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december2020

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Holidays at the Governor’s Mansion

 

Holidays at the
Governor’s Mansion

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Holidays at the
Governor’s Mansion

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This year, we added some new outdoor decorations at the Governor’s Mansion for everyone to enjoy. Although this year will be different than most, there is still nothing like a Louisiana Christmas. We hope you find time to drive by and view the beautiful décor.

We wish you all a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

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Featured Recipe: Charred Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

 

CHARRED BROCCOLI
CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Recipe Courtesy
Chef Todd Pulsinelli

CHARRED BROCCOLI CAULIFLOWER SALAD

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Ingredients:

2 crowns broccoli
1/2 head cauliflower
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbl. garlic chili paste “sate”
6 green onions
1 bunch cilantro
1 cup rice vinegar
1/2 jalapeno
3 limes
1/2 cup crispy garlic (purchase at Asian grocer)
1/2 cup peanuts
1/2 cup crispy onion (purchase at Asian grocer)
pinch chili flake
pinch salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

 

 

Directions:

METHOD FOR BROCCOLI / CAULIFLOWER:
1. Preheat grill on high 
2. Cut broccoli crowns and cauliflower heads
3. Season with oil, salt, pepper, and chili flake
4. Place on the grill and char on all sides
5. Cut florets in small pieces of both broccoli and cauliflower, set aside until plating

METHOD FOR CHILI / MAYONNAISE DRESSING
1. Combine mayo and chili paste and season with a pinch of salt

 METHOD FOR JALAPENO VINEGAR
1. Put jalapeno, vinegar, 1/2 of the cilantro, and the zest and juice of limes into the blender.  Blend on high until combined.

METHOD FOR PLATING
1. Toss cauliflower and broccoli florets in the Chili / Mayo Dressing and put on plate
2. Small dousing of jalapeno vinegar
3. Garnish with cilantro, crispy peanuts, crispy garlic, crispy onions, and

ENJOY!

YIELD: 4 Salads

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Todd Pulsinelli,
Executive Chef

Todd Pulsinelli is the executive chef of The Chloe, a new hotel, restaurant and bar in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, opening summer 2020. Born in Bitburg, Germany, Todd grew up in Columbus, OH and has been in hospitality for over 25 years, working in several acclaimed restaurants throughout New Orleans including August, Domenica and American Sector at the National World War II Museum. In 2012, he returned to August as executive chef for six years, where he experienced career highs like cooking for Michelle Obama and various heads of state and appearing on national television, like Iron Chef America. In 2019, Todd joined the LeBLANC+SMITH team, where he oversees The Chloe’s restaurant and bar menu, incorporating local ingredients and flavors into a modern dining experience that reflects the vibrant, Uptown neighborhood. Todd lives in Mid-City New Orleans with his wife, Elizabeth and two young sons, Hanks and Teddy.

 

 

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People of Louisiana – Business (December 2020)

 

ISABEL YARBAROUGH

Owner,

FLORA + WILD

ISABEL YARBAROUGH Owner, Flora + Wild

Flora + Wild is owned and operated by Isabel Yarborough of Covington, Louisiana. As a full-time high school student, her passion for all things green has spilled over into her love of business and entrepreneurship. This grew into her business Flora + Wild. She hopes to continue operating throughout college and hopes to expand the business upon graduation.

Flora + Wild offers high quality, locally grown and affordable flowers, plants and trees delivered to your door!! Delivery is available to the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.

Click here to order: https://floraandwild.com/shop 

and follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floraandwild/

 and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floraandwild/ 

 

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People of Louisiana – Military (December 2020)

 

EUGENE LUSSAN

 

Louisiana Department
of Veterans Affairs

EUGENE LUSSAN Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

On Oct. 17, 2020, Eugene Lussan, a decorated World War II veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday. Staff from the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and members of both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana State Senate to honor him for his service and extend best wishes.

Born in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Lussan later moved with his family to Gentilly. After graduating from college, he joined the Louisiana National Guard in 1939, serving in the 106th Medical Regiment at Jackson Barracks before being called to active duty.

Lussan’s storybook service began at Camp Blanding in Florida, and after being sent to numerous training camps, he shipped out to North Africa and then to Morocco. As a medic, he was transferred to the 757th Tank Battalion and the 473rd Infantry Regiment and was very few to serve in both units.

Two years of Lussan’s service involved storming Southern Italy’s beaches and participating in Rome’s liberation, where his unit fought German soldiers, forcing them back to the Alps. He saw action from a Higgins boat, a tank, and on foot and fought for 58 days in the same clothes while living in trenches. Lussan described how his unit watched in awe as nearly 3,000 planes from the United States flew overhead, signaling the beginning of the end of Nazi control in Italy.

One day in the city of Genoa, Lussan recalled handling a phone that didn’t work well. After a while, he picked up the receiver and began to say hello. At once, a voice replied, asking who was on the line. As fate would have it, the man on the other line was a German commander of a 5,000-man unit asking to speak to an American commander to surrender. So, Lussan’s claim to fame is that he single-handedly helped capture thousands of Germans!

Lussan was later “loaned” to Gen. Charles de Gaulle’s French expeditionary force due to his outstanding medic skills, combat tenacity, selfless service, and love of country. For his participation in France’s liberation, he earned the most prestigious medal, the Croix de Guerre, which was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and is France’s highest military honor.

It is men like Lussan who have served in an exemplary manner and whose military service is a story of sacrifice and courage. We at LDVA honor him and all Louisianans who have served as well as those who are serving.

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

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People of Louisiana – Community (December 2020)

 

 

MISSY BIENVENU ANDRADE

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana

Missy Bienvenu Andrade Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana

For 50 years now, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana has served South Louisiana as the premier youth development organization for kids ages 6-18.  Their afterschool and summer programs have welcomed thousands of youth over the years, providing them with a safe place to learn, explore, have fun, and build meaningful relationships with friends and mentors.  As they set out to celebrate this milestone year, COVID-19 took them on a journey that they could never have anticipated. Still, fortunately, they were prepared to face the unexpected challenges head-on.

Nearly three years ago, Missy Bienvenu Andrade joined the BGC Acadiana team as President & CEO, charged with building its strategic direction and long-term sustainability.  Missy and her team have leaned heavily on Boys & Girls Clubs of America to take advantage of resources, best practices, and thought partners, resulting in growth opportunities in current and new communities.  The organization has gone through a tremendous amount of change, focused on running a more efficient business and creating a safer, more high-quality Club experience for the kids served each day.  These efforts proved to be critically essential building blocks earlier this year when COVID-19 brought Louisiana to a halt.

When Governor Edwards announced school closures as a result of Covid-19 on Friday, March 13, 2020, the BGC Acadiana Corporate Board of Directors decided to close our Clubs. For the first time in 50 years, the kids who needed Clubs the most could not access those facilities.  The team quickly mobilized technology and built a strategy focused on meal distributions, internet connectivity, and virtual programming.  While clubs remained closed for traditional programs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana partnered with the Three O’clock Project to stand up multiple meal sites in the Acadiana region, handing out more than 1 million meals to youth in need.  Additionally, they brought BGC programs to kids through virtual programming, ensuring they had access to mentors and club friends, academic support, art projects, STEM activities, and more.  

Ultimately, the Acadiana Clubs operated a safe 6-week summer program successfully and subsequently launched the fall 2020 afterschool program.  The credit belongs to the frontline staff who remained eager to adapt and serve, allowing the Clubs to get back to business and provide kids access to invaluable meals, homework help, and mentorship, all while following safe practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  The Boys & Girls Club’s mission to serve the kids who need us most has never been a more pressing issue in the state of Louisiana.

More than ever before, children in Louisiana need the support of what a Boys & Girls Club has to offer.  Across the state, Club leaders have been collaborating to share ideas, explore partnerships, and discuss best practices to ensure that kids have access to existing Clubs, as well as prepare to respond to communities requesting Boys & Girls Club services.  In January, the Cheniere Energy Club will open in Lake Charles, bringing much-needed youth services to a community that has lost so much this year.  An intentional public-private partnership between Cheniere Energy, the City of Lake Charles, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana makes this a reality in Southwest Louisiana.

In late 2019, Boys & Girls Clubs in Louisiana was created as a consortium of all the Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in the state, representing nearly 25 locations and almost 25,000 youth served annually. Through robust board leadership and investment, the Louisiana organization aims to grow the mission, vision, programs, and outcomes of Boys & Girls Clubs to answer the need for youth in the state.  Business and community leaders in Louisiana have signed on to bring this entity to life. They are committed to supporting existing operations and creating pathways to bring Clubs to communities in need. Boys & Girls Clubs in Louisiana is a gamechanger for youth in Louisiana and the first of its kind in the US.

-Missy Bienvenu Andrade
President & CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana

Email: mandrade@bgcacadiana.com

Looking for ways to support youth in Acadiana? Learn more here: www.bgcacadiana.com.

Looking for ways to support youth across Louisiana?  Learn more here: www.bgcla.org.

 

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Anti-Human Trafficking – December 2020

Texas to present at next LFF Human Trafficking Global Summit

 
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Texas to present at next LFF Human Trafficking Global Summit

On January 28, 2021, the Louisiana First Foundation in partnership with the State of Texas will join together First Spouses and leaders from across the country and globe for a Global Human Trafficking Summit.  This virtual gathering is the second in this series and will empower and raise awareness on another global pandemic known as human sex and labor trafficking. Speakers at the national level and experts from the state of Texas will share knowledge of legislation, policy, and programmatic efforts to address this issue.  The summit will end with a call to action and offer leaders and participants the opportunity to join a network comprised of leaders dedicated to eradicate human trafficking.  

Speakers for the January Summit Include:

  • First Lady Donna Edwards
  • First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Texas
  • Debbie Solcher, CSTT, and John Nehme, Allies Against Slavery 
  • Anna Blake, Director of Faith Based and Community Engagement, DFPS  
  • Helen Browning, Care Coordinator, ChildSafe  
  • Lindsey Speed, CEO, Traffick911 
  • Ally Matteson, CSEY Project Director, TCU 
  • Detective Joseph Scaramucci, McClennan County Texas Sherriff’s Office  
  • Sophia Strother, Facilitator, Survivor Leader Advisory Council, Texas Association of Sexual Assault 

 

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Women’s Health – December 2020

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG December 2020

 

Love, Life, and Healthy Choices
as We Navigate the Holidays

Written by Kimiyo Harris Williams, MD, FAAP

Lately, navigating unfamiliar territory is consuming me; once seemingly mundane deeds have become potentially life-changing decisions. As a medical mom, I find myself strategically planning grocery shopping—usually an unconscious box to check on my to-do list. As a healthcare provider, I am highly selective regarding the types of doctor appointments I schedule for my family and have steered more in the direction of tele-medicine visits since the outbreak of COVID-19. Complicating this journey is the turbulence of determining whether I should attend family gatherings amid a pandemic. Working from home and homeschooling, my two sons add an elevated stress level to piloting this ship.

 

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As I travel today’s deep tumultuous waters, I try to keep my focus slow, steady, and straightforward. This focus has kept me afloat while steering uncharted waters. Keeping my eye on the map, my hand on the wheel, and my heart connected with those I love has allowed me to cut through choppy seas in search of calmer waters. I hope that sharing my plan for safe passage will empower my Louisiana sisters to take on the waves and equip them to ride safely to a land of wellness and peace.

My plan centers around spending time in meditation with God and listening to His voice for direction without distraction. This direction is the map upon which I fix my eyes when planning my path. It leads me to be intentional regarding self-care. Acknowledging my needs and feelings are essential in securing emotional wellness. I recognize changes in my body, keep up with annual screenings while taking appropriate safety precautions, and schedule tele-medicine doctor’s appointments when applicable are all in my safe-passage plan for wellness. Investing in these ways into my spiritual, emotional, and physical health is grounding and rejuvenating. Investing in my Sisters’ health is an equally vital act.

With December being one of the most festive months in the United States, I want to remind my sisters to make healthy choices during this unconventional holiday season. During this time, more than ever, preparation is a crucial component to creating an environment for a safe and joyful holiday celebration. As they relate to a gathering during the holidays, the current CDC guidelines are where we should start. Becoming familiar with and making the recommended adjustments to our holiday celebration will decrease the spread of COVID-19.  Abiding by these guidelines can more effectively keep our loved ones and community safe and healthy. These CDC guidelines supplement state and local health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.

In addition to complying with these guidelines, I encourage my sisters to make healthy choices when planning holiday menus, preparing meals, and dishing those delicious meals onto our plates. With COVID-19 affecting those with underlying conditions more severely, especially in communities of color, we must stay vigilant regarding our health. Some ways to exercise this vigilance include taking medication as prescribed by our healthcare providers, making healthy nutrition choices, and increasing physical activity.

Here are a few “healthy choice” tips:
  • Indulge in healthful options: Fruits and vegetables; Whole grains; Beans and legumes; nuts and seeds; Fish, skinless poultry, and plant-based alternatives; Fat-free and low-fat dairy products; Healthier fats and non-tropical oils
  • Say “no, thanks” to harmful ingredients: Sodium and salty or highly processed foods; Saturated fat; Sweets and added sugars, including sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Pack in healthy flavors! Instead of salt or butter, use herbs and spices—such as rosemary and thyme, or smoked paprika and cumin—to flavor dishes.
  • Drink more water and less sugar. Many holiday beverages have so much added sugar—consider drinking half a glass instead of a full glass. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Eat reasonable portions. Remember, a serving size of meat is 3oz, or about the size of a deck of cards. Cut the calories in half by splitting dessert with someone in your household (follow all safety precautions, of course).
  • Keep it moving. Go for a walk or run. Move around and stretch during family board games or between holiday movies. Consume only as many calories as you use up through physical activity.
  • Keep your peace: Rest, Relax, Recharge. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Try meditation, reading, or yoga. Continue your fitness schedule. Commit to self-care.

You can find these and more recommendations on the American Heart Association’s website.

We need to continue to be proactive and intentional as we navigate these uncertain waters, even during the holiday season. Focusing on our spirits, minds, and bodies will not only equip us to tackle storms with courage and confidence—it fuels hope and fosters strength to keep steering the wheel while maintaining a sense of peace and gratitude for the year we have made it through. As we continue on this unknown path over rough waters, with its unexpected turns and obstacles, we may embrace the crisp, clear autumn air as it transitions into the cold breeze of winter—drifting over the waves as a representation of love and life leading to the New Year.

The sunshine reflecting off blue water; fall colors of bright orange, bronzy brown, and pale green at the distant shore; the sound of leaves in the cool breeze—indeed, there is much for which to be thankful. And I am exceedingly thankful to be able to serve as my Sister’s Keeper.

“Self-love is healthy living.”

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Kimiyo Harris Williams, M.D.

Kimiyo Harris Williams, M.D. is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Educating her patients and encouraging healthy habits has been the foundational framework of her practice of medicine. She strongly supports health advocacy and empowers her patients and their parents to be intentional regarding their health and wellness. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine from Xavier University of LA. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans and completed her pediatric residency training at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and LSU Health Sciences Center Pediatric Residency Program. Dr. Williams’ career includes both academic and clinical medicine over the past 20 years. She serves as the President and CEO of K. H. Williams Enterprises, Inc. which is an Executive Health Entity focused on health advocacy, medical practice, and medical consulting.

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People of Louisiana – Schools (December 2020)

 

ALNATA DIONE BRADFORD

Vernon Parish

Parkway Elementary School, Principal

2021 Louisiana State Principal of the Year

 

20/20: Seeing Through the Eye of a Storm 

 

 

ALNATA DIONE BRADFORD

Vernon Parish
Parkway Elementary School, Principal
2021 Louisiana State Principal of the Year

20/20: Seeing Through the Eye of a Storm

“The 2021 Louisiana State Principal of the Year is…Ms. Alnata Dione Bradford—huge congratulations!” announced Ms. Jenny Carey, 2020 LA State Principal of the Year. This announcement came three months ago and her words from the 14th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Virtual Gala still leave me in awe and graciously humbled by being named the recipient of such a grand honor. With this honor comes the responsibility of being an advocate for equity, innovation, and educator empowerment. It has also provided me with the opportunity to network with other exceptional and emerging school leaders throughout Louisiana. Ms. Carey’s announcement has been my silver lining during this unique and stormy year.  

As I began reflecting back on that evening, I thought about how the emotions I felt at my watch party were a summation of all the difficult days that preceded the nomination. I also thought about the glaring contrast that existed behind the camera. Not all who viewed the wonderful “Publishers Clearing House” rendition of surprising the award recipients were made privy to the ruins that remained right outside the windows of my parents’ home and throughout most of Southwest Louisiana (SWLA). On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall in SWLA as the most powerful Category 4 storm to hit the United States as measured by maximum sustained winds since 1856. The video only depicts the sheer joy and gratitude for being nominated. It did not capture the twisted power lines and uprooted pine trees, oak trees, and pecan trees that stretched over highways, parks, schools, and homes. The audio feed did not pick up the humming of generators or the buzzing of chainsaws. There was not a snapshot of the sea of blue tarps on homes or the missing rooftops of local businesses that spanned for miles and miles. From the expressions and excitement shared in that living room on the night of the announcement, no one would have guessed that the power in my neighborhood had only been restored 48 hours earlier, and that hundreds of thousands of people in our surrounding areas were still without power or water for the next weeks to come. Hurricane Laura not only shifted our lives at home in SWLA, but it hit our lives at school as well.  Some districts had to delay school openings for another two weeks, while others had to close school for three to four weeks for repairs and power restoration.    

The human spirit exhibited during these tough months, brought my thoughts to 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 which says, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” Although the devastation following Hurricane Laura was extensive, the damages did not destroy the people of SWLA. Hot meals, shelter, water, clothing, generators, transportation, hygiene products, A/C units, and gasoline were distributed to those in need from various ministries and organizations on a daily basis. Teams of neighbors worked together to mend fences and remove debris or fallen trees. Linemen diligently worked to repair electrical grids and rebuild entire systems. And our educators did what excellent educators do best. They put kids first. Teachers and support staff members worked together to prepare breakfasts and lunches for our students, send work packets home, and conduct check-in on Google Meet. Book drives and parent support fairs were created in communities where school libraries and classrooms were lost in the storm. The outpour of support within our communities has been truly remarkable. SWLA will continue to come through these trials stronger as we continue to work together and remain Louisiana Strong.

These selfless acts during the storm reminded me of why I am an educator. As a school leader, I am in the people business. Rev. Clyde Lewis, pastor of the Bethel Metropolitan Fellowship Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, often reminds his congregants that, “People must be our passion, our purpose, and our priority.” The educators and students at Parkway Elementary share in my vision that schools should be a place where everybody grows, everybody learns, everyone is loved, and everyone is held accountable. This is more than a statement to us. We work towards improvement. We monitor standard alignment and rigor before investing in professional developments and providing instruction to our students.  We celebrate each other and greet each other with genuine kindness and respect. We ensure the safety and wellness of all who enter our campus. We communicate with clarity and transparency our expectations for excellence. We make it a point to people first. Before Jesus performed any miracle the scripture records that He was first moved with compassion. The foundation of any service rendered or decision made is passion. All of our efforts are in the hope that the people we serve will experience our passion, know our purpose, and appreciate the priority of our work. This passion does not come with conditions or expiration dates. Just like the SWLA communities affected by the storm, we too must look for the need. We too have to find ways to be a blessing. And we too have to make the miracle happen by simply being the miracle.

The saying goes that hindsight is 20/20. As this year draws to a close, my final thoughts are a series of self-reflective questions I use to gauge my progress and calculate my next steps. How much have I grown? Where do I need to grow? What have I learned? What am I still unsure about? How well have I loved? What now? These self-reflection questions allow me to check and reset my lens as a leader to get a better view of myself and the world around me. Visual acuity measures how clearly one can see from a distance. Looking back through the months of the year 2020, I have had a mix of storms and silver linings. However, I encourage each of you to remain hopeful. Remain helpful. Storms are inevitable, but I can attest to the beauty and the calm that are found in the eye of a storm.

Principal Bradford wins 2021 Louisiana State Principal of the Year!

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Teach MAM – How to Keep your Kids Active During the Holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

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

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TEACH MAM

 “Tis’ the Season to Move it, Move it…

How to Keep your Kids Active During the Holidays”

As the holiday season approaches, it is very important to keep children active and physical.  During this time, students are out of school and sometimes lack a structured schedule. This can lead to decreased physical activity. It is easy for children to slip into a relaxed mode, considering all the obstacles they can be faced with during the busy season. Video games, playing on the IPad, and watching television can easily become their norm for unoccupied time. The good news is, being physically active can be just as easy and exciting. This holiday season; take the time to get moving and physically active with your child.

Below are several ways to get physically active and exercise during the holiday season as well as have fun with your child:

  1. Play your favorite music and dance around the house together. 
  2. Go for a family walk around the neighborhood.
  3. Do some yard work together. Rake leaves, push mow the grass, etc.
  4. Turn cooking time into a mini workout.  Exercise while the pie or cake is baking.
  5. Incorporate exercises in daily household chores. Do squats while you fold the clothes, toe touches while you put away the dishes, etc.
  6. Play hide and seek outside or inside the house.
  7. Go to the park.
  8. Complete an exercise video together from YouTube.
  9. Play interactive video games together like Wii sport fitness, Wii bowling, etc.
  10. Go for a family bike ride.

By participating in any of the activities listed above, not only will your children benefit from the physical activity, they will also gain quality time with you.  

These activities also benefit parents and/or caretakers. Here are some of the benefits of exercise:

  • boost your immune system.
  • prevent holiday weight gain.
  • reduce stress and anxiety
  • improve sleep.

With so much going on these days with COVID19, multiple hurricanes, and general life stress, it feels good to know that exercising and being physically active with your child can bring so much joy and happiness. 

Check out these websites to help you “Get Moving”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5if4cjO5nxo

ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxgD9P-kMjE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TYbKC4vumg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxGliB1WkZA

 

 

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Blog – December 2020

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The December 2020 Blog

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Volume 3, Edition 2

A Word from the
First Lady of Louisiana

Bloom Where You’re Planted

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No, it is not springtime yet, but it is a new season in many of our lives. “Bloom where you’re planted” is a phrase that is on my mind a lot lately. I have felt over and over that this year has been a real test of my endurance. It has been a season of reflection for me.

Like many of you, we had to cancel our events and fundraisers, including Louisiana Fosters , Teach MAM, and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness. “Evenings in the Mansion”, which supports the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation will not happen. We have no tours, events, or celebrations. So how on earth am I supposed to bloom?

After several months of feeling like we were walking in mud, my team and I crawled to solid ground – or maybe it was more like marsh land. It wasn’t the same ground with which we are familiar; it was much different. We started to find ways to shine our light! We discovered Zoom, and off we went. 

We hosted the Louisiana Fosters and Anti- Human Sex Trafficking Virtual  Summits. We took our virtual reach across the USA and even across the “big pond.” Our team worked to find fantastic music, art, and movement teachers to help us spread the word to continue our Teach MAM initiative, even during a pandemic. 

Folks, we started blooming! We spent less time traveling, less time coordinating, and still provided the needed networking and awareness. Personally, I spent more time reading, working on my special projects, and spent more time with family.  

Our initiatives may look different, our fundraisers may include phone calls or Zoom calls, and most opportunities have been postponed. The good news is we are still blooming, still serving. 

This year has challenged each of us in ways we never thought possible. However, if we are steadfast, we will be more assertive in our faith, closer within our families, and more creative in our ways of serving and helping those in need.  

For me, this has been a season to make changes in my life. I am learning to BE STILL by planting seeds of silence. I have learned to be productive in a more purposeful manner by planting seeds of scheduled time for myself and my projects.  Like many of you, I have had a season of change and of personal growth in 2020.  

I’ve tried to notice more deeply the things around me – the outdoors, my home, my children, my spouse, and my family within the four walls of our home. I have learned three things during 2020: be more content with being alone, to love my neighbors even though they may have a different opinion, different beliefs and to respect them as a person and lastly to praise God even in times of trial.  

The year 2020 is not canceled, vetoed, or gone yet. But 2020 is winding down. I encourage each of you to spend these last few days finding some quiet time for reflection. Find time to figure out where positive and peaceful change can happen in your life. Even though it is hard to serve others during this time due to the lack of personal contact or financial reasons, consider how you can bloom in 2021.

Give to a charity, support local businesses, call an older person, and spend time with them over the phone or Facetime. Decide to get out your stationery and write a note of gratitude and thanks to someone. Be grateful for the small things in your life and share your joy with others. As we come to the end of this year, a year many of us have wished away, I encourage you to spend some time in reflection:

  • What areas did I till and plow in 2020 to see bloom and flourish in this coming year, 2021? 
  • Find some time to BE STILL and silent.
  • Reach out and encourage someone.
  • I ask you – have you bloomed where you have been planted this year? It’s never too late to plant a seed.

You may not see my mouth smile behind my mask, but my voice is still joyful, and my eyes have learned to show a smile with a twinkle. I hope you always make time to plant some seeds of hope, joy, and love.

May your Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas bring a peace that surpasses all understanding and an ever-flowing amount of Joy in your life! 

Thank you for your kind words, encouragement, your giving spirit to our foundation, and supporting the work we continue to do. If you would like to help, here are some ways:

  • Support a foster child or family
  • Support the efforts of those working in human trafficking rescue
  • Give to our current Teach MAM project supporting MAM in the Lake Charles area.

Please consider giving by clicking the link below. Every dollar helps our Foundation work for the children in our state that are the most vulnerable – especially during the year 2020. 

Love & Joy,

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Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
 
Donate securely to Kards for Kids for our Teach MAM,
Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness,
and Louisiana Fosters initiatives: 
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02. FEATURE

Kards for Kids

Please consider a donation to our holiday “Kards for Kids” drive. All proceeds from the drive will provide gift cards to foster families to assist with the costs associated with the holiday season.

DONATE
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LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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

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Teach MAM
(Music, Arts, Movement)

Read More
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LOUISIANA
FOSTERS

Read More
Blog – December 2020

 

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Read More
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03. GOVERNOR'S MANSION

Holidays at the Governor’s Mansion

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. This year, we added some new outdoor decorations at the Governor’s Mansion for everyone to enjoy. Although this year will be different than most, there is still nothing like a Louisiana Christmas. We hope you find time to drive by and view the beautiful décor.

We wish you all a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

VIEW THE PHOTOS
VISIT GOVERNOR'S MANSION STORE
DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM
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WOMEN’S HEALTH

Love, Life, and Healthy Choices as We Navigate the Holidays

by Kimiyo Harris Williams, MD, FAAP

READ MORE
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PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA

Making A Difference

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 Missy Bienvenu Andrade

COMMUNITY

READ

Alnata Dione Bradford

SCHOOLS

READ

Eugene Lussan

MILITARY

READ

Isabel Yarbarough

BUSINESS

READ
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04. FEATURED RECIPE

Charred Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

 

The Chloe

The Chloe is a lively 14-room hotel, restaurant, bar, pool and patio. Housed in a 19th century Uptown mansion, the 21st Century Southern hospitality draws from the old-world glamour, creative culture and unique charm that make New Orleans feel like home. Enjoy this delicious dish from The Chloe’s executive chef, Todd Pulsinelli. Happy holidays!

You can view The Chloe and all it has to offer here: https://www.thechloenola.com 

READ RECIPE
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SOMETHING TO DISCERN

05. PAST QUOTES

Gallery

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august
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THE FIRST DOGS

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06. THE FIRST DOGS

Hello, December!

May your days be merry and bright!

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07. OUR EDITOR

DELERY RICE

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

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