Gulf Coast Social Services
Serving the most vulnerable people in South & Central Louisiana for more than 40 years
| |
CEO Corner: Honoring Leadership and Transformative Programs | |
Hello, and welcome back to our CEO Corner Newsletter from Gulf Coast Social Services!
This edition is all about celebrating the incredible women leaders within our agency and highlighting the amazing work that we do, in collaboration with our community partner, South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (SCLHSA). We will spotlight two of the impactful programs we run in the Houma region in collaboration with SCLHSA, LeCirque Mentoring and our SCLHSA Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program.
We’re also excited to share the inspiring journey of a young man from our Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program in New Orleans, as he takes his first steps into adulthood.
Additionally, this month, we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, World Mental Health Day, and other meaningful events that drive positive change across our state.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Willie Green
President & CEO,
Gulf Coast Social Services
| |  |
 | |
Hello! I’m Melissa Gaudet, the New Orleans Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program director here at Gulf Coast Social Services. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy and being a voice for disadvantaged youths in our community. I’ve been with Gulf Coast Social Services since 2006 and hold a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling.
Working here is incredibly rewarding. Over the past 18 years, I’ve dedicated myself to improving youth services and helping children in various programs make impactful life decisions. It’s such a great feeling to receive a phone call or an email from a former participant just to check in and see if I’m “okay” and “doing well.”
I believe women play a vital role in leadership and agency improvement. Women in leadership drive diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are crucial for the growth and success of our agency.
Giving back to the community and networking are important to me. I love working with our youth programs, and it’s truly rewarding to see the positive outcomes for their futures. In my free time, I enjoy coaching volleyball, working out, and spending time with my two daughters and our golden doodle, Jax.
| | |
Be sure to follow, like, and share our new social media platforms on
Join the conversation and stay updated with our latest news and events!
| | |
|
|
Celebrating John’s Graduation: A Milestone Achievement
(New Orleans Area)
| |
We are thrilled to highlight the remarkable journey of John Chatagnier, who entered the New Orleans Therapeutic Foster Care Program in 2016 at just 10 years old. Placed in the caring home of Mr. Donald Taylor, one of our dedicated long-time foster parents at Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS), John has truly blossomed over the years.
From a friendly and curious child, John has grown into a well-mannered 19-year-old adult, and we couldn’t be prouder! In May, he celebrated a significant milestone by graduating from Warren Easton High School. John continues to thrive in extended foster care with Mr. Donald Taylor and Ms. Marlene Morris, who have provided him with a supportive environment to flourish.
Currently, John is pursuing his passion for auto mechanics at Delgado Community College. Alongside his studies, he is working hard at two jobs—at Wendy’s and with Edifice Protection Group. His determination is paying off: with the money he has earned, John purchased his own car and plans to use the skills he’s learning in his classes to fix it up.
We are incredibly proud of John’s achievements and are excited to see all the amazing things he will continue to accomplish in the future!
Congratulations, John! Your hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring.
| | |
Community: Gulf Coast Social Services and SCLHSA:
A Strong Partnership for Community Well-Being
| |
|
Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS) and the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (SCLHSA) have fostered a long-term collaborative relationship aimed at inspiring, educating, and promoting the emotional well-being of the children and families served through the LeCirque mentoring program.
This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the individuals in our community. Together, GCSS and SCLHSA provide Personal Care Assistance services to adults with behavioral health needs, ensuring they maintain a high quality of life and can thrive within the community.
We are proud of this collaboration and the positive impact it has on the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for your continued support in our mission to uplift and empower our community!
| | |
 | |
We are excited to share a heartwarming video featuring Ms. Nettie Schroeder, a valued client receiving Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services through Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS) in partnership with the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (SCLHSA).
Ms. Schroeder’s story highlights the essential support provided by our PCA services, which are designed to help individuals with high needs maintain their independence and live in the community of their choice.
What are PCA Services?
Through our agreement with SCLHSA, GCSS offers a range of personalized services, including:
- Assistance with basic personal care and grooming activities
- Help with eating and food preparation
- Performance of incidental household chores
- Accompaniment to medical appointments
- Grocery shopping assistance, including personal hygiene items
- Support with managing household budgets
Additionally, GCSS is committed to addressing crisis situations and helping clients navigate interpersonal and environmental challenges related to mental illness and substance abuse. Our goal is to empower individuals like Ms. Schroeder to reintegrate into their families and communities with the least amount of ongoing professional intervention.
We invite you to watch Ms. Schroeder’s inspiring video to see firsthand how PCA services make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients.
Thank you for your continued support of GCSS and our mission to foster independence and well-being in our community.
| | |
|
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Join us this October as we raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. We encourage everyone to schedule screenings and support those affected by this disease.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Let’s spread hope and strength throughout our community!
Thank you for your support!
| | |
|
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
We recognize World Mental Health Day, a time to raise awareness and promote mental well-being for all. Let’s take a moment to check in on ourselves and each other. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and resources are available to support you.
Together, we can reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health. For more information and support resources, please visit [insert relevant website or contact information].
Your mental health matters!
| | |
|
|
|
As we approach Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact in our community! This Global Day of Giving is an opportunity to support our mission and help those we serve.
Your contributions allow us to continue our important work and expand our programs to reach even more individuals in need. Whether it’s a small donation or a larger gift, every contribution counts and makes a difference.
We encourage you to participate in this day of generosity by considering a donation to Gulf Coast Social Services. Together, we can create positive change and empower our community. Please be on the lookout for the upcoming link to our Giving Tuesday Campaign.
Thank you for your support in advance, and we look forward to your support during Giving Tuesday which happens on Tuesday December 3, 2024.
| | | |
Job Opportunities: Explore our Careers section for the latest job openings and find your next opportunity to join our team! | |
Upcoming Events or Community Events
As we approach Halloween, we want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday! Whether you're going trick-or-treating, attending trunk-or-treat events, or participating in fall festivals, we hope you make wonderful memories with family and friends.
Remember to prioritize safety—be mindful of traffic, wear reflective clothing, and check treats before indulging.
Enjoy the festivities, and we look forward to hearing about your adventures!
HOUMA:
- Thanksgiving Fundraiser: Your contribution will help us support local families in need, ensuring they can enjoy a warm meal and a brighter future. Donations include canned goods, corn bread mix, canned gravy, bread, stuffing, yams, etc. All donations can be dropped off at the Gulf Coast Social Services Houma Regional Office 723 Point Street Houma, LA, 70360 by Friday November 22, 2024. Contact 985-851-4488 for more information.
- 2nd Annual Adopt-A-Client: Help make this holiday season brighter for our clients by helping provide holiday gifts. All items to be wrapped and dropped off to Gulf Coast Social Services Houma Regional Office, 723 Point St. Houma, LA 70360 by Friday December 13th, 2024. Monetary donations are welcome! Contact 985-851-4488 for more information.
| | |
|
Please Support Gulf Coast Social Services Today...
No matter the size please know that every gift counts!
| | | | |
