June 2018 - In This Issue:
WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Since its creation in 1994, The Rapides Foundation has sought to improve the health status of Central Louisiana by developing initiatives and strategies intended to impact our community for decades to come.  We invite you to learn more about our work by visiting our website.

The Rapides Foundation focuses its work in three strategic areas:

Healthy People, to improve access to healthcare and promote healthy behaviors.

Education, to increase the level of educational attainment and achievement as the primary path to improved economic, social and health status.

Healthy Communities, to improve economic opportunity and family income, and enhance civic and community opportunities for more effective leaders and organizations.

Contact Us

The Rapides Foundation
1101 Fourth Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
318-443-3394 or 800-994-3394

Visit our website:

NEW FOUNDATION PROGRAM DEVELOPS READING SKILLS IN YOUNG CHILDREN
Read to Soar program prepares kids for school success
A free program soon to be offered in all Central Louisiana parishes is preparing young children for school success by cultivating a love for reading long before they set foot in a classroom. 

The Read to Soar early literacy program, recently developed under The Rapides Foundation's Education Initiative and administered by The Orchard Foundation, has been presented in three Rapides Parish locations and began in four other parishes in June.  

Read to Soar is a free, eight-session reading workshop for children under age 5 and their parents or caregivers. The workshops help develop and strengthen a culture of reading at home by educating parents, building a child's home library and increasing awareness about community resources to help ensure the child has the tools for school success. 

HEALTHY BEHAVIORS PROGRAM GRANTS HELP MAKE COMMUNITIES HEALTHIER
Cenla residents have more opportunities to make healthy choices
The Rapides Foundation in 2014 began offering a grant opportunity to help communities develop, implement and enhance projects that focus on healthy eating, active living or prevention of tobacco use, substance or alcohol abuse.

As part of the Foundation's Healthy Behaviors Initiative, 11 multi-year Healthy Behaviors Program Grants have been funded that share a common objective to give Cenla residents more opportunities to make healthy choices.  
 
 
 

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR CENLA BOARDBUILDERS APPLICATIONS
Deadline to apply is Friday, June 15
CDW is accepting applications for Cenla Boardbuilders, a program aimed at developing emerging leaders through service on the boards of directors of local nonprofit organizations.  The deadline to apply for the 2018 program is Friday, June 15. 

The program is open to: professionals identified by their employer as "up and coming" with a desire for greater community involvement; nonprofit board members wanting an orientation to their new role on a board; or interested individuals who may be retired, self-employed, or looking for higher-level volunteer opportunities. 

Two learning tracks are available: Track I is for currently seated board members who are only seeking governance training; Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking governance training in preparation for nonprofit board service and assistance with identifying a nonprofit match. 

CDW is also accepting applications for nonprofit partners who are interested in recruiting new members to their boards of directors. 

To learn more about joining the 2018 program either as a participant, nonprofit partner or employer partner, call CDW toll-free at 800-803-8075 or click the link below.


JUNE CALENDAR FOCUSES ON NUTRIENT-DENSE FOODS
Download the calendar to see food combination tips and fitness challenges
Join The Rapides Foundation's Get Healthy Cenla Challenge, a daily challenge designed to encourage people to improve their nutrition and physical activity.

The June Challenge Calendar is filled with fitness and nutrition tips to help you work toward your health goals. 

Our goal is for everyone to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week.


Joe Rosier

Mission
The mission of The Rapides Foundation is to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. 

Vision
Our vision is to positively impact Central Louisiana by deploying resources to improve key factors of health status.