January 11th was #WearBlueDay in honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. We were excited to see so much participation this year. Thank you to everyone who wore blue to raise awareness!
Be part of history by purchasing a personalized brick at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. Personalized bricks have been part of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation fundraising efforts for almost 30 years and will continue for generations to come. Each brick is customizable and comes with a certificate of purchase. A personalized brick makes an excellent gift for any time of year and gives back to the Foundation that focuses on preserving the Governor’s Mansion.
Email Preservelagovernorsmansion@gmail.com to request a personalized brick today!
Join the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs for an Open House at the Louisiana Veterans Home. Visit with the staff and veterans on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Did you know that there is NO monthly fee for veterans with a service-connection between 70-100%? AND did you know that veterans’ spouses and Gold Star parents are eligible for admission with a monthly fee of $4,500?
For more information about the Open House, or the home, call 225.634.5265.
Louisiana Veterans Home Open House
Thursday, Jan. 26
2-6 p.m.
4739 Highway 10, Jackson, La.
FMI 225.634.5265
Catherine Deano is the Founder of Twist Brands, which includes Painting with a Twist, a sip and paint studio franchise; Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own pottery franchise; and TD Art Supply and Chesapeake Ceramics, the supply companies that service these industries. She has always had a strong affinity for art and admiration for artists. It is not only the beauty and aesthetics that appeal to her but also art’s contribution to culture and history.
Additionally, Catherine appreciates documentation from Washington University and many other institutions that show that art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress. Many studies have confirmed that making art reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) in the human body. Catherine’s belief that art is important to any community has compelled her to volunteer in other cultural art arenas. www.paintingwithatwist.com
Catherine is serving her second stint as President of The St. Tammany Art Association. STAA was founded in 1958 by a group of community organizers dedicated to bringing the arts to St. Tammany Parish. The mission of STAA is to provide quality programming and cultural enrichment to the community, support established artists, promote emerging artists, produce educational arts-related activities for adults and children, and enhance life in St. Tammany Parish. In addition, STAA holds art exhibitions where local and national artists can apply and show their art in a professional, well-designed exhibition space.
STAA also holds art classes for children as well as adults. Pottery, drawing, and painting are just some classes that can be taken at STAA. https://www.sttammany.art/
Catherine’s sitting on The Friends of the Dew Drop board in Mandeville, LA, rounding out her dedication to the cultural arts.
The Friends of the Dew Drop was created to preserve a building constructed in 1895 as a Social and Benevolent Hall. Situated in the African-American community, it was a gathering place for early jazz and social endeavors, including feeding the needy and providing temporary housing.
Sitting on Lamarque St. in old Mandeville, it is considered the world’s oldest, unaltered rural jazz hall. Kid Ory, Bunk Johnson, and many other great jazz musicians played the Dew Drop.
There is also ample evidence that Louie Armstrong played there while visiting relatives on Jackson Avenue. In addition, the Friends of the Dew Drop hold spring and fall concerts. People fill the quaint jazz hall, sitting on benches or setting up chairs outside to hear the music of local jazz and blues artists.
Kenny Neal, Ed Wills, Dr. Michael White, Amadee Fredricks, and Don Vappie are some wonderful musicians who graced the stage at The Dew Drop. www.dewdropjazzhall.com
In addition to Catherine’s enthusiasm for the arts, she is also interested in philanthropy. Under the Painting with a Twist umbrella, Catherine created Painting with a Purpose, the non-profit arm of Twist Brands.
Realizing how important giving back to the community is for any business to succeed, PWAP has become an integral part of the business system. Each studio teams with a non-profit once a month, and 50% of all revenue goes to the non-profit. To date, Painting with a Purpose has donated over 7 million dollars to charities in the communities where studios are located. In addition, once a year, a system-wide Painting with a Purpose is conducted for a national non-profit. Wounded Warriors, Dave Thomas Foundation, and The Vera Bradley Foundation, among others, have participated in this initiative.
Her most recent accomplishment was a listing in Forbes 50 Over 50 in the Lifestyle category. https://www.forbes.com/50over50
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintingwithatwist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintingwithatwist/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/painting-with-a-twist
Life is like a vending machine. This metaphor has shaped my life as an educator and given me a clear way to help my students, staff, and stakeholders understand a simple truth of life that I have stumbled upon – a truth that I believe is the key to achievement in every facet of life. That simple truth is this: you must first desire a thing before you can ever achieve it. To every educator reading this blog post, I have some good news. I have a New Year’s resolution that I think we may all find helpful to keep throughout the new year. The 2023 New Year’s resolution I am thinking of is this: Inspire Desire!
People often don’t keep New Year’s resolutions because they generally make them out of an emotional state of mind as they think about the things that they did not accomplish the year prior. Making New Year’s Resolutions is a good practice for everyone if they are made according to our purpose and not according to our preference. Let me explain. As an educator, my purpose is to equip and empower students with the essential knowledge and skills for success in life. I am responsible for inspiring a desire for more out of life and showing them that education is the key to gaining access to those desires. “Inspire Desire” is my resolution, but it is not just for the year 2023. This is my purpose and my passion; this is my why. Moreover, I believe we all have the responsibility to inspire the children under our care to be their best selves.
Life is like a vending machine! So let’s unpack this metaphor.
A vending machine is a straightforward machine. While there are different types of vending machines, they all function the same: offer a snack, charge a price, and deliver the item – simple. This process is a picture of life for everyone, especially our students.
#1 Like a vending machine, life presents us with several options. I always tell my students that one of the greatest benefits of living in a free country is having options. However, it is also true that our range of options is either limited or enhanced by our level of education. As educators, we are responsible for helping our students see the entire world and the possibilities that exist in their lives. Education gives them options, and the level of education each student can achieve will significantly enhance their life options. This knowledge inspires and encourages us as educators to provide our students with our all. We don’t just give our best to our most “at risk” students; we provide all students with our best so that all students can see the full potential of their lives.
#2 Like a vending machine, we have to DESIRE what life presents if we ever hope to obtain it. As an educator in a high school, I often watched students turn away from a vending machine because the items inside were fat-free. This occurrence was comical, but it is an all too common fact that kids don’t always know what’s good for them. Parents know this all too well, so they will dress up vegetables so their kids will be encouraged to eat them. The vegetables are good, but the kids don’t desire them. Likewise, our students must desire what life offers, and we should do all we can to make life’s options look pleasing. I have seen under-performing and gifted students reject the good options of life because they didn’t perceive them as pleasing. No one will pay the price for something that they don’t want. This leads me to the final similarity between life and a vending machine.
#3. Like a vending machine, we have to be willing to pay the price to obtain the object of our desire. I tell my students “you cannot receive something from a vending machine that costs $1 if you only pay ninety cents. You have to pay the full amount.” Nevertheless, we have all met students who can only pay ninety cents, and that’s okay. We have all likely borrowed a dime from a friend to secure an item from a vending machine. Educators are the friend of every student that needs a dime, but they must still pay their full amount.
In conclusion, yes! Life is like a vending machine; what we put into it will determine what we receive back. This truth rests for educators and students alike and is why we must INSPIRE DESIRE. As educators, we can see the options and opportunities that our students cannot see. We know what’s good for them, even when they can’t see it, and we are willing to help them pay the price if they give their all. The key is DESIRE. This remains true for students and educators alike. We cannot give students something we don’t have. When we desire to fulfill our purpose of educating children to be their best and pay the price to obtain that desire, we receive it. What do you desire in 2023? Make your resolution to inspire desire in the lives of those you serve.
Happy New Year!
–Mr. Michael Hilton, III
2023 Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year
Lowery Middle School, Principal/Ascension Parish Public Schools
School Website: https://lowerymiddle.ascensionschools.org/
Social media:
DCFS has approximately 3,300 children in foster care on any given day in Louisiana. Of these, about 38% are placed with either a relative or “fictive kin” who are like family but not actually related to the child in their care. Grandparents, relatives, and fictive kin all play an essential role in caring for a child whose parents cannot do so.
When a child or teen temporarily lives with a relative or fictive kin, it’s called kinship care. The living arrangement can be a formal one through DCFS or an informal agreement among family members. DCFS looks to kinship caregivers to maintain meaningful relationships, minimize disruption in a child’s life, and preserve connections and cultural ties.
DCFS partners with Louisiana 211 to operate a Kinship Navigator program which provides information, resources, and a referral network for current or potential kinship caregivers. Louisiana 211 provides grandparents, relatives, and fictive kin with information about resources and assistance available in their communities. When caregivers dial 211 or text KinshipLA to 898-211, they are linked to assets for helping children succeed.
Since the partnership between DCFS and Louisiana 211 began, more than 5,000 clients have relied on Louisiana 211 to locate specialized help and support for kinship caregivers in local communities throughout our state. The top 5 needs categories met by referrals to available help include:
More information about DCFS’s Kinship Navigator Program can be found at dcfs.la.gov/kinship-navigator, by dialing 211 or texting KinshipLA to 898-211. Kinship caregivers can also contact Family Resource Centers (FRCs) for more information and services. DCFS operates 9 FRCs across the state that provide direct, referral, and concrete services for those caring for relative or fictive kin. FRCs work to strengthen family engagement and well-being, provide stability to improve child safety, reduce family trauma and build community connections to wrap around our families.
Family members and other trusted adults who are like family are our vital partners in ensuring the well-being and safety of children whose parents may be struggling. Whether a family is involved with DCFS or not, we will work to support kinship caregivers as they step in to meet the needs of the children in their care.
DCFS always needs kinship caregivers. If you are interested in serving as a kinship caregiver for a child or youth in foster care, please get in touch with the child or youth’s foster care worker. DCFS also needs foster parents to serve the general population of children and youth in foster care. Please visit our website or call your regional office for more information if you feel the call to serve in this capacity. For more information, you can also email DCFS.HomeDevelopment@la.gov with your name and parish of residence.
Each month we feature two children who are available for adoption in Louisiana. For January, we’d like to introduce you to Emerial Lawrence and Christian Reed from the Alexandria Region.
Emerial is a special-needs child who is 12 years old. She enjoys a good meal and loves listening to music, watching TV, playing Patty Cake, swinging, and playing in the water. Emerial would benefit from parents who can meet her needs with love and patience and help her reach her full potential.
Christian is also a 12-year-old child from the Alexandria Region. He is an excellent student and loves animals and the outdoors. He also enjoys Cajun food and attending church. Christian is looking for a patient, supportive family who will help him explore and learn new things.
If you are considering adoption or fostering a child, take that first step by attending a free virtual orientation session. For more information about becoming a foster/adoptive parent and the training available, visit dcfs.la.gov/foster.
We are here to inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, each of us can change our world for the better. – Simon Sinek
Have you ever experienced “burn-out,” difficulty completing everyday tasks, difficulty concentrating on your work, or could not effectively meet your professional responsibilities due to chronic job stress? At my school, there were recently two years that we dealt with a considerable increase in behavioral challenges. Many factors contributed to the situation, including re-configuring our schools’ population, the fallout from Covid, and changes within faculty. Thankfully, all our students are now accustomed to our school-wide expectations, to the point that when we receive new students, they adapt accordingly and rise to the standards set by our other kids. However, it took us some time to get to this point.
After the first year of challenging discipline issues, we began implementing trauma-informed discipline, which helped tremendously. In addition, we teach the “Zones of Regulation” curriculum school-wide to help students and staff identify and regulate their emotions and make intelligent choices on and off campus. Still, there are days when no matter how complete your toolbox is, it just seems like problems can’t be fixed.
In beginning this New Year with your school, I encourage you to return to your roots. As educators and mentors, we must all be on the same page. It is the anchor in the storm. The thing that holds us steady. Here’s how it works at my school:
Our what – we teach 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students at a high-poverty school.
Our how – where things get tricky – because our how makes us unique, and we sometimes may even hold opposing views when implementing expectations, lessons, etc.
Our why – shows us that regardless of our “hows,” we are all here for the same reason. We can’t let the differences in our “hows” keep us from accomplishing our why.
We all mess up sometimes. We all do. Yet, we are all taking action daily to accomplish a common goal. We are here to educate, inspire, and believe in others, even when they don’t believe in themselves.
When a group of teachers shares the belief in their ability to affect students positively, it is commonly known as collective teacher efficacy. Collective teacher efficacy is ranked as the NUMBER-ONE factor influencing student achievement (Hattie, 2016).
What does the research say?
With an effect size of 1.57, collective teacher efficacy is:
To learn more about these topics, I encourage you to visit: https://www.leaderinme.org/teacher-efficacy/
Here is an amazing video that really brings home the message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo&authuser=0
And don’t forget – Begin with the End in Mind! 2023 is a new start for us all. So collaborate, stay positive, and be kind and supportive to colleagues as we continue to encourage, inspire, and educate the aspirant generations..
The Governor’s Office on Women’s Policy (OWP) supports public policy that promotes the educational, health, social, and economic well-being of women and girls in Louisiana. A primary function of the office is to serve as a connector between non-profits, state sectors, federal agencies, educational institutions, legislators, and concerned citizens. The office provides expertise, education, and research to inform policy, programs, and community engagement efforts that will further the status of Louisiana women. In addition, OWP convenes the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission and the Domestic Violence Prevention Commission.
As we sprint into January 2023, various new policies and recommended practices will contribute to the health and wellness of all women in our great state.
The New Year is a great time to start a plan or update an existing one with annual goals for each portion of life. Focus areas may include physical/mental health, economic security, and social well-being. OWP hosted several stakeholder gatherings to learn from and advise citizens through subject matter experts in these areas. When creating your plan, remember that each area of life is connected and that balance is needed to succeed and maintain wellness.
Goals for the year may include prioritizing time for:
Physical Health: (annual screenings, self-care, physical exercise)
Social Health: (coffee hours, therapy, faith activities, volunteering, entertainment)
Education: (new course, Book, travel, museums, podcast)
Economic Security: (savings account, investments, budgeting)
National Women’s Health Awareness Reminders for January.
Scheduling annual wellness screenings early in the year will set you up for success as schedules become busy. Annual screenings for women are critically important to assess any new underlying health risks and to monitor any previously existing conditions. If you have a family history or any new high-risk factors for developing specific chronic diseases, it is most important to screen early and consult your healthcare provider. Typical conditions may include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or alcohol and smoking-related illnesses. An annual visit to your primary care physician or specialist will provide education and preparation for the year.
Reproductive Health: Are you between the ages of 21-65? Your cervical health is essential. January is Cervical Cancer awareness month. According to (cdc.gov) the cervix connects the birth canal to the upper part of the uterus. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, although it often occurs in persons over 30. Routine screening can help prevent cervical cancer and improve outcomes when detected early. In Louisiana, over 200 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year. The survival rate is over half (62.4%) for all subjects.
Pregnancy Health: Are you or someone you know pregnant? January is national birth defects awareness month. Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any portion of the body (cdc.gov). All women of childbearing age should take a multivitamin with folic acid to help prevent birth defects—your health before and during pregnancy matters. In addition, schedule a visit with your doctor to screen and monitor any underlying health conditions that could impact pregnancy.
Learn more and partner with the Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy by visiting gov.louisiana.gov/page/womens-policy or via email: renee.antoine@la.gov
Renee Antoine is a public health policy advocate and national maternal-child health consultant. She has served in various positions advocating for women, children, and families across the state of Louisiana and nationally. She was appointed Executive Director for the Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy in 2022. She works collaboratively with the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Louisiana Women’s Foundation. Her recent accolades include serving as State Director for Maternal Child Health and Government Affairs for March of Dimes. Renee is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University. Her graduate research continued to the University of Iowa in epigenetics and culminated at the University of Virginia in Developmental Psychology, where she published studies on executive function and cognition.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month! Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Louisiana. The Governor’s Office and the First Lady’s Office are joining with stakeholders across the state, nation, and world to bolster our efforts in raising awareness of human trafficking. Globally, human trafficking– including forced labor– has been estimated to impact more than 28 million victims of all races, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. [1] In 2021, 932 reported victims received services and support in Louisiana. 65% of victims reported were under 18, and nearly 90% identified as female. [2] Human trafficking is a complex crime. It intersects with many critical social issues of our day, including poverty and inequality, homelessness, and sexual violence. The work of ending human trafficking may seem daunting, yet in Louisiana, research and best-practice remain our guiding light, and the voices of survivors are our driving force.
In 2022, Louisiana continued to elevate victim-centered, trauma-informed, and collaborative approaches to addressing human trafficking and exploitation in our communities. In 2023, we resolve to continue on this work, ensuring greater access and equitability to underserved populations and improving the identification of underreported forms of trafficking – including labor trafficking and family-facilitated trafficking. The Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, in collaboration with The Office of First Lady Donna Edwards and several key partners, is kicking off the new year 2023 by commemorating Human Trafficking Prevention Month with special events, educational activities, and social media postings that highlight the work of state agencies and the progress made to end this crime. We want to recognize BMF| Beuerman Miller Fitzgerald Public Relations Firm for their longstanding support and assistance in promoting public awareness of human trafficking in Louisiana. Indeed, this work hinges upon the collaboration of diverse partners, from service providers to law enforcement agencies to the business community.
Across the state, non-profit organizations and businesses are hosting events and raising awareness in their communities. We are excited to have the support of the Governor’s Mansion, Caesars Superdome, and Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, La, which will be lit blue in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In addition, January 11th marks National Human Trafficking Day, and we have invited members of the public to participate in raising awareness of human trafficking by wearing blue on this day and sharing pictures on social media with the tag #WearBlueDay. You can follow the Stop Trafficking Louisiana social media accounts @stoptraffla to stay up-to-date on Human Trafficking Prevention Month activities. Also, feel free to visit the Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center of Louisiana at www.humantrafficking.la.gov to learn more about anti-human trafficking efforts and resources in Louisiana.
[1] Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage
International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and International Organization for Migration (IOM), Geneva, 2022.
BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS
Remember Your Why
Grandparents, Relatives and Other Caregivers
Play Important Role in Foster Care
Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Be part of history by purchasing a personalized brick at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. Personalized bricks have been part of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation fundraising efforts for almost 30 years and will continue for generations to come. Each brick is customizable and comes with a certificate of purchase. A personalized brick makes an excellent gift for any time of year and gives back to the Foundation that focuses on preserving the Governor’s Mansion.
Email Preservelagovernorsmansion@gmail.com to request a personalized brick today!
by Renee Antoine
The Governor’s Office on Women’s Policy (OWP) supports public policy that promotes the educational, health, social, and economic well-being of women and girls in Louisiana. A primary function of the office is to serve as a connector between non-profits, state sectors, federal agencies, educational institutions, legislators, and concerned citizens. The office provides expertise, education, and research to inform policy, programs, and community engagement efforts that will further the status of Louisiana women. In addition, OWP convenes the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission and the Domestic Violence Prevention Commission.
As we sprint into January 2023, various new policies and recommended practices will contribute to the health and wellness of all women in our great state.
The New Year is a great time to start a plan or update an existing one with annual goals for each portion of life. Focus areas may include physical/mental health, economic security, and social well-being. OWP hosted several stakeholder gatherings to learn from and advise citizens through subject matter experts in these areas. When creating your plan, remember that each area of life is connected and that balance is needed to succeed and maintain wellness.
Goals for the year may include prioritizing time for:
Physical Health: (annual screenings, self-care, physical exercise)
Social Health: (coffee hours, therapy, faith activities, volunteering, entertainment)
Education: (new course, Book, travel, museums, podcast)
Economic Security: (savings account, investments, budgeting)
National Women’s Health Awareness Reminders for January.
Scheduling annual wellness screenings early in the year will set you up for success as schedules become busy. Annual screenings for women are critically important to assess any new underlying health risks and to monitor any previously existing conditions. If you have a family history or any new high-risk factors for developing specific chronic diseases, it is most important to screen early and consult your healthcare provider. Typical conditions may include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or alcohol and smoking-related illnesses. An annual visit to your primary care physician or specialist will provide education and preparation for the year.
Reproductive Health: Are you between the ages of 21-65? Your cervical health is essential. January is Cervical Cancer awareness month. According to (cdc.gov) the cervix connects the birth canal to the upper part of the uterus. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, although it often occurs in persons over 30. Routine screening can help prevent cervical cancer and improve outcomes when detected early. In Louisiana, over 200 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year. The survival rate is over half (62.4%) for all subjects.
Pregnancy Health: Are you or someone you know pregnant? January is national birth defects awareness month. Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any portion of the body (cdc.gov). All women of childbearing age should take a multivitamin with folic acid to help prevent birth defects—your health before and during pregnancy matters. In addition, schedule a visit with your doctor to screen and monitor any underlying health conditions that could impact pregnancy.
Learn more and partner with the Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy by visiting:
gov.louisiana.gov/page/womens-policy
or via email: renee.antoine@la.gov
-RENEE ANTOINE
January 2023
In honor of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the First Dogs participated in #WearBlueDay on January 11th! Bandit, Lady, and Mollie encourage you to visit www.stoptraffickingla.com to learn more about human trafficking in Louisiana and what YOU can do to stop it!
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 completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. 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.
