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August2022

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Feature: Congratulations to the Governor’s Fellows Class of 2022!

 

Congratulations to the
Governor’s Fellows Class of 2022!

 

 

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Congratulations to the
Governor’s Fellows Class of 2022!

On August 4th, eleven student leaders from across the state of Louisiana joined Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna H. Edwards for the commencement of the 2022 Governor’s Fellows program. While this ceremony marked the end of their time with their respective cabinet-level agency, it marked the beginning of the profound impact they will have in their own communities moving forward.

Over the course of the summer, these students got the chance to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history and current affairs of Louisiana government, and earn three hours of academic credit through LSU’s Department of Public Administration. Each Fellow was assigned to a cabinet-level agency in Baton Rouge and had the opportunity to gain valuable experience by collaborating with agency leaders on existing projects, observing firsthand the Governor’s leadership strategies, and learning how state policies are developed. 

Bailey Willis, a rising senior and current student body president at Northwestern University, was assigned to the Office of the First Lady and the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. Through her fellowship, she attended various conferences and gained an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of state government which culminated in the development and presentation of a policy proposal to Governor Edwards, his cabinet, and staff.

Bailey’s policy proposal focused on tangible actions universities can perform to create a more supportive campus for students’ mental health needs. Bailey hopes this proposal will be adopted state-wide; however, as student body president, she is committed to implementing these policies on her campus this year.

Congratulations to Bailey and her fellow Fellows – Louisiana’s future is bright!

 

 

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Featured Recipe: No-Bake Oatmeal Bars

 

 

No-Bake
Oatmeal Bars

 

NO-BAKE OATMEAL BARS

divider-spoon
With the start of the school year quickly approaching, here is an easy on-the-geaux snack perfect for a quick breakfast or a mid-day energy booster. Of course, these measurements are just a suggestion and it’s recommended that you adjust to meet your family’s preferences.
 

Ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats

2 cups smooth peanut butter (or you can substitute for your favorite nut butter)

¼ cup maple syrup

 

Directions:

Start by microwaving your peanut butter and maple syrup together, until combined. Next, add in your oats and mix until a thick batter remains. Transfer into a lined 8 x 8-inch pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, to firm up.

 Recipe by Arman Liew. Original text can be found HERE.

 

 

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Teach MAM – No Summers Off

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

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

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TEACH MAM

No Summers Off
My summer as an artist, educator, and foster mom
 

By Teach MAM Art Ambassador
Carolyn Scalfano

May 24 was the last day at Pineville Elementary School. As a teacher, summer vacation officially began. Although I am a teacher, I have an issue with sitting still. Thus, my quest to do “all the things” began.

As a professional working artist, I design and hand paint large-scale interior and exterior murals. My company Mural Magic was commissioned to complete a mural at LSUA, here in Rapides Parish, where I currently reside. But first, my family took a road trip to Tallulah, LA, to pick up my foster son, JJ. He now lives with family in Northern Louisiana, but we “borrow” him (at his request/demand) any chance we get. Another child, Kye, whom I refer to as my little girl, was accompanying us. Kye was a student at Pineville Elementary. Around Christmas time, she opened up to me about dangerous issues at home, so her parents and I decided for her to stay with Ryan and me through the end of the school year. Kye and JJ are both artists in their own right. They work in our home studio on designs I then use in my murals. I use imagery in my murals inspired by all of my students. I have grown to realize that, in this way, as an artist, my art is informed by my students and my career as an educator. 

Upon completing the LSUA mural, Mural Magic moved on to painting the front of Pineville Elementary School, which is on Main Street in downtown Pineville. At our “neighborhood school,” the students are present year-round. They were given the opportunity to attend Camp X summer school in June, which incorporated academics, STEAM lab, visual art class, music and drums, gardening, and field trips to the food bank and beyond. After summer school ended, the kids were still at school, helping teachers out and with Coach Kevin Johnson, our drumline instructor (and resident farmer). Coach gets the kids that show up to help him tend the garden and practice drumming. He also grills daily and communicates with parents to take turns dropping off drinks, etc., for the day’s group.

When I show up to paint the school, my crew assembles. We had students transplanting plants for better ladder access, holding the iPad for me, helping me tape, and more. Each student has their individual strength, and I found that the key to involvement was simply to ask if they wanted to help out. If they say yes, I put them to work. Also, give clear instructions – just like teaching – and an incentive never hurts! We finished the Pineville Mural in 4 days while our principal was on vacation. She was so happy and excited when she saw it!

Next, I moved on to teaching at the Alexandria Museum of Art. I have been lucky enough to work with the fantastic staff at AMOA for years now. This summer, I taught a camp titled “Process, Produce, Repeat.” It was a STEAM camp with five different projects for ages 5-13. My little girl, Kye, was one of my assistants and the other was my coworker’s daughter, Gracie, a budding artist in her own right. The Alexandria Museum of Art always offers scholarships to students that cannot afford the camp tuition. Many neighborhood kids took advantage of this and attended the camp. It was a total blast (it always is over there!).

Currently, my crew and I are working on T-shirt designs for the school year, hats, etc., to promote our co-op. Our next mural is potentially on the side of a recycling plant here in Central Louisiana. We love the chance to encourage recycling efforts in our area. We are also working with Louisiana Fostering Community on the logo and apparel design for their youth program, You+Co. We are honored to collaborate with such courageous members of our community in efforts to spread positive messages through the language of art and design.

I was able to slip away one weekend to attend the Louisiana Art Educators Association summer retreat in New Orleans, where I connected with artists and educators from around the state. If you are ever feeling lonely as an artist and need someone to talk to who understands, or if you want to get involved in their arts advocacy efforts, please visit NAEA and become a member! My principal was gracious enough to fund my trip through Title II. All it took was me to ask!

Here are the five projects we did at the AMOA STEAM Camp and links to instructions. The campers (and assistants, haha) gave them all 5-star reviews. 
Chromatography Collage
Moon Phases Mobile
String Art
Rainbow Geometry Painting
Collaborative Circle Painting to Build Community

Here are some links that I use when looking for inspiration in the classroom:
Acadiana Center for the Arts
The Kennedy Center’s Resources for Educators
National Art Educators Association
Louisiana Art Educators Association
Alexandria Museum of Art

Here’s hoping you, too, had a productive summer and will have a positive beginning to our school year. Good vibes going out to all of you!

 

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The Governor’s Mansion: Meet Camille

Governor’s Mansion:

Meet Camille

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Meet Camille

Meet “Camille”, a 48” (3⁄4 life-size) bronze statue, who once sat in front of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. She is now the centerpiece of the Vegetable Garden. Camille is an original Jo Hess large figure bronze sculpture that Linda Cooper donated. This statue was placed on the Mansion grounds during the Foster Administration and is a beautiful piece for all to see when visiting the Mansion. 

You can read more about the sculptor, Jo Hess, here:  https://sculpturesbyjohess.com

 

People of Louisiana – Schools (August 2022)

 

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JOHN LARY

Teacher, 11th and 12th Grade
 Caddo Parish
 C.E. Byrd High School
 AP European History, AP Research & AP Psychology 
 
 

JOHN LARY

Teacher, 11th and 12th Grade
 Caddo Parish
 C.E. Byrd High School
 AP European History, AP Research & AP Psychology 

“Teaching for the American Dream”

 

As a new school year begins each fall, I reflect on my purpose as an educator. I teach history at C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. I love my job and am passionate about what I do, but it is sometimes difficult to find the right words to clearly explain why I have chosen this profession and why I believe others should consider it too.

This summer, I had an opportunity to examine the role of educators in a way I hadn’t before. Along with nine incredible, nationally recognized educators, I was invited to serve in the inaugural class of Educator Fellows for the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. MCAAD’s visitor center is slated to open in 2023 and is located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., directly across from the Treasury and diagonal from the White House. There in the very heart of our nation’s capital, the Center focuses on four pillars that support the American Dream:

  • The importance of financial literacy and access to capital.
  • The value of the entrepreneurial spirit.
  • The role of good health and wellbeing.
  • The significant role that education and educators play in making the American Dream a reality.

Through my participation with the Center, it has become clear to me what we as educators really do: We help students access and realize their American Dream.

The American Dream is enormously complex and challenging to define. It means something different to everyone, but education opens the doors of possibility so that each individual has the power and the means to achieve their dreams.

Education and great educators are the catalysts that open those doors of possibility for our students. From the early American republic with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 encouraging the spread of public education, schools have been the place where the American Dream can come alive for so many. Through centuries of reform, schools have transformed, and the Dream has become accessible to even more people. Today, it continues to be the task of educators to ensure that the American Dream stays alive. It is our job to provide all our students with the knowledge and skills they will need to create and seize the opportunities in their unique futures.

Every great educator has a story of a moment when they did some great or small act, in a single moment or over time, that helped a student see their dreams as real opportunities. In addition to all the academic knowledge that students gain from great teachers, we are front and center for many of life’s essential lessons. 

  • The elementary educator who helps a student persevere as they learn to read. 
  • The middle school teacher who guides a child to become aware of their strengths and abilities. 
  • The high school teacher who provides advice and mentoring for life beyond graduation. 
  • The music teacher who helps a student find joy in dancing and playing.
  • The coach who challenges their players to do what they did not think possible. 
  • The career and technical teacher who helps students get certified job training and internships. 
  • The caring educators who teach academic content that opens students’ eyes to the unique and complex world around us. 

All these moments add up to students being able to pursue a life of purpose and success.

As educators, we aim to improve our students’ lives, brighten their futures, and help them achieve their dreams. So, as another school year begins, I am excited and energized as I consider the significance of education and educators in preserving and expanding the American Dream.

Teacher, 11th and 12th Grade
 Caddo Parish
 C.E. Byrd High School
 AP European History, AP Research & AP Psychology
 2022 Educator Fellow at Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
2015 Milken Educator Award recipient

 

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People of Louisiana – Military (August 2022)

 

Fifth Annual
Suicide Prevention Summit

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

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Fifth Annual
Suicide Prevention Summit

 

Please make plans to join us for the Fifth Annual Suicide Prevention Summit on Friday, Sept. 9 at 9 a.m.
The Summit will be held at American Legion Post 38 located at 151 S. Wooddale Blvd. in Baton Rouge.

 

Guest speakers include:

Letosha Kelly, Program Monitor
Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health
Topic: Louisiana Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service members, Veterans and Their Families

Damion Johnlouis, Transition Assistance Advisor
Federal Contractor
Topic: Support for Transitioning Service Members and Their Families

Patty Rives, LCSW, Executive Director
Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center
Topic: Suicide Prevention Support Services, Resources and Training
Topic: Applied Suicide Prevention Intervention Skills

Daphne Grady, Volunteer and Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Topic: National Alliance on Mental Illness Services
Topic: Elizabeth Dole Foundation (Veteran Caregivers Support)

Jeremy Brewer, LCSW, Clinical Navigator
Tulane Center for Brain Health
Topic: Tulane Center for Brain Health

Dr. Gala True, Investigator
South Central Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
Topic: Veteran-Informed Safety Intervention and Outreach Network

Valerie Saba, MS, CHES, Program Coordinator
NAMI St. Tammany
Topic: Mental Health First Aid

There will be a vendor parade as well as opportunities to network during breaks and after the last speaker. Lunch is sponsored by the Tulane University Center for Brain Health.

RSVP today to Larry Williams at larry.williams@la.gov or 225.276.8626.

For more information visit vetaffairs.la.gov, email veteran@la.gov, call 225.219.5000 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

 

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People of Louisiana – Community (August 2022)

 

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University
Lakes
Project
Update

 



 COMMUNITY

University Lakes Project Update

This summer, phase one of the University Lakes Project began in Baton Rouge. Phase one construction includes test dredging of five of the six lakes to identify which dredging process will be best moving forward. Additionally, phase one will include improvements to pedestrian and cyclist paths and other recreational amenities.

This project has four primary goals:

  1. Deepen the lakes to provide a more sustainable aquatic system
  2. Provide increased flood protection for upstream and downstream communities
  3. Enhance environmental performance to improve natural habitats
  4. Improve and diversify recreational uses while improving safety for walkers, runners, and bicyclists

Learn more by visiting www.universitylakesproject.org.

Photo is a conceptual image depicting the recreational focus for phase one, courtesy of the University Lakes Project website.

 

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Anti-Human Trafficking: Increasing Awareness in the Hospitality Industry to combat Human Trafficking

 

Increasing Awareness
in the Hospitality Industry
to combat
Human Trafficking

 



 

 

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Increasing Awareness in the Hospitality
Industry to combat Human Trafficking

by Dr. Dana Hunter

The summer season is often a time when many families and individuals enjoy a rich tradition of traveling and vacationing at their favorite destinations. As a result, many take advantage of staying at a hotel or motel. While these living quarters often offer moments of peace and tranquility, the sad reality is that a victim of human trafficking could very well be residing in the room next door.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Polaris have both confirmed the intersectionality between the hospitality industry and human trafficking (both sex and labor trafficking) and the use of hotels and motels as sites for traffickers to operate their criminal enterprise. Over the last decade, since the launch of the National Human Trafficking Hotline (December 2007 through December 31, 2017), the Hotline has recorded 3,596 cases of human trafficking involving a hotel or motel. 

Data from the Hotline survey also revealed that 75 % of trafficking survivors reported coming into contact with hotels while in “the life” of trafficking. This data confirms the need for education and awareness for consumers and staff in the hospitality industry. 

Act 298 of the 2016 Regular Legislative Session requires the National Human Trafficking Hotline information to be posted in hotels in the State of Louisiana. While this mandate provides victims and staff with important information on reporting any suspicious activity, it doesn’t ensure that staff members are trained to identify victims and recognize the signs of human trafficking. This gap is an area that the Office of First Lady Donna Edwards, the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, and other key stakeholders are now working to address.

Last month, the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention conducted human trafficking awareness training for the Baton Rouge Lodging Association. The Baton Rouge Lodging Association hosts monthly luncheon programs, membership socials, and continuing education workshops to keep members updated on the most current industry issues and topics to improve performance. This training provided more than 30 critical participants in the hospitality industry with real-time data and information on how to identify victims and respond through a trauma-informed care approach. The training also included information on reporting suspected trafficking activity and resources and services for survivors. 

Additional strategies to increase awareness in the hospitality industry and other sectors will be prioritized over the next several months.  

To learn more about statewide anti-trafficking initiatives and resources available for victims of human trafficking in Louisiana, please visit https://humantrafficking.la.gov

 

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Louisiana Fosters – Consider Expanding Your Family by Adopting an Older Child or Teen

 

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Consider
Expanding Your Family
By Adopting An Older
Child or Teen

Consider Expanding Your Family
By Adopting an Older Child or Teen

by DCFS Adoption Team
 


When it comes to family, we all pretty much want the same thing — a sense of belonging. A family moves through life with you. They are the people who support you during difficult times and will celebrate with you when things are going great.

At any given time, more than 150 children in foster care across our state are eligible for adoption and want nothing more than to be a part of someone’s family. They want a permanent place to call home. They want to be adopted.

Louisiana has seen great successes with our adoption efforts over the past several years. Last year, we celebrated 470 families who adopted 612 children from foster care.

However, there is still a critical need for more families to welcome children into their homes. This is especially true for older children and teenagers. Last year, teens made up 11 percent of adoptions from foster care. 

Some older youth, like Xavier (15 years old) from the Alexandria Region and Christopher (13 years old) from the Covington Region, have been waiting years for a permanent home.

Xavier has been ready for his forever family since August of 2017; that’s more than 1,800 days. Like most teenagers, he loves video games, YouTube videos, playing basketball, and shopping for tennis shoes. In addition, he loves God and enjoys a good worship service.

Christopher has been ready for his forever family since December of 2014, more than 2,700 days. He loves playing outside, puzzles, attending church and Sunday school, and playing with kids his age. He is hoping to maintain family contact with his sister.

Foster children and teens like Xavier and Christopher need a forever commitment from a family. 

You may be thinking you don’t have the qualifications or finances for adoption but consider this:

  • Adopting from foster care is free;
  • Single, married, divorced, and widowed individuals 21 years old and older are eligible; and
  • You can adopt if you have enough income to meet your family’s basic needs.

Financial assistance may be available based on the child’s needs. Youth adopted after the age of 14 are eligible for continued services through Independent Living Providers until the age of 23. Those adopted at 16 are eligible for educational training vouchers for post-secondary education. 

If you are considering adoption or fostering a child, take that first step by attending a free, virtual orientation session. Check out the current orientation schedule. Before becoming a foster or adoptive parent, you will receive specialized virtual and in-person training, and DCFS completes a home study with a background check. For more information about becoming a foster/adoptive parent and the training available, visit dcfs.la.gov/foster.  

In our next blog post, we will feature more children like Xavier and Christopher, who have been waiting a long time to be adopted. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the Louisiana Heart Gallery.

Help us find homes for more of Louisiana’s children. Share this news, visit dcfs.la.gov/adoption, and reach out to us. If you’ve ever considered adoption, thank you. We need you!

Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

 

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Women’s Health – Put Yourself on the Schedule

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG August 2022

Put Yourself on the Schedule

 

Written by
D’Wan J. Carpenter, DO, MS
 

Almost a year ago, I faced a significant health issue. Just days after Hurricane Ida hit our area, I developed high fevers. Naturally, I assumed I had come down with coronavirus 19; however, evaluation at the hospital proved I had a severe skin infection. If left untreated, a skin infection that could result in serious hospitalization or, worse, even death.

I started having symptoms a couple of weeks earlier and had not taken the signs too seriously. After all, I was a very busy physician, wife, and mom of four. Who had time to go to the doctor with my busy schedule?

So, I continued my routine despite severe pain, doing everything as usual while taking over-the-counter pain relievers to get through the day’s tasks. I should mention during this same time my husband was recovering from his own coronavirus illness, and I was juggling all four kids being home from school.

There is a saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” and I will add that you can’t heal from an empty cup either.

As a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, my goals for my patients include restoring their overall function, decreasing pain, and increasing quality of life. However, what I find most with the majority of women patients I care for is, just like me, their primary focus is on everyone else’s health, wellness, and overall function before their own.

Women are often the drivers of health care for our families, but we must also ensure that we include ourselves in the care.

Make sure to:

  • Schedule yearly physical examinations
  • Stay current with recommended screenings for mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopy, as indicated by medical history
  • Continue taking medications unless discontinued by a physician
  • Contact your physician immediately if you believe you are reacting to your medication
  • When new symptoms begin, contact your physician’s office for guidance if you’re unsure if treatment is indicated
  • Don’t dismiss your signs and symptoms – many medical conditions can present differently in women

Remember, your health is just as important as the family members you often care for. So, don’t neglect yourself or your health. You are worth it!

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About D’Wan J. Carpenter, DO, MS

Dr. D’Wan J. Carpenter, D.O. is a dually board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician, speaker, and disability expert.  Dr. D’Wan earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine). In addition to her osteopathic medical degree, Dr. D’Wan also holds a Master of Science in Anatomy.

Dr. D’Wan is also a wife, mother of 4 including fraternal twin girls, founder of Twin Mom ChroniclesTM and the host of Twin Moms ThrivingTM podcast with Dr. Dee. She helps busy professional twin moms create the time they need and desire without guilt and overwhelm so they can be more productive and finally prioritize themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, the arts, reading, and fashion.

 

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