A new program funded by The Rapides Foundation and administered through its Community Development Works program is providing Central Louisiana students volunteer opportunities so that they will become engaged in their communities and make volunteerism a lifelong habit. 

My Civic Life is an evidence-based civic engagement and service learning program for high school students. The Rapides Foundation, through CDW, launched a pilot of My Civic Life in 20 schools during the spring 2017 semester. Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, the program is now in 17 schools in five Central Louisiana school districts. 

My Civic Life is a component of the Foundation's Community Development Initiative, an initiative under the Healthy Communities priority area that supports leadership and nonprofit development, and increased civic engagement.

 

 Read the full story about the My Civic Life Program and YVC Clubs.

The Rapides Foundation is encouraging everyone to "Have a Healthy Holiday" with healthier holiday recipes and preparation videos, simple exercise videos, and tips to keep you on track with your health goals during the busy holiday season.

To give you a jump-start on a healthy holiday menu, the Foundation is featuring several recipes on its website including: Apple Cranberry Sweet Potato Bake; Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gluten-Free Gravy; Sweet Pepper Poppers; Roast Chicken with Gluten-Free Stuffing; Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce; and an Orange, Cumin & Cilantro Vinaigrette. Additional recipes from previous holiday campaigns are also available. As an added bonus, preparation videos for each of the featured recipes are available to watch on the Foundation's website and YouTube channel.     

See tips to help you and your family "Have a Healthy Holiday!"

Click here to see healthy recipes, preparation videos and more!

Nine Central Louisiana leaders graduated October 20 from Cenla Boardbuilders, a leadership development program for emerging leaders to become active as members of local nonprofit boards. 

Through Cenla Boardbuilders, a program of Community Development Works and The Rapides Foundation, participants are trained through a series of sessions on the roles and responsibilities of an effective board member. Two learning tracks are available: Track I for newly seated board members who are seeking training only; and Track II for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking training and help to connect with local nonprofits.

The 2017 program graduates join a network of 193 Cenla Boardbuilders alumni. To learn full details about Cenla Boardbuilders or participate in the 2018 program, call CDW at 318-443-7880 or toll free at 1-800-803-8075.    

Read about the Cenla Boardbuilders Program and see the list of 2017 graduates.

The Rapides Foundation's seventh annual Youth Summit on Healthy Behaviors drew 600 students and teachers from seven Central Louisiana school districts. The summit is a one day event for students to learn how to become advocates for healthy choices and policy change in their schools and communities. 

The theme of the 2017 Youth Summit was #MoveMore #EatWell #LiveClean, and the agenda for the day included youth advocacy presentations, energizer breaks, and breakout sessions to educate summit participants on the issues of tobacco prevention, substance and alcohol abuse prevention, and healthy eating and active living. Presenters included nationally recognized advocates in those focus areas.

A highlight of the summit was the presentation of an advocacy project for students to use in their schools and communities throughout the school year. The advocacy project includes the "My Healthy High!" public service announcement and toolkit, and a Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention resource directory.

Learn more about the Youth Summit on Healthy Behaviors and download the "My Healthy High!" PSA, toolkit and resource directory.

See a photo gallery of the Youth Summit on Healthy Behaviors.