services to the entire family. Human trafficking is a complicated type of abuse, and child victims of trafficking need specialized services. There are even centers in Louisiana that have dedicated staff to support child abuse victims who have been trafficked.

Identification of child trafficking victims is increasing, making it clear that there is more work to be done. The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC) has partnered with the Office of the Governor for a new federally funded project, the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative (LCYTC). Through the LCYTC, nine CACs or partner agencies across the state will hire Regional Child and Youth Trafficking Coordinators. These coordinators will help meet the unique and holistic needs of victims, conduct trainings in their communities, and bring together partner agencies to ensure no child falls through the cracks. CACs are poised and ready to expand their services to child trafficking victims and continue the mission of serving the children of Louisiana.

For more information about LACAC and Louisiana CACs, click here.

 

 

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NOCCA Celebrates a Louisiana Masterclass With First Lady Donna Edwards

Teach MAM

 

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

NOCCA Celebrates a Louisiana Masterclass With First Lady Donna Edwards

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Burning Cane Film Celebrated With Alumni & Students

NOCCA and Benjamin Franklin graduate, Phillip Youmans returned home to NOCCA to present his film Burning Cane, which recently won best honors at the Tribeca Film Festival. The young filmmaker hosted a special Louisiana Masterclass and screening. First Lady of Louisiana, Donna Edwards, introduced and supported the event as her continued endeavors in support of the arts throughout the State of Louisiana.

Phillip wrote, directed, edited, and produced Burning Cane during his senior year of high school at NOCCA.  With the help of several notable NOCCA alumni including, Wendell Pierce and Karen Kaia Livers. After the screening, current NOCCA Media Arts and Theatre Design students were able to talk directly with actors, producers, and the creative team.

“Phillip is an outstanding artist and an inspiration to all of us,” stated NOCCA President | CEO Kyle Wedberg. “Especially those young people in Louisiana who are trying to get their voice and vision out into the world.  I could not be more proud of and grateful for NOCCA alumni like Wendell Pierce and Karen Kaia Livers whose work and support led to the realization of Burning Cane and its ever expanding audience.”

NOCCA is currently looking for the next generation of young artists ready for the challenge of NOCCA pre-professional arts training. Interested high schools students should visit www.NOCCA.com to learn how to apply and begin their application.

About NOCCA

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts is Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students. NOCCA offers students from across the state tuition-free arts instruction in Creative Writing, Culinary Arts, Dance, Media Arts (Filmmaking and Audio Production), Classical Instrumental Music, Jazz, Classical Vocal, Drama, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design, and Visual Arts.

For more information, please visit www.nocca.com.  

 

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Louisiana Fosters – Unite Ministries

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Louisiana Fosters

UNITE
A Foster Care Ministry

 

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UNITE
A Foster Care Ministry

Within a year of becoming foster parents, my wife Melanie and I knew one thing for sure: God was making it abundantly clear that foster care was a more significant issue than what was happening between the walls of our home. The more invested we became, and the more we learned about the challenges facing Louisiana’s foster network, the clearer our purpose became. Armed with this purpose and backed by support from some fantastic people, we launched Unite Ministries in June 2018.

Since that launch, we have committed to a 360-degree approach as to what ails foster care in Louisiana. For us, that starts with the obvious. The Foster Friendly campaign functions with a simple yet ambitious goal: make Louisiana the most foster friendly state in America. This grassroots campaign allows Unite a chance to partner with local businesses to provide discounts and promotions to foster families. More than just discount pricing, this gives Unite and our partners the ability to say thank you to families willing to love children from hard places.

From this same perspective of appreciation, we are honored to offer “Fosterships” to foster families. Through partnerships with local dance, gymnastics, and martial art studios, we provide scholarships to children in care so that they can enjoy many activities enjoyed by their peers. Further advocating for normalcy, Unite partners with local attractions to offer transferrable season passes for families to enjoy. We hope these offers and their expansion across the state can become a recruiting tool for DCFS to attract more quality families willing to do the hard work fostering requires.

The work God is allowing us to be a part of doesn’t end there as we are currently developing upstream, innovative approaches to teens at risk and programs designed to break the cycle of children returning to care. We tirelessly approach new partners to bring about awareness to the world of foster care being lived out within our communities. As our name implies and our mission statement makes clear, we are also hopeful of motivating and uniting the local church to the issues that should belong to it, from the start. We are thankful for committed leadership from First Lady Donna Edwards and excellent, productive relationships with DCFS that together will bring about change. We are humbled to be a small part of that.

Tony Streetman
Founder, President
Unite Ministries

 

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People of Louisiana – Schools (November 2019)

 

JENNY
CAREY

Louisiana

Principal of the Year

Jenny Carey Louisiana Principal of the Year

I was humbled in July to take on the responsibilities of Louisiana Principal of Year. What an honor. Now more than ever I’ve been wrestling with what it will take for our city to close the opportunity gap for so many of our students in New Orleans. I know there is not one easy, straightforward answer. There is no silver bullet. 

Strong tier one curricula are a solid start. Early childhood education is vital. High impact social services are critically necessary. But if we could boil it down to one thing, it would be ensuring the unbelievably talented folks standing in front of our kids each day – our teachers – are eager to return to the classroom year after year, perfecting their craft while leading our students to success. 

Accordingly, the number one job of a principal is to guarantee that students are taught by highly skilled, thoughtful, master teachers. We must work relentlessly to both hire strong teachers, AND ensure our team is constantly developed through coaching, studying, and ongoing professional development. We must obsess about the strength of our teams and constantly reflect on how they can be better supported. 

In New Orleans, according to research from New Schools for New Orleans, an estimated 900 teachers, roughly 29 percent of the teachers in our district, leave New Orleans annually for reasons ranging from low pay to lack of support systems. Across the state of Louisiana, though the annual percentage is lower (13% in 2016-17), the reality is that 43% of the teachers who departed had taught for five years or less. In the last two decades of working as an educator I have seen countless teachers leave the profession before their true potential was achieved, and I am passionate about reducing teacher departure rates so that classrooms statewide have exceptional teachers leading their students. 

There is much research regarding strategies for teacher retention. Along with ensuring that teachers are compensated fairly and equitably for their hard work, a few things are critically important:

Ensure teachers know they are valued and irreplaceable. Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world, but it can also at times feel like a grind. Great teachers need to know they are appreciated for working hard, for constantly going the extra mile, and for never giving up on their kids. They need to be reminded of their importance within a school building, their impact on families, and their significance within a community. And this needs to be shown not only with words, but also through actions, like safeguarding their planning period and being celebrated publicly for their success. 

Support teachers through coaching and development. Teaching is a demanding job that requires both intellectual preparation and countless hours of execution. It is a job that can never be perfected, as we can always be better for our kids.  Teachers deserve to grow in their role and must be connected to resources and practices that can help them constantly improve. 

Help master teachers find pathways that allow them to stay in the classroom and grow professionally. This might look like taking on additional leadership roles, piloting new curriculum, or mentoring new teachers.  Our most highly skilled teachers should be encouraged to think about how they want to continue to expand or deepen their impact and then assisted in making this happen.   

As we move into the core of our school year, let’s all support one another to ensure we can stay in this work long enough to have the true impact on kids that has brought us all to the classroom in the first place.

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