Paula Charles, Sheriff Jason Smith, Candice Kimbrell, and Elizabeth Morello were guest speakers for the September WPCHS meeting. Pictured from left to right:
Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith, WPCHS 2nd Vice President Gloria Kates,
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Paralegal Candice Kimbrell, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Attorney Elizabeth Morello. Paula Charles attended virtually.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on September 24, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Paula Charles, attorney with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services was the guest speaker. Charles announced that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reported that Washington Parish has experienced a 470% increase in protective orders since 2019. She then introduced Sheriff Jason Smith, who spoke about his office's efforts to address domestic violence. Sheriff Smith emphasized that domestic violence encompasses a wide range of abuse, including elder abuse, sibling abuse, and online incidents. He explained the department's focus on preparing deputies to respond to domestic violence situations, highlighting the importance of having deputies consistently patrol the same areas to become familiar with the community and better understand their needs. Charles also introduced Candice Kimbrell, administrative support staff of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, and Elizabeth Morello, domestic violence attorney with the same organization. Morello provided an overview of the process for obtaining a temporary protective order and clarified the differences between restraining orders and protective orders. She noted that forms and instructional videos are available for free online and mentioned that in some cases, a civil injunction may be an alternative to a protective order.

Diane Lewis, Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator for Region 9, gave a special presentation on Emergency Preparedness. She outlined steps for preparing for emergencies and briefly discussed the availability of medical needs shelters.

WPCHS guest speaker, Dr. John Wyble, State Representative, provided an overview of several Acts passed in the recent Special Legislative Sessions. Dr. John Wyble accepted a Certificate of Leadership from Paula Charles, WPCHS President, and Rusty Fornea, Executive Director for WPCHS/ADAPT.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on August 27, 2024, at the ADAPT Office. Dr. John Wyble, State Representative, was the guest speaker. Dr. Wyble discussed the importance of prioritizing mental health services, noting that Washington Parish has the necessary resources and organizations to support those in need. He also provided an overview of the various Acts passed during two special legislative sessions. These Acts included redistricting Congressional districts, tightening mandated reporter laws within school systems, establishing procedures for pre-trial drug testing and screenings, and implementing stricter penalties for the marketing and packaging of fentanyl to young people. Additionally, Dr. Wyble elaborated on Act 110, which addresses the issue of opioids by toughening penalties and adding certain versions of fentanyl and other opioids to the controlled substances schedule, thereby increasing penalties for those who use and distribute these drugs.

Kenisha Dickey, Outreach Resource Coordinator for VIA LINK was the guest speaker at the July meeting of WPCHS.  Pictured left to right:  Paula Charles, WPCHS President, and Kenisha Dickey.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on July 23, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Kenisha Dickey, Outreach Resource Coordinator for VIA LINK was the guest speaker. VIA LINK serves the state of Louisiana providing crisis support, connecting people to resources and services, and providing vital data and trend information to ensure policies and programs meet community needs. VIA LINK operates crisis lines manned by specialists who are extensively trained to provide a safe space for individuals who need support. Ms. Dickey provided an overview of 988 and 211 Crisis Support Lines as well as the Crisis Teen Textline and Louisiana Parentline. She stated “It is VIA LINK/PCAL’s belief that education and training provide primary prevention for child abuse, trauma, and mental health struggles in Louisiana.” VIA LINK is a social work pre-approval agency and offers a variety of training opportunities to the community. If you have any questions, you can visit the website www.vialink.org for more information.

WPCHS guest speaker, Ms. Lauren Franklin, Outreach and Training Coordinator for The Ness Center, presented information on The Ness Center’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women’s Residential Treatment Program. Ms. Franklin accepted a Certificate of Leadership from Paula Charles, WPCHS President.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on June 25, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Ms. Lauren Franklin, Outreach and Training Coordinator for the The Ness Center, was the guest speaker. She discussed the Ness Center’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women’s Residential Treatment Program, which is designed to offer assistance to pregnant and postpartum women facing substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorders. Ms. Franklin stated its mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where women can embark on their path to recovery while ensuring their children receive the care and support they deserve.

WPCHS guest speaker, Dr. Leslie Faulkner, Community Outreach Specialist, New Orleans Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency, presented information on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s “One Pill Can Kill” initiative. Dr. Faulkner accepted a Certificate of Leadership from Paula Charles, WPCHS President and Rusty Fornea, Executive Director of ADAPT.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on May 21, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Dr. Leslie Faulkner, Community Outreach Specialist, New Orleans Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency, was the guest speaker. She highlighted the Drug Enforcement Agency’s “One Pill Can Kill” initiative, focusing on the characteristics and dangers of fentanyl and its profound impact on the community. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid frequently found in counterfeit pills, is a major factor in the alarming increase in poisoning deaths. Dr. Faulkner discussed fentanyl’s history, its potency, and its status as a critical issue on local, state, and national levels, responsible for over 100,000 deaths annually. She emphasized the risks of counterfeit pills containing unpredictable amounts of fentanyl, asserting, “The only safe medications are those prescribed by licensed and accredited medical professionals.”

WPCHS guest speaker, Dr. Byron Hurst, Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent, presented information on current goals of Bogalusa City Schools as well as various programs and safety measures that have been implemented. Dr. Byron Hurst accepted a Certificate of Leadership from Paula Charles, WPCHS President, and Rusty Fornea, Executive Director for WPCHS/ADAPT.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on April 23, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Byron Hurst, was the guest speaker. Dr. Hurst provided an overview of goals for Bogalusa City Schools, including investing in early grades to build math and reading skills to provide a strong foundation to students, increasing ACT scores, and ensuring students have mastered skills needed to achieve success and graduate on time. He also discussed programs that have begun such as imbedding interventions in student schedules, ACT prep courses for students, and professional development for teachers. Dr. Hurst stated that “Safety is a priority in our district.” He reported on safety measures which have been implemented such as having a School Resource Officer present at Bogalusa High School daily, adding cameras and extra lighting on the campus, and other new policies.

WPCHS guest speaker, Rusty Fornea, Executive Director of Washington Parish Sexual Assault Center, a/k/a ADAPT, presented information on the background and services available through Washington Parish Sexual Assault Center. Rusty Fornea accepted a Certificate of Leadership from Paula Charles, WPCHS President.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on March 26, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Rusty Fornea, Executive Director of Washington Parish Sexual Assault Center, a/k/a ADAPT, was the guest speaker. Fornea announced that April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. He touched on the background of the Washington Parish Sexual Assault Center, which was founded in 1990 by Charlette Fornea. Its mission being to unite the community by providing resources that address causal factors leading to sexual assault. He shared that the Center offers a wide range of services such as counseling services, peer support, school programs, Mental Health First Aid classes, as well as assistance tracking cases through the court system. Fornea stated that “In its 34 years of existence, the Washington Parish Rape Crisis Center has helped thousands of men and women move from being a victim to a survivor”.

WPCHS guest speaker, Taffy Morrison, Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana Statewide Outreach Manager at Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center, presented information on the services available through Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana. Taffy Morrison accepted a Certificate of Leadership from Rusty Fornea, Executive Director for WPCHS/ADAPT and Glory Davis, WPCHS Vice-President.

Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its monthly meeting on February 27, 2024 at the ADAPT Office. Taffy Morrison, Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana Statewide Outreach Manager at Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center was the guest speaker. Mrs. Morrison stated that Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana provides assistance with applying for health insurance, explains how to utilize health coverage services and locate providers, and how to access preventable health services. Mrs. Morrison discussed recent changes with Medicaid and how it is affecting patients and the community. Medicaid qualifications were reviewed and the renewal process was discussed.

Paula Charles, WPCHS President, and Rusty Fornea, Executive Director, presented Mayor Tyrin Troung with a certificate of leadership for his contributions to WPCHS. 

         Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its December meeting at the ADAPT Office. Tyrin Truong, Mayor of Bogalusa was the guest speaker. Mayor Truong gave some general updates concerning Bogalusa. During the past year, homicides have been cut by 48%, and four new officers have been added to the police department. The fire department employees received a pay increase for the first time in over thirteen years. The City is addressing property blight and ten structures have been demolished and removed. Mayor Truong has been working with Representative Malinda White to acquire 4.5 million dollars to improve the wastewater system. Currently, the system is running in back-up mode. During the Summer, the Mayor’s Youth Corp was formed. 60 teens were employed during a six-week period. These youth worked on many projects throughout Bogalusa. A Teen Lounge will be coming to Cassidy Park. This will give youth an outlet for leisure activities, such as gaming. A library will be onsite with tutors to help with schoolwork. Career Development will also make up a component of the Teen Lounge. Mayor Truong stated, “We perish for the lack of knowledge. Therefore, we need to provide our youth with opportunities to gain knowledge.”

Paula Charles, WPCHS President, and Rusty Fornea, Executive Director, recognize Sheriff-Elect, Jason Smith, for his leadership contributions to WPCHS. 

         Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its November meeting at the ADAPT Office. Sheriff-Elect, Jason Smith was the guest speaker. He is scheduled to take office on July 1, 2024. Smith stated, “One reason I decided to run for sheriff was because I wanted to change the culture in Washington Parish beyond just law enforcement.” Smith plans to put deputies in a position where they will be well-known in the area they are working. This will allow officers to form stronger relationships with the people they are serving. While running for the office of sheriff, Smith met many people from different backgrounds who shared their stories and gave him valuable insight that will be beneficial to him as the newly elected sheriff.  He is eager to build bridges and form relationships with others that will bring better services to the people of Washington Parish.

        The next scheduled meeting for WPCHS will be on December 19th at 9:30 a.m. at the ADAPT Office, 216 Memphis Street, Bogalusa. Mayor Tyrin Truong will be the guest speaker. Meetings are open to the public.  For more information, contact Rusty Fornea at 985-735-0160.

Angela Houlemard, WPCHS 2nd Vice President, presented Dr. Leslie Faulkner, Drug Enforcement Agency, with a certificate of leadership.

     Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its October meeting at the ADAPT Office. Dr. Leslie Faulkner with the Drug Enforcement Agency provided a presentation on trending drug issues. There continues to be a rise in drug-related deaths with fentanyl being one of the main drivers. Dr. Faulkner stated that seven out of ten illicit pills are laced with enough fentanyl to be deadly. The DEA created a “One Pill Can Kill” campaign to help raise awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate, and are killing Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill#

     The next scheduled meeting for WPCHS will be on November 28th at 9:30 a.m. at the ADAPT Office, 216 Memphis Street, Bogalusa.  Meetings are open to the public.  For more information, contact Rusty Fornea at 985-735-0160.

Rusty Fornea, Executive Director, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services team members with a certificate of leadership. Pictured from left to right are Paula Charles, Tiffany Whitley, Fornea, and Nicole Crain.

  Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its September meeting at the ADAPT Office. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) provided a program to increase awareness of Domestic Violence Prevention month which is recognized during October. Speakers included Paula Charles, managing attorney; Nicole Crain, VOCA Attorney; Tiffany Whitley, paralegal; and Jesse Applewhite, Clerk of Court’s Office. SLLS offers free civil legal services to victims of domestic violence. Applications can be completed online at slls.org or by calling Tiffany Whitley at (985) 893-0076. SLLS is located at 423 N. Florida Street in Covington. Staff members are available in Washington Parish on Mondays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and Wednesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 at the ADAPT Office, 1007 Cleveland Street in Franklinton.