Last December, It Takes A Village: SMP helped make the holidays less stressful for families experiencing financial hardship. With support from a $5,000 grant from the St. Mary Affiliate Foundation, a fund of Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), the nonprofit created a new initiative that reached more than 200 families.
The nonprofit was among the first organizations to receive funding through CFA’s Affiliate Grants Program. The award helped launch its Community Empowerment Program, providing vital support for families during the holiday season.
“Before our Community Empowerment Program, many families in our community struggled to meet basic needs, often feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for help,” It Takes a Village: SMP Founder Jessica Taylor said. “Through the program, applicants received essential resources and connected with volunteer mentors in our community.”
More than 200 families received meals, clothing, coats, household essentials, and holiday support. The organization also hosted a Parents’ Day Out, giving caregivers time to rest or run errands while children participated in fun activities and took photos with Santa.
Taylor said one of the program’s greatest successes was hearing from parents who were able to celebrate the holidays without worrying about providing basic necessities for their families.
The Affiliate Grants Program was created to support Acadiana nonprofits in addressing persistent needs in their respective communities. The program was made possible by the generous support of individuals, families, and businesses who have contributed endowment funds to CFA and believe in creating lasting local change.
In addition to the St. Mary Affiliate, CFA also has affiliates in Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, and Vermillion Parishes. Through the Affiliate Grants Program, 501(c)(3) organizations in their respective parishes can apply to receive an award of up to $5,000.
About Community Foundation of Acadiana
CFA is one of South Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations, benefiting our region, focusing on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $431 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $256 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.