LWC offers continued support to state’s Community Action Agencies

BATON ROUGE – Employee development is a critical component to the ultimate success of the programs and services offered through the state’s Community Action Agencies (CAAs). As vital partners in the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC)’s network of local offices, the department is committed to investing resources into these agencies by providing technical assistance and training opportunities for each of their employees.

Emphasizing this commitment, the LWC has partnered with the Association of Community Action Partnerships (ACAP) in support of their Annual Training Conference, taking place this week in Baton Rouge. The event is designed specifically for CAA staff members and includes workshops that focus on ethics training, governance and professional development.

Louisiana has 42 CAAs throughout the state, including the St. Martin, Iberia, Lafayette Community Action Agency, Inc. (SMILE), which are primarily funded through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Federal investigators recently conducted an audit of SMILE and found no wrongdoing regarding agency practices. Due diligence has also been completed by the LWC, and the agency looks forward to working with the new director, Dr. Christopher Williams. The LWC is dedicated to helping the Lafayette region through our three locations with the support of Louisiana State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux and Rep. Terry Landry.

“The SMILE agency supplies critical services to many low-income residents in Acadiana,” said Sen. Gerald Boudreaux (D), District 24. “We stand in full support of community partnerships that will help ensure the quality of those services is top-notch.”

Rep. Terry Landry (D), District 96, also offered his support, saying, “SMILE Community Action Agency continues to deliver comprehensive programs and services that significantly support and improve the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. Recipients of their programs and services often share their stories with expressions of hope and giving praises to God. SMILE’s presence in our Tri-Parish Region is very critical, and I am committed to assisting its endeavors to enhance and fortify the lives of those who live in our communities.”

“Our mission is to help Louisiana residents unlock their potential with our extensive resources,” said Ava Dejoie, Executive Director of the LWC. “We are proud to work with our community action agencies in delivering much-needed assistance to our citizens.”

About The Louisiana Workforce Commission

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is an agency of state government that administers programs designed to enhance workforce growth and provide family-sustaining jobs for Louisiana residents. The commission monitors employment, administers unemployment compensation and tax funds, provides training resources for employers and employees and oversees worker compensation benefits. The agency also gathers and supplies information on the labor market and occupational sectors in Louisiana.

###