March Magic: Women’s History Month & Festive Highlights

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Happy Women's History Month from Gulf Coast Social Services!

Welcome to the March 2026 edition of the GCSS CEO’s Corner Newsletter. As we close out Women’s History Month, I want to take a moment to sincerely recognize and celebrate the many women across Gulf Coast Social Services whose compassion, leadership, and dedication help make our mission possible each and every day.

From Direct Care Workers serving individuals and families in homes and communities across Louisiana, to the women leading programs, supporting our regional offices, coordinating care, and helping keep our Central Office teams strong in accounting, billing, HR, and administration, their impact is felt in every part of our organization. This month, we are proud to highlight Patricia O’Neil, Crystal Thomas, LaTaria Thompson, Cynthia Johnson, Melissa Gaudet, Alexandra T’aisant, Durrell Collins, and Alisia George, along with the many other outstanding women throughout GCSS who work every day to support the people and communities we serve.

As you will see throughout this newsletter, March was filled with meaningful outreach, celebrations, community partnerships, and special moments across our regions. I am grateful for the commitment of our staff and for the care they show in bringing our mission to life each day.

To learn more about what we do, make a donation, explore employment opportunities, or stay up to date on upcoming events, please visit us at www.gcssla.org.

Thanks,

Willie Green, MPA

President/CEO

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Growing Connections, Celebrating Community, and Expanding Our Impact!

March has been a vibrant and inspiring month across Gulf Coast Social Services, filled with meaningful outreach, community partnerships, and moments of joy that reflect the heart of our mission. Across regions, our teams strengthened connections through events like the Alexandria Lunch and Learn with community partners, participation in job and resource fairs in Lafayette and New Orleans, and continued collaboration with local coalitions and organizations. From promoting our services at community events to building new partnerships with organizations and employers, these efforts are helping us expand our reach and better serve individuals and families across Louisiana.

At the same time, our programs continued to create spaces for connection, celebration, and enrichment. Clients and staff shared memorable experiences—from bowling outings and interactive community days in Baton Rouge to creative activities like diamond art in Houma and festive celebrations including Mardi Gras season events and St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. Our teams also celebrated important milestones, including client birthdays, meaningful donations that enhanced quality of life, and opportunities to recognize and support one another, reflecting the strong sense of community that defines GCSS.

These moments of outreach, celebration, and support are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our partnerships. Whether through expanding services, fostering new relationships, or creating joyful experiences for those we serve, GCSS remains committed to delivering Personal Care, Quality Outcomes, and building stronger, more connected communities every day.

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Feeling Lucky:

A St. Patrick’s Day to Remember

Our Baton Rouge team brought the luck of the Irish to life with a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration for our Day Habilitation clients on March 17th! The room was filled with vibrant shades of green as clients and staff joined in the fun, dressed in festive attire and playful accessories, including fan-favorite green mustaches that kept everyone smiling.

The celebration featured engaging activities like bingo, encouraging friendly competition, and laughter throughout the day. Clients also enjoyed a variety of delicious food and festive treats, including clover-shaped cookies that added a sweet touch to the occasion.

A big thank you to our Baton Rouge team for making this celebration so special and memorable for our clients!

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Beads, Music & Memories:

Alexandria’s Mardi Gras Ball

As we look back on this year’s Mardi Gras season, we wanted to share one final celebration that truly captured the spirit of the season. The Alexandria Region brought the spirit of Mardi Gras to life with a vibrant and unforgettable Mardi Gras Ball. Guests were welcomed into a beautifully decorated space filled with traditional purple, green, and gold décor, festive energy, and a strong sense of community.

The evening featured delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, lively jazz and zydeco music, and a dance floor full of joy and celebration. A highlight of the night was the crowning of the Mardi Gras Court, along with special recognition of staff members who have dedicated 10 years or more to GCSS.

From the music and laughter to the meaningful moments of recognition, the Alexandria Region’s Mardi Gras Ball was more than just an event; it was a celebration of connection, tradition, and the heart of the GCSS community.

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