October

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

Teach MAM – Get Out and Play… The Benefits of Letting your Child Play Outside

Teach MAM

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

TEACH MAM

Get Out and Play . . .
The Benefits of Letting Your Child Play Outside

Keyre’ Reed Bradford

Teach MAM Movement Ambassador

It is without a doubt that regular exercise benefits everyone, including adults and children. It is one of the most beneficial things you can do to increase, sustain, and improve your health. One of the best ways you can encourage your child to exercise and put down their electronics is to send them outside to play.

The Benefits of Regular Physical Exercise and Activity:

According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the benefits of exercise for children include, but are not limited to:

* Improves blood flow throughout the body

* Keeps weight under control

* Improves blood cholesterol levels

* Prevents and manages high blood pressure

* Prevents bone loss
* Boosts energy level
* Releases tension
* Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
* Improves self-image
* Helps manage stress
* Counters anxiety and depression
* Increases enthusiasm and optimism
* Increases muscle strength

With so many reasons to encourage your child to participate in exercise opportunities, it is easier to suggest going outside to play because most kids do not realize this is an acceptable form of exercise. Outside playtime provides children with countless benefits for their physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s take a look at how outdoor play can positively affect your child.

Benefits of Outdoor Play…

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the benefits of outdoor play are:

It promotes physical health and development.
It creates opportunities for social interaction and collaboration.
It invites new context for learning.
It invites children to learn science.
It promotes better sleep.
It gives children the opportunity to take appropriate risks.
It supports STEM skills.
It anchors children to the real world.
It may lead to better learning outcomes once children return to other activities.

With obesity rates among children rising at an alarming rate, we must encourage children, adolescents and even adults to move and become physically active and exercise. The first reason for childhood obesity has been linked to the lack of physical activity and consistent movement. This is why allowing your child to simply go play outside to play is so important.
The best practices suggest that children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily while also incorporating some strength training three days a week. This can come in the form of running, swimming, dancing, playing hide and seek, tag games, community sports, skating, jumping rope, riding bikes and doing countless other activities outside around the house.

Take your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health to heart by encouraging playtime outside. Take advantage of the many benefits that are available from playing outside and set limits on TV time, cell phone usage, and video game time. Encourage the development of a well-rounded physically fit and emotionally strong child.

References:

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2019/outdoor-play-is-essential

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/health-library/exercise-and-children

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.