Grants Awarded To Local Nonprofits
United Way Southwest Louisiana announces grant recipients to strengthen community sevices
Lake Charles, LA – In a substantial move toward bolstering the resilience and capacity of local social services, United Way Southwest Louisiana is proud to announce its latest round of grant awards. Numerous regional organizations have been selected to receive funding to support critical community services ranging from youth mentoring programs to senior care, mental health support, and comprehensive community health programs.
"This year, we received an extraordinarily high number of compelling applications," said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. "After careful consideration, we have identified organizations that have demonstrated remarkable commitment and innovation in addressing the most pressing needs of our community. These grants reflect our continued dedication to strengthening the safety net for our most vulnerable populations and ensuring that our collective impact reaches far and wide."
The following organizations have been acknowledged for their impactful contributions and will be the recipients of this year’s grants:
- Beauregard Community Concerns - June Jenkins Women's Shelter
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana
- Business & Workforce Recovery Solutions
- DMM God-Inspired Holy Ground
- Family & Youth Counseling Agency
- Girl Scouts of LA - Pines to the Gulf
- Iberia Comprehensive - Merryville Community Health Center
- Kay Dore Counseling Clinic at McNeese
- New Covenant Faith Community Development
- St. Nicholas Center for Children
- United Against Human Trafficking
These grants will support a wide range of programs, including enhancing educational opportunities for youth, providing essential support for the elderly, accelerating recovery solutions for businesses and workforces hit by crises, and embedding stronger networks of care for the needy and marginalized within our community.
The process of selecting grant recipients is a meticulously planned operation that involves the active participation of trained community volunteers who are recognized as experts in their respective fields. These volunteers undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the applicants, basing their decisions on a set of established criteria that include the effectiveness of the proposed programs, their potential impact on the community, and their sustainability. This ensures that the funding is allocated to programs that significantly benefit the community's well-being. Following the volunteers' recommendations, the final decision rests with the Board of Directors of United Way Southwest Louisiana. This ensures that expert insights inform decision-making and align with the organization's overarching goals and values.
In addition to identifying and supporting existing organizations through grants, United Way Southwest Louisiana also develops in-house Initiatives to fill the prevalent gaps in local services. Recognizing that specific needs may need to be met or addressed by current programs, these Initiatives are strategically designed to ensure that all community members have access to the resources and support they require. Whether it’s a new educational program to empower youth or a resource aimed at improving the financial stability of families, these direct Initiatives from United Way Southwest Louisiana are a testament to our adaptive and responsive approach to community service. By bolstering existing services and creating new solutions, we demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to enhancing the well-being of every resident in Southwest Louisiana.
United Way Southwest Louisiana remains committed to rallying the community, fostering partnerships, and channeling resources where needed. Through the united efforts of donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, United Way continues to make strides toward creating a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable Southwest Louisiana for all.
Please visit unitedwayswla.org for more information about the United Way Southwest Louisiana and its programs or how you can contribute.
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About United Way Southwest Louisiana
United Way Southwest Louisiana mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.
For more than 85 years, United Way Southwest Louisiana has partnered with local communities to co-create solutions to people's most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to local needs.
With our partners, United Way Southwest Louisiana creates pathways to better healthcare, education and job opportunities. Over 100,000 individuals receive the help they need each year to build the foundations for a brighter future.
As part of a global network of more than 1,000 United Ways, we help share innovations and scale impact to improve lives worldwide. Together, we're working towards a future where every person and community can rise.
To learn more, visit unitedwayswla.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayofSWLA
- Operating in the TOP 9% of all U.S. United Ways. –TOP 125 out of 1185 United Ways!
- Maintains a 4-STAR charity rating with Charity Navigator and a PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY with Candid (formerly GuideStar)
- Mackenzie Scott Recipient (1st year, member of the original #UNITEDWAY46)
- LEPA Award Winner 2022 from Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Outstanding Service
- Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
