Zip Code: 70501

Second Harvest

Second Harvest Food Bank is leading the fight against hunger in South Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education, and disaster response. Second Harvest provides food to 582 partners and programs across 23 parishes. Together, we make up the largest anti-hunger network in the state.

Through our food distribution programs, community kitchen meal service, nutrition education, and public benefits assistance, we are helping to create pathways out of poverty. Every year, Second Harvest secures millions of pounds of food that otherwise would have gone to waste. Our work helps ensure that these meals make it to the dinner tables of thousands of families struggling with hunger in South Louisiana.

SMILE Transitional Housing

GET TO KNOW US BETTER

Many people don’t realize that the word “SMILE” stands for the three parishes – St. Martin, Iberia and Lafayette – that the Community Action Agency serves in south central Louisiana. The “E” is added to make the acronym that has served as a symbol of hope to those in need.

 

The St. Martin, Iberia, Lafayette Community Action Agency – or SMILE Community Action Agency – or just SMILE – is part of a legacy that dates back to the 1960s. That’s when President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society programs were enacted, resulting in the creation of community action agencies nationwide.

 

The Agency’s community action motto, “People Helping People,” rings across the land, just like it does here in the heart of a region known internationally for its rich culture and traditions. While its spicy cuisine and zydeco music are popular ingredients that draw in tourists, the tri-parish region has had its woes of economic hardships and socioeconomic ills. And yet, SMILE remains the tri-parish’s leading anti-poverty agency – dedicated to making a difference – dedicated to making people “smile” in St. Martin, Iberia and Lafayette Parishes.

 

St. Joseph’s Shelter for Men

St. Joseph Shelter for Men provides emergency shelter for up to 32 homeless men in a dormitory setting per night. Residents participate in case management where they are assisted with obtaining employment, applying for mainstream benefits and obtaining permanent housing.

Success by 5 Alliance

Our scope of work is focused on improving the quality of early care and education through three key initiatives:

• Consumer Education and Referral Services

Our free child care referral service includes a detailed list of child care providers in a family’s area based on that family’s needs. Each service

includes resources and materials on your child care options, financial assistance, and much more.

• Foundational Learning Opportunities

Every month, trainings are offered for child care providers through our training calendar found here. Trainings are developed on the needs of

the providers in the area and are offered at various times to fit providers’ needs.

• Technical Assistance

Our Technical Assistance (TA) Specialists are available to provide onsite and basic technical assistance (coaching) to child care providers and

potential providers in Lafayette Parish. Onsite TA (coaching) occurs in the child care centers with directors, teachers, or support staff. Coaching
topics can range from room arrangements to developmentally appropriate practice or any other child-related topics.

United Christian Outreach

Assistance with clothing and food/if funds are available they also help with medicine and utility bills/Appointment required for services