Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in EBR The Walls Project has been hosting weekly video calls with leaders of nonprofits, foundations, city-government, and local businesses from across the parish. The intention of these weekly community check-ins is to share information and resources to help the Baton Rouge community respond and recover from the pandemic. Weekly topics range from access to basic needs such as food, medical care, and safety to thought-leaders insights on equitable opportunities for youth enrichment, nonprofit financial solvency, surge in unemployment, and the disproportionate impact on impoverished neighborhoods in regards to accessing fresh food.
Week 20 TOPIC
EBR Food Insecurity Coalition Update
Kelli Rogers (Program Managers - Geaux Get Healthy)
We developed a collective effort to address the grocery gap
Started in 2018 in 70805
We found that the needs are not specific to one zip code
There are adjacent areas with similar demographics and needs
We administered the USDA food insecurity survey
1900 people
Average score increase of people we resurveyed went up by 1 point
31% increased their consumption of fresh food
We partnered with Baton Roots Farm, Top Box, and Grow Baton Rouge
We brought on two new partners: OLOL LSU North Health Clinic and American Heart Association
We make sure we’re providing the highest quality service
GGH has done a good job of rolling together a group of partners who support one another
Everyone has a common agenda and shared measurements
We have a backbone support organization that helps drive the work and move the coalition along
Korey Patty (Executive Director - Feeding Louisiana)
Our role is the food bank and the work they do with responding to hunger on the ground
Being able to talk about the larger scale issues of hunger and food insecurity
What we can do as policy makers and decision makers to provide for the community
We’ve seen a significant increase in food insecurity across the region
Our partnership with feed america tracks food insecurity and data
We have one of the highest food insecurity rates in the country in LA
Our food banks on the ground are responding to increased need
It is imperative for us to talk about what the large scale interventions are
We’ve looked at blueprints from other states as well
Some federal programs that we partner with and rely on do so much more as a large scale provider
The outcomes that food security impacts as well is related to education and healthcare
These things are always interrelated
Emily Chatelain (Three O’clock Project)
We are a summer meal program and an after-school meal program
Normally we’d be creating supper menus and partnering with our after-school meal programs
Our mission is that right at 3PM when the school meals stop we solve the hunger issue for kids who don't have food at home or unhealthy foods at home
We’re at over 6 million meals this summer
We normally do 300,000 meals a year
We’re based in Baton Rouge but we can do state-wide
We’re funded federally and reimbursed for the food that we serve as long as it meets federal meal patterns
Paid $3.50 per meal
Coffee Chat @ 9AM:
Rinaldi Jacobs
There's a group of us working with Southern University to bring a food incubator into North Baton Rouge
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
Is there anyone doing distribution after 4 PM?
“Top Box is doing weekend home deliveries right now.” - Kelli Rogers
“We are planning with BREC a distribution with Zachary on Monday. If you think we should do it from 4-6 PM we can do that.” - Emily Chatelain
“We’ve been doing our distribution on Saturday mornings and we’ve seen a huge increase. It seems to be easier than on weekdays. We’ve done our third United We Feed distribution.” - CAUW
Emily Chatelain (Three O’Clock project)
Kids who live with older parents and grandparents weren't able to get these meals
We would love to partner with someone to help these people get meals and feed the family
Korey Patty (Feeding Louisiana)
One thing we’re working on right now is looking at programs that exist already
We are working with the Department of Agriculture to adjust the limit of the income so that more families that are technically above the poverty line can get fed as well
Tristi Charpentier (Wilson Foundation)
United Way ALICE report is based on 2018 data so it does not reflect the pandemic numbers
I hear “we can’t raise wages” a lot, but they are based on 1970’s numbers so how can families afford household survival budgets
WEEK 20 CHAT & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
From Sharmayne Rutledge to Everyone: (8:52 AM) Please also consider supporting EBR's Foundation! fooundationEBR.org From Korey Patty to Everyone: (8:59 AM) Please feel free to reach out!korey@feedinglouisiana.org From Emily Chatelain to Everyone: (9:00 AM) Jan - website link? Would like to be on that email list From Kathleen Sarsfield to Everyone: (9:00 AM) Thanks Sharmayne: lil tweak to the above website: FoundationEBR.org to help contribute to back to school and student tech assistance From Pat LeDuff to Everyone: (9:00 AM) Awesome Casey!!! From Adonica Duggan to Everyone: (9:02 AM) So grateful for the amazing lift they have taken on jumping in to fill a huge community need during the pandemic From Kathleen Sarsfield to Everyone: (9:04 AM) 6,000,000 meals this summer - amazing! From Tyrslai Williams to Everyone: (9:07 AM) Thank you! From Leslie Clay to Everyone: (9:07 AM) Sorry. My data isn't good today. Waving. From DG Construction & Development Inc. to Everyone: (9:08 AM) Thank you from Tasha and Carolyn!!! From Leslie Clay to Everyone: (9:09 AM) Thanks Emily!!! From Tre Nelson to Everyone: (9:09 AM) Thank you for your incredible work! From Kelli Rogers to Everyone: (9:11 AM) Thanks, Emily for all your work and for your willingness to partner with Top Box and Geaux Get Healthy. From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (9:14 AM) www.bcbslafoundation.org/grants From Katie Pritchett to Everyone: (9:16 AM) Just a FYI...United Way release their new ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report yesterday! If anyone wants to see the new report, go to www.cauw.org/ALICE. Unfortunately, more than 49% of the people in our capital area are considered ALICE which means they can't afford basic essentials needed day to day. katiep@cauw.org From Casey Phillips (Walls Project) to Everyone: (9:17 AM) There is the East Baton Rouge parish specific data in the ALICE report
From Leslie Clay to Everyone: (9:17 AM) Thanks for that info. I do a lot of work in Zachary. From Jan Moller to Everyone: (9:18 AM) Addendum to the ALICE report: It’s based on 2018 data, so it doesn’t reflect the increase in hardship because of the pandemic. Still, very much worth reading
From Katie Pritchett to Everyone: (9:22 AM) There is a COVID data study supplement that is one our website as well www.cauw.org/ALICE all the way at the bottom. https://issuu.com/louisianaassociationofunitedway/docs/lauw_la_in_the_age_of_covid-19_survey_v5_final_cop?fr=sMzg5YTE3NTMzOTY.
From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone: (9:22 AM) Context: family of four is ineligible for SNAP at $32k, but it takes $69k for a family of four to earn enough to afford the ALICE household survival budget From Pat LeDuff to Everyone: (9:25 AM) speak the truth sister. the $600 added to the unemployment has proved more money works to provide for your own family From Sarah Walsh to Everyone: (9:26 AM) Where do we find the Alice report. Sorry if I missed it! From Katie Pritchett to Everyone: (9:27 AM) Email me for a hard copy if you need it in print katiep@cauw.org
Although we encourage you to use the electronic version at www.cauw.org/alice
From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone: (9:27 AM)
Online you can drill down to parish or census tract as well as combine areas to get a sense of that
From Nikesha Rodrigue to Everyone: (9:29 AM) Aetna, Nikesha Rodrigue- rodriguen@aetna.com 225-326-5559 Thanks Casey!
Rev. Alexis Anderson
The East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition (EBRPPRC) and our partners are pleased to share our newest campaign to encourage citizens to learn more about our criminal justice system and become more engaged with court elections starting with the August 15th Special Judges Runoff Election for 19th JDC and Baton Rouge City Court. Our campaign has 3 simple messages:
Judges have power
Judges are elected
Citizens have a superpower; we elect judges
The Coalition has produced flyers and is engaged in a community-wide social media campaign to get out the vote. As part of that campaign the Coalition is providing videos of the candidates' who participated in our community forums and the League of Women Voters Baton Rouge Chapter Voters Guide.
To learn about the candidates:
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition 19th JDC and City Court Judges Candidate Forum – June 8, 2020
https://vimeo.com/427383935?fbclid=IwAR2K3swFlQmErP69KbBCa1C2AKKgvHUfIPA6B63uZT0iJv1xOL-PWxH5akI
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition City Court Judges Runoff Candidate Forum – July 16, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/EBRPPRC/videos/314555453010182
The League of Women Voters – Baton Rouge Voter Guide
https://lwvofla.org/CBS_FILES/LWV_2020_SPRING/lwv_2020_spring.php?Menu=Menu&Org=B
Angela Dortsch
I’m Angela Dortch with FSG. FSG is the largest lighting distributor & electrical services company in the U.S. The FSG Lighting Design Team has been providing lighting design consulting services for over 30 years all over the US and around the world. With backgrounds in Architecture, Interior Design and Lighting Design we can interpret and execute the vision and design intent of our clients.
FSG specializes in UV Air Disinfection. This has been of tremendous interest from our customers, particularly with the revised CDC guidance that smaller microdroplets remain in the air much longer than was originally thought. Attached is some additional education/information about UV Disinfectant Lighting. The first & second videos educate specifically about schools, the third one is about the hospitality industries. Information on UV cleansing for bathrooms is included, as well.
The 300W Cello UV Disinfectant Lighting Sanitation Cart can cover up to 1600 square feet in 1 hours, 1200 square feet in 45 minutes, and 800 square feet in 30 minutes. It has a remote timer reverse motion sensor. We are offering 0% financing for 36 months for all 3 sanitation carts.
Please feel free to call, text or email me with any questions. Our licensed degreed engineers can help you with a lighting design for the UV cleansing & health of your buildings.
UNITE US
The summer has offered little reprieve from the pressure felt on our networks. As COVID-19 swells across our Southern and Western states, flaring up again on the East Coast, 40% of Americans are facing possible eviction while millions remain unemployed and struggling to provide for their families. At Unite Us, that means our work with our network partners has never been more important. We’re in it for the long haul. We hit the milestone of 200 team members at Unite Us this month! We remain committed to putting down deep roots in the communities in which we work, building community capacity, resulting in meaningful change. We're proud to continue to share actionable data to our networks so that partners can make informed decisions about closing gaps in services. Together, let's continue to push upstream with a vision of healthy, equitable communities. Read our co-founders' call for national public health infrastructure. The perfect storm is here: more people than ever need social services, while the non-profit sector designed to help them is itself in grave danger and cannot sustain or meet the demand. And it’s just the beginning. It’s never been more clear that social care is as critical to people’s overall health and well-being as healthcare.
Check out our latest data blog post on entry points of care as critical COVID testing and contact tracing opportunities. As we took a deeper look at our national data, comparing the New York surge to the latest surge, we asked the question: Where are we seeing the most COVID mentions from individuals seeking help, and could this be a key for state agencies as they develop or improve their testing strategies?
Meet some our newest team members, rooted in the communities they serve! When we hire locally, Unite Us invests in the people who care most about solving problems and building community health–because it impacts where they live and work every day. As they shared, "I'm guided by the work that we do because I know, ultimately, it benefits the larger community that I consider myself a part of." This unique approach sets Unite Us apart and ensures our networks are reflecting local needs and wants.
Week 19 TOPIC
Wrap Around
Tracy Smith (Healthy Blue)
Healthy Blue does coordinated care about wrap-around services
We are addressing the food insecurity for the most vulnerable
We want to assist those that are at risk
Currently doing outreach calls to assess the needs of our members
We do case management as well
We create health goals, plans, coaching, and support
We do mail-outs and coordinate care with their providers
There is a Healthy Blue app that helps you find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies in your area
There is also a symptom checker
We try to decrease ER utilization
We also want to address the health disparities
Empower individuals to understand
All of our literature is on a 4th-grade level
We have 2 events coming up
August 8: Total Team Takeover
Partnering with the mayor's office, big buddy, and Futures Fund
September 5: Back To School event
Drive-thru supplying 600 back to school kits (10AM-12PM)
Top supplies that are used by elementary school kids
Middle and high school receive different tools such as calculators
Myra Richardson (Red Torch Consulting)
I am a political science major at Southern University
I’ve led several marches in the community and have been very critical of the systems in Baton Rouge
A lot of our work focuses on bringing communities together and leveraging relationships that have been built
We work with black-owned business and specialize in project management and target marketing
We recently hosted a drive-in movie night to collectively work with a group of black farmers to integrate them into the food chain
My personal brand is giving other people a platform to use as leverage
All of my work is connecting people to different resources
We have a subscriber list of 150+ people in BR, with the mailing list, it’s a great platform to reach people for marketing and get them resources they need to receive
Symphony Malveaux (Mid City Redevelopment Alliance)
Both of these women are amazing
As Myra said, the work they do is very fast
If you would like to work with these women, just talk to them and what you need
They will either help you or definitely find someone who can help you
Kathleen Sarsfield (EBR School System)
Myra could you give a few examples of some of your work?
“In 2016 we were able to bring 8000 people together for Alton Sterling. I was the Louisiana representative for the Women’s March in Washington and also organized the recent protests for George Floyd here in Baton Rouge. I have mentored and grown several black owned businesses such as Memphis Mac to increase their sales and visibility.” - Myra Richardson
Coffee Chat @ 9AM:
Kathleen Sarsfield (EBR School System)
There is a survey out for parents to fill out
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
What’s the plan? The survey is feedback from the community
Temperature checking for students and staff
Antibody testing
What is in place? Is EBR moving in this direction?
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
People are worried that there won't be enough PPE for everyone in these schools
Teachers are being asked to pay their own money to update their technology at home
Isaiah Marshall (Star Hill Baptist Church)
Antibody test are the first line of offense to see if they've been exposed
The delay in the test is pretty wide and within that delay people are being exposed
Congress is looking to increase the budget for schools as it relates to testing
At some point there will be a shortage
Jan Ross (Wilson Foundation)
Feeding has been a great concern
We are seeing what resources out there that can be used as a continuum
Those who may be newly unemployed and need assistance
Those who are coming out of the hospital don’t have means or capacity to take care of themselves
How can we address these needs
How do we bring in the fresh produce
After school care is still an issue
What is available to parents, is it all virtual or some in-person?
Tristi Charpentier (Wilson Foundation)
We are looking at the help for the nonprofit sector
We sent a survey to 300 nonprofits to see how it’s affecting them
How can we help in capacity
Some organizations will need to merge with other nonprofits because of funding
There are a lot of nonprofits that unfortunately will not make it through this
Katie Pritchett (CAUW)
We are going to raise our ALICE report
Looking at individuals who are above the poverty level but are struggling to make ends meet
Our ALICE numbers have increased
Looks at the number of people in LA who are in low-wage jobs
These jobs are not the ones who are the ability to work remotely and still gain an income
How do we get some of these people in jobs that have remote work and continued income
Edy Addison (CAUW)
With funding we currently have we have shifted on focus based on needs that have evolved
Our primary focus is ensuring students have a safe rich learning environment during the day
Income stability programs
We have narrowed down our focus on prioritizing food
However we will continue to put forward our “United We Feed” effort
Reverend Alexis Anderson (PREACH / EBR Prison Reform Coalition)
The disaster we had last week with $600 unemployment is now gone
Our unemployment system in LA is scheduled to go into free fall in September
We are concerned about 4 areas
Income insecurity issue that will run into a housing insecurity issue
When people come out of the criminal justice system they are at the bottom of the list
Low literacy and non-english speaking populations are being missed
Poverty is criminalized
Many of these people who get evicted will have to go into court cases without representation
We need to get these people the tools they need
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
Thank You Rev. Anderson for closing out this session with the quote that will motivate us all to keep working for the least of us:
“What good are Chromebooks in the hands of kids if they are living under the bridge due to their families being evicted and unemployed."
Week 19 Chat & Announcements:
From janross to Everyone: (8:42 AM)
Traci - what is the difference between a back to school backpack and a tool kit?
From Tracy Smith to Everyone: (8:43 AM)
The kits is designed like a briefcase made out of cardboard filled with school supply kits. We have two kits--one with supplies for elementary and the other caters to middle/high school students From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (8:44 AM)
Louisiana Revised Statute 47:305.24 student farmers From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (8:45 AM)
ptuck@agcenter.lsu.edu From Katherina’s iPhone to Everyone: (8:46 AM)
Traci where again is the school drive? location date and time From Tracy Smith to Everyone: (8:47 AM)
Back to school event is Sat, Sept 5 from 10am-12pm at BRPD Headquarters on Airline Hwy From Tracy Smith to Everyone: (8:48 AM)
Myra, I would love to connect! From Katherina’s iPhone to Everyone: (8:48 AM)
Myra please send me your email. thank you From Myra Richardson to Everyone: (8:49 AM)
Myra Richardson ///// myra@redtorchbtr.com ///// instagram: moveswithmyra
From Tracy Smith to Everyone: (8:49 AM)
Tracy Smith, Community Relationstracy.smith@healthybluela.com From Summer Steib(she/her) to Everyone: (8:49 AM)
Myra, are you connected with the Black Women's Empowerment Initiative at LSU? From Myra Richardson to Everyone: (8:50 AM)
I have done some stuff with BWE @LSU From Anita White to Everyone: (8:52 AM)
Myra, would you be available to do a presentation about the Black businesses you work with? and your work itself? Women’s Week provides a platform for information to be distributed in a week-long concentration Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge. We’re virtual this year. October 9 - 15th. Would love to help you spread the word about Black Businesses in Baton Rouge and around the state. Info@WCGBR.com. Anita White Tracy, Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge would love to work with you to spread the word about Healthy Blue projects through Women’s Week, Oct 9-15. Info@WCGBR.com From Manny Patole to Everyone: (8:56 AM)
@Myra, would like to coordinate on some events once COVID stuff is alleviated. Evictions too From Tracy Smith to Everyone: (8:56 AM)
Anita! Yes, I would love to connect. From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone: (8:58 AM)
Myra - regarding the resource guide - connect with Capital Area United Way about 211. From Chelsea Morgan to Everyone: (8:58 AM)
Tracy, are you familiar with the medicaid reimbursement work in feeding people that Healthy Blue is doing? From Tracy Smith to Everyone: (9:00 AM)
Chelsea, all reimbursements are found on the Medicaid fee schedule...I will see who is our direct point of contact that can assist you--let's connect after call. From Kathleen Sarsfield to Everyone: (9:06 AM)
Hi everyone. Kathleen Sarsfield here. I’m the (fairly) new Executive Director for the Foundation for EBR School System. If students need technology to participate in virtual learning, they can fill out a form here: http://ebr.technology That means internet connectivity as well. Everyone may already know, but Oschner-Pennington is doing a study and provides free testing around the city with 3-5 day results. I had an interview yesterday with Capital Area United Way and they just logged on. From Casey Phillips to Everyone: (9:16 AM)
Nonprofit Survey from Wilson Foundation - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/?sm=DcrOmVCr6ZiF0XMlr37gvA_3D_3D From Capital Area United Way to Everyone: (9:23 AM)
cauw.org/funding-opportunities From Emily Chatelain to Everyone: (9:26 AM)
Casey - I've been on the call on my cell but have to jump off. If anyone is planning on after school programs, Three Oclock Project can provide meals (kids 18 and under) just wanted to throw that out there before I jump off From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (9:29 AM)
Must hop off. Much respect all. Here is our local AgCenter office contact: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/parishes/east%20baton%20rouge From Anita White to Everyone: (9:29 AM)
Rev Anderson, I hope you and your panel will provide a presentation at Women’s Week with Women's Council as you did in March. From Isaiah Marshall to Everyone: (9:36 AM)
isaiah@hs1global.com gus@hs1global.com www.hs1global.com From Traci Vincent to Everyone: (9:38 AM)
cheftracivincent@gmail.com for information on UV-C lighting
New Schools For Baton Rouge:
After months of a nationwide search, interviews with finalists, and public debate, Baton Rouge finally has a new superintendent. We welcome Ms. Leslie Brown to Baton Rouge--her selection and first official day come not a moment too soon. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is at a critical juncture; Ms. Brown will need all of her 41 years of experience as an educator to navigate the challenges ahead. As a community, we also must come together to support her, offer counsel, and at times, guide her through these challenges, to achieve our shared vision of a Baton Rouge that gives every child a world-class education. We offer five recommendations that will enable a strong start for the new administration and support the transformation of EBR:
Prioritize student learning while keeping students, educators and families safe. In remarks since her selection, Ms. Brown rightfully named that the “health, safety, and emotional wellness” of Baton Rouge’s students, families, and teachers will be her top priority. That’s absolutely right. Successfully navigating a safe return to school, and adapting to spikes in COVID-19 cases, should be top of mind in decisions regarding the upcoming school year. Parents and teachers should be pleased to know that we have a superintendent who will be guided by data and facts when it comes to the virus. But we must also prioritize high quality instruction, whether conditions dictate virtual, in-person, or a hybrid approach. EBR is behind its neighboring districts, non-public, and charter schools as it failed to offer substantive learning opportunities for more than seven weeks last spring.
Prioritize equity, especially as remote learning continues. In addition to struggling with instructional excellence last spring, EBR was comparatively slow to provide students with devices and roll out a remote learning curriculum this spring. Our kids - particularly our least-advantaged students - cannot afford to fall further behind their more affluent peers in neighboring districts. Our hope is that Ms. Brown draws on the lessons and experiences of other large districts who have had more success in implementing remote learning (Miami and New Orleans stand out as examples), and bring all stakeholders together to come up with solutions to make the coming year’s curriculum more robust.
Navigate the coming budget challenge. While COVID-19 has hit local economies hard, reducing tax revenue and forcing cuts to public school districts across the country, EBR was already facing fiscal challenges and indecision on its loss of student enrollment to successful charter schools and large footprint of underutilized and aging facilities in the northern part of the parish. Ms. Brown will need to find a way to avoid damaging cuts, while also not abandoning her more ambitious initiatives. This will not be easy, and will require creativity, flexibility, and likely some difficult decisions. Those of us in the nonprofit space stand ready to support as she navigates these challenging budget waters.
Bring Baton Rouge together. Over the past several weeks, debates over renaming Lee High School and the superintendent selection process have been starkly divided on racial lines. Baton Rouge needs more than a great educator in our next superintendent - we need a healer, a leader who is willing to listen, challenge their own biases, and move our city toward a more inclusive future. Ms. Brown has demonstrated those traits in the interview process. Now it’s time to put them to work.
Seize the moment - don’t just be a caretaker. The coming school year will be challenging, and it will be easy to lose sight of the big picture as we navigate the uncertain day-to-day life during a pandemic. But we cannot compromise on the progress we’ve made as a district in embracing high quality charter schools as part of the solution and holding school leaders accountable for results, or fail to think big and offer bold solutions for the next phase of work. We have a tremendous opportunity to make Baton Rouge a shining example for urban districts across the country, but now we need to seize the moment.
Despite all the challenges we face, this is an exciting time for those of us who care deeply about Baton Rouge’s schools. After a yearlong search, we finally have a leader at the helm whose background and candidacy offer EBR maybe its last best opportunity to transform and deliver exceptional opportunities to students. We look forward to working with her to take our schools and our city to the next level.
Week 18 TOPIC
Post The Pivot
Sarah Walsh (IBM Corporate Social Responsibility) Speaker
We’re committed to creating opportunities for students and individuals in the community who are left out of the tech field.
With students we are committed to over 1,000 high paid internships for them to come gain experience at IBM
We want to create the same opportunity for adults
Skills Build
They can go on this platform and build skills to help them enter the tech workforce
We are running webinars weekly to teach job seekers about how to navigate video interviews
We are also targeting the veteran population
Webinars will be live through the end of the year, weekly
Open P-TECH: OPEN.PTECH.org
Same as Skills Build but for kids
Teaches these tech soft skills
Students Ages 14-20
We have to familiarize ourselves with technology since everything it digitized now
Go online and expand your learning, there are so many free courses/webinars
On your resume, keep track of everything you are
Geno McLaughlin (Director of Community Engagement, Build Baton Rouge) Speaker
Philanthropic dollars are not equal in this city
I want to give the community the chance to build capacity
How are we building up these smaller organizations that are really impacting the community
I look at black-owned businesses and say how can highlight them and attract dollars to them
Hard for them to build capacity because investors don’t come to them
Many nonprofits fall by the wayside because they can’t get funding
I challenge business owners and corporations to donate to these efforts
How are we being intentional about helping these organizations
Larger organizations that serve young black people are all white run
The people who are always on the ground looking to help their population do not receive the same help to make a difference
Capacity is what’s needed within these organizations
Patrick Tuck (4-H)
We have a lag in volunteer engagement now that everything is digitized, how do you remedy that?
“We are looking into online platforms that we can use where our students can communicate virtually with volunteers.” - Sarah Walsh
Raymond Jetson (MetroMorphosis)
I think the most critical question is not simply “how do I move my work to a virtual platform?” but rather “what is my work in this season?”
We’ve embodied the digital platform in what we’re doing
Gwen Hamilton (New Schools For Baton Rouge)
Have you identified a training curriculum for building capacity in the small organizations you speak of?
Small businesses don’t have the capacity when it comes to government funds.
“I have not, but there is a real need. When it comes to government funds I think that’s something we can do and a training we can put together. There is a ton of training that needs to be done.” - Geno McLaughlin
There are very few risk-free philanthropic dollars out there
Manny Patole (Co-City BR)
One thing we're trying to do is figure out how we’re building up capacity and what capacity needs to be built up
How do we create the curriculum to teach the curriculum?
People fail to realize how hard it is to be a teacher and teach these things
I’ve contacted some organizations in the northeast about their work and how they’re bringing in cohorts of organizations
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
When we speak with small businesses on how to build the capacity they always have to figure out how to set aside the time to attend these training sessions.
For a nonprofit that did take advantage of the RFP, the $25,000 we still haven't been able to acquire the dollars and still have outstanding bills. Is it realistic for organizations to take advantage of this?
“We want to address these issues in terms of environmental reviews.” - Geno McLaughlin
Coffee Chat @ 9:15 AM:
Anita White (President of Women's Council of Greater Baton Rouge)
We have an annual project
This year it is Women’s Week
We’re covering things from serious subjects to fun things as well
BREC usually gives us free classes as well as the YMCA
We want to help spread some information about the programs you all talk about
This week we are going completely digital
If you want to register to contact me at info@wcgbr.com
Reverend Alexis Anderson
We have just launched a criminal justice show on Metro 21
The show is about helping the community learn about what’s going on in the criminal justice arena
So many people are having trouble navigating the system during COVID-19
We have a special election on August 16th
Strictly judicial
We are trying to get people to understand what the roles are and why there is a connection to why you should care about who’s the judge
All of our courts are changing
This is a huge economic driver in our communities
Casey Phillips (Walls Project)
Thank you, Rev. Anderson, for your insights and for all the community announcements (ALL - see flyers below)
Week 18 Chat & Announcements:
From Summer Steib to Everyone: (8:28 AM) I am not connected to mic or a camera, so I am just listening today From Manny Patole to Everyone: (8:30 AM)
I will have to log off a bit before 9 for another meeting “Collaborate" From Sarah Walsh to Everyone: (8:43 AM)
Chronus Sarah.Walsh@ibm.com IBM Program Manager, Education, Louisiana OPEN.PTECH.orgI forgot to mention IBM Apprenticeships in Baton Rouge! No Degree? No Problem! The IBM Apprenticeship Program creates new pathways to employment for candidates without an advanced degree. https://www.ibm.com/us-en/employment/newcollar/apprenticeships.html From Manny Patole to Everyone: (9:00 AM) Can I jump in quick before I have to leave to add to Geno’s point? From Andrea Roberts to Everyone: (9:01 AM)
I have to drop, sorry, but I would like to add that BREC is currently building a DBE program, and when we implement it, we will have a resource who will be working with small/disadvantaged businesses in the community to assist in educating them! From Raymond A. Jetson to Everyone: (9:10 AM)
Here is the link to the survey Geno mentioned;http://metromorphosis.net/community/ From Helena Williams to Everyone: (9:11 AM)
info@wcgbr.com From patrick to Everyone: (9:13 AM)
Off my normal topic: Covid response dollars for kids with learning exceptionalities? From Sarah Walsh to Everyone: (9:15 AM)
https://skillsbuild.org/From Anita White to Everyone: (9:19 AM)Women’s Week - delivering information about services in Baton Rouge area. Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge info@wcgbr.com From Shavon to Everyone: (9:23 AM)
Shavon Knighten CSR Specialist Corporate Social Responsibility8485 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 MOBILE: 225-394-2175 EMAIL: sknighten@unum.com www.unum.com Link to the Social Justice Fund: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.unum.com_about_responsibility_charitable-2Dgiving&d=DwMFAg&c=Te3JyC1b-Zsqvd6muPBPM9O46d6t8sKSnT-TaY8QbSU&r=ow0zua-9nnT4Gw8XJkKwzWbgeVXF0WlA425gSa5rapE&m=nDsQRcLcSURHyz4GD5PUcJkVuBeYzclBon2bdsVePog&s=g5POC4yartcXMOPMwLYl_6KtuR5Wv0UzWu6Y9Y4GB5U&e= From Casey Phillips to Everyone: (9:24 AM)
Thank you and welcome Shavon!
From Sarah Walsh to Everyone: (9:28 AM)
https://apply.ebrmagnet.org/login Tara High’s Cy-Tech Magnet Academy, Apply Now! Incoming 9th graders From Casey Phillips to Everyone: (9:30 AM)
Next week we will begin planning ‘Wrap Around’ services together for kids this fall.
Announcements:
Patrick Tuck (4-H)
During the regular state legislative session of 2019, a bill was passed to expand the definition of a commercial farmer to include certain student farmers who meet specific requirements in relation to sales and tax exemptions. Through the Act of 199 individuals under the age of 23 and meeting the defined criteria of a “student farmer” can now be sales tax exempt when purchasing:
Feed and feed additives for the purpose of sustaining livestock;
Seeds or plants to be used to produce food ordinarily used for consumption by humans or livestock;
Fertilizer to be used to produce food used for consumption by humans or livestock.
This a great opportunity for our 4-H/FFA members who are raising and/or showing livestock and agriculture products to be able to save on some expenses. Attached to this email is Form 1098 – Student Farmers Certification that the youth will need to complete and have signed by the 4-H or ANR Agent certifying that the youth is a member of the parish 4-H program. The current exemption certificate will be good until July 31, 2021. LDR will update the certificate and provide LSU with an updated pdf yearly in each July for use in the coming school year. Also, the updated exemption certificate will be available for download on the LDR website.
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
The Walls Project Newsletter
Week 17 TOPIC
Balancing Learning & Safety In Schools. II
Tyrslai Williams, Ph.D. (Director for Office of Strategic Initiatives, LSU)
We have 4 programs in office that are running for different student levels (STEM)
Majority of the students are underrepresented
They still don't have access to internet or computers
Our reopening will happen on August 24th
Students will be in dorms, no more than 2 students in a dorm
Working on extending students capacity to stay
We will stay for labor day, there won’t be a fall break
LSU Roadmap to Reopening: https://lsu.edu/coronavirus/messages/email/2020-06-01-phase2.php
We are trying to make sure students know they have a voice and can speak up about what they are comfortable with
A lot of undergraduate students are not in Louisiana and it is difficult to support them when they cannot be in the labs
A lot of students’ parents are losing their jobs, we are trying to figure out better ways to make sure they have what they need
We are working on helping parents who are trying to instruct their students at home
At the high school level, our main goal is ACT prep and getting them ready for the collegiate level
We serve woodlawn and tara high, many of these student don't have laptops or internet access
It has been difficult getting information to these students and the help they need
Upward bound supports about 100+ students at a given time
David D’Aquin (Cox Communications, Public Affairs)
We have “Connect2Compete"
A program for qualifying families with kids on free or reduced lunch
$9 for high-speed internet at home
95% who utilize say they feel more connected with their teachers
We have a huge resource library that is our digital academy
Once school starts we understand there are a few challenges
Hardware is another challenge, we have a partnership with “PC’s For People”
We give refurbished computers to people that are updated
We’re working with school systems to talk about solutions quickly
Gwen Hamilton (New Schools For Baton Rouge)
How are you identifying families and are there scholarships available to cover the $10/month to cover connectivity and how many families are covered?
“There’s a scholarship called “Every Child A King”. We ask families to self identify. We have had the district provide us data on who they feel would need the Connect2Compete service. We have really worked with other school systems to get this done. For privacy reasons EBR parish haven’t provided this information.” - David D’Aquin
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
How do we get community broadband/ community hotspots where we have one location the community can get internet access?
“ We could discuss this with our Cox business division. We’ve worked with some housing/apartment complexes to create wifi networks there so it is doable. A whole area would be difficult but it can be done. But, we are trying to stray away from people having to gather.” - David D’Aquin
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
When you have 8-10 people in a home, does the hardware for the Connect2Compete compensate for this? Panoramic broadband routers?
“There’s always the option for higher speed. The Connect2Compete internet should be sufficient for several students in the home. We provide pointers on how to get the most out of your bandwidth. It’s all about placement of your router. If you have a situation where someone has to be a priority, we suggest you hardwire directly into the modem. If you have an aquarium don’t place the router near it.” - David D’Aquin
Thank you David! The success of EBR Schools virtual learning and after-school youth programs like Futures Fund can only be successful if teens are able to connect online with equitable access.
Coffee Chat @ 9 AM: Rev. Alexis Anderson (P.R.E.A.C.H)
At the end of this month the federal unemployment bonus is going away.
We’ll be looking at a huge eviction epidemic
CATS is running on a skeletal system
Families that don't have private vehicles are having difficulty getting around
CATS is only holding 9 people per bus
Libraries have been doing great work with social distancing
I wanted to see if anyone has worked with CARC or the Medicaid companies to provide resources other partners haven't been able to use
CARC is great because they get other corporations to donate computers that they aren’t using. CARC refurbishes them
With the rate the state is going, people will lose income and ability to pay bills
These programs are also losing capacity
We are trying to get these kids who can’t get around closer to the tools they need
Tristi Charpentier (Wilson Foundation)
Louisiana Housing Corporation announced a rental assistance program
David D’Aquin ( Cox Communications, Public Affairs)
Learn Louisiana is on KWTV and they have teachers teaching lessons on television in Acadiana. This would be a good way to help as well.
Tyrslai Williams, Ph.D. (Director for Strategic Initiatives, LSU)
Mental health has been ringing very heavy on LSU’s campus
Students are recommended to find help off-campus b/c we are always overfilled
How can we better help these students, what are your initiatives to help these students?
“Metromorphosis is really focused on this with ‘Mental Health Matters’”. - Casey Phillips
“We’re working directly with the bridge agency.” - Pat LeDuff
“CAUW has a system where you can live chat with a mental health specialist.” - Capital Area United Way
“LDH has two hotlines, one if for general support and the other if for those who have a mental health diagnosis.” - Judith Rhodes
Gwen Hamilton (New Schools For Baton Rouge)
The internet device availability connection for children has been on my mind since the start of the pandemic
We still ONLY have anecdotal evidence of who needs and where its needed
We still need a data system that tells us this.
“Every EBR kid from K-12 will be getting a laptop. The true issue now is getting internet access. I cannot speak to private schools on this.” - Casey Phillips
“Internet access will have to become a utility.” - Pat LeDuff
“Charter schools have identified and provided the need to their students.” - Adonica Duggan
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
Another barrier b/c they don’t have access to the internet is that they refuse the laptops.
They feel what is the point if they can’t access the internet
Angela Robertson
It is a process of helping them migrate and move forward to feeling comfortable with receiving this help
It's not just helping the child, it’s helping the child AND the whole family
Dexter Jackson (MetroMorphosis)
The biggest thing we here is there's a lot of ambiguity around what schools looks like this upcoming year
This is especially true with teachers
Kids have no understanding of social distancing
There’s a lack of concrete plans, even if there is it varies from school to school and state to state
Some students will not get laptops b/c they’re worried they won’t get it back and the members of the family will use the laptop for things other than what it is intended for.
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
Are you worried about them not putting enough emphasis on social distancing aspect?
“Yes I’ve heard these concerns. Many parents have told me it’s impossible. There’s zero way to actually social distance. Also gets in a household don’t necessarily go to the same schools who are doing the same practices..No one is addressing the issue that teachers have to go home to their children either. There are no concrete plans.” - Dexter Jackson
Dr. Reverend Anderson (P.R.E.A.C.H)
What about non-English speaking or immigrant students? How are we navigating this territory?
Is there anything they’re doing to handle after school programming?
“There have been no conversations about after school programs. With the immigrant population was that Hispanic and Latin populations wouldn’t attend anything because they were afraid it was a set up for ICE. We did do things where we invited those families in with us to have conversations and have translators. I haven’t seen much effort to reach out to that community from school levels during the pandemic. But a lot of the laptops have been given to the Latin community because they are underserved.” - Dexter Jackson
“Our president and provost are working to give international students at least 1 in-person class so they can remain enrolled at the university.” - Tyrslai Williams
WEEK #17 Zoom Chat:
From Casey Phillps to Everyone: (8:30 AM)
Greetings All. Please forward recommendations to be our featured speakers on our upcoming topics:
7.24 - 'Post The Pivot' - how to adapt to the new normal and deliver programming this fall across the parish
7.31 - 'Wrap Around' - how we can all coordinate services to offer every LMI family in the parish the resources they need
From Helena Williams to Everyone: (8:43 AM)
Discounted internet access offered from Cox: cox.com/c2c From Tyrslai Williams to Everyone: (8:46 AM)
Tyrslai M. Williams, twil161@lsu.edu
LSU/OSI Challenges:
1. Internet access for parents and students in our programs.
2. Supporting students who do not have access to laptops
3. Supporting parents who are taking on the learning coach role in virtual learning.
4. Supporting the rights and needs of graduate students through this return. From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone: (8:59 AM)
Louisiana Housing Corporation announced a rental assistance program yesterday: The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program launched Thursday, July 16. Renters may complete an intake form online at LaRentHelp.com or via phone by dialing 2-1-1. Additional information is available by texting "LaRentHelp" to 898-211. For a list of additional resources, programs, and services available to homeowners and/or renters, visit our website at www.lhc.la.gov. From Angela Robertson to Everyone: (9:02 AM)
EBR Schools announced on yesterday - there will be 1-1 technology for students. Each will be issued a laptop in order to support them with their academics for hybrid learning. From Eric Dexter to Everyone: (9:04 AM)
Thanks for the invitation. This is a lot of valuable info to share with the community. From Capital Area United Way to Everyone: (9:04 AM)
residents can call 211 to complete the intake for the rental assistance dollars CAUW explorers relocating Learn United- we do not have an open access channel in EBR. We were told LBP would be doing lessons on their channel statewide by end of summer. *explored replicating From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone: (9:08 AM)
Stressed about COVID-19? We're here to talk.If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding this public health emergency, there is a special Keep Calm through COVID Hotline you can call. This connects you to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and who can direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services.Call 1-866-310-7977 24/7Trained counselors available 24/7. All calls are confidential.Need a listening ear before a crisis occurs?The Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line connects individuals to real-time support to avoid, prevent or intercept a crisis from occurring. This line offers recovery support 24/7/365 for those with substance use, mental health, mental illness or co-occurring disorders. However, those with no prior history of substance use or mental illness can access these services any day, any time. Call 1-833-333-1132 to speak with a qualified support provider who can connect you to a trained specialist From Chelsea Morgan to Everyone: (9:08 AM)
I-CARE within EBR Schools has a lot of great resources for mental health, alcohol drug abuse and violence prevention program - Tanya Griffin From Pat LeDuff to Everyone: (9:09 AM)
TheBridge Agency- Nicole Scott
From Capital Area United Way to Everyone: (9:10 AM)
www.cauw.org/211 to live chat with a mental health professional From Judith Rhodes to Everyone: (9:11 AM)
LDH OBH Calming COVID line for support - free and anonymous 866-310-7977 From Carolyn Evans to Everyone: (9:12 AM)
This is so much information that is so helpful. Thank you for hosting these meetings. Thank you Dr. Williams and David for what you are doing. From Judith Rhodes to Everyone: (9:12 AM) Crisis Intervention Center at 4837 Revere Baton Rouge. 225-924-1431
Week 16 TOPIC
Balancing Learning & Safety In Schools
Adonica Duggan (New Schools For Baton Rouge) adonica@newschoolsbr.org
Back in mid-April we started to think about how as a nonprofit we’ll be able to deal with distance learning challenges
We put together a cohort to do strategic planning with education partners
They gathered schools together and focused on what delivery looked like
Our support at New School BR is providing resources and grants
There is a fully virtual option at every school
Most schools are leaning towards a hybrid model where some students will be in person, this is younger students, and others will do virtual learning
Our big anchors of what we’ve been focused on is making sure we don’t shift the burden of education on the families
Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge (EBR Parish School Systems) SRUTLEDGE@ebrschools.org
We are looking ar a continuous learning model for out pre-K through second-grade students
All high-touch surfaces will be cleaned daily with a deep clean day once a week (Wednesdays?)
This plan is not concrete but it is definitely fluid
Our students will have the opportunity to go to school two days a week in different groups
We are still considering a Mon/Wed + Tue/Thu option as well as M-Th option
We’ve changed the curriculum, many leaders are going through quality matters training courses
Ways the community can help
Get the word out about the surveys, the more families who complete this, the more prepared we’ll be
We are securing hotspots and connectivity for students and communities who need this, we need help identifying the communities who need this
This will help families on the day the schools are closed
Judith Rhodes (LSU/SREC)
All the parents are asking, on the days with the virtual learning, does EBR parish have provision for these students to go to school? People are really confused about what's actually going to happen
“Unless provisions are made for that student to come to school, that student cannot go to school on the “off” days. Once we have solid numbers we can allow partners to have signups for parents to register for the “extended day”. - Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge
Andrea Roberts (BREC)
We’re thinking we could be a facility partner. But, we haven't been approached about being a partner. What should we do
“The task force would be Mr. Smith with EBR Schools, BREC has been mentioned as a potential partner.” - Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge
Adonica Duggan (News School For Baton Rouge)
Is there a drop off date when you all will stop receiving surveys and move forward based on the information you have at the moment
“We have not discussed a date but we are trying to decide when this will be. We’ve really pushed to say when we’ll communicate with the families. The next survey will be the signup. That’s when we’ll really know who’s coming back and who’s not.” - Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge
Girard Melancon (BRCC)
Everything went to virtual
In phase two we brought back hands-on classes for students to come back voluntarily
Our classes are ongoing and we are positioning more in healthcare
The college is only focusing on hands-on activity for face to face which will follow the governors and CDC guidelines
Any classes that can be online will be for credit and non-credit courses
The Mid-city and Acadian campuses will be very quiet
Mid-city will almost be a ghost town, most classes will be taught virtually
Coffee Chat @ 9 AM:
Luke St. John (MetroMorphosis)
Given recent events from discriminatory practices and the global pandemic with its disproportionate effect on black lives, we’ve work to redesign our work
On July 14,15,16 we’re holding a listening session called “The Gathering” for african american men, young and old to discuss how they’ve processed what’s been going on in the past few months
I ask that you share this event for boy 14 y/o and up.
If you would like to participate please let me know
Helen Frink (Mayor's Office)
The federal government has partnered with the mayor's office to provide a large scale testing event
The last day to get tested is July 18th
There are 4 locations where you can get tested completely FREE
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM- 4 PM
LSU, SOUTHERN, CORTANA MALL, HEALING PLACE
We are really asking for you all to pick a day to encourage your staff members or community members to go to get tested.
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
Is there a way to get a technology stipend to get the playing field even for kids who don’t have Chromebook
“We have connected with ExxonMobil where we started with Brookstown and Istrouma middle, we asked who needed a hotspot and they were able to receive one. I don’t know if there is legislation on the books for this currently. We also worked with the Housing Authority to connect with students in high poverty areas to receive internet access. It’s important that every student has connectivity.” - Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge
Kendra Hendricks (Capital Region Planning Commission)
We are studying broadband access. I would like to get notes on the strengths/ weaknesses in the area.
Right now we know of our rural areas but would like to connect with everyone to do a regional broadband study to figure out what’s lacking.
We are working on having a link and a mail-in ballot
We will have someone going out and gauging people’s perception on broadband and their perception of it
Dr. Sharmayne Rutledge ( EBR Parish School System)
Principals take a list of families that they have and have not heard from on the surveys.
The families who have not been heard from receive a call and answer the 8 questions so we know how they can best be served
For parents and families who don't have internet or social media are receiving calls
Our IT department has extended our connectivity at our 12 sites.
These are extending beyond the parking lot
Families can receive connectivity in the area
Leslie Clay ( LPHI)
We also have a survey on how community members have responded to COVID-19
We want to take polls of the state to see what we could do better if there were another pandemic
https://9437open.sawtoothsoftware.com/cgi-bin/ciwweb.pl?studyname=9437open&samplesource=open
This is due Wednesday, July 15th
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
BREC has accessible points within a 10-minute walk of every neighborhood in the city
BREC parks seem like a logical place to drop 5G wireless hubs so that students/families can access the internet for school as weather allows, spread out for social distancing safety and even sit in their cars if necessary. The time is now to take bold action, implement a plan.
“Right now our wifi is largely accessible when you're near the building in the park. We are working on a plan to extend wifi when you’re outside of the building.” - Andrea Roberts
Announcements:
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR-PRESIDENT Sharon Weston Broome:
#GeauxGetTested Extends Hours for Weekend
Baton Rouge, La. – July 9, 2020 – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced extended hours this weekend for the #GeauxGetTested initiative. Anyone age 5 or older can get a free COVID-19 test from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday July 10 – Sunday July 12. Since surge testing began on July 7, there have been 3,374 people tested for COVID-19 across all test sites. East Baton Rouge Parish is one of three locations in the United States selected for surge testing because the federal government has deemed Louisiana a hotspot in the recent resurgence of the coronavirus. Preregistration is easy. Go to www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. People who pre-register can use the express line at the test site.
Geaux Get Tested:
It is not required to pre-register for a test but encouraged at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. The hours and dates of operation for all sites are 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., seven days a week. Test sites will open for 12 days, from Tuesday, July 7, to Saturday, July 18 (unless otherwise noted).
The sites are located at:
- LSU: Alex Box Stadium parking lot, Gourrier Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70820
- Southern University: F.G. Clark parking lot, 801 Harding Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70807
- Cortana Mall: 9701 Cortana Pl., Baton Rouge, LA 70815
- Healing Place Church: Mobile Testing Site, 19202 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
The Healing Place Church site will operate Thursday, July 9–Saturday, July 18, with the exception of Sunday, July 12.
- Lamar Dixon Expo Center: 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales, LA 70737.
This site is supported by LDH, GOHSEP, and HHS.
The tests will be processed by eTrueNorth. Results should take 3-5 days.
Key Points:
- Testing is free. No insurance is required and there are no co-pays.
- Testing is convenient. Whether you live in North Baton Rouge, the southeast part of East Baton Rouge Parish, Gonzales, Mid-city or near LSU, there is a location near you.
- Wait times are short. The test sites are managed in way to make it quick and efficient for people to get tested.
- Time is limited. These test sites are available until Saturday, July 18. Get your free COVID-19 test now before it’s too late.
- Get your results in 3-5 days. eTrueNorth will process the tests. Test results will be provided by email notification and you will get a call if you test positive. Results will also be posted in the eTrueNorth patient portal.
Requirements
In order to be tested at a #GeauxGetTested site, people must provide a telephone number and an email address. A photo ID is NOT required.
Collaboration
#GeauxGetTested is a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Healthy BR, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Department of Health.
Contact Tracing
If you test positive for COVID-19, or if you were in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted by contact tracers calling from 877-766-2130 — save this number in your phone. During that call, you can be connected to resources that are available to help you safely quarantine.
If anyone needs further information or would like a specific graphic or newsletter content for their staff, email lists, members, etc. they can reach Helen Frink, Community Outreach Liaison for Mayor Broome at hfrink@Brla.gov or 225-427-5005
METROMORPHOSIS:
MetroMorphosis is holding a three-day listening session specifically for Black boys and men, July 14-July 16th. The purpose of the sessions is to create a safe space for participants to reflect on the realities facing AA males in light of COVID19 and the murder of George Flyod and others and to seek input and support for MetroMorphosis' s future work focused on AA males in Baton Rouge.
July 14th (Males 25+) at 5:30 PM - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwofu2rpjkjGtOshrgT0fAXN146EM-cDzxd
July 15th (Males 18-24) at 3:00 PM - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsc-2oqTojHNUuw5RIY30a3IgF5nlgzCbO
July 16th (Males 14-17) at 3:00 PM - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcOiorDItG9ebvgr8juU6XMr2f2RRzb3D
CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY:
The New Orleans Saints and Capital Area United Way are creating a virtual experience for students in Louisiana around character and how to make the most of our time at home from COVID. Join us to discuss how to stay positive, support each other, and make great decisions for your life. Check out characterplaybook.com to learn more about the Saints & United Way program, Character Playbook.
Event Date: July 15th at 12:30 pm CST
Registration: Register for the event here: This is mostly to get an idea of how many students join, as well as, give them the opportunity to submit questions for the Saints. Students can still join even if they do not register.
ZOOM link to join the event: https://zoom.us/j/91409829332 Please join at 12:20 pm to be prepared to start at 12:30 pm
Questions: Email characterplaybook@everfi.com
BATON ROOTS:
Baton Roots Lead Farm Manager
5509 Winbourne Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 (BREC Howell Park)
Key Skills
Passion for sustainable farming practices, serving others, community & youth development; critical thinking, problem-solving, execution, organization, attention to detail, leadership, clear spoken and written communication, active listening
Work Environment:
Baton Roots Community Farm, working through various weather conditions. The Lead Farmer is responsible for managing the operations and maintenance of Baton Roots Community Farm at BREC’s Howell Park. The farmhand ensures that Baton Roots Community Farm is maximizing its capacity to grow fresh produce. The lead farmer plays a crucial role in the day to day activities to keep Baton Roots growing. The lead farmer works with the Program Coordinator to create crop plans, harvest schedules, and procedures on the farm that are continuously being developed.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Maintains upkeep and regular maintenance of Harmony Gardens and Baton Roots Community Farm.
Supports site supervisors of satellite Hustle & Grow sites to develop cropping plans and maintenance schedules
Develops cropping plan for Harmony Garden and Baton Roots Community Farm
Coordinates distribution of crops through community partners, donations, on-site market, farmers market, local businesses/restaurants
Maintains City Citrus orchard
Develops sales/distribution goals for Baton Roots Community Farm
Works with Program Coordinator to schedule and develop on-farm activities, Hustle & Grow schedule, volunteer workdays, community harvests, capstone events, and workshops
Maintains utility yard/storage facility; keeps track of all tools and materials
Updates and creates SOPs concerning food safety, best urban agriculture practices,
Trains volunteers and staff on best practices for farm safety, harvesting/post-harvest handling,
Assists Program Coordinator in facilitating strategic relationships in agriculture/horticulture industry
Regular Community Farm and Garden Tasks:
Weeding
Watering/Managing Irrigation
Seeding/Transplanting
Post-harvest handling
Interpreting crop plans
Composting
Integrated Pest Management
Creating harvest lists
Managing produce pick-ups/deliveries
Maintaining greenhouses/hoop houses/low tunnels
Keeping detailed logs and records
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must be able to work outside in various weather conditions (extreme heat, extreme cold)
Must be able to work well with teenagers and volunteers
General horticulture knowledge and interest
Must be able to lift over 25 lbs
Must have access to a reliable vehicle (pick-ups/SUV’s are highly useful)
Access to a computer or laptop
General knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint) or Google equivalent
Experience supervising and managing people
Job Type:
Full-time or Contract Retainer
COVID-19 considerations:
PPE and cleaning supplies will be provided for workers
Week 16 Chat & Additional Resources:
From Sharmayne Rutledge to Everyone:
Sharamyne Rutledge,
(225) 938-9490
srutledge@ebrschools.org
EBR SCHOOLS NEEDS YOUR HELP ON:
* completion of surveys
* connectivity
* partners with hybrid days
From Adonica Duggan to Everyone:
Adonica Duggan
adonica@newschoolsbr.org
225-954-3670
From Courtland Simoneaux to Everyone:
Shalonda Simoneaux / High School Programs in EBRPSS
ssimoneaux@ebrschools.org
From Manny Patole - Co-City Baton Rouge to Everyone:
IBM 2020 COVID-19 Call for Code Global Challenge
Call for Code asks innovators to create practical, effective, and high-quality applications based on one or more IBM Cloud™ services (for example, web, mobile, data, analytics, AI, IoT, or weather) that can have an immediate and lasting impact on humanitarian issues.
Date Launched: 3/23/2020
Submission Deadline: 7/31/2020
From Esperanza Zenon to Everyone:
I am a QM certified F2F trainer if you need help
From Casey Phillips to Everyone:
Esperanza the Futures Fund would like to engage you to conduct this training for our instructors this fall. Please consider us signed up for Teacher Zenon!
From Esperanza Zenon to Everyone:
You got it Casey!
From Edy Addison to Everyone:
If an out of school time youth provider can provide assistance for virtual learning days, will they receive training?
From Girard Melancon (BRCC) to Everyone:
Girard Melancon (225) 907-3887
From SHERRETA HARRISON to Everyone:
Metromorphosis - The Gathering: Ages 14-17 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcOiorDItG9ebvgr8juU6XMr2f2RRzb3D?fbclid=IwAR06BlX2AHb8jQav1c3ikATZ3gkyUcCjUDmjqnbFmE7iHHEdmaghc4C0kXc
The Gathering: Ages 18 to 24
The Gathering: Ages 25 and up https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwofu2rpjkjGtOshrgT0fAXN146EM-cDzxd?fbclid=IwAR1WHlBq9gsN7SPuamRs45aWG2llkiV8k4UpIAgjQM0r5to7VqhKAyfGFQE
When Helping Hurts TODAY w/ Dr. Ginwright on Centering Healing
Register in advance for this meeting:
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From Lauren Hebert to Everyone:
Covid testing sites: LSU, Su,
Cortana Mall and Healing Place
from 8-4 Monday -Sunday. except healing place. closed on Sunday
From Leslie Clay to Everyone:
I just sent this info out to my listserve.
From Andrea Roberts to Everyone:
My husband and son went to LSU and got tested two days ago and it was seamless! They got their results back today!
From Helen to Everyone:
If anyone would like content or a graphic to push out to your email lists, staff members, etc. please let me know and we can get that together
hfrink@brla.gov or 225-427-5005
From Helena Williams to Everyone:
If you send to Walls we can add to our notes and blog post
From Casey Phillips to Everyone:
Helen, please send me the flyer/jpg so I can send out tomorrow morning in meeting notes.
From Adonica Duggan to Everyone:
J Daniels
From Kendra Hendricks to Everyone:
Casey, we are studying broadband access. would like to get notes on strengths/ weaknesses in the area.
From Pat LeDuff to Everyone:
what’s been done in the Scotlandville for Wi-fi access
Scotlandville Area is lacking
From Shivonne Marshall (Baton Roots) to Everyone:
Glen Oaks area lacks as well
From Leslie Clay to Everyone:
It's strained even in Zachary.
From Anita White to Everyone:
Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge is making our annual Women’s Week virtual this year. Any non-profit or community service organization who would like to help get out your message is invited to participate. Women’s Council connects, promotes, and empowers women in our community. Women’s Week aims to make women and families in the community aware of services and resources available in the community. 225.252.5203. October 9th through 15th, 2020. info@wcgbr.com No cost involved.
From Judith Rhodes to Everyone:
Can federal CARES Act funds be used for family Internet? Hot spots?
From Kendra Hendricks to Everyone:
Kendra Hendricks,
Capital Region Planning Commission,
khendricks@crpcla.org
From Leslie Clay to Everyone:
I have a community survey concerning COVID19 for LPHI - the survey ends on 7/15. I can send you the PDF if you would like. The link to the survey is https://9437open.sawtoothsoftware.com/cgi-bin/ciwweb.pl?studyname=9437open&samplesource=open
My email is lclay@lphi.org
Louisiana Public Health Institute is conducting a
community survey to understand how Louisianans are responding to the COVID
-19 pandemic. We are collecting this information to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in Louisiana.
What we learn may inform response and recovery efforts during and after the
pandemic, as well as planning for future public health crises.
From Adonica Duggan to Everyone:
So great for schools and libraries to do this
From Andrea Roberts to Everyone:
BREC has also beefed up wifi at some locations and extended free usage time: https://www.wafb.com/2020/05/01/drive-in-wifi-initiative-allows-free-internet-access-while-staying-your-car/
andrea.roberts@brec.org - if you have suggested parks that need wifi, let us know!
From Sarah Walsh to Everyone:
Sarah.Walsh@ibm.com,
IBM Program Manager,
Education Louisiana
Week 15 TOPIC
Policy of Poverty
Manny Patole (Co-City BR)
Land Banks are public entities that specialize in the acquiring of vacant and abandoned properties
They can be tailored to community needs
Driven by land use goals based on community priorities
A land trust is different from a land bank, land trust sell and disperse the properties
Land banks are hard to sell properties because they are government entities
Clear title-run prescription
We’re doing this to build community wealth
Ashley Hebert (Government Relations Director, AHA)
We need to address the social determinants of health through policy
If we don’t we miss communities that need these policies the most
If we look at evidence-based policies that advance health equity we can increase everyone leading healthy lives
Certain populations are not benefitting from advancements in treatments
Healthy Restaurants Kids meal
Would make juice, milk, and water the default drink for kids in restaurants
Limiting sugar intake with these policies have an impact
Smoke free air policy in Shreveport was passed, wasn’t implemented in casinos and gaming buildings, thes jobs are mostly held by black and brown people, and mostly women
Jan Moller (Louisiana Budget Project)
The budget and tax structure in Louisiana are moral decisions
The people who have it the best in LA are the ones who are the best represented
My staff goes to the capital and tries to have a more fair and robust tax structure
In Baton Rouge, we have some of the best parks and libraries in the country, every time it's on the ballot we vote for it
Covid-19 put a whole in the state revenue base
Federal money that we've gotten is covering a lot of this but there are a lot of cuts still being made
Corporate tax breaks have been making their way through the system
There are still a few that are alive
The issue with corporate tax breaks is that these tax incentives don't do the job they are designed to do
“Who these companies come do this job in LA if it weren’t for the tax breaks provided here.”
These tax breaks go to the shareholders of these companies and not back into the community
Christy Reeves (OCHSNER)
Extending community COVID-19 testing across the region
Mobile roving units
Testing works best when you work with partners
If you come across needs we don’t know about, let us know
As we continue to open back up, testing is critical
Contact Heidi or I about testing needed in your area or organization
You can find out about testing everyday on our Facebook page
Kelly Welch (ExxonMobil)
We also want consistency in the tax policies
There have been instances where projects go to Texas that are supposed to be in Baton Rouge, which is something we don’t want
When it comes to tax policy for ExxonMobil it truly is contributing back to the community
Raymond Jetson (MetroMorphosis)
I want to encourage the group to embrace the moment of dissenting voices to have meaningful dialogue
I think it is healthy for this platform to be able to sit like that and not respond in ways that disabuse people with different views
David Beach (Wilson Foundation)
How does the community get involved with land banks and land trusts?
“We have already done some basic research. We provided a template of the engagement model and looking to create a committee advisory board. One-third of the people who are immediately involved, one third are people from around the community, and one third would be organizations doing community research. This is different than the HOA, the idea is that we want community input in the actual design of the institution. We want the youth of the community to be involved as well.” - Manny Patole
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
Scotlandville CDC has taken advantage of land banking.
I’d like to partner with you to build capacity in what we’re doing
We own our own garden park
On ITEP, nothing towards Exxon, you all have helped us for 20 years, but for other corporations, they were not using these tax breaks the way they should have been
Casey Phillips (The Walls Project)
We will continue these calls into July and August
If you have suggestions for topics let us know in the chat or email me
Topic on the July 10th will surround the school board and our kids
Patrick Tuck (4-H Louisiana)
As the schools decide what their delivery methods will look like we need to determine how we will fit into those structures and services
Kelly Welch (ExxonMobil)
We’ve given students in certain areas access to MiFis so they can complete school work
We have to figure out how to close this digital divide
Week 15 Chat & Additional Resources: From Manohar Ramkumar Patole to Everyone: (8:30 AM)
More Info on Land Banks - https://www.communityprogress.net/land-banking-faq-pages-449.php Great resource on building community wealth and community land trusts - https://community-wealth.org/content/community-wealth-building-eight-basic-principles Understanding the similarities and differences between lant banks and land trusts - https://shelterforce.org/2016/11/09/land-banks-community-land-trusts-not-synonyms-or-antonyms-complements/ Recent news about leveraging land banks to help with affordable housing - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-15/how-coronavirus-makes-the-case-for-land-banks Examples of land trusts and land banks across the country: https://www.dudleyneighbors.org/ https://maggiewalkerclt.org/ https://www.neighborspacebaltimorecounty.org/ http://neighbor-space.org/ https://cityofhouston.news/news-release-city-of-houston-closes-first-land-trust-home-in-new-home-development-program/ From Pat LeDuff to Everyone: (8:38 AM)
Scotlandville CDC is currently working that system-would love to partner - Pat LeDuff we provide housing for first time home buyersScotlandville Homes 1920 Goudchaux at Scenic parking lot.’ Patleduff @yahoo.com From christy.reeves@ochsner.org to Everyone: (8:54 AM)
Christy.Reeves@ochsner.org From hhowat@ochsner.org to Everyone: (8:55 AM)
Heidi Howat Wendt hhowat@ochsner.org From Melissa Thompson to Everyone: (9:00 AM)
I have to hop off for a 9a call. Thank you for creating this space for us to have this convo! Hope y'all have a great weekend. Melissa.thompson@brgeneral.org From Edy Addison to Everyone: (9:00 AM)
Along the same lines as testing needs in specific communities, please let me know if United We Feed can bring fresh produce to a community that has been greatly affected by COVID. edya@cauw.org From David Beach - HAWF to Everyone: (9:01 AM)
I appreciate hearing about the important work being done. I'm encouraged! Thanks for inviting us to this forum. From Judith Rhodes to Everyone: (9:03 AM)
Is there any connection of the Land Bank/Land Trust work with the HUD Choice Neighborhood award to BR? This is a $30mil investment in BR. From Edy Addison to Everyone: (9:05 AM)
Kelli, no specific EBR distribution on the books right now. next one will be East Feliciana. Let’s connect and make one happen! From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:07 AM)
@Judith, it is not directly related to that specific program. From my understanding those properties have clear title exchange for development. We are looking at land bank properties that have been transferred to BBR that have multiple issues. From Jan Moller to Everyone: (9:07 AM)
jan@labudget.org From Ashley Hebert to Everyone: (9:07 AM)
Ashley.Hebert@heart.org From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:07 AM)
Manny.patole@nyu.edu From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (9:10 AM)
As part of K-12 schools, engaging community youth development and afterschool programs in however EBR decides to approach the school year. From Gwen Hamilton to Everyone: (9:12 AM)
Manny, has there been any progress on the policy side of property acquisition? From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:12 AM)
An aggregated community event calendar? From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:14 AM)
@Gwen, we intend on leveraging the funding from HAWF to research the legal and institutional landscape of Louisiana and Baton Rouge in order to understand what can be done. BBR does have the land bank as a public government entity but what the statutory abilities are I am not 100% certain. From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:16 AM)
Echoing Gwen, I think there is a capacity issue. Specifically capacity that is compensated. From my limited experience, there are many people doing great things but so many things are done by the same people and not compensated. If there was a way to monetize this, I feel more people will come forward to “help.” From Chelsea Morgan to Everyone: (9:16 AM)
PLEASE allow the Association of Fundraising Professionals to honor your organizations or its supporters. Nominations for National Philanthropy Day are due today but will be accepted until July 1st. https://community.afpglobal.org/greaterbatonrouge/npd48/new-item142
From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:25 AM)
(Funny) Complex vs Complicated problems (fave explanation)https://www.solvingforpattern.org/2012/11/09/simple-complicated-and-complex-problems/ From Pat LeDuff to Everyone: (9:27 AM)
there is a need in Scotlandvilke partner with CADAV From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (9:28 AM)
https://www.alec.coop/ ? From hhowat@ochsner.org to Everyone: (9:30 AM)
Great work! Have to hop off. Reach out if you are interested in COVID Community Testing in your area. Thanks, Heidi. hhowat@ochsner.org
From Casey Phillips to Everyone: (9:30 AM)
Thank you all for this great dialogue! Given this topic was focused on breaking through the Walls of poverty am including a link to the latest Walls newsletter that highlights the work we and our partners are doing in this space.
Week 14 TOPIC
Learn By Listening
No notes were taken this week.
Week 13 TOPIC
Mental Health Matters
Casey Phillips (Walls Project)
After three months of a nationwide quarantine, protests, and economic uncertainty we appreciate Raymond facilitating this important conversation featuring Metromorphosis' findings from their webinar featuring Dr. Leslie Grover and Tonja Myles.
Raymond Jetson (Metromorphosis)
We scheduled a mental health webinar and had 188 people sign up, 166 showed up.
When people were asked when they felt emotionally unsettled where do they go for help, almost 50% of the people said they were going to family and friends, another 30% said they were going to various options
We need to battle stigma and access to mental health professionals, also to those that are culturally sensitive
If people are going to family and friends then we should come up with a way to equip family and friends with basic information on how to help those around them
When asked what they would need for help in the future over half said a safe space to communicate with others
32% responded to access to mental health professionals, 22% said they wanted mental health professionals to be culturally sensitive, 12% said they wanted someone from their culture
64% rated the webinar a 5, 33% rated the webinar a 4
Jared Hymowitz (HealthyBR)
Organizations that are working in this space (I will put a full list in the chat below)
Recast - https://recast.communityplatform.us
Leslie Rose - Invisible Illness
You Are Not Alone
HealthyBR has 50+ clinicians in this field
Angela Robertson (Clinician / G.R.O.W.T.H)
Individuals in our community are resistant to go seek professional help
Church came in at 1%
SEL (social-emotional learning) we’ve been taking kids and their family members and engaging them in SEL
People don’t know where these resources are, we should have a one-stop-shop to get this out to people
Judith Rhodes (LSU)
We should expect an increase in mental health issues
We can encourage them to get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, eat well, get exercise
Do anything to help relieve the stress
Encourage people to seek professional help
We work with schools around the state, and are trying to increase mental health access to families and children
Parents are usually not willing to sign off on their children be involved in treatment
“It’s a trust issue. Once you are able to connect with the parent and establish a trusting relationship, they are willing to receive help for their children and themselves.” - Angela Robertson (Clinician)
Tristi Charpentier (Wilson Foundation)
2-1-1 also has a connection with a crisis counselor
Manny Patole (Co-City BR)
I’ve found that if I noticed something, instead of having the student approach me, I extend myself and offer my help
Being there for people and creating a middle ground that helps break the ice about the subject, peop[e are more willing to talk about what they’re going through
Dustin Lafont (Front Yard Bikes)
Kids are very ready to unplug and they’re really exhausted
They want to get in the gardens and get on a bike and just want to be kids
Just because we have a lot of youth of color, that doesn't mean they’re ready to talk about what’s going on
Be patient and be ready to listen, from light-hearted check-ins to deeper ones
Casey Phillips (Walls Project)
“All of us are going through this, but within that circle is us, African American US citizens who are directly in harm's way and everyone is responding to it differently.
“What we can do at Metromorphosis is continue to move the conversation forward. We also want to learn more about how to plug people into existing networks and help them navigate the space of connecting to other people through us. If any folks here would like to help us move forward we’d be more than happy to speak with you.” - Raymond Jetson (Metromorphosis)
Coffee Chat @ 9:00 AM: Helen Frink (Mayor’s Office)
The summer program will be virtual with the Mayor’s office. If there is anyone on this call who wants to volunteer an hour of their time to speak to our youth on this matter (mental health) please reach out to me.
Pat LeDuff (CADAV, Inc)
We are rolling Juneteenth this year. This would've been our 28th festival
We will have a rolling caravan displaying positive messages
I’m asking you all to participate and roll with us at noon on June 20th!
Gwen Hamilton (New Schools BR)
Thank you and Raymond for bringing this matter to the forefront.
There’s a huge misunderstanding and disconnect with how broad it is and how we deal with this spectrum
If you want to feel good, go watch Sesame Street’s Town Hall on racism!
“Thank you, my son has been frustrated lately and wants to fix everything, so thank you for this.” - Patrick Tuck (4-H)
Paul Sawyer (Chief of Staff, Garret Graves)
FEMA COVID resources will be something I look into and share back with the group.
Melissa Thompson (Baton Rouge General)
Baton Rouge General Mid-City ER will be reopening on Monday @ 7 AM with 30 beds
There will also be mental health classes
Jan Moller (Louisiana Budget Project)
We should know a lot today about what the governor will sign and veto today from the regular session
There are tax bills on his desk on whether or not they’ll have to make additional cuts to the budget
Monday, June 15 is the deadline to apply for P-EBT which is a one-time federal food grant available to any child who gets free or reduced-price lunch at school. Please spread the word in your circles. Link to apply is here: https://pebt.doe.louisiana.gov/PublicApps/SNP/
Nina Hunter (EMPLOYBR)
We have been in communication with LWC to get a target number of people who have applied for Unemployment in EBR Parish
Edward Anthony (CPEX)
CPEX is doing research on the intersectionality of things that connect to your mental health
Week #13 Chat & Additional Resources: From Judith Rhodes / LSU SREC to Everyone: (8:44 AM) - Family Service of Baton Rouge on 4727 Revere Ave. 225-924-0123 - Free LDH counseling line: Keep Calm Through COVID hotline 1-866-310-7977 Counselors available 24/7: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5492 - Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center / https://www.brcic.org/ - Capital Area Human Services for MH and Substance Use 225-925-1906 or 800 768- 8824 - Sexual Trauma 24/7 hotline 855-435-STAR https://star.ngo From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (8:44 AM)
Good Morning, Baton Rouge :-) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5568160/ NYC Schools Resources: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/special-situations/crisis-or-traumatic-event From Raymond A. Jetson to Everyone: (8:44 AM) raymond@metromorphosis.net All this is a link to an opinion piece I wrote that was published in the advocate today. https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/article_961adc96-ab67-11ea-b1de-df5a9df78e83.html From Tristi Charpentier to Everyone: (8:45 AM)
Psychological First Aid training available online for free from Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/psychological-first-aid%3A-supporting-yourself-and-others-during-covid-19/a6R3o0000014ZIg.html From Jared Hymowitz to Everyone: (8:47 AM)
https://recast.communityplatform.us/ https://www.youarentaloneproject.com/news--media https://www.creactivllc.com/the-picture-of-health-2 https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/index.html https://www.brbridge.org/ https://sites.google.com/view/i-care-program/home http://www.cahsd.org/ https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/locator * If you are interested in joining Mayor Broome's Behavioral Health Task Force please email me jhymowitz@brla.gov - If you would like to have your organization, church or community group you can reach out to Caitlin LaVine <Caitlin.LaVine@la.gov> There are also trainings on mental health first aid https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ From dustinlafont / Front Yard Bikes to Everyone: (8:50 AM)
Front Yard Bikes is just starting to touch base with our students and have conversations about the murder of Malcom Floyd. If anyone has begun to facilitate dialogue with youth or activities for youth, please share. From Erik Showalter / BR General Foundation to Everyone: (8:55 AM)
Our Baton Rouge General Behavioral Health Unit is located here at Mid-City. Great resource for everyone. Our Emergency Room will reopen on Monday as well. From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (8:55 AM)
From Angela Robertson to Everyone: (8:56 AM)
Senior (Elderly) 24-Hour Hotline (225)300-4943
From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:02 AM)
For everyone (unrelated to mental health): https://aeoworks.smapply.io/prog/paypal_empowerment_grant_for_black-owned_businesses/ https://www.covid19funding.us/ Not directly related but helps with safe zone training (which all student-facing employees at NYU are recommended to take) https://thesafezoneproject.com/Also, today is the 53rd anniversary of Loving vs Virginia, legalizing interracial marriage From Helen to Everyone: (9:06 AM) I am the Community Outreach Liaison in Mayor Broome's office, and oversee the Mayor's Youth Workforce Experience program and our summer cohort in partnership with Big Buddy will include social emotional learning components, so if you are interested in volunteering as a speaker or mentor please reach out to me! hfrink@brla.gov From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (9:12 AM)
I was privileged to be in a session with Dr. Katrice Albert earlier this week. She was amazing in her ability to consistently bring light into the conversation. From Melissa Thompson to Everyone: (9:15 AM)
Melissa Thompson - Baton Rouge General Melissa.thompson@brgeneral.org From Symphony Malveaux to Everyone: (9:16 AM)
symphony@midcityredevelopment.org From Jan Moller to Everyone: (9:23 AM)
One more thing: Monday is the deadline to sign up for P-EBT, which is a one-time federal food grant available to any child who gets free or reduced-price lunch at school. Please spread the word in your circles. Link to apply is here: https://pebt.doe.louisiana.gov/PublicApps/SNP/
From Judith Rhodes to Everyone: (9:26 AM)
Thanks all! Onward to the next task. Judith jrhode9@lsu.edu From Patrick Tuck to Everyone: (9:28 AM)
For kids. The 4-H virtual summer camp is up and running: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/kids_teens/events/camps From Manny Patole - CCBR to Everyone: (9:30 AM)
From a Prof. Friend of mine: https://fewsion.us/ From Emmanuel ‘Boo’ Milton to Everyone: (9:45 AM) I'm excited to announce a new initiative I'm launching today "Spark Box™ Summer Initiative"! COVID-19 has left many kids with a lack of quality summer engagement options. We will be distributing free Spark Box™ activity kits for kids (6-8 years old) this summer. These activity kits consist of 30 min. to 1-hour daily activities that focus on vocabulary, critical thinking, social awareness, mental wellness, health, and civic engagement through creativity and social-emotional learning. (see attachment for further detail) This Sunday, June 14th, 2020 at 2:30 PM we will be distributing our first 600 boxes for distribution. Activity kits are first come, first serve! We are allowing the first 200 registrants to reserve their Spark Boxes for this summer! Caretakers can register their child at sparkboxme.com/summer We are giving away a total 2,400 activity kits over the course of this summer in increments of 600 every 2 weeks. The following dates are the following Sundays, June 28, July 12th, & July 26th at 2:30 PM.
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