Special to the American Press

In a substantial move toward bolstering the resilience and capacity of local social services, United Way Southwest Louisiana is proud to announce its latest round of grant awards. Numerous regional organizations have been selected to receive funding to support critical community services ranging from youth mentoring programs to senior care, mental health support, and comprehensive community health programs.

“This year, we received an extraordinarily high number of compelling applications,” said Denise Durel, president and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. “After careful consideration, we have identified organizations that have demonstrated remarkable commitment and innovation in addressing the most pressing needs of our community. These grants reflect our continued dedication to strengthening the safety net for our most vulnerable populations and ensuring that our collective impact reaches far and wide.”

The following organizations have been acknowledged for their impactful contributions and will be the recipients of this year’s grants: Abraham’s Tent, Assist Agency, Beauregard ARC, Beauregard Community Concerns, Beauregard Council on Aging, Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Boys Village, Business & Workforce Recovery Solutions, Calcasieu Council on Aging, Catholic Charities of SWLA, DMM God-Inspired Holy Ground, Faith Share Outreach, Family & Youth Counseling Agency, Girl Scouts of LA – Pines to the Gulf, Girlie Girls Mentoring, Iberia Comprehensive – Merryville Community Health Center, Jeff Davis CADA, Junior Achievement of SWLA, Kay Dore Counseling Clinic at McNeese, Literacy Council of SWLA, New Covenant Faith Community Development, Oasis A Safe Haven, Once Was Inc., Project Build A Future, Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Nicholas Center for Children, SWLA Youth Foundation and United Against Human Trafficking.

These grants will support a wide range of programs, including enhancing educational opportunities for youth, providing essential support for the elderly, accelerating recovery solutions for businesses and workforces hit by crises, and embedding stronger networks of care for the needy and marginalized within our community.

In addition to identifying and supporting existing organizations through grants, United Way Southwest Louisiana also develops in-house initiatives to fill the prevalent gaps in local services. Recognizing that specific needs may need to be met or addressed by current programs, these initiatives are strategically designed to ensure that all community members have access to the resources and support they require. Whether it’s a new educational program to empower youth or a resource aimed at improving the financial stability of families, these direct initiatives from United Way Southwest Louisiana are a testament to our adaptive and responsive approach to community service.