families-helping-families-of-greater-baton-rouge

Resource Cafe

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:44:02 GMT

Empowering Families...

...through outreach, information, support, and community engagement through resource navigation and community education activities.

Families Helping Communities

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:27:20 GMT

Everyday Essentials Initiative. Helping Families. Reducing Costs. Building Independence.

The Everyday Essentials Initiative is a community support program by Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge and our local churches spearheaded by Pastor Kepper Kenneth of Berean Ministries to provides individuals with disabilities, their families, seniors, and older adults with essential household products to help reduce monthly living expenses. By supplying everyday necessities such as toiletries, cleaning products, laundry detergent, dish soap, paper goods, and personal hygiene items, we help families maintain healthy, safe, and independent homes while easing financial burdens.

Items Could Include:

Laundry detergent
Dish soap
Hand soap
Bath soap and body wash
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Deodorant
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Household cleaners
Disinfectant wipes
Trash bags
Towels and washcloths
Incontinence supplies (when available)
Feminine hygiene products
Baby wipes and diapers (when available)

FHF-GBR Billboard Contest

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:03:50 GMT

ARE YOU THE NEXT FACE OF FHF-GBR?

Enter the contest to WIN - an opportunity to have a professional photoshoot, your photo on a billboard in the Greater Baton Rouge region, and a $500 gift card.

CONTEST RULES:

Participant/family must include an individual with a disability, reside in one of our 7 parishes, and have received services from FHFGBR in the past. Contest ends November 1, 2026.

Families Helping Teachers Project

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:52:35 GMT

Partners in Inclusive Education

Families Helping Teachers is a community appreciation initiative by Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge that recognizes and supports educators by stocking teachers' lounges with snacks, beverages, and encouragement throughout the school year. By caring for the people who care for our students, we strengthen classrooms, families, and our community.

Helping Teachers. Empowering Families is an initiative to let our teachers know they are supported, and we appreciate their support for students with disabilities and their families.

Suggested Teacher Lounge Wish List

Coffee & Hot Beverages
Ground coffee
K-Cups
Tea bags
Hot chocolate packets
Coffee creamer
Sugar
Sugar substitutes
Honey
Stir sticks
Coffee cups
Lids
Napkins

Information Alert #4 - New LaCAN Leader in Region 2!

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:54:30 GMT

Please join the Council and LaCAN in welcoming Katherine (Katie) Kroes as the new LaCAN Leader for Region 2 (serving Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Point Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes).

Katie is a grateful and joyful mother of two who resides in Baton Rouge. She has been a passionate advocate for inclusion and reform ever since her son Henry, now 12, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in his first year. Katie understands and believes full inclusion of the entire disability community will help make the world a better place.

We encourage you to reach out to Katie to get to know more about her and share a little about yourself. She can also help you become more involved with LaCAN. Katie’s contact information, as well as the information for all the LaCAN Leaders, can be found here.

Contact Us

LaCAN is an initiative of the LA Developmental Disabilities Council. If there are any questions about the information in this email, contact the Council by replying to this email, or calling the toll free number listed below:

phone: 1-800-450-8108

email: info@laddc.org

website: www.lacanadvocates.org

facebook: www.facebook.com/LaDDCouncil

twitter: www.twitter.com/LaDDCouncil

View all recent LaCAN Alerts HERE .

Press Release: Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge to Host 15th Annual Active for Autism 5k Run/Walk & Fun Fest on April 25, 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:36:09 GMT

A community-wide celebration promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism and their families

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge to Host 15th Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 25, 2026

Baton Rouge, LA – Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge (FHFGBR) will host its 15th Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest, proudly co-sponsored by the City of Baton Rouge, The Nirel Group Foundation, and REV, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

This year’s event will be led by Honorary Chair Sid Edwards, Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge; Co-Chair John Michael Guidry, Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court; and emceed by April Davis, WBRZ News Anchor.

The event promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), bringing together families, friends, and supporters.

FHFGBR serves seven parishes: East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Iberville, Ascension, and Pointe Coupee. Each year, the event engages more than 1,200 participants while raising critical funds to support individuals and families impacted by autism and other developmental disabilities.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors:

Presenting Platinum Sponsors: The City of Baton Rouge, The Nirel Group Foundation, and REV
Gold Sponsors: Walmart Neighborhood Market #541, Benny’s Car Wash, and Cumulus Radio Station Group
Silver Sponsors: Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, Olivier Group, B1Bank, Coleman Partners Architects, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Mercy Autism Center, Ochsner Health, and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Bronze Sponsors: Behavioral Intervention Group, Baton Rouge General, Maughan Law Firm, Wampold Companies, Councilman Darryl Hurst, Walmart Supercenter #1266, Representative C. Denise Marcelle, Entergy, ACE Enterprises Inc., Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel, and West Baton Rouge Parks & Recreation
Patron Sponsors: Pella Windows & Doors of Baton Rouge, Stine, Louisiana Lottery Corporation, Gulfsouth Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPAs, Mercy Autism Center, Ascension Golf Carts, and BearCom of Baton Rouge

Finally, we extend our gratitude to all additional in-kind donors and supporters, whose generosity helps make this event truly special.

Join us for a day of movement, connection, and celebration in support of individuals with autism and their families.

For more information, visit www.fhfgbr.org or call 225.216.7474.

###

Join LaCAN Region 2 Legislative Roundtable

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:23:26 GMT

Your voice matters — and now is the time to use it.

The LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) Region 2 Legislative Roundtable is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, and community partners to come together and learn about key issues impacting our community during the upcoming legislative session.

This roundtable will focus on the Council’s 2026 Legislative Advocacy Agenda , which includes critical priorities that directly affect individuals with disabilities and their families:

Emergency Alerts for People with Disabilities – Ensuring emergency communication systems are accessible and inclusive for all.

Increasing Funding for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) – Strengthening employment supports and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Increasing Home and Community-Based Waiver Rates and Direct Support Worker Pay – Supporting quality services and addressing the direct support workforce shortage.

Families Helping Families – Restoring $250,000 in Funding – Protecting essential family support, training, and advocacy services that families across Louisiana rely on every day.

Advocacy starts with being informed. This session will provide valuable updates, explain how these issues impact families across Louisiana, and offer ways you can take action.

Whether you are a parent, self-advocate, professional, or community supporter, your participation helps strengthen our collective voice.

Date: March 5

Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Registration Link: tinyurl.com/5n6w3y3p

We encourage everyone in Region 2 to attend and be part of the conversation. Together, we can help shape policies that support individuals with disabilities and the families who love and care for them.

Love in Action: Celebrating Every Kind of Love This Valentine’s Day

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:45:47 GMT

Celebrating the families, caregivers, and self-advocates who lead with love every day.

Valentine’s Day often brings images of flowers, candy, and candlelit dinners. But in our community, love looks a little different.

Love looks like patience during a long therapy session.
Love looks like advocating at an IEP meeting.
Love looks like celebrating milestones that others might overlook.
Love looks like families helping families.

At Families Helping Families, we know that raising and supporting a loved one with a developmental disability is a journey filled with deep devotion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. This Valentine’s Day, we want to celebrate you — the parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers, and self-advocates who show up every single day with love in action.

Love Is Advocacy

For many families, love means learning new systems, acronyms, and rights you never expected to need to know. It means asking questions, speaking up, and sometimes pushing back to ensure your loved one receives the support they deserve.

Advocacy is love in one of its strongest forms. When you attend meetings, make phone calls, fill out paperwork, or seek resources, you are building a future rooted in opportunity and inclusion.

Love Is Patience

Progress may look different for every individual. Some milestones take longer. Some victories are quiet. But every step forward matters.

Love is celebrating those steps — the first word, the first job interview, the first time navigating something independently. Love is also giving grace on the harder days.

Love Is Community

No family should walk this journey alone. That’s why we exist.

When one family shares their experience, another family finds hope. When one caregiver learns a strategy, another feels empowered. When one self-advocate shares their voice, the entire community grows stronger.

We are families helping families. That’s not just our mission — it’s our heartbeat.

Don’t Forget to Love Yourself

Caregivers often pour so much into others that they forget themselves. This Valentine’s Day, we encourage you to extend compassion inward.

Take a moment to rest.
Ask for support.
Celebrate your strength.
Recognize that you are doing the very best you can.

Self-care is not selfish — it is sustaining.

Celebrating Every Story

Every family’s story is unique. Every individual’s abilities, challenges, talents, and dreams are their own. Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love isn’t measured by perfection — it’s measured by presence.

To our families:
Your advocacy matters.
Your persistence matters.
Your love matters.

Today and every day, we are honored to stand beside you.

From all of us at Families Helping Families, Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤️

We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Louisiana SNAP Update: New Food Restriction Waiver Begins February 18, 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:14:02 GMT

What Families Need to Know About the February 18, 2026 Changes

Families across Louisiana should be aware of an upcoming change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Beginning February 18, 2026 , a new SNAP Food Restriction Waiver will take effect, limiting the purchase of certain sugar-laden food and beverage items when using SNAP benefits. The goal of this change is to encourage healthier food choices and improve public health outcomes statewide.

It is important to note that these restricted items may still be purchased using cash, debit cards, or other forms of payment —the limitation applies only to SNAP benefits.

Why Is This Change Happening?

This update is part of a federally approved demonstration project authorized through Governor Jeff Landry’s Executive Order 25-052 , issued in 2025. Louisiana is participating in this pilot effort to explore how nutrition-focused policies may impact long-term health.

Need More Information?

If you have questions or would like additional details about how this change may affect your household, contact the Louisiana help line:

�� LAHelpU@la.gov
�� 888-524-3578 (LAHELPU)

We encourage families to stay informed and reach out if they need guidance navigating SNAP benefits or other available resources. Our mission is to support families with clear, timely information—because families helping families makes a difference.

Emergency Declaration Issued to Protect SNAP Benefits in Louisiana

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:00:52 GMT

Keeping SNAP Benefits Flowing During the Federal Shutdown

Monday, October 27, 2025
Families H elping Families of Greater Baton Rouge

Last week, Governor Jeff Landry issued an Emergency Declaration for Louisiana to help protect access to SNAP food assistance for some of our state’s most vulnerable residents — including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and children.

This action was taken as part of the Governor’s responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of the people of Louisiana in times of disaster or emergency. Under the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act (La. R.S. 29:721, et seq.), the Governor has the authority to declare a state of emergency when events — whether natural or man-made — threaten loss of life, injury, or severe impact to daily living.

Why this emergency declaration matters

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) experienced a lapse in federal funding that supports essential programs like SNAP.

On October 10, 2025, USDA directed states to hold November SNAP benefits because of delays in transmitting funds to EBT vendors. Without intervention, this interruption would significantly increase hunger and financial hardship in Louisiana.

The Executive Order acknowledges this as an emergency situation and sets a pathway to temporarily safeguard SNAP benefits.

SNAP in Louisiana – Who’s impacted?

More than 792,000 Louisianians depend on SNAP to help meet their basic nutritional needs:

Over 120,000 individuals with disabilities
Approximately 356,825 children in SNAP households
An estimated 88,208 older adults

These are the families most affected by food insecurity — and the ones this declaration aims to protect.

What happens now?

Louisiana’s Constitution (Article 7, Section 10.5) allows legislators to authorize emergency funding from the Revenue Stabilization Fund , even while out of session, if two-thirds of both the House and Senate provide written approval.

The Legislature is currently gathered for a special session and is able to take up this measure to ensure families do not go without food assistance.

The emergency declaration remains in effect from Friday, October 24 through Tuesday, November 4, 2025 .

Our Commitment

At Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, we will continue to advocate for families, individuals with disabilities, and all those who rely on essential supports like SNAP. We encourage community members and leaders to work together to ensure access to food is never interrupted — especially during times of crisis.

If you or someone you know needs help accessing resources, please reach out. We’re here. Always.

Important Update for Louisiana SNAP Recipients

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:02:18 GMT

Benefits Paused Starting November 1st Due to Federal Shutdown

October 23, 2025 – Baton Rouge, LA

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge wants to ensure our community is informed about a critical update from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C., SNAP benefits will not be issued starting November 1, 2025 . However, any unused benefits already on recipients’ EBT cards will remain available and can be used as usual.

What You Need to Know:

SNAP benefits paused : No new benefits will be issued beginning November 1 until the federal government reopens.
Existing benefits remain active : Funds already on EBT cards from previous months are still accessible.
New applications still accepted : LDH will continue processing new SNAP applications, but benefits will not be issued until federal operations resume.
Stay current with requirements : Recipients must continue to:
Report household changes
Complete simplified reporting or recertification paperwork
Submit verification documents by mail, in person, or by fax

Submission Options for Verification Documents:

Mail : LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826
In Person : Any LDH ES parish office
Fax : 225-663-3164

While SNAP hotline staff are available for technical questions about applications, they cannot provide updates on when benefits will resume.

LDH’s Commitment:

LDH is actively monitoring the situation and will communicate updates directly to beneficiaries and retailers as they become available. Their priority is to resume benefit issuance as soon as federal operations are restored.

Impact:

Currently, 792,769 Louisianans in 396,157 households rely on SNAP benefits. We understand this news may cause concern, and Families Helping Families is here to support our community during this uncertain time.

Please stay connected with us for updates and resources. If you or someone you know needs assistance navigating this change, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Louisiana Reduces State Testing for High School Students

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:31:28 GMT

A step forward in reducing testing time while keeping high academic standards

At Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, we know how important it is for families to stay informed about changes that affect their children’s education. The Louisiana Department of Education recently announced an important update: high school students will soon spend less time taking state tests — giving them more time to learn, explore, and grow.

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has approved policy changes that will reduce the number of high school state assessments. This step is part of an ongoing effort led by State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley to make testing more efficient and meaningful for both students and teachers.

“This surgical approach reduces testing while maintaining the validity and rigor of these vital assessments,” said Dr. Brumley. “It shows we can listen to our educators, improve the system, and uphold high expectations.”

What’s Changing

Beginning with students entering ninth grade in the 2026–2027 school year, Louisiana high schools will shift to a comprehensive exam model for English language arts (ELA) and math.

Instead of taking two separate ELA and math exams during high school, students will now take one comprehensive exam in each subject at the end of tenth grade.
This will reduce the total number of required high school state tests from six to four:
English I & II → 1 combined ELA exam
Algebra I & Geometry → 1 combined Math exam
Biology → remains the same
Civics → remains the same

This streamlined approach also supports Louisiana’s new student standards for ELA and math, aligning classroom instruction with how students are assessed.

A Continued Effort to Streamline Testing

This update builds on several recent efforts by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to responsibly reduce testing while maintaining strong academic standards:

October 2024 : Testing time for grades 3–8 ELA and math was reduced by 20%, eliminating redundancies and simplifying writing tasks.
March 2025 : Social studies testing for grades 3–8 was cut by 50%, focusing assessments on grades 3, 5, and 8 to align with Louisiana’s Freedom Framework standards.
Coming soon : The LDOE is exploring potential reductions in science testing for grades 3–8.

Why This Matters for Families

State testing provides valuable information about student learning and school performance, but too much testing can take time away from instruction. These updates are designed to keep the focus where it belongs — on teaching and learning , not just testing.

By reducing unnecessary assessments, Louisiana is helping students spend more time building knowledge and skills that will prepare them for success in school and beyond.

At Families Helping Families, we’re encouraged to see steps being taken that support both academic excellence and student well-being — because when schools and families work together, students thrive.

See LDOE Press Release

LaCAN Alert 1: Defend Special Education Rights

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:15:54 GMT

Students with disa bilities need your voice!

The U.S. Department of Education has laid off many people who work in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), including Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) .

OSEP is the federal office that helps protect the rights of students with disabilities. It gives money, training, and guidance to states and schools so students can get the services they need under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) .

Without enough staff, OSEP may not be able to:

Monitor how states follow special education laws
Give support and training to schools
Respond quickly to problems that affect students and families

This means students with disabilities could lose important protections and services they depend on.

Your voice matters . Take time to share your thoughts on special education rights today!

How to Take Action

Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives today. Share your own experience.

Tell them what special education means to you — and how losing staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect you, your child, your students, or someone you know.

Email your U.S. Representative as soon as possible.

Find your U.S. Representative HERE .
Enter your zip code (and address if asked)
Your U. S. Representative’s picture will show up on the left. Under the picture, click ✉️ to send your message.

Email both U.S. Senators as soon as possible.

Senator Bill Cassidy → Email Form
Senator John Kennedy → Email Form

Contact your LaCAN Leader if you need help with this alert or would like more information.

Click HERE if you would like to read a joint statement sent out by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD).

Confirm Your Action

Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Link to Original LaCAN Alert

Social Security Moving to Electronic Payments

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:18:53 GMT

Paper checks ending September 30, 2025 – Families encouraged to switch now

Beginning September 30, 2025 , the Social Security Administration will transition most federal benefit payments from paper checks to electronic payments . This change follows Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, and is designed to make payments faster, safer, and more convenient for beneficiaries.

�� Read the official Dear Colleague Letter here: Social Security Transitions to Electronic Payments .

Why the Change?

Electronic payments provide several benefits over paper checks:

Faster access – funds are deposited directly without waiting for the mail.
More secure – reduces the risk of lost or stolen checks.
Convenient – no need to visit a bank to deposit checks.

Options for Receiving Benefits

Beneficiaries can choose one of two secure electronic payment options:

Direct Deposit to a checking or savings account.

Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) beneficiaries can manage direct deposit information through their my Social Security account.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and international beneficiaries can call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.

Direct Express® Card , a prepaid debit card for those without a bank account.

To enroll, call 1-800-333-1795 or visit www.usdirectexpress.com .

What Families Should Know

If you or your loved ones currently receive paper checks, it’s important to make the switch to electronic payments before the September 30 deadline to avoid any interruptions. New beneficiaries should also be prepared to set up an account for direct deposit when applying.

Beneficiaries who believe they qualify for an exemption must request a waiver from the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-800-967-5042 .

Need Help?

Social Security technicians are available to answer questions and assist with this transition. For support, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov .

Protecting Access for All: Why this DOE Rule Change Matters

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:40:46 GMT

Families can take action now to defend hard-won disability rights

At Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, we believe every person deserves access to safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces — especially when those spaces are built with federal funding.

That’s why we want to alert our community to a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that could quietly roll back important accessibility protections for individuals with disabilities.

What’s Happening?

The DOE has proposed to rescind a long-standing requirement that ensures any new construction or renovations funded by the agency must be accessible to people with disabilities . This requirement has been in place since 1980 and has helped guarantee that buildings supported with federal dollars include accessible features like:

Ramps and accessible entrances
Restrooms that meet accessibility standards
Clear signage
And other basic accommodations outlined in federal accessibility guidelines

If this rule is rescinded, the specific mandate for architectural accessibility in DOE-funded projects would disappear — potentially making it harder to hold facilities accountable for compliance.

Why It Matters

Removing these protections sends a troubling message: that accessibility is optional. But for the families we serve — especially those raising children with disabilities — access isn’t optional at all. It’s essential.

Accessible buildings aren’t just about convenience. They’re about dignity, independence, and equal opportunity to participate in school programs, community events, health services, and more.

What You Can Do

The Department of Energy is accepting public comments until June 16, 2025 — and we encourage families, advocates, and community members to speak up. Your voice matters, and sharing your experience could help stop this rollback before it goes into effect.

Submit your comment here:
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/DOE-HQ-2025-0015-0001

Tell the DOE why accessibility matters to your family or community. Personal stories can make a powerful impact.

Let’s Work Together to Protect Access

We know that advocacy works — and that when families speak up, decision-makers listen. Please take a moment to share this with others in your network, and help ensure that future buildings funded by the DOE remain accessible to all.

If you have questions or need help submitting a comment, feel free to reach out. We’re here for you. Because accessibility is a right — not a request.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge

Thank You for Making Active for Autism 2025 a Huge Success!

Tue, 13 May 2025 17:35:19 GMT

We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet.

Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community.

The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community.

We are beyond grateful to our:

Participants who showed up with passion and purpose
Sponsors who helped make the event possible
Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day
Donors who gave generously
Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands

A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors

We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us!

Thank You to All Our Sponsors

We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community.

2025 Active for Autism Sponsors:

Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation
Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards
Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm
Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC
Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish

Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year.

�� Mark your calendar :
Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again.

From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected.

We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge Hosts Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 26, 2025

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:46:42 GMT

Families Helping Families to Host the Annual "Active for Autism" 5k Run/Walk

Baton Rouge, LA – April 2, 2025 – Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge (FHFGBR) is thrilled to announce the return of its Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest , proudly co-sponsored by Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital , on Saturday, April 26, 2025 , at Pennington Biomedical Center .

This beloved community event promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It provides an opportunity for families, friends, and supporters to come together in celebration and solidarity , fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism and their loved ones.

FHFGBR proudly serves seven parishes in the region: East & West Baton Rouge, East & West Feliciana, Iberville, Ascension, and Pointe Coupee . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children aged 8 years are diagnosed with autism in the U.S. ( cdc.gov ). Additionally, an estimated 67,947 adults in Louisiana are on the autism spectrum ( pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ). These statistics highlight the growing need for awareness, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism and their families across the state.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors:

Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Gold Sponsor: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation
Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards
Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm
Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC
Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish

Join us for a fun-filled day of movement, connection, and celebration in support of individuals with autism and their families! For more information, please visit www.fhfgbr.org or contact Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 216-7474.

For full press release, click here .

Remembering Carolyn "Kay" Lewis

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:37:24 GMT

In Honor of Carolyn "Kay" Lewis

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge honors the life and legacy of Carolyn "Kay" Lewis, who devoted 23 years to supporting parents of children with special health care needs through our program. Kay was a compassionate guide, helping countless families navigate the system to access vital medical services.

She was not only a strong advocate for disability awareness training within our community but also a beacon of hope and strength to all who knew her. Kay’s dedication and passion earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Kimberly McGee Parent Leadership Award in 2007, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the disability community.

Kay’s impact extended beyond the families she served—her co-workers deeply valued her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. She truly made a difference every day, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those around her.

She will also be fondly remembered for her faithfulness in bringing her daughter, Brittany, to Sunshine Socials, even after she no longer worked for Families Helping Families. Her presence and dedication to her daughter were a testament to the love and support she so freely gave to others.

Kay will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of advocacy, care, and service will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.