Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana

May 2024 Edition

READY4SERVICE

Our Ready4Service students participated in their last experience on Tuesday, May 14 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Students were able to tour the Louisiana State Capitol building and the Old State Capitol building.

Students were also given the opportunity to visit with Senator Katrina Jackson and other State Legislators. We hope these students enjoyed the experiences and opportunities this year! We wish them great success in school and life in the coming years.

For more information on Ready4Service or other United Way of Northeast Louisiana initiatives, follow us on social media below!

ALICE IN THE CROSSCURRENTS: 2024 UPDATE

Though wages for the lowest paid jobs have risen across the country at the fastest rate in four decades, the number of households struggling to get by in Louisiana grew by 4,047 from 2021 to 2022. In 2022, of the 1,799,695 households in Louisiana, 906,515 — 50% — were below the ALICE Threshold, according to a new Update from United Way of Northeast Louisiana and its research partner United For ALICE.

That calculation includes the 339,003 Louisiana households in poverty as well as another 567,512 defined as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what’s needed to survive in the current economy. ALICE workers include childcare providers, home health aides and cashiers — those working low-wage jobs, with little or no savings and one emergency from poverty.

MEDICAID UNWIND IN LOUISIANA

From July 1, 2023, through April 11, 2024, United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana successfully screened 4,444 calls and texts (75%) out of 5,964 total individuals statewide who contacted United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana for help during the Medicaid Unwind in Louisiana. 2,930 (66%) Medicaid Members were identified from those 4,444 calls and texts. During the Medicaid Unwind in Louisiana, United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana helped to ensure 2,930 Medicaid Members statewide were able to understand the action they and their family members needed to take to help them avoid losing their Medicaid coverage if they were eligible to renew.

At least 630 (22%) of these Medicaid Members received specialized navigation support to address their questions and concerns and help them connect directly with Medicaid about renewing their coverage.

During the Medicaid Unwind in Louisiana, 4,444 Medicaid Members served by United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana also received more than 10,366 referrals to additional resources to help meet their urgent needs expressed during their United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana call or text communications.

The top 5 needs categories of referrals provided by United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana to Medicaid Members during Louisiana Medicaid Unwind were:

1. Utility Assistance
2. Housing
3. Food/Meals
4. Clothing/Personal/Household
5. Income Support/Assistance

United Way 211/United Way of Northeast Louisiana is a member of the Louisiana 211 Statewide Network. Collectively, Louisiana 211 successfully screened 76,742 calls and texts (75%) out of 102,986 total individuals statewide who contacted Louisiana 211 for help during the Medicaid Unwind in Louisiana. 40,908 (53%) Medicaid Members were identified from those 76,742 calls and texts.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

BANK ON NELA:

Job Readiness

United Way of Northeast Louisiana is hosting a BankOn NELA Job Readiness Workshop on Thursday, June 20.

This workshop will help participants with building a resume, interview preparation, and soft skills.

The workshop will be held at the Miller Roy Building, located at 1001 Desiard Street from 12 to 1 p.m. There will also be a Zoom option available. Register below!

VOLUNTEER UNITED

ADVANCION GOLF TOURNAMENT:

Are you interested in volunteering with United Way of Northeast Louisiana? The annual Advancion Golf Tournament is on Friday, September 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shifts are available for volunteers who want to volunteer for a shorter period of time.

Volunteers will help with gimmick holes. The event will be held at Chennault Park Golf Course (8475 Millhaven Road) in Monroe.

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please register below and a team member will get in touch with you!

TO OUR CHILDREN, WITH LOVE:

Are you interested in volunteering with United Way of Northeast Louisiana? This event takes place on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shifts are available for volunteers who want to volunteer for a shorter period of time.

Volunteers will help wrap gifts for Children in the foster care system. The event will be held at Victory Baptist Church (740 Finks Hideaway Road) in Monroe.

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please register below and a team member will get in touch with you!

STAFF BIRTHDAYS

Laura's birthday was Friday, May 17.

Ready4K: The Climate Connection: How School Atmosphere Influences Student Attendance

When students feel valued and welcomed, they’re more likely to show up consistently. Research backs it up: A positive school climate leads to fewer absent days. It’s a reminder that the atmosphere we create in schools impacts every aspect of student life—from academic performance to school absenteeism.

A school that exudes kindness and respect, where every student feels secure and appreciated, not only makes students eager to attend. Effective school climate initiatives, especially those that prevent bullying and promote inclusivity, are key. These programs don’t just reduce absenteeism; they enhance the overall school experience, fostering an environment where students are consistently present and actively engaged in their education.

Learn more about school climate and the effect it can have on students by clicking the link below!