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Volunteers for Youth Justice participated in the annual Wreaths of Hope event again at Sam’s Town Casino this year. Thanks to an army of support and a lot of help from our friends, we placed third and brought home a donation of $750 to help continue our mission of providing a community that cares for children, youth, and families in crisis. We can’t thank the people who took time out of their busy schedules to vote for us daily enough! We also can’t thank Laurie Barber who helped to design our wreath or Tony Thornton and his team at Ellis Home and Garden for donating the majority of the decorations enough either. That alligator was the bomb!!!

Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) is honored to be the beneficiary of an event hosted by the Krewe of Centaur this Saturday, December 28, 2024. The Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Ladies Event, which features a formal dress resale and will play host to a variety of local vendors, will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is open to the public. A portion of the proceeds from the dress resale will benefit the essential programs provided by VYJ to support children, youth, and families in crisis, as well as the Maddy’s Joy Foundation. Attendees can expect to shop from a selection of nearly 300 formal gowns ranging in size from 0 – 28. This community-centered gathering will take place at the Centaur Event Center, 351 Aero Drive in Shreveport, and will provide a wonderful opportunity to find unique gifts, support local small businesses, and contribute to a great cause. VYJ invites everyone to join in the fun and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. And while many of these dresses were originally purchased with Mardi Gras in mind, they’d also be perfect for pageants, prom, and other special occasions and since they’re being offered at such deep discounts, we’d hate for you to miss this fantastic event! Participating Vendors Include: Crown Collective Patch Bar – Ashley Concilio The Gilded Oyster Simply Chic Cane River Soap Company Art and Decoration by Patricia Schwartz KP Decoration – Sheila Pieper Kristen Mitchell – Painted Trucker Hats Broadmoor and Company The Crowned Magnolia Art by Kristi Jones Art by Lauren Art by Sarah – Katherine Semon Sissy’s Sweet Treats / Grit & Grace Designs Fused by Mallory Coco Lynn’s Design Graceful Gifts Avalon Mane Pour “This event is a testament to the power of community support. We’re incredibly grateful to the Krewe of Centaur for their generosity and commitment to helping us provide a brighter future for youth and families in our area,” said Kelli Todd, Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice. Plan to spend your Saturday with us, shop for a cause, and show your support for Shreveport’s local businesses. We can’t wait to see you there! About Volunteers for Youth Justice: Volunteers for Youth Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community caring for children, youth, and families in crisis. Founded in 1981, VYJ has become a cornerstone of support and hope in Shreveport, operating six vital programs: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), FINS (Family in Need of Service), MCC (My Community Cares), TASC (Truancy Assessment Service Center), YEC (Youth Empowerment Center), and Youth Programs. Each of these programs addresses urgent needs and helps to create positive, long-lasting change in the lives of those we serve. Media Contact: Erin “Bristol” Woods Marketing and Public Relations Manager Volunteers for Youth Justice Phone: (318) 425-4413 x107 Email: erin.woods@vyjla.org Website: vyjla.org For more information regarding the Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Ladies Event, contact Kristen Bridges Landrus at kbridges02@aol.com .

Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) was recognized as the 2024 Philanthropy of the Year by the Young Professional Initiative (YPI), at their annual 40 Under 40 Gala on Friday, December 6, 2024. This distinguished honor celebrates the organization’s impactful contributions to the Shreveport-Bossier community and culminated in a $1,000 grant and check presentation and ongoing support from YPI members. The recognition is part of YPI’s annual initiative to spotlight and uplift a local nonprofit that embodies community engagement and excellence. As the 2024 recipient, VYJ has been the beneficiary of YPI’s volunteer and marketing support throughout the year to further advance our mission of providing a caring community for children, youth, and families in crisis. The gala also recognized Alexandria Savage Coner , a VYJ board member and KSLA News 12 host, as one of the 2024 40 Under 40 honorees. Her dedication to service and leadership reflects VYJ’s values of advocacy and empowerment. “We are deeply honored to be selected as YPI’s Philanthropy of the Year,” said Kelli Todd , Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice. “This recognition amplifies the impact of our programs and underscores the importance of partnerships in building brighter futures for the children, youth, and families we serve.” VYJ serves the Shreveport-Bossier area through programs like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Families in Need of Service (FINS), My Community Cares (MCC), Truancy Assessment and Service Center (TASC), Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) , and Youth Programs . These initiatives address critical needs such as advocacy for children in foster care, truancy prevention, family support, youth development, and more. Founded in 2004, YPI works alongside the Greater Shreveport and Bossier Chambers of Commerce to empower young professionals and recognize nonprofit organizations that make a difference. The Philanthropy of the Year award is vital to their mission to grow and strengthen the local community.

Volunteers for Youth Justice’s TBRI® First Fridays are back in 2025 and we’re so excited! If you’re not familiar, TBRI® is an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. TBRI® equips individuals with the skills to support children and families in building trust, connection, and empowerment, particularly in the face of trauma. Check out the dates and scan the QR codes below to sign up. The free training is an excellent opportunity for caregivers, educators, and any professional working with children to gain valuable insights and practical skills.

Parenting can be both rewarding and challenging, and My Community Cares, a Volunteers for Youth Justice program, is here to help parents find strength and support through those challenges. On Tuesday, December 10th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. , My Community Cares will host the Be Strong Parent Café at Common Ground , located at 6806 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106 . The Be Strong Parent Café is a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgmental space for parents to share their experiences, celebrate their successes, and learn from one another. This interactive gathering empowers parents to “bounce back” during tough times, drawing on both natural instincts and learned parenting skills. “We believe that parents rock , and we want to celebrate them while providing a space to reflect, laugh, and connect,” says Kreesha Bennett , Parish Director of My Community Cares. What attendees can expect: Good Conversation and Laughter: Share the joys and challenges of parenting with others who understand. Free Food: Enjoy a meal on us while you engage in meaningful discussions. Door Prizes: A chance to win fun surprises to take home! This event is for parents only , providing them with the opportunity to focus on self-care and connection without distraction. Please RSVP by contacting Kreesha Bennett at 318-725-4267 ext. 405 . Help us spread the word by sharing this invitation with anyone who may benefit from a supportive and engaging parent community. About My Community Cares My Community Cares is a program of Volunteers for Youth Justice dedicated to strengthening families and reducing child abuse and neglect in our community. Through partnerships and outreach, My Community Cares offers resources, advocacy, and a network of support to help families overcome challenges and thrive. Contact: Kreesha Bennett Parish Director, My Community Cares Volunteers for Youth Justice 3004 Knight Street, Building 6, Suite 106 Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone: 318-725-4267 ext. 405 Fax: 318-585-2276

My Community Cares, a program of Volunteers for Youth Justice, invites you to join a meaningful conversation about strengthening families and supporting the community at our upcoming Neighborhood Team Meeting . The meeting will take place on Monday, December 9th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. , at the David Raines Recreation Center , located at 2920 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport, LA 71107 . This one-hour meeting will provide updates on the progress made in 2024 and highlight new community initiatives planned for 2025. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their voices and insights to help shape future efforts aimed at empowering families and fostering a stronger community. “We’re dedicated to building a stronger foundation for families and the community as a whole,” says Kreesha Bennett , My Community Cares Caddo Parish Director. “Your input is invaluable to us as we prepare for an exciting year ahead.” What to Expect: Community Progress Updates: Learn about the initiatives that are making a difference in Shreveport. Light Refreshments: Enjoy snacks and a welcoming atmosphere. Open Dialogue: Share your needs, ideas, and feedback in a supportive space. Whether you’re a parent, community leader, or resident invested in the future of our neighborhoods, this meeting is for you. If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to share this invitation with others who may be interested. Questions? Please contact: Kreesha Bennett at 318-725-4267 ext. 405 or email Kreesha.Bennett@vyjla.org Brenda Peek at 318-725-4267 ext. 413 or email Brenda.Peek@vyjla.org Let’s come together to build a stronger community. We hope to see you there! About My Community Cares My Community Cares is a program of Volunteers for Youth Justice dedicated to strengthening families and reducing child abuse and neglect in our community. Through partnerships and outreach, My Community Cares offers resources, advocacy, and a network of support to help families overcome challenges and thrive.

Volunteers for Youth Justice’s My Community Cares (MCC) is excited to announce a special Neighborhood Team Meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 , from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Common Ground Community Shreveport , located at 6806 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106 . This event is designed to provide valuable resources and updates for local families and community members. This free meeting will feature representatives from Humana , who will be available to answer questions about open enrollment and help attendees determine the best healthcare plans for their families. In addition, MCC will present updates on the progress of exciting new community initiatives launching in 2025 . This hour-long gathering will allow residents to learn, connect, and engage with their neighbors while enjoying light refreshments in a welcoming environment. Event Highlights: Open Enrollment Q&A with Humana representatives. Updates on upcoming community initiatives for 2025. An opportunity to connect with neighbors and MCC team members. “This meeting reflects our ongoing commitment to helping families and strengthening communities,” said Kreesha Bennett, MCC Caddo Parish Director. “We encourage everyone to join us, share in the conversation, and take advantage of the resources available to improve the well-being of our neighborhoods.” For questions or additional information, please contact: Kreesha Bennett, MCC Caddo Parish Director at (318) 725-4267 ext. 405 or Kreesha.bennett@vyjla.org Brenda Peek, MCC Connect Coordinator at (318) 725-4267 ext. 413 or Brenda.peek@vyjla.org If you cannot attend, please share this information with someone who may benefit from it. We hope to see you there! About My Community Cares My Community Cares is a program under Volunteers for Youth Justice, dedicated to empowering families and improving neighborhoods by providing resources, support, and opportunities for growth.

Volunteers for Youth Justice proudly celebrates Alex Person , our Community Engagement Director , for being recognized by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce as a 2024 Athena Leadership Award Nominee . The Athena Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to empowering others—particularly women—to achieve their full leadership potential. Inspired by Athena, the Greek goddess of strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment, the award celebrates leaders who personify these qualities in their work and community involvement. Alex Person’s tireless dedication to volunteerism and her commitment to the Shreveport-Bossier community have set her apart as a true leader. As Community Engagement Director, Alex has elevated VYJ’s visibility and engagement within the community, ensuring that more families in crisis are aware of the vital resources and programs VYJ provides. “Alex’s passion for serving others and her dedication to fostering meaningful connections within the community embody the very spirit of the Athena Award,” said Kelli Todd, Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth Justice. “This recognition is a testament to the transformative work Alex does daily.” The Athena Leadership Award, established in 1982, is presented annually in over 500 communities across the globe, including the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. Since its inception, more than 7,000 exceptional leaders have been honored. This prestigious program aims to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. Notably, Kelli Todd, VYJ’s Executive Director , was an Athena Award honoree in 2023 , continuing a tradition of impactful leadership within the organization. The 2024 Athena Leadership Award winner was announced during the Athena Leadership Awards Luncheon hosted by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and we’d like to congratulate all of the nominees and the winner, Dr. Wanda Thomas.

Volunteers for Youth Justice is excited to announce the relaunch of our TBRI® Advocate Program , with a key update—the TBRI® Advocate role has been renamed to TBRI® Coach! This new title reflects an enhanced focus on collaboration and support for families in crisis. To support this transition, we’re offering the Coach Training Series in four sessions throughout 2025. We encourage anyone eager to make a lasting impact on children and families in the Shreveport-Bossier community to apply!