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October Shines Bright

Team Spirit, Service, and Heart at GCSS!

October has been full of teamwork, community spirit, and heartfelt appreciation across all Gulf Coast Social Services regions! Our staff and participants showed creativity, compassion, and connection in every corner of Louisiana.

In Lafayette, the team bonded over a spaghetti and marshmallow tower challenge and kept spirits high with Theme Day Fridays, celebrating Ragin’ Cajuns, LSU, Southern University, and Northside High School pride! Staff also wore purple for Domestic Violence Awareness and pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, while participating in a Trick-or-Treat Experience for individuals with special needs and their families. SIL client, Preston O. enjoyed a winning card game with his friend, while staff showed their appreciation for our Veterans. Kudos as well to Kanyna Delco and Ashley Jackson for representing GCSS at the LEDA Job Fair!

In Baton Rouge, Regional Director Alvanisha Ford and Program Director Kim Butler connected with the community at the Baton Rouge Wellness Festival, hosted by The Bridge Agency, while Alvanisha and Katelyn Johnson represented GCSS at the BRCC Career Fair. The region showed their pink pride on Breast Cancer Awareness Fridays, celebrated Halloween with a themed office week.

Our New Orleans region hosted Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) parents for their quarterly training, followed by a fellowship lunch, a great opportunity to share experiences and strengthen relationships that support our youth and families.

In Lake Charles, we proudly represented GCSS at the American Job Center – Region V Quarterly Job Fair, connecting with potential partners and future team members.

The Hammond region honored the memory of beloved former employee Barbara “Barb” Lamartiniere, celebrating her lasting impact on our mission. Congratulations also to Jennine Ballard, who received a Certificate of Appreciation for her selfless service and leadership.

And in Houma, our team continued its shared commitment with the Bayou Community Foundation, strengthening our presence and impact in the Bayou Region.

Across every region, October showcased the heart of GCSS, teamwork, service, and community pride. Thank you to every staff member, participant, and partner who continues to embody our mission of Personal Care, Quality Outcomes.

👉 Visit www.gcssla.org to donate, stay connected, explore upcoming events, and celebrate more GCSS stories!

— Willie Green, MPA

President & CEO

Spirit, Service, and Spaghetti Towers in Lafayette!

At Gulf Coast Social Services, every Friday in Lafayette is a celebration of team spirit, community pride, and connection! Each week, our staff comes together to show support for local schools, universities, and important causes, from Ragin’ Cajun red to Tiger gold, Viking blue, and even pink for a purpose.

These Theme Day Fridays aren’t just about what we wear, they’re about what we stand for: unity, compassion, and the joy of serving Louisiana communities with heart. 💫

Northshore Region Honors Barbara “Barb” Lamartiniere

Staff celebrated "National Barb Day" in memory of former GCSS employee Barbara Lamartiniere on what would have been her 70th birthday. The day featured a luncheon, mayoral proclamation, and commemorative plaque recognizing her nearly 30 years of dedicated service. Barb’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Jamie, and granddaughter, Jordan, as her compassion and integrity continue to inspire the GCSS family.

🎃 Halloween Happenings Across Gulf Coast Social Services!

October has been filled with sweet smiles, spooky fun, and community connection across our Gulf Coast Social Services regions!

Our Baton Rouge team had a rootin’-tootin’ good time at the Sunshine Social dance, showing off their cowboy hats, boots, and best moves for the Wild Wild West–themed celebration!

Meanwhile, the Le Cirque After School Mentoring Program in Houma turned back the clock for a groovy Sock Hop! Students danced, laughed, and made memories with friends old and new while enjoying games and hands-on activities that brought pure joy to the room.

And to top off the festivities, the Lafayette M&M’s brought sweetness to the community by participating in a Trick-or-Treating Experience designed for individuals with special needs and their families. This inclusive event provided a safe, welcoming space for all to celebrate Halloween and connect with community partners.

From cowboy hats to candy bags, every GCSS region shared the same mission, spreading kindness, inclusion, and joy throughout Louisiana.

Houma MAC N' Cheese Festival

Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at the first annual Houma Mac N' Cheese Cook-Off & Festival benefiting Gulf Coast Social Services. It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there at the Terrebonne Parish Courthouse Square!

Every registration to this downtown event will bring us closer to achieving our mission of empowering people with mental, physical, behavioral, and other challenges to improve the quality of their lives and to live as independently as possible in the community. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all.

Thank you for supporting our mission. Your support is invaluable.

Giving Tuesday Is Around the Corner! 

This Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, we invite you to make a difference right here in our Louisiana communities. Every donation, big or small, helps Gulf Coast Social Services continue providing the essential programs and compassionate support that so many children, families, and adults depend on each day.

Your generosity helps us offer critical services such as Therapeutic Foster Care, Behavioral Health Support, Supervised Independent Living, and much more. Together, we can ensure that individuals across Louisiana receive the care, guidance, and stability they need to thrive.

Every act of giving matters. Every dollar makes a difference.

Join us in changing lives this Giving Tuesday. When we give together, we grow together.

Serving with Heart, Changing Lives Together.

Let’s continue to build brighter futures together.

Donate now and make an impact today!

Job Opportunities: Explore our Careers section for the latest job openings and find your next opportunity to join our team!

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