Blog

November 10, 2023

Louisiana Fosters – Annual Event

Annual Celebration Highlights 619 Adoptions, Gov. and First Lady Edwards’ Service

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services kicked off National Adoption Month Wednesday, November1,with the 25th annual Adoption Celebration, honoring the 465 families who adopted 619 children and youth from foster care during the past year. The event was once again highlighted by First Lady Donna Edwards speaking and hosting at the Governor’s Mansion. Families who attended enjoyed face painting, balloon animals, family pictures in a photo booth and creating ornaments that will be hung on a Christmas tree in the Mansion this year.

Among the state’s 619 adoptions from foster care this year, four were young adults from the Extended Foster Care program, which serves young adults ages 18 to 21. Another 43 adoptions were of youth ages 13 to 17. There were 307 siblings who were adopted together by 176 families. Of the 465 adoptive families, 133 are single parents, who adopted 175 of the 619 children. This year’s number of adopted children brought the total over the last eight years to 5,998.Nine of this year’s adoptions were completed with the help of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters, specialized adoption workers assigned to take on some of the most challenging and complex cases, through a partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Louisiana has nine Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters, including one who works within the Extended Foster Care program. At the end of the celebration, DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks presented a plaque to First Lady Donna Edwards in acknowledgment of her service to the children and families of Louisiana over the last eight years. Adoption Spotlight (Greater New Orleans Region)

Each month we feature children and teens who are available for adoption in Louisiana. For the month of November, we’d like to introduce you to Samej and Domonick from the Greater New Orleans Region.

Samej-13 Samej is a fun, energetic teen who desires a loving, supportive family. He loves going to school and participating in extracurricular activities. Samej will do well in a loving one or two parent home, with or without children. He enjoys going to the store and shopping and participating in family functions. Samej will definitely steal your heart with his infectious smile and loving personality.

Domonick–13 Domonick enjoys watching football and basketball on television and is an avid New Orleans Saints and Pelicans fan. He loves when someone reads to him daily, and he finds it very soothing when someone rubs his forehead. Domonick is in need of a family that he can develop a special bond. He enjoys being outside with the warm sun beaming on his face. Domonick is looking for a forever family that will provide him with unconditional love and care. If you are considering adopting 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 our website. You can also call your regional office or emailDCFS.HomeDevelopment@la.govwith your name and parish of residence for more information.

5a.LFF.Blog.Nov23.LAFosters.AnnualEvent 5b.LFF.Blog.Nov23.LAFosters.AnnualEvent

Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

November 10, 2023

People of Louisiana – Cory Joy Craig & Tia M. Trahan

Cory Joy Craig

Music Teacher and Band Director at Benton Intermediate School in Bossier Parish Schools 2024
Louisiana Middle School Teacher of the Year
Grammy Nominee for Music Educator of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024
Louisiana Tech University School of Music Alumnus of the Year for 2022
Louisiana Music Education Association’s Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year Award in 2019
Middle School Band Director of the Year in LMEA District VIII in 2017 and 2023

Personal Website :www.coryjoycraig.com
Facebook-Cory Joy Craig
Instagram-@coryjoy

Going Beyond the Classroom: The Transformative Role of Love and Kindness in Education, Foster Care and Music

Imagine being a 911 operator in Southern California in 1991, answering yet another call, but this time you pick up the phone to babbling and crying babies. The temptation is to end the call; it could have been an accident or little kids playing with a landline. This particular operator traced the call to a condo and decided to send officers to make sure nothing nefarious had happened. The choice to act affected the lives of three babies who were found neglected, malnourished, abused and alone, eventually altering the lives of the seven children who would come from that home. I was the one-year-old who played with the phone and accidentally made the call; however, it was the responses time and time again from people choosing discernment, kindness, compassion and love that not only saved my siblings and me from that abuse but helped us press on through the damage and become statistic breakers, teaching us to extend the same love shown to us.

November 30 was our “rescue” anniversary, and I cannot help but look back in gratitude to the key people who helped me survive and thrive: elementary teachers, my foster parents, and an inspirational band director. We are absolutely the culmination of the extended kindness and compassion shown to us. Just think about it. Did you have a support system of people in your life who helped in small and mighty ways? Pushed you through school? Fed you? Put a roof over your head? Encouraged you to go to college? Helped you buy your first uniform, car or home? Gave you a ride to church or your job? Helped babysit so you could get to that job? None of us would be where we are without those family members, friends, church members, teachers, social workers and oftentimes complete strangers going out of their way sacrificially.

By extending our support, we can pave the way for others to be successful and have bright futures. In Louisiana, I see many people recognize the transformative power of loving and helping others, especially our students, beyond the classroom. I want to share who these people are in my life to encourage you to see yourself in one of them or one day as one of them, impacting the sphere around you.

The Mighty Impact of Elementary Teachers

Elementary teachers play a pivotal role in the lives of our students, often serving as compassionate individuals who go above and beyond to protect their well-being in their first decade of life. After the initial removal from our biological home, our parents cleaned up the house, took some parenting classes and Child Protective Services (CPS) placed us back with occasional “check-in” visits throughout the years to ensure our safety. CPS always called my parents before their visits, so we rushed to clean the house and put on a good show. No one was allowed to say anything that would make my parents look bad. We may have been able to fool CPS, but my elementary teachers, especially my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Hope, truly saw us in our poverty. Mrs. Hope would give me extra hugs every morning when I walked into her classroom and one more before I walked home. She brought extra snacks and supplies, took my clothes home to wash, stepped up to meet with my parents, exercised patience when I was frustrated easily and created a safe and loving space for us to take refuge in. There were several teachers who met our needs however they could until the time I was 10 years old and a teacher made a call to report the bruises they saw on my brother’s head. After that, CPS came unannounced, and we were rescued and given a second chance at life. The elementary teachers brave enough to love us through our roughness and report the abuse the moment they had proof made the most profound impact on my life.

The Impact of Foster Parents and Social Workers

The love and care provided by the team of foster parents and social workers can create a profound impact on a child’s life as well. For my six siblings and me, the positive transition to foster care brought newfound stability and emotional support that we had never received before. The nurturing environment provided by my dedicated foster parents allowed us to heal, grow and ultimately thrive. They were our cheerleaders, consistently pushing us to not let our past be an excuse for failure. We were met with love and patience when we were rowdy and tough to handle. We had food consistently, clean clothes and learned to brush our teeth, take showers and treat our things with care. We learned the importance of kindness not just towards each other but to others around us. he support provided by CPS and the social workers gave my foster parents the resources for tutoring and experienced therapists, including group talk meetings and helping us get involved in extracurricular activities such as the Royal Family Kids Camp and Operation Christmas Child boxes. We went from failing students to “C” average, which was quite the struggle! By offering love, stability, support, understanding, positive experiences and a nurturing home, these foster parents and a team of incredible individuals played a crucial role in influencing our path.

The Impact of Music and the Music Teacher

Beyond the academic realm, music education plays a significant role in shaping people’s character and instilling crucial life skills that cannot be learned anywhere else. While in my second foster home in 7th grade, I was randomly placed in an intermediate band class not knowing a lick of music. Then, my incredible band director, Mr. Robbins, began to teach. He taught us how to read music and, then, how to make music happen through our instruments. He taught us how to teach each other, listen and work as a team. More importantly, he taught us how to work hard, that our sound was important, that our voice was meaningful, and that, no matter what we were going through personally, we needed to focus on what mattered at that moment and push toward our goals in the future. We were united by a common goal, and, for the first time in my life, I began to taste success. His words and passion for music worked as a tidal wave of change washing over my life that gave me hope. That experience gave me a sense of direction to become that for others as a music teacher one day, so I learned how to be academically diligent in and out of band class, pushing me toward becoming a straight “A” student. The influence of a phenomenal band director cannot be understated. Through exceptional music education, I gained the discipline, perseverance, and grit necessary to triumph over tough times. Mr. Robbins’ dedication, passion and belief in his students instilled a drive for excellence, propelling me forward toward my goals instead of consistently living in the past as a victim.

In reflecting upon my journey this far, I am constantly reminded of the profound impact that sacrificial love and kindness can have on shaping the lives of our young learners. It is through the collective efforts of teachers, foster parents and exceptional music education that we create an environment conducive to success for all students, especially those coming from troubling situations. When we extend our support beyond the classroom, we empower our students to reach their full potential and become resilient individuals equipped for life’s challenges. I encourage you to continue to invest your time, energy, love and homes for the young minds of Louisiana, knowing that we are a culmination of the sacrificial love and kindness shown to us. Together, we can create hope and a future for students in our classrooms, foster children in our homes, and music students in our programs.

Tia M. Trahan, M.Ed

2024 Louisiana State Principal of the Year

Lafayette Middle School

Principal, Lafayette Parish School System

National Board Certified Teacher

School Website:https://www.lpssonline.com/schools/lafayette

School Facebook:Lafayette Middle

Twitter:@Tia_Trahan

Leading with Love is the Golden Key
__________

Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote screams the climate and culture of our great state of Louisiana! As Louisianans, we have a charming reputation for being welcoming and hospitable-showering our visitors with delicious food, great music, exciting adventures and friendly smiles. This incredible sentiment is something that is replicated in schools and classrooms across our great state.

Growing up in a low socio-economic, rural community in Lacombe, Louisiana, my small town had no caution lights, fast-food restaurants, high school, and no one verbally communicating they loved you—at least not in my household. In contrast, what my town did have was an elementary and junior high school, a fire station, a post office, and most memorably, it had a diverse population of people who genuinely loved each other—visible in actions—not words. That is how it was in my household.

I will never forget the day in July 1990, sitting under the giant oak tree in the front yard of my small, childhood wood-frame home when my dad’s boss pulled up in our gravel driveway. As he stepped out of his vehicle, tears rolled down my eyes. You see, my dad had passed away a few days before, and his boss was there to pick up his work truck. Before walking into the house to see my mom, he stopped to talk tome. He told me although he had never personally met me, he felt he had known me for years. He then handed me a double photo frame with two pictures of me he had taken off of my dad’s desk. He shared how proud my dad was of me and how his face lit up whenever he talked about my accomplishments. Without actually saying it, I felt it was being communicated that my dad loved me. From that point on, I always, in both words and actions, communicate my love for others. I not only take this approach in my personal life, but it is the approach I take in leading my school. I lead with LOVE—I choose to Listen, Observe, Value and Empower. The impact of leading with LOVE is golden! These four actions are two fold: they foster a cohesive culture and serve as connectors inbuilding strong trusting relationships among educational leaders, teachers, and students.

Listen

In all aspects of our lives, we feel the most valued when someone attentively listens as we verbally express our thoughts, feelings and opinions. As educational leaders and teachers, we should listen to our predecessors for us to strengthen our relationships and grow our craft. We should build on the foundation of structures already in place. We should listen to other experienced educators—they are a great resource. Collectively, the insight gained is infinite! Educational leaders, meet with your teachers and let them do most of the talking; this affords you the opportunity to get to know them on a deeper level-both personally and professionally. Educational leaders and teachers, listen to your students; it is amazing what you will learn! Most importantly, listen to your mind and heart, and let them guide you.

Observe

Oftentimes, unspoken language speaks louder than words. It is imperative that, as educational leaders and teachers, we familiarize ourselves with the body language of our students and each other. This language speaks volumes! Educational leaders, observe your teachers in their classrooms as they prepare for instruction and how they interact with colleagues in professional learning communities. Make a conscious effort to observe student demeanors as you greet them in the morning and throughout the day. Get to know their norms. Observe how students are greeted by teachers as they enter the classroom and participate in class discussions. Teachers observe how students interact with each other. Observe how they respond when you call on them to read or answer questions. This can communicate if they are an extrovert or introvert. It can also communicate if students are struggling with content or are an accelerated learner.

Value

Value the climate and culture of the school, as this speaks volumes about who you are as a school family. This feeling is the invisible light that illuminates the halls for students, faculty, staff and visitors. It is a light that can be seen and felt from the moment someone enters your school. Value the knowledge and wisdom of veteran teachers who have been at the school. Value the innovative ideas of novice teachers. Conduct a needs survey of all stakeholders and value the feedback, both favorable and unfavorable. Be receptive and make it a priority to attend to the needs shared.

Empower

Empowering others builds confidence, strengthens capacity and elevates individual potential. As educational leaders, we have a responsibility to empower both our teachers and students to take ownership of their strengths and growth areas. We must believe in others even if they do not believe in themselves! We must create opportunities for them to take the lead, thus prompting a better sense of belonging and purpose. When we encourage this practice, you will learn, grow and evolve as a school family. You will come across roadblocks, but give yourself grace. Embrace each moment by listening, observing, valuing and empowering. Leading with LOVE and putting the needs of children first will build relationships and provide you with the Golden Key to a successful school year and many more to come.

November 10, 2023

Women’s Health – What Women Need to Know About Diabetes

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG November 2023

What Women Need to Know About Diabetes

Anita Jenine Dabon, APRN, FNP-C

Ms. Jenine Dabon is a native of Louisiana and a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Hampton University in Hampton, VA. Ms. Dabon received a master of science degree in nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2014. Ms. Dabon has served as Faculty in the Undergraduate Nursing Program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and went on to work as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Primary Care with a focus on Health and Wellness. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Ms. Dabon also holds professional memberships with the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. Ms. Dabon served for two years as the speaker chair for the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioner’s annual conference. She has also been a guest speaker for the New Orleans Chapter of Links, Inc. for their yearly Obesity Day summit. Ms. Dabon also served as faculty for the Health Meets Food Conference. Currently, Ms. Dabon is the Director of Day-to-Day operations for Tulane University’s Living Well Primary Care and Wellness Clinic as well as the Tulane Living Well Occupational Health Clinic. She played an integral role in the development and execution of a premier program known as the Metabolic Care Program at Tulane University. Ms. Dabon has been with Tulane University since 2017 and has been essential in the growth and development of the clinics. In fact, in 2020, during theCOVID-19pandemic, she was given the opportunity to extend the Tulane Living Well Clinic presence into the Uptown area of New Orleans. The second location of Tulane Living Well Clinic opened at the Uptown Square location in August 2020.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts the body’s ability to use food as energy. It is a condition that causes a high level of blood sugar (glucose) in the body. This can occur when the body is unable to produce insulin or is not able to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that has the job of helping the glucose that is in food get into the body’s cells and be used for energy. Glucose in high levels in the body over time leads to chronic inflammation which presents as diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk for heart disease in women by an estimated four times, and women have poorer outcomes following a heart attack than their male counterparts. Women are also at higher risk for diabetes-related complications including kidney disease, eye complications, and depression.

There are three main types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes impacts the body’s immune system by attacking the actual cells that produce the insulin hormone. The immune system is also known as the body’s defense system. For this reason, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily.
Type 2 diabetes: This is considered the most common type of diabetes and can occur at any age. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s ability to produce insulin is impaired. The body either is unable to produce insulin or the body cannot use insulin properly. The impairment causes a rise in blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs when the body is not capable of producing adequate amounts of insulin during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this form of diabetes can cause health complications for the mother if not properly managed. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), between 2-10% of all pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes on an annual basis. However, this form of diabetes tends to resolve after the baby is born but does present as a risk later in life for the development of type 2 diabetes.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) lists the following as risk factors for the development of diabetes:

Overweight or obese
Are age 35 or older
Family history of diabetes
African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino or Pacific Islander
Anyone who is not physically active or lives a lifestyle that does not involve much activity and has unhealthy eating habits
Prediabetes
Family history of gestational diabetes

Prevention is key when it comes to diabetes. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is the basis for managing and reducing the risk of diabetes. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential for women’s health. Here are a few healthy eating resources to check out! https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/ https://goldringcenter.tulane.edu/

October 18, 2023

People of Louisiana – Military (October 2023)

SHARON
DEWITT

United States Army

Sharon DeWitt,
United States Army

This month we salute U.S. Army Veteran Sharon DeWitt who has answered the call to serve our nation with great valor and dedication. Sharon now calls Louisiana home but was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She joined the United States Army after graduation from high school becoming the first in her family to join the military. She attended basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama where she was in one of the last Women’s Army Corps (WACS battalions), a fact she is very proud of. She was trained as a UH 1 Huey Helicopter Mechanic/Crew Chief and served at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Rucker, Alabama, and Camp Page, Chun Chon, South Korea, the closest post to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating north and South Korea. Sharon says the best part of her time in South Korea was flying Huey “gun runs” in the air space over South Korea. She met and married her husband Greg at Fort Hood, separated from the Army and followed him in his career to various assignments including New Mexico, Georgia, Germany and Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB) in Bossier, Louisiana.

Sharon has always had a heart for service and volunteering. She has been a Red Cross volunteer for 30 years, receiving several awards including the Red Cross Merit Award. She has been a Catholic youth director and Sunday school teacher for 25 years and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, Barksdale AFB Chapel. She is employed at the 2nd Medical Group, Barksdale AFB, and has received numerous awards including the Civilian of the Year in 2021, and she was recognized as a Veterans Celebration recipient in 2022- one of only 11 veterans so honored in the Shreveport area. Her military awards include the Aircraft Crewman Badge, Marksman (rifle and grenade), National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

We are grateful for Sharon’s service and all that she continues to do for her community.

Sharon, you make Louisiana and our nation proud!

Sandra Franks
SMSGT US Air Force, retired
Women Veterans of the ArkLATex
Louisiana Veterans Affairs Commission

October 18, 2023

Anti-Human Trafficking: Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking

SWLA
HUMAN TRAFFICKING INSTITUTE

SWLA Human Trafficking Institute

Written by David Duplechian

LCYTC Regional Care Coordinator

Southwest Louisiana has a history of working together on behalf of children and families. The recent partnership between the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, the Louisiana Association of Children’s Advocacy Centers, and the Children’s Advocacy Center, and a Division of Family and Youth, draws on that history of working with our local partners to direct attention to the juvenile victims of human trafficking in our area. Two recent events highlight these efforts. On September 19, some 60 people gathered for our first SWLA Human Trafficking Institute. In conjunction with local, state, and federal partners, those in attendance heard from law enforcement, juvenile justice, prosecutors, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and Dr. Dana Hunter, executive director of the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, learning more about the identification, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking cases and enhancing our ability to work together on these cases.

On September 20, almost 200 people gathered for breakfast to celebrate the kickoff of the Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking in SWLA. This initiative started as a Human Trafficking Task Force, and under the leadership of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office– along with the participation of other local, state, and federal law enforcement, prosecutors, juvenile justice, local nonprofit service providers, casino’s, other businesses, and concerned citizens– has evolved into a community-wide effort to raise awareness and support local agencies in the fight against Human Trafficking in SWLA.

To date, the Alliance has established a Human Trafficking Tip Line that is answered 24/7 in the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center, is providing signage for local businesses to display in restrooms and other areas where trafficking victims can see them and access help. The Alliance has also given 35 presentations to 1,062 people to raise awareness of human trafficking in SWLA.

October 18, 2023

Women’s Health – Finding Purpose in Pain

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG October 2023

Finding Purpose in Pain

Written by Mollie Tinnin

FEMA Disability Integration Specialist (Louisiana) and
Greensburg, Louisiana, Police Department Reserve Officer

Like many kids, I started planning my life from a young age, playing house with Barbies, teaching a classroom of stuffed animals, and training my pets to be police dogs. What I didn’t plan for was chasing after my dreams and hitting multiple obstacles along the way.

When I was 30, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and it altered my life’s path. I felt I was back to square one– learning about my diagnosis and treatments, relearning and modifying my daily life, managing the financial burden, and navigating relationships as I settled into my new normal.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was a rural mining company safety coordinator in Missouri and struggling to adjust after gastrointestinal surgery— living with a medical port and finding the energy to return to a demanding job. Thankfully, I was living close to my parents, and they helped with all aspects of my illness, care, and costs. At that time, I had no concept of healthcare barriers experienced by so many patients.

Soon, I changed careers, joined the American Red Cross, and worked in biomedical safety. I wasn’t interested in disaster response then, but when the pandemic hit, there was a shortage of volunteers. As a certified Emergency Medical Technician, I decided to use those skills to serve in Disaster Health Services after Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

On day one, I was approached about the need for a volunteer to work with medically complex shelter residents to manage care, referrals, and returning home. I happily volunteered thinking that I would be a perfect fit since I am considered medically complex. When I met my first client, I understood the physical and mental aspects of living with a chronic illness, but not health benefits, self-advocacy, cost of medical care, and lack of access. It was an eye-opening experience.

During my deployment, I soaked up knowledge. I wanted to serve Louisiana residents, and I wanted to be proactive in managing my own condition. I learned so much from the community partners, but it was the resilience and perseverance of clients that impacted me the most. I couldn’t comprehend the losses they faced while also facing the sometimes overwhelming challenges that come with living with a disability. I knew that I wanted to fight my own health challenges with the faith and tenacity these clients had exhibited.

Today, I am a proud Louisianan and a FEMA Disability Integration Specialist, collaborating with the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs and the Emergency Management Disability and Aging Coalition (EMDAC). We support people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters. I am also a Greensburg Police Department Reserve Officer working to connect people with resources to overcome barriers and thrive in their community.

My life experience and my daily work have fueled my passion for speaking up. I want to be part of the solution for program modifications and changes across the state to ensure resources are readily identified and accessible for those with access and functional needs.

For more information about EMDAC, including how you can support its mission to advocate for and support emergency management efforts that serve all people in Louisiana, particularly people with disabilities and those who are aging, go to EMDAC Information & Resources.

October 18, 2023

Louisiana Fosters – Foster Youth Voice Month

Foster Youth Voice Month Celebrates
Youth Participation In Their Care

October is Foster Youth Voice Month, which highlights the number of older children in foster care and the need for them to be part of the decisions about their lives. It also is an opportunity for child welfare advocates to join in elevating youth voices to change their futures and those of generations to come.

In Louisiana, we are very familiar with youth in foster care raising their voices and changing outcomes. The State Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) helps to convene a state youth advisory board, known as the Louisiana Elite Advocacy Force (LEAF). They meet regularly to share concerns and work together to improve policies and processes for youth in foster care.

The LEAF Board members have joined with DCFS, legislators and other partners to advocate for two key pieces of legislation affecting foster youth.

Extended Foster Care, which Gov. Edwards signed into law in 2019, allows young adults 18 to 21 to continue to receive services as they transition to adulthood. This support helps increase the rates of youth completing high-school and going to college or a vocational program, as well as decreasing homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse and unemployment.
The Foster Youth Bill of Rights establishes the legal rights of youth in foster care, ages 14 to 18, to participate in their cases, get what they need to attend school and extracurricular activities and participate in the Independent Living Skills Program, among other things. The LEAF Board created the Bill of Rights and testified before the Legislature in support of it. Gov. Edwards signed the bill into law in 2021.

The youth who spoke up in 2019 and 2021 created new paths and opportunities for the 777 youth ages 14 to 17 currently in foster care, as well as the 186 young adults currently in Extended Foster Care. The LEAF Board continues to both ensure that foster youth know that their voices matter and also provide an avenue for them to speak out on their behalf.

This Foster Youth Voice Month, we applaud these youth who have used their voices and encourage those who haven’t to raise their voices for themselves and all youth in care.

October Adoption Spotlight

Adoption Spotlight (Alexandria Region)

Each month, we feature children and teens who are available for adoption in Louisiana.
For October, we’d like to introduce you to Omari and Emerial from the Alexandria Region.

Omari – 15

Omari is a very sweet, gentle, and handsome young man who loves to play and have fun. He enjoys playing video games, basketball and other outside games. He is very smart and loves exploring and learning new things. Omari attends school daily and maintains good grades. He is looking for a loving family with a structured environment where he can thrive and grow.

Emerial – 12

Emerial is a healthy and happy little girl with a lot of love to give. She enjoys listening to music, playing patty cake, swinging, and playing in water. Emerial has a healthy appetite and enjoys various food choices. She loves interacting with others and dislikes being alone. She also enjoys being on her stomach and touching/grabbing things. Emerial will benefit from a loving family who will help her reach her fullest potential.

Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

October 18, 2023

People of Louisiana – Schools (October 2023)

DOLLY PARTON’S
IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Expanding Across Louisiana

DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Expanding Across Louisiana

Calling all soon-to-be readers! Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is expanding across Louisiana!

The Imagination Library’s mission is to inspire a love of reading in children from birth to age five by providing high-quality, age-appropriate books each month. The program is free of charge to all families, made possible through funding shared by Dolly, the State of Louisiana, and local community partners.

For more than 20 years, the Imagination Library program has operated in local communities through partnerships with the United Way, Volunteers of America, DEMCO, school boards, foundations, and banks. Currently, the statewide program has 32 operating Local Program Partners covering portions of 30 parishes, and over 19,000 eligible children in the state are currently receiving free, high-quality books through these existing programs.

Studies have shown that children who participate in the program are more likely to be on reading level in kindergarten and maintain on-level reading through third grade and into high school and are more likely to have an increase in 1:1 quality bonding time with their caregiver. The program has even inspired caregivers to improve their literacy skills. The root of the Imagination Library is joy– the joy of reading, the joy of positive bonding with caregivers, and the joy of having something that is uniquely yours.

As one Louisiana parent explains:

“When my daughter gets her book in the mail she gets the biggest smile on her face. When her book is brought inside our home, she is already sitting on my lap, ready for me to read it! One thing that I love the most is how each book she receives is tailored to her specific age, and the book and website give you tips and advice according to their age, so it takes the guesswork out of it, especially since it’s been almost a decade since I’ve had a toddler. These resources and guides help you to encourage reading in your child’s life. Reading comprehension is vital, and when it’s learned at an early age, children are able to pick up other things quicker because they’ve already learned the basics. I was struggling with my youngest- she wasn’t into books as much as tablets- but since the first time she got a book in her name, she was instantly captivated. The Dollywood Foundation is just really great at picking books that spark interest. Thanks to this program, I have been able to keep the tradition of reading and loving books alive in my family and for that, I will always and forever be thankful.”

The Imagination Library of Louisiana statewide expansion’s focus is to reach more children and families and increase registration in existing and newly created Imagination Library Programs in every parish across the state. The Imagination Library of Louisiana is sponsored by Louisiana Public Broadcasting, which has provided families access to educational resources for over 45 years. We are excited and grateful to have them lead the charge in expanding this program to all families in our great state!

To learn more and enroll your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com. If a program is not yet available in your area, continue to check back as new programs are added often. We look forward to bringing this program to all young children in our state soon!

To be able to enroll more children, we need additional Local Program Partners! Local Program Partners must be a 501c3. Examples include businesses, school districts, service clubs, libraries, local foundations, etc. To learn more about becoming a community partner contact Kahla Williams at kwilliams@imaginationlibary.com.

October 18, 2023

People of Louisiana – Community (October 2023)

COMMUNITY

JY’ASIA SAMS

Breaking the Chain:
Empowering Women’s Health

Breaking the Chain:
Empowering Women’s Health

Written by Jy’Asia Sams
Founder and President of Parenthood Empowerment Organization

Society today is constantly demanding more and more from women – be it in their careers, relationships, or personal lives – it’s crucial to address an issue that often remains hidden in plain sight: mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health has silenced many voices, but it’s time to break free from these chains and empower women to prioritize their mental well-being.

Acknowledging the stigma: The first step towards empowerment is acknowledging the existence of the stigma. Women, in particular, face unique challenges in seeking help for their mental health. Societal expectations often pressure them to be the caregivers, the strong ones, and the ones who hold it all together.

Break the Silence: Breaking the chains of women’s mental health begins with breaking the silence. Simply sharing your personal experiences and feelings can be a powerful step in encouraging others to break their silence. Acknowledging that mental health is important and should be discussed openly, and freely, creates a safe species for women free of judgment.

Professional Help: Uplifting women’s mental health, also means understanding that it is okay to seek professional help. This is not a symbolization of weakness, for it’s a brave step in making a change. Therapists can provide invaluable help and resources for managing mental health issues efficiently.

Community Support: Women’s empowerment requires an all-round community effort. Full empowerment requires community advocates to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Fostering a community of strong women who support other women is imperative to truly make a change. When women share their stories, and give advice, it produces an environment of belonging that boosts self-esteem and resilience.

About Jy’Asia Sams

Executive Assistant Governor’s Office on Women’s Policy

Jy’Asia is a rising Senior at Louisiana State University, Majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is Founder and President of Parenthood Empowerment Organization, and serves as an LSU Ambassador and a member of LSU Black Women Empowerment Initiative.

October 18, 2023

Blog – October 2023

BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS

Facing Life’s Challenges with Resilience and Kindness

October 2023

Challenges. We all have them. Personal challenges, family challenges, health challenges. I don’t usually share my own personal challenges or struggles, but I wanted to share an experience I recently went through. Back in May, I visited the doctor due to a persistent sore throat, likely triggered by allergies. The doctor prescribed some medication and emphasized the need to check my enlarged thyroid. His serious tone and specific words left me with no choice but to act promptly.

So, the next day, I scheduled an appointment to get my thyroid checked. Fast forward through several biopsies, and the left thyroid was recently removed without any problems. However, my recovery took an unexpected turn when I fell ill with strep throat and a common cold just two days after the surgery, making the journey to recovery even more challenging.

During this process, as I confided in my inner circle, I discovered that many of them had faced issues with their thyroid or knew someone who had. Their stories provided me with a sense of reassurance and peace. This sharing of experiences became a healing gift for my inner anxiety, which I had been trying to hide.

But the challenges didn’t stop there. Our family had other and different personal struggles that were happening at the same time. That’s usually what happens. Multiple issues and struggles happen simultaneously. Fortunately, everything and everyone is on the mend now. It’s sometimes important to share our struggles with one another. There is healing in this sharing. And it’s important to recognize that none of us are exempt from the trials of life. We all carry our own crosses, and the weight of these crosses may vary from day to day, influenced by our mental health and life circumstances.

The support we receive from family and friends plays a crucial role in our mental and physical strength during the recovery process. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to those who may be experiencing sickness, trauma, mental health issues, or hospitalization. We had a wonderful family friend who took time out of her schedule to go and pick up personal items that were needed. This was such a gift to me at a very worrisome time. Our time spent visiting those ill, bringing a meal, or simply checking in on their healing process can be a tremendous gift and, in some cases, even lifesaving.

Each of us has our own cross to bear, and these crosses can be heavier on some days and lighter on others. How we deal with them depends on our mental health at the time. It’s important to remember that each of us carries an invisible backpack filled with a lifetime of trials, trauma, challenges, accomplishments, and joys. These emotions vary in weight, depending on our individual life journeys.

So, let’s greet one another with kindness, gentleness, and love. Let’s share our burdens, lift one another up in prayer, and provide each other with the space to hurt, share, and cry. When someone hurts you, give them the space and time to heal. Love them from afar and pray for their healing.

In our world today, there is an abundance of hurt, destruction, hate, and unrest, especially in places like Israel. In October of 2018, my husband and I had the privilege of visiting Israel. It was an incredible trip, where we had the chance to explore the historic streets of Jerusalem, the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the banks of the Jordan River, the peaceful Garden of Gethsemane, and the venerable Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We also interacted with local universities, businesses, and companies with ties to our home state, Louisiana. One evening, we were graciously invited into the home of a West Point Military friend from Israel, which was filled with amazing food, friendship, and laughter.

Recently, we received an update from our Israeli friend. His message painted a vivid picture of the current situation in his homeland, filled with pain and suffering. This message brought immense sadness and heightened the harsh reality of the challenges his country faces. I felt compelled to share his words, with his permission of course, because they emphasize the power of shared experiences and empathy. While we may not always be able to provide tangible support like meals or visits, we can always offer our prayers.

In these times of uncertainty, let us not underestimate the strength and comfort that prayer can bring. Together, let us unite in sharing the burdens of those who are suffering. Through sharing, we become real to one another, forging a deeper sense of connection and empathy.

Below, you’ll find screenshots from his message with names obscured. By sharing this message from a friend, I hope to foster a sense of connection. We are interconnected at multiple levels. Just as our Israeli friend mentioned that in his country, people and families are often just two degrees of separation, the same holds true in our close-knit Louisiana community and in our own country. Let us remember to extend our love and prayers to our Israeli brothers and sisters during their time of need.

In closing, I am especially grateful today for those who serve in the military. These soldiers not only serve to protect our freedoms here at home but those in other countries as well. We are so grateful to these men and women and to their families that sacrifice so much. May God bless the USA and spread His Peace over our world!

Facing Life’s Challenges
with Resilience and Kindness

October 2023

LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

Get Out and Play

Teach Mam

Youth Voice Month

Louisiana Fosters

Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking

GOVERNOR’S MANSION

Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation
Searches for Underwriters to Champion New Book –
Memories in the Mansion.

The Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation, alongside First Lady Donna H. Edwards, invites you to become an underwriter to champion the publication of “Memories in the Mansion.” This unique book commemorates the history and tales of Louisiana governors and their families who have called the mansion home from its inception in 1963 to the present day.

As an underwriter, your name will grace the inside cover, and you will receive 50 copies of this exclusive 60th-anniversary edition book to give as a wonderful gift for the holidays.

With a $5000 donation to the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation, you will play a pivotal role in bringing this beautiful book of stories, to life.

Seize this exceptional opportunity to leave your imprint on history and support the future of this iconic mansion. Act now to secure your role as an underwriter for “Memories in the Mansion”!

Visit the Governor's Mansion Store

Women’s Health

Finding Purpose in Pain

by Molly Tinn

FEMA Disability Integration Specialist (Louisiana) and
Greensburg, Louisiana, Police Department Reserve Officer

Today, I am a proud Louisianian and a FEMA Disability Integration Specialist, collaborating with the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs and the Emergency Management Disability and Aging Coalition (EMDAC). We support people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters. I am also a Greensburg Police Department Reserve Officer working to connect people with resources to overcome barriers and thrive in their community.