Funded Programs

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In a single year...

The Rapides Children's Advocacy Center, Children's Advocacy Program interviewed 381 child abuse victims, reducing the child's traumatic experience as their case proceeds through the justice system. To help the victims deal with the abuse they have suffered, 90% of the children were referred for counseling. The CASA Program trained 95 volunteers to advocate for 221 children.  CASA volunteers helped to ensure that these children were placed in safe and stable foster homes, and that they spent the least amount of time in foster care before being placed in safe, permanent homes.

YMCA's Membership Subsidies Program provided financial assistance to individuals helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle by participating in the YMCA facilities. Many single parent families and senior adults benefit from this program.  The YMCA's Youth Development Programs served over 600 children in our community, in an environment that engages children in constructive activities while developing character values, academic and social and physical skills.

YWCA's Youth Development Program cared for 161 children between the YWCA's Day Camp and After School Care Program.  Each program is structured with recreational and educational activities, producing improved social skills for 75% of the children. The YWCA's Buddies Mentoring Program matched 149 at-risk children with a positive role model. The guidance the children received from their Buddies helped 54% of these children improved their grade point average. The YWCA's Teen Program sponsored leadership training for 50 teens.  All high school seniors in the teen program entered college. The YWCA's Swim Lessons Program teaches water exploration, primary and advanced skills and water safety. Of the 105 children enrolled in this program, 72% learned to swim and 96% learned water safety skills.

The Louisiana Purchase Council, Boy Scouts of America's, Cub and Boy Scouting Program logged nearly 10,000 hours of community service, preparing them to become productive and successful members of our community.  The Boy Scouts Learning for Life Program a co-ed character education program designed to support schools and community based organizations, registered over 1,400 youth, preparing them for the workforce.

Girl Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf,  Youth Development Programs helped over 2,000 girls in central Louisiana achieve lifelong leadership skills and build self esteem.  95% of the girls stated that the Girl Scouts helped them feel good about themselves and their abilities.

Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled's, Day Habilitation Program helped 43 adults learn to live independently as members of the community.  Each client is working to achieve their maximum level of employment skills and developing greater social skills. 18% of the ASDD clients are employed in the neighboring community. Each of these clients received a satisfactory job performance rating from their supervisors. 39% of our clients are able to conduct their personal business independently.

Family Counseling Agency's, General Counseling Program provided 378 clients with individual or family therapy to help them cope with life traumas. 87% of clients reported fewer symptoms and have shown improvement. The Sexual Assault Center served 503 clients and provided 10 hospital escorts.  The crisis hotline received 195 calls.  Staff provided awareness and prevention education to 3,658 community members. Turning Point Battered Women's Shelter provided safe shelter for 306 survivors and their children. While 100% of survivors developed individualized safety plans, they also indicated an increased awareness or gained knowledge of community resources. Turning Point also helped to facilitate 1750 individual counseling sessions for non-resident survivors, including children. During the year they received 2821 crisis hotline calls including some out of state calls.

Partners in Literacy of Central Louisiana's, Strong Families and Adult Literacy Program recruited and trained 74 volunteer tutors to teach 80 adults better reading and writing skills. Over three quarters of the students enrolled advanced one level or more.

Reading Education for Adults Development's, Goals for Growth Program provided socialization training and literacy classes in three locations (Oakdale, Kinder and Oberlin) twice a week for 42 weeks.  Students are made aware of areas where improvement will benefit them, so they can become part of the process.  Most of the students are successful and advanced at least one grade level.  Students increased their knowledge of proper behavioral skills and responsibility to function in the workplace increased by 95%.

Volunteers of America North LA Central LA Division's, Pregnancy Services and Adoption Program provided 131 pregnancy tests and supplied prenatal vitamins to 52 clients. Through support groups and counseling, the staff assists the young women to make good decisions for themselves and their unborn child. 100% of the adoptions were legally finalized within one year.  With the assistance of the program 109 Medicaid applications were completed for uninsured pregnant clients. Housing for the Homeless Mentally Ill Program provided housing for 22 clients. These clients received counseling by the Mental Health Center and participated in money management and social skills training. Within the first three months 90% of clients met at least one individualized goal.

The Central Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross, Emergency Services Program helped 1,163 clients meet their immediate needs.  In 2007, the Red Cross gave over $64,000 to single family disasters (primarily home fires) clients in Central Louisiana. The Red Cross assisted 1095 military personnel with emergency communication with their families during crisis situations.

The Hope House of Central Louisiana's, Transitional Housing Program provided transitional housing and supportive services to 175 homeless women and their children. All of these women enrolled in life skills training and 85% will secure permanent housing within two years. During their stay 100% of the children improved their academic performance.

The Salvation Army's, Emergency Services helped 12,092 men, women and children with emergency shelter, and provided 52,525 meals to the hungry. The Salvation Army's Day Shelter provided 6,567 men and women with showers, laundry facilities and clothing vouchers.

  Together, united, we matter more
 than we know.