View as Webpage

September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect, learn, and take action. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people, leaving a profound and lasting impact on families and communities. At Gulf Coast Social Services, we are committed to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and offering hope and resources to those who may be struggling.

Last month, on August 25th, our Houma team hosted a moving screening of My Ascension, a documentary that follows the journey of Emma Benoit, a Louisiana native who survived a suicide attempt at just 16 years old. Emma’s story of resilience has transformed her pain into a mission to save lives and inspire hope in others. We were deeply honored to have Emma and the film’s producer, Greg, join us in person. Their presence and willingness to engage directly with our community made the evening all the more impactful.

Across our regions, GCSS staff continue to lead important conversations and share critical resources. In Alexandria, Regional Director Hannah Morace presented our Youth Crisis Services at the Rapides Workforce Development Meeting, equipping professionals with tools to connect young people to support. On September 9th, Hannah also partnered with Heather Kleckinger, Director of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to present at the Alexandria Rotary Club. Together, they highlighted how our programs, combined with the national 988 Lifeline, provide immediate and life-saving assistance for those in crisis.

This work matters. Every conversation we have, every resource we share, and every story we tell is an opportunity to prevent tragedy and bring hope. Let us continue to stand together in raising awareness and supporting our communities, not just this month, but every day.

To learn more about the services GCSS provides, please visit www.gcssla.org.

— Willie Green, MPA

President & CEO

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

Pam Moore

This month, we celebrate Pam Moore, a true cornerstone of Gulf Coast Social Services! Pam has dedicated 27 incredible years to GCSS, starting in Payroll back in 1998, later taking on Accounts Payable, and eventually returning to her first love, Payroll.

Through nearly three decades of growth and change, Pam’s dedication has never wavered. One of her favorite memories is watching clients light up the dance floor at our annual Christmas parties, a reminder of the joy and purpose behind our work.



Pam calls her career here “rewarding and inspiring” and hopes GCSS will continue to thrive for many years to come. Her loyalty and heart embody what makes our agency special.

Thank you, Pam, for your unwavering commitment and the difference you make every day!

Community Events Highlights

This August, GCSS celebrated National Senior Citizens Day by surprising clients ages 65 and older with beautiful fruit baskets, a small gesture that brought big smiles and reminded them how deeply they are valued. Clients like Idell and Glenda were thrilled to be recognized and celebrated.

Our Lafayette Region proudly spotlighted trusted partner First Horizon Bank for their ongoing support in helping our Supervised Independent Living (SIL) clients stay independent and financially confident. Partnerships like these play a vital role in empowering the people we serve to thrive in their own communities.

Lafayette also joined the excitement of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, connecting with fans, sharing our mission, and spreading the word about the life-changing services GCSS provides. Engaging at beloved local events like this helps strengthen relationships and raise awareness of our work across the region.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Regional Director Hannah Morace presented Youth Crisis Services at both a Workforce Development meeting and the Alexandria Rotary Club, joined by Heather Kleckinger, Director of the 988 Lifeline. Together, they highlighted life-saving resources and reminded our community that help and hope are always available.

At GCSS, every event, big or small, is an opportunity to empower, connect, and uplift those we serve.

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.

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!

Upcoming Events