Kendricks and Calisha Johnson, leaders of Living Hope Outreach Ministry (LHO), continue their dedicated work to strengthen families and improve the Bunkie community. Their efforts are expanding, with plans underway to extend their reach throughout Avoyelles Parish.
In 2025, Living Hope Outreach was awarded the Strengthening Families Program grant through The Rapides Foundation in Alexandria. This funding enabled LHO to implement an 11-week, evidence-based program designed to serve entire families by building practical life skills. These skills include healthy communication, coping strategies, family bonding, and positive parenting.
Throughout the year, four program cohorts were held—two in the spring and two in the fall—serving a total of 30 families. Program evaluations revealed strong positive outcomes for both parents and youth participants.
Parents reported significant improvements in family communication, organization, and bonding, along with notable decreases in family conflict. Youth participants demonstrated measurable gains in emotional regulation, concentration, and positive behavior. Additionally, program data indicated no reported substance use among youth who took part in the sessions.
Families who successfully completed all program requirements were given a choice between two rewards:
– An all-expense-paid family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas
– A cash stipend to help support family needs
Building on this success, Living Hope Outreach has recently been awarded continued funding for the Strengthening Families Program for the 2026–2029 grant cycle. With this renewed funding, the program will expand beyond Bunkie and be implemented throughout Avoyelles Parish starting in spring 2026. This expansion will allow even more families to benefit from this proven model of family support and prevention.
https://www.avoyellestoday.com/strengthening-families-program-grows-in-avoyelles-parish/
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