August 2024
AUGUST 2024
THE MAGAZINE THAT BATON ROUGE FAMILIES LIVE BY
The Marching Band Experience
After-School Fun
Beat Breakers The Art of Breaking
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 3
@brparents.com
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor
2023
AMANDA CIANI AUSTRIA COHN CAROL EVANS VICTORIA MIKOTA MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION ALEX HERRING Senior Graphic Designer TOM GONZALES MADISON GRAHAM MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers ADVERTISING CRYSTAL BARRETT
2022
KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ MARTINE MELANCON RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JADE GRAY JENNIFER HOFFMANN AMY PHILLIPS Account Executives COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager ELISABETH BARRETT KAYLEIGH MONTANA Client Success Specialists EMMY LOGAN Accounting Coordinator AMY PLAISANCE Founder
WHAT’S ON THE WEB
Back-to-School Anxiety: Help Your Child Ease Back Into School School’s back in session! Help your child get back into the swing of things, anxiety-free. First Day of College Jitters Your baby’s all grown up. Here’s how to help your young adult conquer their first day of freshman year. Hurricane Preparedness Guide August is peak hurricane season. Are you prepared? Healthy, Easy Lunches for Back-to-School Ditch the lunchables. We’ve got the best healthy lunches for your littles.
freebies
Visit brparents.com and click “Promotions.” | Deadline to enter is August 15, 2024.
The Hoglet Fidget Mouse is a fun and entertaining way for kiddos to surf the web. amazon.com
Keep your kids entertained for hours with the ThinkFun Geologic World Changing Logic Puzzle . amazon.com
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FAMILYRESOURCEGROUPINC.COM
OFFICE (225) 292-0032 11831 WENTLING AVENUE BATON ROUGE, LA 70816-6055
BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BATON ROUGE PARENTS MAGAZINE Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.
LAST MONTH’S WINNERS Look who won July’s Freebies: Bethany Pollett won The Bourbon Street Band is Back book and Rachel Salvato won the Pretendables School Set.
/brparents
/batonrougeparents
/brparents
/brparents
/brparentsmag
/baton-rouge-parenting-magazine
brparents.com
4 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 5
inside
AUGUST 2024 • ISSUE 409
DEPARTMENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 @BRPARENTS.COM 8 A NOTE FROM MOM 50 THINGS TO DO 58 THINGS WE LOVE 60 THE LAST WORD 62 SNAPSHOTS CONNECT 14 BOOK CORNER 16 CRAFT CORNER LIVE 20 DAD NEXT DOOR 22 THRIVE 24 FAITH 10 COMMUNITY 12 EDUCATION
Photo by Kleinpeter Photography
20
ON THE COVER 2023-24 Cover Kid Simone L. enjoys listening to Hip-Hop, dancing, and playing basketball. She’s vibrant, joyful, and outgoing, and she’s in the gifted and talented music program at her school. Simone is also a cheerleader, dancer at Hip Hop X, and a girl scout.
FEATURES
26 BREAKING BOUNDARIES Discover the history and culture of breaking, and how this dance style can be the perfect way for your kiddo to express themselves. By Amanda Miller 40 LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONFIDENCE Discover how to help nurture a young performer’s passion for theater. By Madison Voorhies
34 AFTER THE BELL RINGS ACTIVITIES Explore a round-up of all of the best after-school activities happening in Baton Rouge. By BRPM 42 WHY MARCHING BAND COULD BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR TEEN’S HIGH SCHOOL JOURNEY Marching band is a great way to give your child an exciting high school experience. By Victoria Mikota
Photo by Trish Kirkland Photography
46 SAY “YES” TO YES DAY Give your child the gift of yes. How to have a fun “Say Yes! Day.” By Austria Cohn
6 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
7
a note from mom IN EVERY ISSUE
I n the quiet moments of reflection, between the bustle of everyday life, there exists a cherished space where the performing arts call to me. For me, this realm is not just a sanctuary but a sign of joy and expression that has brightened my life in so many ways. From a young age, the stage called to me with its promise of storytelling through dance. Whether it was the thrill of acting out a character’s journey or the exhilaration of dancing to the rhythm Embracing the Performing Arts Together
magic that linger long after the final curtain falls. In a world that often moves too fast, the performing arts remind us to pause, to feel, and to connect. They encourage us to embrace vulnerability and celebrate diversity, weaving a tapestry of stories that reflect the richness of human experience. As I sit in the audience, watching my daughter shine on stage, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that unfold when we follow our passions wholeheartedly. And in those moments, I am grateful for the arts that have shaped me, for the bond they’ve forged between my daughter and me, and for the enduring power of creativity to inspire, uplift, and unite us all. So, here’s to the performing arts, a love affair that spans generations and continues to weave its magic in our lives.
of life itself, performing arts became more than a hobby, it became my passion and my love. As I watch my daughter navigate her own path in competition dance, I see parts of my own journey reflected in hers. The dedication, the hours of practice, the nerves before stepping into the spotlight and the all familiar emotions that bridge the generations, connecting us through our shared love for the arts. Through the arts, we learn about discipline, creativity, and the beauty of collaboration. It teaches us resilience in the face of setbacks and the importance of perseverance when striving for perfection. But beyond the technicalities, it nurtures the soul, offering moments of pure
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
8 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 9
CONNECT
community
988 ON THE BACK OF STUDENT IDS IS NOW A STATEWIDE REQUIREMENT Teen suicide is a statewide issue in Louisiana. According to the Department of Health, it’s the 14th leading cause of death in the state, and the third leading cause of death for ages 10-34. A new law is now going into effect this year that requires the 988 suicide prevention hotline number on the back of student IDs. An NIH study showed females presented a higher risk of suicide attempts compared to boys, with specific risk factors including eating disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression and previous abortions. ■ ldh.la.gov
GPS HOSPITALITY AWARDS OVER $235,000 IN BURGER KING FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS Recently, GPS Hospitality announced 10 Burger King Foundation Scholarship recipients from Baton Rouge and surrounding cities. GPS Hospitality, the third-largest Burger King franchisee, announced it had awarded Burger King Foundation scholarships to 235 students. The winners were chosen from communities where GPS’ restaurants are located. The 2024 Burger King Foundation Scholarship recipients in Baton Rouge and surrounding cities include: Makeia Briggs, Baton Rouge; William Busenlener, Baton Rouge; Amari Ellis, Baton Rouge; Jamaria Fisher, Baton Rouge; Anyla Jones, Baton Rouge; Kelsey Lewis, Baton Rouge; Braylon Thomas-Wilson, White Castle; Keely Parker, Brusly; Layla Summers, Hammond; and Lamar Bolden Jr, Gonzales. ■ gpshospitality.com
ST GEORGE FIRE DEPT “WITH LOVE, COMMUNITY ESSENTIALS MARKET” RIBBON CUTTING St. George Fire Department, in partnership withThe Safety Place - Safety & Injury Prevention, and Louisiana Firefighters Foundation, hosted a ribbon cutting for the new “With Love, Community Essentials Market.” This market will create opportunities to empower, exchange and embrace gently-loved items. Caregivers can “shop” for items such as child clothing, baby gear, home cleaning kits, family dinner bags, diapers and wipes, period products, toys, and a variety of other essential items. Initial Market operating hours will be twice a month, select community events, and special holiday dates. Donations will only be collected on open Market dates, which can be found at the aforementioned Facebook pages. ■ stgeorgefire.com
Photo Credit: LSU This is the second straight year that an LSU athlete has claimed the SEC Male Athlete of the Year award. This year, Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels was named the 2023- 2024 Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year by a vote of the league’s athletic directors. Daniels now joins Joe Burrow, Susan Jackson, Xavier Carter, Seimone Augustus, Walter Davis, and Shaquille O’Neal as past LSU winners of the award. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels is the only player in FBS history to rush for 200 yards and pass for 350 yards in a game (vs. Florida), setting the SEC mark for total offense with 606 total yards (234 rush,372 pass) in the win over the Gators. ■ lsusports.net JAYDEN DANIELS NAMED ROY F. KRAMER SEC MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
10 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine revealed a new Food Animal Service area in the large animal hospital attached to the LSU Vet Med building on Skip Bertman Drive in Baton Rouge. This state-of-the- art facility renovation began in October 2022 and totaled around $4.125 million. More than 9,000 square feet of space was renovated, and another 3,875 square feet were added. LSU Vet Med is committed to advancing veterinary medicine and enhancing animal health. Through these recent renovations, patients and clients will experience new opportunities and an enriched educational experience. ■ lsu.edu/vetmed LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE REVEALS NEW FOOD ANIMAL SERVICE CATHOLIC CHARITIES IN BATON ROUGE JOINS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO HELP OTHERS Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) is joining a Catholic Charities USA national campaign called “We Are There.” This campaign highlights the services Catholic Charities agencies provide in their local communities, as well as life-changing assistance to those who need it most. Catholic Charities across the globe provide a safe haven for hurricane survivors, mothers in crisis, and those who are without basic necessities. The CCDBR awareness campaign will feature services offered for expectant mothers in crisis, adopted people and families, disaster survivors, and food insecure families. ■ ccdiobr.org
There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering.
Doing nothing is not one of them.
THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®
www.StutteringHelp.org
800-992-9392
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 11
education CONNECT ST. JOSEPH’S STUDENTS EMBARK ON A SUMMER OF SERVING IN NEW JERSEY
This summer, Ascension Parish high school graduates joined together to prepare the school computers for another school year! Graduates Kylon Hardin and Gabriel Keller worked hard this summer at a library table, cleaning keyboards, wiping computer monitors, and making sure that the school computers were free of dander, dog hair, and other debris. Since late May, the teens, other workers and some contractors have been prepping or replacing more than 25,000 student laptops and Chromebooks district-wide for the upcoming school year. The thousands of computers will be clean, updated, and ready for this school year. RECENT GRADS PROVIDE TLC TO STUDENT COMPUTERS AT LOUISIANA SCHOOL
Three St. Joseph’s Academy students traveled to Camden, New Jersey, for a week of service. The experience is hosted by Romero Center Ministries, formerly a Franciscan convent now owned and run by St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral Parish. Once a thriving working-class community across the river from Philadelphia, Camden was devastated by the decline of the manufacturing industry and today suffers with high poverty, unemployment and crime rates. Romero Center Ministries grounds people in Jesus’ call to serve the poor.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BUILD HOMES FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
Baker High School students are spending their last year in the middle school building as construction on the new high school building is wrapping up. In addition, this is the last school year they’ll be in the classroom five days a week. Like so many other schools throughout the country, Baker Schools Superintendent JT Stroder shares they’ve encountered issues with students bouncing back post-pandemic. Superintendent Stroder is planning on implementing a four-day school week with the district’s juniors and seniors next year. He believes the goal is to give them a fresh start in their new building and improve academics, attendance, and behavior. BAKER STUDENTS ANTICIPATE 4-DAY SCHOOL WEEK NEXT YEAR
Usually, summertime means service for many of the young men at Catholic High School. Recently, the CHS young men went to Mercedes, Texas, where they spent time helping build homes for families in need. They also worked on strengthening their faith life, and embracing the theme for the week, “Enthroning Jesus.” Mr. Arceneaux, Mrs. Khallah, and Mrs. Olinde all served as chaperones for this trip.
12 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
Louisiana students in grades K-3 improved their reading scores by 10 percentage points on the state’s first universal literary screening. Since the beginning of the year, the percentage of K-3 students reading on grade level jumped from 44.6 percent to 54.6 percent. Overall, Louisiana saw a noticeable increase of 10 percent in students reading on grade level in grades K-3 from beginning to end of year. Students in K-1 made drastic improvements, with 27 percent more kindergarten students and 14 percent more first grade students reading on grade level from the beginning of the year. LOUISIANA K-3 STUDENTS READING SCORES JUMP 10 PERCENT AFTER LITERACY SCREENING
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System has been awarded a $14,999,543 Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant over five years to implement an Innovative Arts Magnet Cluster. As a result of this tremendous grant, East Baton Rouge School System will develop four new magnet schools. McKinley Elementary, Broadmoor Elementary, BR (School of the Arts) Conservatory, and McKinley High are four district schools selected for the program development. The magnet schools will serve grades kindergarten through 12. NEW MAGNET PROGRAMS COMING TO 4 EBR SCHOOLS
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
13
CONNECT book corner
Does your child love the spotlight? Stars are born in these stories about the performing arts! From an upstaged scarecrow and a reluctant lead singer to a determined Shakespearean actor and an unsure comedian, join these characters for their 15 minutes of fame!
YOUTH Your little ones will enjoy the show in these playful picture books! The Farm that Mac Built by Tammi Sauer The scarecrow from Old MacDonald’s farm narrates an Animal Theater production of The House that Jack Built, but animals that do not belong on a farm keep upstaging him! mishaps told with hilariously endearing art, four woodland friends bring down the house–and have plenty of fun along the way! Jam, Too? by JaNay Brown-Wood The Bear Must Go On by Dev Petty In this uproarious tale of theatrical A drum sounds on a beach and calls other musicians to come play! A curious child, drawn to the music and instruments, responds with dance. With full engaging text that invites you to join in with
the wonderful instrument sounds and gorgeous illustrations that draw you into the joy of playing together with music, this
Asian features. She and her friends come up with a plan to show the grown-ups that the thing that matters is how well you can act, not what you look like! Encourage your kids to never give up on their dreams with this uplifting true story! In this inspiring biography of Ira Aldridge, a Black actor overcomes racism to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century. TWEENS AND TEENS Comedy, music, even athletics…whatever your teen’s interest, there’s an amazing book for that! Ira’s Shakespeare Dream by Glenda Armand
book is pure fun, even for adults! Experienced readers will relate to the starry-eyed hopefuls in these chapter books!
The Talent Show by Ryan & Krystle Howard (#4 in the Little Rhino series) When Rhino and Cooper overhear their shy teammate, Carlos, singing in the dugout, they are amazed at how good he is! There’s a talent show coming up at school and Carlos just might be good enough to win it, so they decide to form a band with Carlos as the lead singer. Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg Lauren (and her friends! and her grandmas!) are upset when she loses the chance to play the lead role because she “doesn’t look like the character” with her
Book Corner is provided by librarians at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. To learn more about the libraries in East Baton Rouge Parish, visit ebrpl.com.
14 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
I Funny: A Middle School Story by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein Jamie Grimm is a wheelchair-bound middle schooler who wants to be a standup comedian. He loves to tell jokes, and even though he’s in a new town at a new school with new bullies, he still doesn’t lose his sense of humor. He joins a “Funniest Kid” contest and gets an act together, but will he freeze when he’s actually in the spotlight? The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez Twelve-year-old María Luisa O’Neill- Morales, who really prefers to be called Malú, reluctantly moves with her Mexican American mother to Chicago and starts seventh grade with a bang, violating the dress code with her punk rock aesthetic. When she assembles a group of like- minded misfits at school and starts a band, Malú finally begins to feel at home. Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance by Simone Biles, co-authored by Michelle Burford In this autobiography, Simone takes readers through the events, challenges, and trials that carried her from an early childhood in foster care to a coveted spot on the 2016 Olympic team.
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 15
craft corner CONNECT
From Basic to Brilliant: 3 DIYs to Elevate School Supplies
BY AMANDA MILLER
DIY NOTEBOOKS Courtesy of Rockin’ Strawberries
Materials Notebooks Scrapbook paper Acrylic paint Paintbrush Scissors Glue Directions 1. Start with measuring how much scrapbook paper you need by holding it to the cover of the notebook and marking it with a pen about 1-2 cm away from the edge of your notebook. Then, cut to fit. 2. Next, flip over the notebook and scrapbook paper, and cut the corners off of the scrapbook paper. 3. With the corners cut, fold in the edges (similar to wrapping a present!) and glue down onto the cover. Make sure your
Make this school year one your child won’t forget by adding some glitz and glam to their school supplies. These easy DIYs will have your child feeling ready and excited to go back to school, as these crafts are perfect to upgrade those basic school supplies into school supplies that are fun to use and flashy!
16 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
decorative side is facing outward before gluing. UPCYCLE BINDER CLIPS Courtesy of Bsaz Creates Materials
5. With your decorative washi tape, add a slip to each side of the clip, making sure it fits the size of the clip. GLITTERY PENCIL CASES Courtesy of Studio DIY Materials Pencil Cases White Paint + Colored Paint of Your Choice Paintbrush Adhesive Label Paper Scissors Mod Podge Glitter
2. Peel the backing off the adhesive label paper and adhere to the pencil case where desired. 3. Paint over the stenciled design with white paint to act as a primer. Let dry completely. 4. Paint with your color of choice and let dry, then peel back your stencil! If any paint seeped through, clean up the edges with a thin paint brush. 5. To add glitter, paint with Mod Podge over the area you choose and sprinkle with glitter. Let dry, then seal with a final layer of Mod Podge over the top of the glitter! 6. For a complete glitter case, paint the entire side of the case with Mod Podge and sprinkle with glitter. Let it dry. If necessary, repeat with a second layer. Finally, seal the glitter with a final layer of Mod Podge.
Binder Clips Washi Tape Spray Paint Directions
1. Start by taking apart the binder clips. Each clip will have three parts: one clip and two arms. 2. Lay out all pieces (outdoors) on cardboard or on another paintable surface. 3. With your spray paint color of choice, cover all pieces equally. Once dried, flip pieces over to coat the other sides until the pieces are fully covered. 4. Carefully reinsert the “arms” into the clips.
Confetti Stencils Directions
1. Using stencils of your choice, draw the designs onto the adhesive label paper and cut out using scissors.
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
17
18 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 19
dad next door LIVE
Occupation: Senior Account Manager at Feigley Communications Wife: Stacy Sinitiere Children: Emma, 5, and Ethan, 1 Hobbies: Watching sports, reading, spending time with family, and traveling Ryan Sinitiere BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY TRISH KIRKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
R yan is known by his clients as a dependable, hardworking, and kind person. As the Senior Account Manager at Feigley Communications, he is responsible for helping his clients reach their full potential through advertising, marketing, and community involvement. At home, Ryan is known as a superhero, role model, Band- Aid dispenser, tummy-ache healer, and family man. When he’s not in the office, Ryan likes to relax by watching sports, reading, or spending time with his wife Stacy, and their two kids, Emma and Ethan. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RAISING YOUR CHILDREN? RYAN: It’s been wonderful but also exhausting when you and your wife have full-time jobs. It’s so important to be
20 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME TO RELAX? RYAN: I’m trying to figure that out. Relaxation typically starts with me sitting down and doing things I enjoy, phone-free. I turn off notifications for work, silence emails, and get rid of other things that might steal my attention. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR WIFE? RYAN: We love to eat. Government Street is one of our favorite parts of Baton Rouge. We love to eat and listen to live music. WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU HOPE TO INSTILL IN YOUR CHILDREN? RYAN: Being kind and respectful to others of all types, backgrounds, and to love everyone. WHICH FAMILY MEMBER HAS BEEN THE GREATEST ROLE MODEL IN YOUR LIFE? RYAN: My mom is a wonderful mom. She’s been a wonderful parent and has spent a lot of time investing in us. I am trying to emulate her.
teammates with your spouse. We work together so great as a team, and are able to tackle the challenges of parenthood. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY? RYAN: We like going to the park, having picnics, going to splash pads, and the pool. They love to swim! Also, we like visiting grandparents and traveling together. WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? RYAN: Spoiling my kids and making sure that they have a wonderful childhood. I also love the everyday part of being a parent. I love coming home from work and seeing their little smiles and making them laugh. I don’t take it for granted. HOW HAS PARENTHOOD CHANGED YOU? RYAN: I have to do more planning and preparation. I underestimated how much logistics is involved in parenting. You always have to have a plan. When we were newly married, it was just us–we could be spontaneous. Now, we’re less spontaneous and more organized and structured. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN PARENTING? RYAN: The world worries me. I am trying to keep them as safe and innocent as possible for as long as I can. I want them to enjoy childhood to the fullest and just be kids for now. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? RYAN: I work with a lot of clients throughout Baton Rouge and beyond. I love building interpersonal relationships with my clients and my coworkers. I enjoy the people I get to work with. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN 2023? RYAN: There’s so much time split between work and home. We have to organize our little family and keep our priorities straight.
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
RYAN: Be present. Put the phone away. Don’t take this time for granted. They grow very fast. Time just flies.
Q&A Before I go out, I always check to make sure I have.. wallet. In my fridge, you will always find… coffee creamer. Favorite cuisine… Italian. Favorite movie growing up… The Godfather . My guilty pleasure… Panda Express. Music I’m loving… reggae. I’m always laughing at… my kids. They are always cracking me up! Emma especially.
WHAT HAS YOUR JOB TAUGHT YOU
ABOUT PARENTING? RYAN: I have learned how to prioritize efficiently. I make sure
that I am present with people and put my phone away more. I aim to stay focused and listen to people instead of talk.
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024 21
LIVE thrive Sanctuary of Support
BY VICTORIA MIKOTA
M ission Heart in Baton Rouge isn’t just a place; it’s a community infused with love, faith, hope, and transformation for women seeking to rebuild their lives after grappling with substance abuse and other challenges. Since its inception in 2000, this faith- based organization has tirelessly worked to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support system for women in crisis. Women from diverse backgrounds and walks of life find solace within its walls, where they are embraced by a dedicated team committed to their holistic recovery. The journey begins with safe housing, where basic needs are met, and a structured environment fosters stability and personal growth. A PLACE TO BELONG Women come to Mission Heart from all walks of life. Most ladies arrive from the local community after struggling with sobriety, and needing assistance finding recovery from substance abuse. With three transitional homes in close proximity, members are able to reinvent themselves in a positive and healthy environment through supportive care with the help of on-site and off-site leadership. Founder and Executive Director, DeeBee Cox says, “Mission Heart exists to help women get acclimated with getting sober. Over time, they become more productive, and hopefully can transition into finding a successful job once they complete the program.” These days, Mission Heart has incorporated a program of 90 days of intensive outpatient therapy. In addition, recovery exists in three phases: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3. Phase 1: Sobriety and Stabilization The program at Mission Heart unfolds in phases, each designed to guide women through distinct stages of rehabilitation and reintegration. In Phase 1, the focus
is on sobriety and stabilization. During this time, mothers are reintroduced to their children they haven’t seen in years. Intensive outpatient therapy, coupled with faith-based 12-step meetings and regular medical check-ups, forms the foundation for their recovery journey. Here, they also start addressing legal challenges, often a daunting barrier to their future stability. Phase 2: Rebuilding As women progress to Phase 2, they gain valuable life skills such as financial management and employment readiness. They are encouraged to secure jobs, manage finances, and nurture relationships with their children—many of whom they may have been separated from for years. Peer support plays a crucial role as they transition to becoming mentors themselves, guiding new arrivals through their early stages at Mission Heart. Phase 3: Finding Independence At the year mark, ladies will be invited to Phase 3 with new opportunities. In the third and final phase, women get their own room, more privileges, and it’s closer to independent living. By Phase 3, residents move towards greater independence, preparing to reintegrate into society as self-sufficient individuals. They learn essential skills like home management and further their education or career aspirations. A large foundation of Phase 3 is about gaining independence through finances, employment, and caring for a family. This phase marks a significant milestone as they prepare to leave Mission Heart with confidence, equipped to sustain their recovery and lead fulfilling lives. A LIFE BEYOND SOBRIETY The impact of Mission Heart extends far beyond sobriety alone. For many women, it’s about reclaiming their dignity, reconnecting with their families, and rediscovering their purpose. Success stories abound—mothers reunited with
children, former residents thriving in careers they once thought impossible, and families restored after years of separation. One resident in particular got to have this exact success story. A mother came to Mission Heart after her struggle with substance abuse for years. She was separated from her twin daughters and son for an entire decade, unable to speak with or associate with them. After partaking in the sobriety recovery program that Mission Heart offers, this mother was able to reunite, rebuild, and reconnect with her daughters and son. Now, with adult children, this mother is working hard to help buy her kids vehicles, pay for college, and set her kids up for success. “They see their mom happy, joyful, and full of new life. Despite all obstacles, this mother was able to overcome addiction and create a fulfilling life for herself and also her children,” says Cox. The heart of Mission Heart is donations. While the journey is arduous, Mission Heart remains steadfast in its mission, supported primarily through community donations and partnerships. The women’s home welcomes any donations such as paper products, bedding, beds, and female sanitary items. Several churches and foundations give back to help Mission Heart to continue the mission. These donations help not just with temporary housing, but a nurturing environment where women can heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically. With a vision for growth, Mission Heart aspires to expand its facilities to include specialized homes for women with children, ensuring even more families can benefit from their transformative programs. “One day, we hope to expand our housing opportunities to include women and children,” says Cox. “Until then, we will continue to provide everything to help these women get sober and become all that God wants them to be.”
22 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
23
LIVE faith
BY REV. BRADY WHITTON, SENIOR PASTOR OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM Having a Humble Heart
N ot better, not worse, just different.” This was one of the mantras my mother, who was an elementary school guidance counselor, taught me when I was growing up. It was her way of helping me learn to navigate meeting and dealing with people, especially people who were different from me. Now whether she intended it or not, my mother’s saying also taught me about a very important Christian virtue–humility. When many people think of humility, they tend to see it as thinking less of themselves or looking down on themselves. To be humble, then, is to go through life flying under the radar and not drawing attention to myself. But this is not at all what humility means. In a 2014 article
in Forbes Magazine , Henna Inam writes, “Humor. Humility. Humanity. They all come from the root word ‘humus,’ which is ‘earth’ or ‘ground’ in Latin. Humility, then, means ‘without pretense,’ ‘grounded,’ ‘down-to-earth.’ Rather than meaning ‘less than’ these words convey being real, being authentic, being true to yourself.” One of my favorite thinkers, Dallas Willard, confirms this when he says, “What does it mean to be humble? To be humble just means that you are realistic about yourself.” This reminds me of a famous parable by a rabbi named Rabbi Simcha. “Everyone must have two pockets with a note in each so that he or she can reach into one or the other depending on the need. When
feeling lowly and depressed, discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and there, find the words: ‘For my sake was the world created.’ But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket and find the words: ‘I am but dust and ashes.’” To be humble is not to look down on yourself. It’s not being less than who you are. Being humble is being realistic about who you are, your strengths and weaknesses. It’s about making room for others’ strengths and weaknesses too. Humility is the great leveler. “Not better, not worse, just different.” And when we realize that, we can finally be at peace with ourselves and with others.
24 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
25
Breaking Boundaries Shaping the Future Through Breaking BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2023-24 COVER KID SIMONE L. O riginating in the Bronx, New York in the late 1970s, breaking or B-boying/B-girling refers to the studios that are guiding young artists in learning the elements of breaking, all while providing them with a space to grow both mentally and physically.
let loose. There are still rules that apply, but from health problems to emotions, learning how to be disciplined, knowing when to show up on time for things, [they’re] learning that through dance, which is basically work ethic. On a mental level, it helps them mentally.” Through breaking, dancers are especially able to express themselves in a powerful way and push themselves to try something new. Arouna Guindo, a Hip Hop dancer and choreographer from West Africa, has been an instructor for over 10 years, and he’s currently an instructor at Artivism Dance Theatre. “Breaking is really particular, because first of all, in breaking, you use a lot of power. We say a power move is the child of frustration, because you put all of this frustration, all of this anger, and stress in the movement, in your dynamic, in the muscles, and this just gives you the power
dance style in which b-boys and b-girls move to the breakbeats (a repeated sample of a drumbeat) of a song. Over the years, the dance has gained popularity, acquired mainstream recognition and a moniker of “breakdancing” by the media, and transcended borders, reaching countries such as Brazil, Cambodia, and even Japan. This year, breaking will take center stage at the Olympics. What started as a predominantly male- centered style of dance has since expanded to include more females, and the style has even inspired a younger generation to begin practicing the art form. THE POWER OF EXPRESSION Artivism Dance Theatre in New Orleans and Hip Hop X in Baton Rouge are two
Sophia Rabinovitz, the Founder and Artistic Director of Artivism Dance Theatre, shares, “Breaking is very much a dance style of strength, particularly core strength. A lot of what happens, people assume has to do with upper body strength, but it’s really hugely abdominal strength, core strength, and timing and coordination. It’s about when you are connecting and firing with which muscle at what time in order to make it happen, and if you miss that timing, the moves are not going to happen.” Along with increasing their athletic ability, dancers are learning work ethic and discipline, and challenging themselves mentally. Brian Watson, owner of Hip Hop X, shares, “It gives them a space to go and
26 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
to do all of this. It’s kind of egotistical, somehow selfish at first, because you have to really go and face your own fears and your own limitations and go above them.” Learning the art of breaking has allowed these young dancers to also transform how they feel about themselves. Kit and Bo B., two dancers at Artivism Dance Theatre, each pursued breaking and Hip Hop classes due to their interest in the dance styles. They both agree that while learning new moves can be tricky, the experience as a whole is incredibly rewarding and they feel they are better dancers as a result. Simone L., a dancer at Hip Hop X, began dancing as a way to help express herself. She’s currently learning a variety of styles at the studio, including breaking, and she quickly fell in love with the sharp movements and levels to the dance. Throughout her experience, Simone has seen a change in herself. “I feel way more confident and stronger. I also love how no one judges another person, because we’re all doing something similar, and you know how hard it is, so no one’s judging,” she says. A COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE These inclusive and supportive environments are created with help from
the owners, instructors, and the dancers all coming together to learn and share their knowledge. Guindo’s interest in teaching started when he was younger and practicing Capoeira, teaching himself the moves and dynamics. As he learned new moves, others wanted to learn how he did them. “When I was showing them, I discovered that I was learning more. I would master the craft I was doing more by transmitting,” he shares. The give and take of knowledge helps everyone to thrive while learning, too. Guindo shares that being a part of the breaking culture is being a part of a strong community, whether competing in a battle or participating in a cypher. A cypher is a circle in which b-boys and b-girls can take turns entering the circle to showcase their moves or test new ones. “In a battle, you improve everything that you want to do. We [also] have the principle of exchange and cypher, where you can just express yourself. The circle is different from the setting of the theatre, where the stage is over there and the audience is watching a screen, but the setting of Hip Hop is kind of like a setting of our traditional dances in Africa. You feel the energy of everybody participating–actively
and physically. That’s one of the biggest parts of the community,” Guindo says. GROWING AND THRIVING With breaking on the Olympic stage this year, interest in the dance will only continue to grow. However, to truly be successful in the dance, one must be ready to be up for the challenge. Rabinovitz explains, “[Breaking’s] physically hard, not just muscularly, but endurance wise. There’s a level of endurance that you have to be able to keep training and keep pushing through. You’re not going to learn choreography, and then you know the moves and you can repeat it. You have to drill a movement over and over and over again to get it, and that takes a certain level of maturity. As it gets more and more popularized, more mainstream, and more of an athletic activity, there are younger and younger kids who are invested in it. It just depends on the community. If you go to Houston, you can see six year olds breaking. New York, yes, for sure, LA, France, Paris, London. If you go to Houston, they have a thriving breaking community. We don’t have that as much here, but we’re working on it, you know, we’re building.” For more information, visit artivismdance.com and facebook. com/hhxperience. ■
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
27
28 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
SPONSORED
If your child has dreams of one day running their own company, they can start right now. Lemonade Day offers children an opportunity to operate their own lemonade stand. Within this helpful guide, you’ll hear a Lemonade Day success story and discover how you and your kiddo can get involved. Your Kiddo Can Become a Young Entrepreneur!
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
29
SPONSORED
Sweet Success: Leroy’s Lemonade Day Journey BY AMANDA MILLER
W hen Leroy Hayward, III was five-and-a-half years old, his parents–Leroy Jr. and Sherilyn–learned that Leroy was on the autism spectrum and was experiencing hearing loss. In the beginning, navigating through his unique differences was challenging, as Leroy wasn’t interested in any sports or activities. “He wasn’t comfortable around a lot of people and crowds, and so we knew we had to find something that would bring Leroy joy. He was a happy kid; he just didn’t like all the activity,” says Sherilyn. With determination to find something Leroy would enjoy, his parents discovered Lemonade Day. Lemonade Day is a nationwide initiative that teaches children how to start, own, and operate their own business–a lemonade stand. Through the program, children learn the process of setting a profit goal for their business. They are encouraged to then “spend some” of their profits, so they can experience the excitement of purchasing something with their own money. The next step is to “save some,” which teaches
them the importance of saving money and establishing good money habits. Finally, the program encourages children to “share some” by donating some of their profits to a local nonprofit or cause of their choosing. “Since Lemonade Day shows kids how to be entrepreneurs and give back, [we thought] let’s just teach Leroy how to give back. Maybe that’ll make him feel good, since giving makes you feel good,” she explains. The family set up Leroy’s stand on Lemonade Day, and his experience was a huge success. Sherilyn recalls, “Leroy just loved giving out his lemonade. He wasted all of it over most of the people, but it was okay, because nobody treated him differently. He just gave it away. Most people didn’t get a chance to pay, so they gave a donation, because when they would walk up, he was just giving out all the lemonade.” The family brought their donations to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, as the hospital was a part of Leroy’s journey. Sherilyn explains that Leroy simply lit up with excitement when he was able to hand
over money to the nurses at the hospital. Joy was radiating from him, and they knew then that they had found something Leroy truly loved. However, that was only the beginning for Leroy and his lemonade. The family went on to participate in Lemonade Day the following year…and the next year…and Leroy’s lemonade stand kept growing and growing. The family even entered their lemonade into a tasting contest for all of Southeast Louisiana–and they won! “Some of the chefs and the people there said, ‘this is so good, you have to do something with it,’ and that’s when we decided, you know what? Let’s make it a business and it’ll give Leroy a place to work, and so we made it a business in 2014,” says Sherilyn. Officially known as Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade, the business has given Leroy an opportunity to thrive, providing him the confidence he needs to be around crowds and sell his lemonade. Leroy’s lemonade can even be found in LSU’s Tiger Stadium, which has really launched the business to a new level. While growth for the business
30 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
SPONSORED
HOW TO START A LEMONADE STAND National Lemonade Day is Tuesday, August 20! If your budding entrepreneur is feeling inspired by Leroy’s story to start their own lemonade stand for this year’s Lemonade Day, here’s everything they’ll need to get started. Lemonade Day Checklist ✓ Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade 5-gallon kit or 10+ gallon kit ✓ Ice ✓ Table and chair ✓ Tent (optional) ✓ Portable fan (optional) ✓ 2 Ice chests (use one for storing the lemonade to always keep it cold when not being used and use the other to hold ice for the cups) ✓ Scooper ✓ Cups ✓ Straws (optional) ✓ Hand sanitizer ✓ Plastic spray bottle filled with water for wiping spills ✓ Paper towel and a hand towel ✓ Price sign ✓ Tip jar ✓ Change (ex: $1 bills and quarters)
has been exciting, the goal has remained the same: make this experience enjoyable for Leroy. The Haywards encourage families, especially their young entrepreneurs, to participate in Lemonade Day. “It’s an awesome experience, because it truly teaches a child the concept of: I have something that I can sell, that I can make some money, and I’ll have some money for me, and I’ll have some money to give to help somebody else. I think it builds character also, because it teaches that child that giving is good. It’s well mannered. Somebody is coming to you, they get something from you, they say thank you, and you say you’re welcome. So I think it’s an awesome idea. It’s a great start, and it’s really simple and elementary, but the concepts are all there for starting a business.” Sherilyn explains. If you’re looking to try Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade, pick up a gallon–or more–at local stores, including Alexander’s Markets, Matherne’s Market, Calandro’s Supermarket, and Tony’s Seafood, and in various locations around LSU. For more information, visit leroyslipsmacknlemonade.com.
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
31
SPONSORED
Through Lemonade Day, children learn the process of setting a profit goal for their business. They are encouraged to then “spend some” of their profits, so they can experience the excitement of purchasing something with their own money. The next step is to “save
some,” which teaches them the importance of saving money and establishing good money habits. Finally, Lemonade Day encourages children to “share some” by donating some of their profits to a local nonprofit or cause of their choosing.
BENEFITS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR KIDS
1. Develops Critical Thinking
2. Builds Confidence
3. Teaches Financial Literacy
4. Encourages Leadership
5. Fosters Resilience
6. Enhances Communication Skills
7. Encourages Giving Back
PICK UP YOUR LEMONADE DAY KIT FROM THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: Alexander's Heritage Market 415 St. Christopher Avenue, Gonzales Alexander's Highland Market 18111 Highland Road, Baton Rouge Bet-R 2812 Kalurah Street, Baton Rouge
Calandro's Supermarket 4142 Government Street, Baton Rouge 12732 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge
SUPPORT AND HOST YOUR OWN LEMONADE STAND Local businesses, we encourage you to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs by hosting a lemonade stand. In a special section of our October issue, we will be featuring those businesses in our community who have sponsored a child or a group of kiddos and their lemonade stand during August and September. To learn how you can get involved with Lemonade Day and help make a difference in young entrepreneurs this year, scan the QR code for more resources and to get started today.
Hi Nabor Supermarket 7201 Winbourne Avenue, Baton Rouge 5383 Jones Creek Road, Baton Rouge
9620 Florida Boulevard, Suite 100, Baton Rouge WE WANT TO SEE YOUR LEMONADE STANDS! Tag us @brparents for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Butcher Boy Grocery 58045 Belleview Drive, Plaquemine
32 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
BRPARENTS.COM | AUGUST2024
33
After the Bell Rings Activities BY BRPM
American Family Martial Arts 8775 Jefferson Highway (225) 272-5425 american-family-martial-arts- br.business.site Ages: 3-103 Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge 233 St. Ferdinand Street (225) 344-8558 artsbr.org Grades: K-5th Baton Rouge Music Studios 3809 Government Street (225) 769-6225 brmusicstudios.com Ages: 7 and up Baton Rouge Soccer Club Multiple locations (225) 924-2157 brsoccer.org Ages: 4-17 Bayou Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense 9681 Airline Highway (225) 505-8500 bayoujiujitsu.us Ages: Varies Best in Class Professional Tutoring 7516 Picardy Avenue (225) 505-6900 bestinbr.com Ages: 4-17 Beyond Gymnastics 16333 George O’Neal Road (225) 306-3171 beyondgymnastics.net Ages: Varies BREC Afterschool Adventures Multiple locations (225) 272-9200 brec.org Ages: 6-12 BREC Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program
Elite Gymnastix 8321 Bluebonnet Boulevard (225) 888-6500 elitegymnastix.com Ages: Varies Evolve 26 10163 Patriot Drive (225) 329-9969 evolve26.com Ages: 2 and up Flips & Fitness 5517 Jones Creek Road (225) 772-8635 flipsandfitness.com Ages: Varies Girl Scouts Louisiana East 545 Colonial Drive (225) 927-8946 gsle.org All ages Gotham Archery 14455 Greenwell Springs Road (225) 400-6349 gothamarcherybr.com Ages: 8-10 Grace Notes School of Music 10621 North Oak Hills Parkway (225) 571-0858 gracenotesschoolofmusic.com All ages Gracie United Jiu-Jitsu,
Ages: PreK-Teen Center Stage Performing Arts Academy 39318 LA-74 (225) 644-4242 centerstagepaa.com Ages: 5-19
Children’s Music Studio 7940 Jefferson Highway (225) 284-6128 childrensmusicstudiola.com Ages: 8 months and up Chortazo Art Gallery 12330 Florida Boulevard (225) 286-2856 chortazoarts.com Ages: Varies Christian Youth Theater Baton Rouge cytbatonrouge.org Ages: 4-18 Code Ninjas 8657 Siegen Lane (225) 427-0701 codeninjas.com/la-baton-rouge Ages: 7-14 Dance Center and School Dancers’ Workshop 10745 Linkwood Court (225) 767-5814 dancersworkshopbr.com Ages: 3 and up David Vincent’s Martial Arts 9828 Bluebonnet Boulevard (225) 766-5181 dvmafit.com Ages: 4 and up De Frances Academy of Dance Baton Rouge 14040 Coursey Boulevard (225) 751-8564 Prairieville 17528 Airline Highway (225) 673-6195 defrancesdance.com Ages: 4 and up of Performing Arts 3535 Jones Creek Road (225) 753-6909 dancecenter-spa.com Ages: 8 and up
South Baton Rouge 8841 Highland Road (225) 439-5858 batonrouge-jiujitsu.com Ages: Kids-Adults GymFit BR 4343 Rhoda Drive (225) 293-9301 gymfitbr.com All ages Hip-Hop X 5511 Jones Creek Road (225) 200-4476 Ages: Varies
6402 River Road (225) 769-7805 brec.org Ages: 6 and up Cangelosi Dance Project 3752 Perkins Road (225) 663-6044 cangelosidanceproject.com
Independence Park Theatre 7800 Independence Boulevard (225) 216-0660 theparktheatre.com Ages: 7-16
34 AUGUST 2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online