April is Autism & Medicaid Awareness Month | | |
Hello Everyone!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Gulf Coast Social Services CEO Corner Newsletter. This April, we recognize both Autism Awareness Month and Medicaid Awareness Month—two important observances that speak directly to the heart of the work we do every day.
Autism Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At GCSS, we take this opportunity to highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families, while also spotlighting the incredible work of our staff who provide essential services and support across the state. Programs that support these clients and families include Short-Term Respite Services (STR) for youth and Adult Day Habilitation Services, which help individuals with special needs gain independence through skill-building activities. These programs are built around individualized plans that promote self-esteem, social interaction, and adaptive skills needed to participate in everyday community life.
Medicaid Awareness Month brings attention to the critical role Medicaid plays in the lives of millions of Americans. In Louisiana, nearly 42% of residents are enrolled in Medicaid, making it a vital resource for ensuring access to health services. GCSS is proud to serve many of these individuals and families through our Medicaid-funded programs.
This edition also highlights the many meaningful events and activities taking place throughout the state, including Veterans outreach efforts, community engagement events, spring and Easter celebrations, and participation in the NASWLA Conference by GCSS Sr. Director of Operations, Dr. Marcus Alexander and our Baton Rouge Regional Director, Ms. Alvanisha Ford.
Your continued support and donations make all of this possible. Whether it’s helping a child with autism access specialized care, providing home-based support for a veteran, mentoring at-risk youth, or stepping in when someone is denied Medicaid coverage, your generosity ensures that no one is left behind. Thank you for standing with us as we serve the most vulnerable members of our community.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Willie Green
President & CEO,
Gulf Coast Social Services
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Autism Awareness Month: A Time for Celebration and Advocacy
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and highlight the incredible talents and achievements of individuals with autism. Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS) proudly participated in various activities to raise awareness and foster community support throughout the month.
From heartwarming autism walks that brought communities together, to vibrant events filled with joy and unity, GCSS families and staff demonstrated their unwavering commitment to advocacy and understanding. Parents, mentors, and Direct Support Workers joined forces to create meaningful moments and share inspiring stories of resilience and success.
Through these efforts, GCSS continues to shine a light on the importance of acceptance, understanding, and collaboration in supporting individuals with autism. Together, we build stronger communities that embrace and celebrate everyone’s unique abilities.
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Medicaid Awareness
April is Medicaid Awareness Month—a time to recognize the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting the health and well-being of more than a million people right here in Louisiana, and millions more across the country. As of August 2024, over 1.6 million Louisiana residents—about 44% of our state’s population—were enrolled in Medicaid.
At Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS), we see every day how critical this coverage is for the individuals and families we serve. Medicaid helps make it possible for eligible individuals to access hospital and physician care, prescriptions, behavioral health support, and even in-home care services like Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Services and Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Services.
But the truth is, the current Medicaid reimbursement rates don’t always cover the full cost of client care. That’s why the continued support of donors like you is so important. Your generosity helps us—and providers across Louisiana—continue to stand by those who need us most.
To learn more about the services we offer and how you can support our mission, please visit www.gcssla.org.
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NASW-LA Conference
Dr. Marcus Alexander, GCSS Senior Director of Operations, served as the keynote speaker at the National Association of Social Workers – Louisiana (NASW-LA) Conference on March 24. The theme of the 2025 conference was Social Justice, and the event featured an outstanding array of plenaries, sessions, and activities designed to uplift social workers and their vital role in supporting individuals and communities across Louisiana.
Dr. Alexander delivered a compelling presentation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Critical Race Theory, emphasizing the importance of advocating for these principles within social service settings. He used this platform to champion the needs of the clients we serve and inspired others to use their influence to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, and demographics. Representing our agency, he engaged with social workers from across the state and spoke passionately about the true meaning of “Personal Care, Quality Outcomes.”
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GiveNOLA Day is May 6, 2025
What is GiveNOLA Day?
GiveNOLA Day, an initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is a one-day online giving event. For 24 hours, everyone who loves our region can support their favorite local causes by donating to one or more of 900+ participating nonprofit organizations. Since our first event in 2013, GiveNOLA Day has raised over $64.3 million for our region’s nonprofits. This year, we hope to do even more!
When will GiveNOLA Day 2025 take place?
It will be from 12:00:01 a.m. to 11:59:59 p.m. on May 6, 2025. All event-related donations must be made online during the 24-hour period or during our scheduled giving period of April 29, 2025 through May 5, 2025.
What are the key dates for GiveNOLA Day 2025?
- April 29 - May 5: Early Giving Period
- May 6: GiveNOLA Day
Click here to donate: GiveNOLA Day - GCSS
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Supporting Our Veterans: A Commitment at GCSS
Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS) proudly honors and supports the brave men and women who have served our country. Through heartfelt events and meaningful connections, we continue to show our appreciation for veterans and the contributions they have made.
This month, GCSS celebrated our veterans through a series of engaging and inclusive activities. We aim to create spaces where veterans can connect, share stories, and forge new relationships. These gatherings also extend an open invitation to non-veterans, fostering bonds that strengthen our communities and provide opportunities for collaboration.
GCSS remains committed to recognizing and supporting our veterans, not only during these events but throughout the year. Together, we honor their service and celebrate their stories.
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Youth Thriving Through STR Services at GCSS
At Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS), Short-Term Respite (STR) Services play a vital role in supporting youth by fostering meaningful experiences, building relationships, and creating opportunities for joy and connection.
Youth enjoy engaging in community outings that bring fun and enrichment. STR mentors ensure every activity is memorable.
These moments are made possible through the dedication of GCSS STR mentors, who provide compassionate guidance and support. Their efforts help youth connect with their community, gain new experiences, and embrace the value of teamwork and shared fun.
GCSS is proud to continue empowering youth through STR services, fostering growth, happiness, and lasting memories.
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Celebrating Easter with Joy at GCSS
This Easter season, Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS) embraced the spirit of community and celebration through a variety of festive events across our programs.
From creating adorable mini Easter baskets and playing lively games like spoon races and “pin the tail,” to decorating foam chickens and eggs, our clients made Easter memories filled with fun and laughter. Easter egg hunts brought excitement and smiles to both youth and students, while seniors shared a special Easter lunch together in good company.
GCSS is proud to provide opportunities that foster connection and joy, making holidays meaningful for everyone in our community. Here's to celebrating together and creating lasting moments!
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April Highlights: A Month of Community at GCSS
This April, Gulf Coast Social Services (GCSS) proudly celebrated moments of connection and service during our regional events.
Enjoy watching some of these memorable events in the video as we reflect on the impactful contributions of our dedicated staff and vibrant community.
Together, we continue to make a difference and inspire growth.
| | | | Celebrate everyone, community, inspire growth—donate to GCSS today! | |
Let’s keep building brighter futures together.
Donate now and make an impact today!
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Job Opportunities: Explore our Careers section for the latest job openings and find your next opportunity to join our team! | |
Upcoming Events or Community Events
Baton Rouge:
- April 30, 2025: The Baton Rouge Team will be attending a sponsored job fair at City of Faith from 10am- 2:00pm. https://cityoffaith.org/br-job-fair/
Houma:
- May 1, 2025: Behavioral Health Day on at the Louisiana State Capital to raise awareness for behavioral health and suicide prevention.
- May 6, 2025: Gulf Coast Social Services Youth Mobile Crisis Team is conducting a presentation at South Terrebonne High School for students, parents, and community members. The program is called “My Ascension” – A 90 minute documentary film to spread hope and fight suicide. The screening is followed by a discussion with Emma Benoit (16-year-old who attempted suicide in the documentary) and open discussion with our agency on our youth crisis program.
- May 8, 2025: Houma Region is participating in the 988 Mental Health Awareness Campaign” where we advocate in a “door to door” walk to promote mental health awareness by providing information on resources available in Terrebonne Parish.
- May 23, 2025: Senior Citizen Annual Sneaker Ball – Ball Gowns and Sneaker Dress Code. Queen and King announced. Catered meal, DJ, Dancing, table decorating contest.
- November 8, 2025: Save the Date - Houma Mac & Cheese Festival benefiting Gulf Coast Social Services.
| | | | | Gulf Coast Social Services | 2400 Edenborn Avenue | Metairie, LA 70001 US | | | | |
