Gulf Coast Social Services
Serving the most vulnerable people in South & Central Louisiana for more than 40 years
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CEO Corner: Improving & Changing Lives in the Community
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Hello everyone, Willie Green, President/CEO here bringing you another edition of CEO’s Corner:
In this edition we’re excited to introduce you to our Sr. Director of Operations, Dr. Marcus Alexander, share the story of our 92-year-old Veteran client, Sgt. Friday and we extend our condolences for our long-term employee and friend, Lafayette Program Director, Michele Hargrave, who recently passed away in September after 35 years of dedicated and exemplary service to our agency and clients.
In addition, we will also spotlight our community partner, Grady V’s Restaurant/Peppers Pizzeria, for their generosity and support over the years. See these items and other agency updates below.
Thank you in advance for your support of Gulf Coast Social Services. Please remember that your engagement with our newsletter and social media platforms is important to us and allows us to stay connected. Lastly, thanks in advance for those of you that give as every donation matters at Gulf Coast.
Sincerely,
Willie Green
President & CEO, Gulf Coast Social Services
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Leadership Lens: Sr. Director of Operations, Dr. Marcus Alexander | | |
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Hello, I’m Marcus Alexander, the Sr. Director of Operations here at Gulf Coast. In my role I work closely with our seven regions and the Quality Assurance team, drawing on my experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a doctorate in Social Work from Tulane University.
I joined the Gulf Coast team in 2016 as the Baton Rouge Home and Community-Based Services Program Director, aiming to make a positive impact on social services in Louisiana. After serving as the Baton Rouge Regional Director, I stepped into my current role. I’m passionate about macro practice and policy advocacy, which helps strengthen our partnerships with agencies like the Department of Children and Family Services and the Office of Behavioral Health.
I’m here at Gulf Coast Social Services because I believe we have a solid foundation that enables us to exceed the minimum standards and truly address the needs of those we serve.
In my downtime, I cherish being a husband and dad, working on my saltwater aquarium and doing landscaping projects.
Please reach out should you have any questions as I am excited to connect with all of the communities that GCSS serves.
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Gulf Coast Social Services Employee Spotlight: Michele Hargrave | |
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**In Memory**
Michele Hargrave, our 35 + year Gulf Coast Social Services, Lafayette employee, was the Home and Community-Based Services Program Director. Throughout her life, Michele made a lasting impact on those around her with her compassionate heart and unwavering commitment to helping others. Her work in the social services industry combined with her love for people allowed her to positively influence the lives of countless individuals in need. Michele's dedication to her work, her family, and her community was unparalleled.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michele’s family and friends. She will be missed dearly by all of us. Please keep her memory alive in your thoughts and hearts.
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Supporting Veterans and Their Families | |
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Sharon Friday, the daughter of retired U.S. Air Force Sgt. Jessie Friday, recently shared her heartfelt appreciation for Gulf Coast Social Services. For over five years, we have provided essential support, allowing Mr. Jessie, now 92, to live safely in his own home while engaging with his community.
After moving back from Atlanta, Georgia, 7 years ago to care for her father, Sharon became his primary caregiver. As Mr. Jessie faced challenges with daily living tasks, Gulf Coast stepped in to provide the assistance he needed. This support has given Sharon invaluable peace of mind, knowing her father is well cared for when she cannot be with him.
In a recent video, Sharon recounted how Gulf Coast’s services allowed her to take a three-week trip to Thailand last year. She praised their “flawless” care, emphasizing how it enabled her to enjoy a much-needed break while knowing her dad was in good hands.
Gulf Coast Social Services continues to make a positive impact in the lives of veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
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Community Spotlight: Grady V’s / Peppers Pizzeria | |
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We are thrilled to share a wonderful moment captured in the photo of Jane Glover and Brandy Lirette, GCSS Houma Regional Director, as we accepted a generous donation from our recent Give Back Night on September 26th. Grady V’s Restaurant graciously donated 15% of all sales to support our agency, and we couldn’t be more grateful!
We are proud to partner with Grady V’s, / Peppers Pizzeria, situated in the Houma Region. They have consistently supported our mission through in-kind donations and Give Back Nights. Their contributions, including pizzas for our office staff parties and gift cards, make a significant impact on our community.
This funding goes directly to support our efforts in the Houma region, helping us continue our work in making a difference. Thank you to Grady V’s and Peppers Pizzeria for their ongoing generosity and support!
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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
LAKE CHARLES:
- October 24, 2024, 1:00pm – 3:330pm: Join us for a Halloween Party. Gulf Coast Social Services 700 Pujo St. Ste. A, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
HOUMA:
- Thanksgiving Fundraiser: Your contribution will help us support local families in need, ensuring they can enjoy a warm meal and a brighter future. Donations include canned goods, corn bread mix, canned gravy, bread, stuffing, yams, etc. All donations can be dropped off at the Gulf Coast Social Services Houma Regional Office 723 Point Street Houma, LA, 70360 by Friday November 22, 2024. Contact 985-851-4488 for more information.
- 2nd Annual Adopt-A-Client: Help make this holiday season brighter for our clients by helping provide holiday gifts. All items to be wrapped and dropped off to Gulf Coast Social Services Houma Regional Office, 723 Point St. Houma, LA 70360 by Friday December 13th, 2024. Monetary donations are welcome! Contact 985-851-4488 for more information.
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Support Gulf Coast Social Services: Every Gift Counts! Your generosity makes a difference. Please consider making a donation today, no matter the size! | | | | |
