GiveNOLA Day is Now Live! Support GCSS Through May 5! | | |
Hello and welcome to the April 2026 edition of the Gulf Coast Social Services CEO’s Corner Newsletter.
This month, we are proud to recognize Autism Acceptance Month and celebrate the many ways our teams across Louisiana continue to show up for the individuals, families, and communities we serve. From autism awareness walks and community resource fairs to Easter celebrations, outreach events, client activities, job fairs, and employee and client achievements, April has been a meaningful month of connection, service, and celebration.
Across the state, our teams participated in events that reflect the heart of our mission. In Alexandria, staff joined the 5th Annual Autism Awareness Walk, attended a job fair at Central Louisiana Technical College, and participated in a Community Baby Shower and outreach event for our Crisis and ECSS programs. Baton Rouge hosted an Easter Egg Hunt and Game Day, while our Houma team supported several Easter and autism-related events, including LeCirque Mentoring activities, senior center and student outings, Therapeutic Foster Care outreach, and special client celebrations.
Our New Orleans team continued building community partnerships through events such as a client crawfish boil with DSWs, the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans 2026 Autism Festival, and Eckerd Connects Wraparound Agency’s “Where Barriers Fall and Community Connections Begin” event. In Lafayette, staff participated in multiple resource fairs and community events, including Painting with a Twist for Autism Acceptance Month, the Family Summit Resource Fair, Gifting Grace Project Resource Fair, Opelousas Love Fest, and Remington College Resource Fair. Lake Charles participated in a local job fair and highlighted clients and their hobbies, while our Hammond/Northshore team connected with local partners through outreach at Northshore Technical Community College, the Council on Aging, and meetings with veterans in Covington.
As we celebrate the work happening across GCSS, we are also preparing for our annual GiveNOLA fundraising event on May 5, 2026. This year, our campaign will support children in our Therapeutic Foster Care program through our “Pack Their Journey” initiative, helping provide suitcases, hygiene essentials, comfort items, and critical resources for children entering care.
Thank you to our employees, clients, families, partners, and supporters for helping us continue this important work across Louisiana. To learn more about Gulf Coast Social Services, make a donation, explore employment opportunities, or stay updated on upcoming events, please visit www.gcssla.org.
Thanks,
Willie Green, MPA
President/CEO
| | Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with GCSS! | | |
Throughout April, Gulf Coast Social Services proudly celebrated Autism Acceptance Month by joining clients, families, staff, and community partners in events across Louisiana that honored and uplifted the autistic members of our community. In Houma, our Regional Office participated in an Autism Easter Egg Hunt for local schools. In Alexandria, staff members and autistic family members of staff joined the 5th Annual Autism Awareness Walk hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Pineville. In New Orleans, staff and clients took part in the 2026 Festival hosted by the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans. In Lafayette, our Regional Office hosted a successful Painting with a Twist celebration that brought together more than 50 clients, family members, and community members.
These events were more than celebrations—they were opportunities to build connection, promote inclusion, and recognize the unique strengths and contributions of autistic individuals in every community we serve. At GCSS, we remain committed to supporting autistic children, adults, and families through compassionate services, meaningful engagement, and programs that help people thrive with dignity, independence, and belonging.
| |
Building Connections, Celebrating Community, and Making an Impact this April!
| | |
April has been an energizing and impactful month across Gulf Coast Social Services, filled with opportunities to connect with communities, share our mission, and strengthen relationships across Louisiana. Our teams participated in community resource fairs, conducted outreach at local festivals and events, and continued building awareness of the services we provide for children, adults, seniors, Veterans, and families. Staff members also represented GCSS through presentations at local colleges and a Council on Aging event, helping new audiences learn more about our programs and the support available in their communities. In Covington, our team had the opportunity to connect directly with Veterans, reinforcing our commitment to those who have served.
At the same time, our programs continued creating meaningful moments of joy, inclusion, and connection. In Houma, Le Cirque students and seniors from the Senior Center came together for a fun day of bowling that brought generations together through laughter and shared experiences. Across our regions, events like these continue to foster belonging, encourage engagement, and build stronger community ties for the individuals and families we serve.
These moments of outreach, partnership, and celebration reflect the heart of GCSS and the dedication of our staff across the state. Whether we are expanding awareness of our services, building new community connections, or creating enriching experiences for participants, GCSS remains committed to delivering Personal Care, Quality Outcomes, and stronger communities every day.
| | Spring Into Joy: Celebrating Seasonal Activities Across GCSS | | |
Spring brought moments of joy, celebration, and connection across Gulf Coast Social Services as clients, families, and staff came together to enjoy seasonal activities and meaningful experiences. In Baton Rouge, Day Hab clients celebrated with a festive Easter Egg Hunt, while Le Cirque students in Houma joined in the fun with their own spring celebration filled with smiles and excitement. Our Houma team also proudly celebrated client Princess Williams on her birthday, making her special day one to remember.
Across our programs, clients continued engaging in the activities they enjoy most—from outdoor adventures like ATV riding to creative expression through drawing and art. These moments reflect our commitment to supporting individuals in living full, joyful, and connected lives through experiences that celebrate their interests, milestones, and unique personalities.
| | GCSS Employee Pat Landry Wins Sesqui Award for Service! | | |
Gulf Coast Social Services is proud to celebrate our Compliance and Training Specialist II, Pat Landry, for receiving a Sesqui Award for Service from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities during its 150th Annual Meeting. Selected through peer nomination and recognition by the board of directors, this distinguished honor reflects Pat’s outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the field.
Pat will be recognized throughout the conference and honored as Pat Landry, FAAIDD. We are grateful for Pat’s commitment to excellence and proud to have such an accomplished leader as part of the GCSS team.
| | Job Opportunities: Explore our Careers section for the latest job openings and find your next opportunity to join our team! | | | Gulf Coast Social Services | 2400 Edenborn Avenue | Metairie, LA 70001 US | | | | |
