Family & Youth Forum
E-Newsletter from Family & Youth    Lake Charles, LA

February
2  0  0  7

 What's Inside

Front Page

Market Your Mission

A Powerful Voice

A Team Approach

Building Social Connections

Experience a Change

Our Business is Taking Care of Yours

The Back Page

Mission
It is the belief of Family & Youth that all individuals possess the ability to solve their own challenges and live full healthy lives when support is available. It is the mission of Family & Youth to provide affordable and professional support through programs and services dedicated to advocacy, counseling, and education for the people of Southwest Louisiana. Our effort and commitment to building family values will guarantee a stable and stronger community.

Past Issues

September 2006

May 2006

2005-2006 Light of Hope Awards

Three dedicated child advocates received the 2005-2006 Light of Hope Award at Child Advocate Night. The event honors those who serve as advocates for children in our community through the Children’s Advocacy Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Detective Michael Primeaux, Moria “Moe” Bessette, and Cat McChristian received the 2005-2006 Light of Hope for their dedication to children.

Detective Primeaux is a detective in the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Sex Crimes division. He always puts the family in crisis first and exceeds all expectations to get the job done. Mrs. Bessette is a CASA Volunteer in Calcasieu Parish. She has the perfect combination of compassion and outspokenness to be a powerful voice for children in court. Ms. McChristian is a CASA Volunteer in Allen Parish. She gave up holiday time with her family to visit her CASA child, who was living in a group home.

Youth Action Forum

Youth Action Forum is a group of teens who are active in mission-based advocacy and community involvement. Members met with Nancy Tower, City Council Member for the City of Sulphur. She shared with the group her ambition to run for public office at a very young age. Ms. Tower discussed her political career and how young people can get involved.

Casa for CASA

Casa for CASA is a raffle fundraiser for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in Lake Charles. The winner received a playhouse which was built and decorated by volunteers. Emily Harper won the Casa for CASA playhouse. She then donated it to the Women’s Shelter. Pictured left to right are: Dick E. Allen, Carpenter’s Local 953; Ann Polak, Calcasieu Women’s Shelter; Joe Churchman, Georgia Gulf Lake Charles; Michael Jouban, Northrop Grumman; Emily Harper; Ralph Lewing, Lewing Construction; Scottie Newell, Southwest Contraband Kiwanis Club; and Ann Courville, Calcasieu Women’s Shelter.