What's Coming Up in 2026

On Wednesday, April 22, the 2026 Second Chance Job and Resource Fair is a free community event hosted by United Way of Central Louisiana through the Louisiana Prisoner Reentry Initiative (LaPRI) in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Corrections and the City of Alexandria. The fair connects job seekers with second chance-friendly employers and community service providers offering support in employment, education/training, housing, healthcare, behavioral health, and other stabilizing resources.

This event is open to the public and no registration for attendees is required — whether or not someone has a justice-involved background — and is designed to help individuals take immediate steps toward sustainable employment and stronger community reintegration. Attendees should bring copies of their résumé and be prepared to interview and network with participating employers.

For prospective vendors, please email tony@uwcl.org.

Join us for our 2nd Coffee and Conversations session!

To all of our nonprofit friends, we're having our 2nd Coffee and Conversations session to serve as the first quarterly meeting this year. Please join us on Thursday, April 9 from 9 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. in the Rapides Foundation Building, Classroom C, for a morning of collaboration and community care! We will also be introducing our revitalized plans for the future under new leadership with our recently appointed President & CEO, Lafe Jones. Email marketing@uwcl.org to RSVP.

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VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

VITA is still open until April 15! This program allows our community members (especially disabled, low income, or elderly) to receive free tax preparation so they can max out their return while minimizing work done on their end. If you or someone you know could use this service, it is now open and you can call 211 to schedule an appointment. If you prefer to do your taxes yourself, click the link below for a quick way to file.

Click here for MyFreeTaxes

April is Global Volunteer Month

Did you know that April is Global Volunteer Month? This is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable volunteer experience while serving the community of Central Louisiana that we know and love. Scan the QR code or click here to sign up on our Galaxy Digital portal to find opportunities that align with your passions.

2026 Community Investment Grant

Congratulations to the recipients of our 2026 Community Investment Grant Fund! These organizations closely align with our mission and are doing real work in the community to better Central Louisiana.

Rapides Early Ed Day

L to R: CEO and President of United Way of Central Louisiana Lafe Jones, RPSB Superintendent Jeff Powell, RECN Team Member and CEO of CAC Consulting Group Cindy Cespiva, LA Policy Institute Policy & Resource Director Mattilyn Karst Batson, RPSB Early Childhood Director Cindy Rushing, Foundations Christian Learning Center Owner LeeAnn Price, and BESE Board Member Lance Harris,.

On February 25th, we held Rapides Early Ed Day at Foundations Christian Learning Center. This was a day where policymakers and early childhood educators convened on the importance of early childcare development and its impact on the workforce. Led with an inspiring welcome from RECN Team Member and CEO of CAC Consulting Group Cindy Cespiva, the introduction was followed by impactful remarks from RPSB Superintendent Jeff Powell, RPSB Early Childhood Director Cindy Rushing, BESE Board Member Lance Harris, CEO and President of United Way of Central Louisiana Lafe Jones, LA Policy Institute Policy & Resource Director Mattilyn Karst Batson, Foundations Christian Learning Center Owner LeeAnn Price, and Rep. Mike Johnson, Pro Tempore House Speaker of District 27, respectively.

Thank you to everyone who attended and spoke on the important of early childhood development. When our littles thrive, the effect compounds and ripples outward to benefit our economy and brighten our futures.

What's Coming Up in 2026

Join us for our 2nd Coffee and Conversations session!

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

Let's stay in touch!