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Moments That Move Our Mission Forward



This edition of the CEO’s Corner newsletter highlights just a few of the many ways Gulf Coast Social Services is living out our mission across Louisiana.

All across Gulf Coast Social Services, November has been a month of gratitude, community, and connection. From New Orleans, where our client Nolan enjoyed the “These Bikes Change Lives” Fest with his Direct Support Worker, to Houma’s Senior Center birthdays for Ruby H., Patricia M., and Thomas H., I continue to be inspired by the way our teams show up for the people we serve and the communities we call home. We were especially excited to see the inaugural Houma Mac and Cheese Fest on November 8th be such a success, showcasing the power of community, partnership, and good food to bring people together.

In Baton Rouge, we honored our Direct Support Workers with a Thanksgiving appreciation meal on November 14th, thanking them for the compassion and dedication they show every day. Earlier in the month, our team also participated in Aetna’s Community Fall Festival on November 1st, deepening our connections with families and partners in the region. In the Northshore/Hammond region, Regional Director Shawntell Lewis and our team have been everywhere—sharing our mission at the Non-Profit Resource Round Up, honoring veterans like Ms. Veronica L., connecting with Veteran Chapter 1052 at Golden Corral, staffing a booth at Ponchatoula’s Veterans celebration, recruiting foster parents and mentors at the Celebration of Adopting and Fostering, and networking alongside Director of Development Toni Wright at the Tangipahoa Chamber luncheon with Governor Jeff Landry to strengthen community partnerships.

Our Lake Charles team continues to enrich lives through meaningful experiences, like supporting longtime SIL client Willie B. on his recent fishing trip after more than a decade with GCSS. In Lafayette, our staff has been busy presenting our new ECSS program at Save the Children events across multiple locations, proudly serving at the ACLA Community Thanksgiving Feeding, and building team spirit and gratitude during their Thanksgiving Dinner and team-building activities. Each of these moments reflects who we are as an organization: committed, compassionate, and deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

As we celebrate these wins, I also want to remind everyone of the importance of Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity, coming up on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. On that day, people around the world will pause to give, serve, and support causes that matter most to them. I invite you to help lift up GCSS by sharing our stories, engaging with us on social media, volunteering your time, and, where possible, making a financial gift or encouraging others to do so. To learn more about our programs or to make a donation, please visit www.gcssla.org.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our individuals served, families, foster parents, staff, partners, and supporters—thank you for all you do to make GCSS stronger every day.

— Willie Green, MPA

President & CEO

Giving Tuesday Is Almost Here! 

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful. This Giving Tuesday, your generosity has the power to make a direct impact on children, families, and adults throughout Louisiana.

Every contribution, whether big or small, helps Gulf Coast Social Services continue providing the essential programs and compassionate support that thousands depend on each day.

When you give, you help create stability, build confidence, and open doors for the individuals we serve. Together, we can ensure that every person in our community has access to the care and guidance they need to thrive.

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

Join us this Giving Tuesday, because when we give together, we grow together.

Houma’s Mac & Cheese Festival,

A Day of Flavor, Fun & Community!

Our first-ever Mac & Cheese Festival in downtown Houma was a huge, cheesy success, all thanks to our incredible community! From creative cooking competitions and delicious taste-testing to children’s activities, vendors, and live music, this event was packed with fun for all ages.

Families enjoyed “planting positivity” with Jennifer and Lauren in the kids’ area, playing games, and learning about Therapeutic Foster Care and Youth Mobile Crisis Response. The Houma Fire Department also jumped in on the excitement, powering the Duck Derby Race with water drafted directly from Bayou Terrebonne, a highlight that brought big smiles to kids and adults alike!

A huge congratulations to our festival winners:

• Wacky Mac – 1st Place: CASA of Terrebonne

• Traditional Mac – 1st Place: Delta Coast Consultants

• Children’s Cooking Team – 1st Place: Elk’s Lodge

• People’s Choice: CASA of Terrebonne

And of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors:

Bayou Hardware, Inc. • Bayou Signs Outdoor • Nuts and Bolts • B1 Bank • Pelican Waste & Debris • Peppers Pizzeria • Synergy Bank • CASA of Terrebonne, Inc. • Ascent Health

Thank you to every team, volunteer, supporter, and festival-goer who helped make this day unforgettable. We can’t wait to make next year’s event even cheesier! 

Celebrating Community, Connection, and the Heart of GCSS

From fall festivals to local partnerships and client celebrations, our teams across Louisiana showed up in incredible ways this season. Here’s a look at the moments that brought us together and the people who make our mission meaningful every day.

A Tribute to Our Veterans

This Veterans Day, our GCSS regions proudly participated in events across Louisiana that honored the men and women who have served with valor and dedication. These events were filled with moments of unity, standing beside our veterans, listening to their journeys, and expressing our gratitude as a community.

Each event showcased the strength, pride, and spirit of those who served. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made and the example they continue to set. GCSS is humbled to celebrate you.

United in Service. Driven by Heart. Changing Lives Together

Together, we can continue building brighter futures for the individuals and families we serve.

Donate today and make a meaningful impact right here in our Louisiana communities.

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

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