CASA of the 18th JDC
Port Allen, Louisiana / $10,000
CASA of the 18th JDC is one year old, formed 9/25/2023. The organization serves children in the 18th JDC who are in the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. The program’s service area averages 85-100 children in foster care each month. Like most Court Appointed Special Advocate programs, we have a waiting list of children who need an advocate. A 2025 training and volunteer retention plan has been developed to ensure we actively participate in recruitment activities, oversee quarterly training of new and current volunteers and retention opportunities throughout the year.
Chimp Haven, Inc.
Community Renewal International, Inc. (CRI)
Shreveport, Louisiana / $8,700
Community Renewal International, established in 1994, is a non-profit that connects neighbours and residents to restore the foundation of safe and caring communities. CRI works citywide to connect diverse individuals through the power of caring relationships. The measurable goals for our students are to increase secondary school enrollment, reduce teen pregnancy rates, and lessen instances of youth violence. Goals for seniors and disabled neighbours are to reduce instances of isolation, raise awareness of community resources, and increase social connections. The overall goal is building positive, caring, and healthy relationships.
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana (CCNLA)
Shreveport, Louisiana / $10,000
Over the past five years, housing and utility costs have increased substantially, leaving more families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless or having their utilities cut off. The Shreveport-Bossier community needs a safety net for vulnerable families that can not only help meet their urgent financial needs, but can provide them with the education to move forward towards financial stability. The goal of our financial education program is to help families and individuals remain housed while also helping them take control of their finances. We also offer ongoing credit counselling and monthly First Time Homebuyers classes.
Chimp Haven, Inc.
Shreveport, Louisiana / $30,000
As the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimp Haven is home to nearly 300 chimps formerly used in biomedical research. Here, on 200 acres of beautiful, forested land just outside of Shreveport, the chimps spend their days in an environment designed especially for them – complete with expert veterinary care, multi-acre forested habitats to explore, large, dynamic social groups, and healthy foods and enrichment prepared for them daily. Chimp Haven continues to provide the highest caliber of care to the chimps, and the sanctuary is preparing to welcome 23 newly eligible chimps from the Alamogordo Primate Facility in New Mexico.
Community Renewal International, Inc.