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Fo us
A monthly publication of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce
A Monthly Publication of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce
Volume 14 | Number 5 | May 2021
Volume 14 | Number 5 | May 2021
Tell your Story
Article:
Hope Extreme has a heart
for community youth
Chamber Cornhole
Photos
terrebonne general
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Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 2 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Calendar Contact Us!
2021 OFFICERS:
Chairman of the Board
APRIL:
Michael Garcia, M.D.
4/27 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON South Louisiana Medical Associates
The Courtyard by Marriott, 142 Library Drive, Houma | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon Chairman-Elect
MAY: William “Bill” Eroche
Watkins, Walker, Eroche and Hoychick, Attorneys at Law
5/3 13TH ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
Tee Off 11:00 a.m. Treasurer
Ellendale Country Club, 3319 Highway 311, Houma Nicholas “Nick” Hebert
5/4 CHAMBER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency
Chamber Office/Virtual | 12:00 Noon Vice Chair-Community Development Division
5/9 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Kristine Strickland, Ph.D.
5/11 CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS DIVERSIFICATION TASK FORCE COMMITTEE MEETING Fletcher Technical Community College
Chamber Office/Virtual | 9:00 a.m. Vice Chair-Chamber Development Division
5/11 “CULTIVATING CONNECTION: STARTING THE CONVERSATION AROUND DIVERSITY, LaDonna Cruse
EQUITY, AND INCLUSION” WORKSHOP Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency
Featuring Steven H. Kenney, Jr., AVP for Human Resources / Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Vice Chair-Infrastructure & Economic Development Division
Theodore Duhe Center, Nicholls State University, 235 Civic Center Boulevard, Houma
Brett Means
5/11 CHAMBER GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Synergy Bank
Chamber Office/Virtual | 9:00 a.m.
Vice Chair-Government Activities Division
5/14 GULF SOUTH RISK SERVICES RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Carleton Casey, Jr.
250 Barrow Street, Houma | 12:00 Noon
Buquet Distributing Company
5/19 CHAMBER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Chamber Office/Virtual | 8:30 a.m. Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
Chuck Weaver, Jr.
5/25 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON South Louisiana Financial Services
Featuring Lori LeBlanc, VP of LMOGA and Executive Director of GEST
The Courtyard by Marriott, 142 Library Drive, Houma | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
5/31 HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Chamber Office closed
Melissa Adams Kevin Ghirardi
For more information about any Chamber event Danos Terrebonne General
Medical Center
call (985) 876-5600 or email info@houmachamber.com. Deanne Benoit
Please visit www.houmachamber.com to register and to keep updated on any changes. Southern Human Resource Tonya Harris
Solutions, LLC EmpowHERed
Please note all event details are subject to change depending on current COVID restrictions
and the Chamber always abides by restriction guidelines. Kevin Champagne Charles Kornegay
MacDonell United Methodist Trapp Cadillac-Chevrolet, Inc.
Children’s Services
Judith Lewis
Kim Chauvin Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse
David’s Seafood Company
John Rogers
Sondra Corbitt b1BANK
Houma Area Convention
and Visitors Bureau
Monique Crochet
Nicholls State University
STAFF
IN THIS ISSUE:
Happy May! Not only does this month bring us Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, Nicol Blanchard Cyndi Wilson
CEO Executive Assistant
it is also National Share a Story Month and National Young Achievers of Tomorrow nicol@houmachamber.com cyndi@houmachamber.com
Month. In this issue, we highlight Hope Extreme since they have a heart for our
community. Also, check out photos from our Semi-Annual Cornhole Challenge Heidi Guidry Tara Wolfe
Communications and Events Sales and Membership
and read what is going on with our Chamber Members! Coordinator Coordinator
heidi@houmachamber.com tara@houmachamber.com
6133 Hwy.311 | Houma, LA 70360 | 985.876.5600 | Fax 985.876.5611 | www.houmachamber.com
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 3 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Meet a CASA: Kathleen Andrews Fletcher Surpasses $2 Million In Savings
This month we would like to introduce you
to Mrs. Kathleen Andrews. She has been a
she writes
music. for Students
CASA since March 2020. She was one of the Kathleen
The Louisiana Library Network (LOUIS), a Technical College System e-learning Innovation
super troopers who swore in right before we states that
program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, Fund and Affordable Learning Louisiana proj
all went into lockdown. She has been assigned she chose
recently announced $26.8 million in reported ects. Affordable Learning Louisiana is led by
to a six-year-old boy. Even though she has not to volunteer
savings for higher education students in Loui- LOUIS, The Louisiana Library Network. LOUIS
been able to visit as often as she would like for CASA
siana since 2012 by using Affordable Education partners libraries and faculty to save students
because of the pandemic, she has been able because she
Resources (AERs), Open Educational Resources money through the use of OER and AER.
to form a bond with him. wanted to
(OERs), and other open access materials. Since OERs are openly licensed materials that are
Kathleen has been married to her husband, volunteer
2015, Fletcher Technical Community College used for educational purposes. OERs often re
Howard Andrews, for 23 years. She has two and help
has saved students over $2 million by using place the student textbook entirely, and can
sons from a previous marriage, Christo-pher children.
open educational resources. An interactive dis- be free resources or low-cost resources. These
and Kerry Quave. She also has four grandchil- She says, at
play of Fletcher’s student savings and impact resources can be used for teaching and learn
dren; three grand-daughters aged 13, 10, and first she was Kathlee Andrews is available at https://louislibraries.org/alearn- ing and can be adapted and redistributed. Fac
six, and one grandson age six. Kathleen was very ner-
ingla. ulty who adopt an OER for their course can en
born and raised in New York state. She moved vous but with the help of Sulma, her super-
“I am so proud to be a part of a team that sure that students have first-day access to the
to Houma in 1976 at the age of 19. She was visor, she developed more confi-dence in her
works so diligently to reduce costs of course course materials at little or no cost to them.
back and forth from New York to Houma dur- role. Her greatest hope is that children are in
materials for students,” commented Jodi Duet, AERs are a single or collection of required
ing this time. She also spent time in Paw-leys homes where they are loved and the parents
MLIS, Director of Library Services at Fletcher. educational resources that may be offered at
Island, South Carolina. She moved back to put them first.
“Through OER and AER efforts, the faculty and no or low cost to a student through a post
Houma perma-nently in 2007. She is currently Just like Kathleen, you can be the voice of a
staff at Fletcher have proven that affordability secondary education institution or an affili
working as a long-term substitute teacher at child in foster care. For more details, contact
and access are priorities, and we will continue ated college bookstore at a pre-sales tax cost
Bayou Blue Elementary. CASA of Terre-bonne at 985-876-0250 or visit
to work to increase the savings for our stu- to a student that does not exceed an amount
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and our website at www.casaofterrebonne.org.
dents.” equal to four times the federal minimum wage
solving word search-es. A fun fact about Kath- Start dates for 2021 Training: April 13, 2021,
Fletcher began using OER in 2015 with the AER includes copyright-protected material pur
leen is that she enjoys singing and some-times July 13, 2021, and October 5, 2021.
adoption of a no-cost, open textbook for Fresh- chased by a library and provided to a student a
men Studies. Since 2015, Fletcher has been no cost.
involved with the Louisiana Community and
Member Milestones May Anniversaries
70
Years
oming up with the Chamber
Morrison Terrebonne
Lumber + Hardware Monday, May 3rd // 11 AM
Ellendale Country Club // 3319 Hwy 311
35 The Golf Classic features a number of perks &
Years amenities on the course plus a number of
Cardiovascular prizes! Entry fee is $500 per team- including reg-
Institute of the South istration, green fees, tournament specialty items, golf carts, refresh-
ments, food, driving range fees, prizes, ditty bags, team photo, & 2
30 mulligans per golfer! Open to the public!
Years
Brewer Wholesale, Inc.
Tuesday, May 25th // 11:30 AM
25 Courtyard by Marriott //
Years 142 Library Dr. in Houma
Ledet Insurance Featuring Lori LeBlanc, Vice President of LMOGA and Executive
Clearwater Swimming Director of GEST. Seating is limited. Registration is $25
Pools, Inc. of Houma & the deadline is Tuesday, May 18th.
To register for any event, Call (985) 876-5600, email
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for trusting the Chamber! info@houmachamber.com, or visit www.houmachamber.com.
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 4 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Nicholls ESports Partners with Stratify TFAE Selects New Executive Director
Nicholls State University is thrilled to an- Ellender Me- Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Ex- rebonne’s Ex-
nounce a partnership between Stratify and the morial Library cellence is a nonprofit organization dedicated ecutive Board,
Nicholls Esports Team. and coach of to positively affecting academic achievement serving from
Jason Bergeron, CEO the Esports and to fundamentally improving education for 2010 to 2015.
of Stratify, will provide a team. “This will the students in the Terrebonne Parish Public “I am a
$10,000 in-kind partner- give us a great School System. After an intensive search, the proud public-
ship by lending his exper- opportunity to foundation is pleased to announce the selec- school gradu-
tise and guidance to the not only have tion of Ashlee Champagne Barahona as its ate and lifelong
newly formed competitive someone that new executive director. The foundation se- resident of Ter-
gaming squad. Stratify is a can speak the lected Ashlee after an extensive search led by rebonne Par-
business consulting com- language of members of the executive board. ish. I am privi-
pany with a mission to gaming but also We are pleased to have Ashlee join us as leged to have
“drive economic growth one opportunity at a to build bonds Jason Bergeron Executive Director for TFAE. Her broad expe- worked along- Ashlee C. Barahona
time.” within the com- rience in non-profit management, fundrais- side hundreds
Bergeron has decades of experience in lead- munity.” ing and marketing make her ideally suited to of local servant
ership, information technology and strategic Momentum for the program is moving fast. lead the Foundation during these challenging leaders in our community in my professional
solutions. He says he is particularly excited be- During the 2021 Give-N-Day, the newly formed times for our public school system. We are career. Together, we are stronger, together we
cause it was his interest in gaming that got his organization raised $18,725, the second-high- excited for the ideas and opportunities her make bigger impacts, and it is in this spirit that
career started. est amount ever for Give-N-Day. vast knowledge base will deliver for the bet- I begin my work at the foundation. I am ex-
“An initiative like this provides a future for “Not every partnership has to have a mon- terment of public education for the children cited to work with an exceptional board made
our youth along with possible economic devel- etary component. Here, Jason is going to be of Terrebonne Parish. up of the most knowledgeable individuals in
opment opportunities,” Bergeron said. “Our lending his leadership, consultation experi- Ashlee Champagne Barahona joins the our community. Together we will help the stu-
region needs to look at innovative opportu- ence and passion for gaming to these stu- foundation after 10-years of work with the dents and teachers in Terrebonne Parish pub-
nities like this along with technology to help dents,” said Jeremy Becker, executive director United Way for South Louisiana. She has ex- lic schools meet the challenges this pandemic
solidify our future. This cause is personally im- of the Nicholls Foundation. “A university is at tensive knowledge in marketing, public rela- has created,” says Barahona. It only works if
portant to me.” its best when it can combine social experienc- tions, leadership, business development and we all work together; our community, work-
Nicholls Esports was first created in January es with academic knowledge. These students fundraising having had the opportunity to lead force and children rely on it. I am honored to
2021. The team will compete in the College will have the opportunity to learn from a local corporate, and employee giving campaigns. be part of the organization working alongside
Call of Duty League this year, with the intent of business and community leader as members She is particularly proud of her work orga- the school board to help in any way we can to
competing in new games in the future. of this team.” Other organizations interested nizing big and small fundraisers and working enhance our public-school education.” Ashlee
“I am excited with this collaboration,” said in assisting can reach out to Bergeron at info@ alongside committee members in the commu- Champagne Barahona started her role as Ex-
Elizabeth Layton, access services librarian with rustratified.com. nity to raise over a million dollars every year. ecutive Director on February 15, 2021.
Mrs. Barahona also served on Leadership Ter-
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Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 5 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Photo Gallery
Chamber staff Tara Wolfe and volunteer Jami Bennett (Terrebonne Parish Assessor’s Office) stop to pose
for a photo at the cornhole tournament!
Thank you to Courtyard by Marriott for joining us at the Semi-Annual Chamber Cornhole Challenge! It’s
always a great time with this crew!
Thank you, Fletcher Technical Community College, for participating! Pictured is Ryan Devillier and Logan
Borne.
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 6 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Photo Gallery
Special thank you to scorecard sponsors Thibodaux Regional Health System! Pictured is Toni Martinez &
Katie Richard (Team Victorious Secret), Casey Peltier & Sheri Sothern (Team Maized and Confused), and
Elmy Savoie.
Thank you to Rushing Media for coming out to the tournament! Team Zillenial Unicorns, Keely Diebold &
Beth Ann Tabor, were a blast!
A big thank you to Cajun Bahamas for coming out as a food sponsor! Your food was a hit! Special thank you to Dr. Chip Riggins, Louisiana Department of Health, lunch sponsors Thibodaux Regional
Health System, and all attendees for making the March General Membership Luncheon a success!
Congratulations to Mackenzie Vordick for receiving the Teenager of the Year Award presented by the Amer-
ican Legion! Pictured from left to right is Steve Crispino (South Louisiana Bank), Mackenzie Vordick, Com- Congratulations to bioPURE on your one-year anniversary! For all of your disinfectant needs, call (985)
mander Lynette Blanchard (American Legion) and Chamber Chairman Dr. Michael Garcia (South Louisiana 322-3003, or visit www.biopure.com!
Medical Associates).
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 7 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Danos Foundation Announces 2021 New CASA volunteers
Grants to 24 Nonprofits
The Danos Foundation is awarding chari- Louisiana:
table grants to 24 nonprofits totaling $89,000. • A Place of Restoration, Gray
The grants are part of the Foundation’s Danos • CASA of Terrebonne, Inc.
GIVES program, which is funded by employee • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-
and company contributions. Since its estab- Thibodaux, Galliano
lishment in 2017, the Danos Foundation has • Catholic Community Center, Galliano
provided nearly a half million dollars through • Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center,
its GIVES, WORKS and CARES programs. This Thibodaux
year’s GIVES recipients are located in South • Dulac Community Center, Dulac
Louisiana, West Texas and Pennsylvania, all ar- • Hope Extreme, Houma
eas where Danos employees work and live. • Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
“The Danos Foundation is a true manifes- (LUMCON), Chauvin
tation of our company purpose: ‘Honor God. • Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Houma
Develop great people to solve big challenges • The Salvation Army Houma Service Center,
for our customers and communities,” said Houma
company Owner Mark Danos. “Our goal is to • The Life of a Single Mom, Baton Rouge
make a positive impact by providing financial • Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Lafayette
assistance to organizations serving their local • Junior Achievement of Acadiana, Lafayette
communities.” • The Salvation Army of Lafayette, Lafayette
Each year, Danos GIVES accepts applica- • Eden House, New Orleans
tions from 501(c)3 or 170(b) nonprofit orga- • Bridge House/Grace House, New Orleans
nizations that benefit education, healthcare, • Junior Achievement of Greater New Or-
environmental or welfare initiatives in areas leans, New Orleans
where the company conducts business. Spe- • New Orleans Mission Inc., New Orleans
cial consideration is given to projects targeting • Second Harvest Food Bank, New Orleans
community welfare needs. Applications must • The Salvation Army New Orleans Area Com-
be submitted by August 31 each year for con- mand, New Orleans Left to right: Elaine Beyer, Kathryn Mella, Vickie Darlene Naquin, and Molly Arrignton.
sideration. Employee and company contribu- • YMCA of Greater New Orleans, Metairie
tions provide funding for Danos GIVES, as well • Pennsylvania: Beverly’s Birthdays, North
as Danos WORKS, a program that contributes Huntingdon
money to qualified organizations where Danos • Texas:
employees volunteer their time. • Bill’s Backpacks, Levelland
2021 Danos Foundation grant recipients, • Refuge Services, Inc., Lubbock
selected out of 62 applicants:
New
$25,000 Chevron Grant to Boost STEM
Learning in Terrebonne Parish Schools
Members
Chevron, in partnership with the Terre- chemicals, probes, goggles and much more.
bonne Foundation for Academic Excellence This equipment will give students and teach- First Pacific
(TFAE), has given a $25,000 grant to three ers the ability to safely conduct STEM experi-
Terrebonne Parish High Schools to purchase ments and projects.
Investments, LLC
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math “As a former teacher, I know that experien- Nick Jones
(STEM) equipment. tial learning is the best way to engage students (855) 878-5333
“The Terrebonne Foundation for Academic and get them excited about their schoolwork,” 814 Grand Caillou Rd. Ste. 6
Excellence is excited to again be working with said Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager of
Chevron,” said Ashlee Champagne Barahona, Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “We Houma, LA 70363
TFAE Executive Director. “The company contin- hope this $25,000 contribution will not only plazacaillou.com
ues to support our schools and provide young expand access to hands-on STEM activities, Real Estate- Rental Properties
men and women with meaningful STEM pro- but also spark students’ interest in consider-
grams and opportunities. We thank them for ing a STEM career. Chevron is proud to provide
their continued investment in the communi- these resources to three more high schools
ty.” and expand STEM learning in the state.” NextEra Energy Resources
Last year, Chevron contributed over $90,000 The following schools will receive the TFAE/ Ian Rice
which TFAE is continuing to use to help schools Chevron Science Lab Grants: (561) 371-2942
in the area enhance their science labs and li- • Terrebonne High School 700 Universe Blvd.
braries. With this $25,000 donation, three ad- • Ellender Memorial High School
ditional high schools in Terrebonne Parish will • South Terrebonne High School Juno Beach, FL 33408
each receive $8,333 each to upgrade their sci- To learn more about TFAE, visit www.tfae. nexteraenergyresources.com
ence equipment. The donations will be used org. Utility Companies
to fund items such as digital scales, working
sinks, Chromebooks, digital microscopes,
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 8 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
14th Annual Southdown Bar’s Crawfish Boil Off
The Herman J. Courville Foundation across the street from Southdown Bar There Is still time to sign up for a four-
proudly presents the 14th Annual Craw- and Grill in the old Rite Aid parking lot on person cooking team. If you believe you
fish Boil-Off benefiting CASA of Terre- St. Charles Street. Crawfish sales begin at and your friends boil the best crawfish in
bonne. Proceeds help in efforts to recruit 11 a.m. along with live music from Beep town, stop by Southdown Bar and Grill
and train community volunteers to step Beep & the Jeeps. There is a $5 entry fee to sign up to compete. There is a $75
into courtrooms on behalf of the abused for adults and children over two years of team entry fee. More information can be
and neglected children of Terrebonne age. $5 entry fee will include one pound found at www.hjcboiloff.com.
Parish. This yea’s event will be held of crawfish.
Nicholls Biology 2021 Give-N-Day Sets
Professor Appointed to New Fundraising Record
State Task Force The Nicholls Foundation 2021 Give-N-Day nearly doubled
the record for most dollars raised during its March 2 fundrais-
Gov. John Bel Edwards has er.
appointed a Nicholls State This year’s event raised $183,830 from 1,199 donors to 89
University biology professor campus organizations. Gifts came from 34 states ranging from
to a new task force that was Washington state to Washington D.C., and eight countries.
created to address critical is- The previous record for most money raised was in 2019 with
sues in the Atchafalaya Basin. $100,454.
Dr. Chris Bonvillain, as- Give-N-Day was first organized in 2018 as a way for student
sociate professor of bio- organizations, academic programs and athletics to raise mon-
logical sciences, will join the ey in a way they couldn’t before. For the first time ever, every
21-member Task Force on organization that registered, received at least one gift.
Atchafalaya River Basin Res- Nicholl Foundation Executive Director Jeremy Becker said
toration and Enhancement. he was impressed with the commitment from donors and or-
Gov. Edwards created the ganizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
advisory board in December Dr. Chris Bonvillain “The 2021 Give-N-Day was the most successful to date, and
with the hopes it could ad- there are increases in all measured areas,” he said. “This year
dress critical issues facing saw the most funds ever raised, the most gifts ever from the
the basin through collaboration with the Coastal Protection most donors and the most gifts from outside of Louisiana.”
and Restoration Authority and other coastal-based organiza- Maritime Management led the way with $19,555 raised.
tions. Other programs that received remarkable financial support
“The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river-basin swamp in were:
the country and is a vital part of Louisiana’s ecology, economy, • Colonel ESports with $18,725
culture and flood protection. However, human-made changes • Nicholls Accounting with $15,465
in the basin have resulted in many negative consequences in- • Nicholls Volleyball with $12,020
cluding altered water flow and hydrology, reduced water qual- • Bridge to Independence with $9,820
ity and sedimentation issues,” Dr. Bonvillain said. “This task • College of Business Administration Excellence Fund
force will be a collaboration among multiple basin stakeholder with $6,440
groups to raise public awareness about issues in the basin, • Ellender Memorial Library and Nicholls Cross Country
identify sources of funding for basin projects and identify and and Track & Field with $5,685
implement projects that will benefit economic, cultural and • Nicholls Soccer with $5,291.10
natural resources in the basin.” • Nicholls Bands with $5,050.
Gov. Edwards in announcing the group will address the ho- Ellender Memorial Library received the most individual do-
listic management of navigation, flood control, economics and nations with 94. Other programs to receive a significant num-
restoration, as well as identify and provide support for new ber of donations were:
and recurring sources of funding. • Nicholls Accounting with 89
“I hope to use my 17-plus years of research knowledge in • Kappa Sigma with 69
the Atchafalaya Basin to provide scientific leadership, advice • CROWN with 57
and assessment on projects that will conserve, sustain and en- • Nicholls Soccer with 49
hance the Atchafalaya Basin,” Dr. Bonvillain said. • Pre-Dental Society, Maritime Management and
For more information on Nicholls Biological Sciences, visit Colonel ESports with 46
www.nicholls.edu/biology. • Nicholls Alumni Federation with 44
• College of Business Administration Excellence Fund
with 41.
For more information on Give-N-Day or to connect with the
Nicholls Foundation, visit NichollsFoundation.org.
Submitting Your Articles for Member News
Our Member News section of the Fo- to announce special awards or certifica- houmachamber.com by the 1st of each
cus is a great way for Chamber members tions. Word Document articles of 250 month for publication in the following
to promote your event or project, and words or less may be submitted to info@ month’s newsletter, space permitting.
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 9 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Share Your Story. Make a Difference.
May is much more than just A couple of volunteers made
Mother’s Day and Memorial Day; it’s the trip to New Orleans where they
also National Share a Story Month and joined his family to check in on Jaquan.
National Young Achievers of Tomor- “Walking into a room we saw what
row Month. Terrebonne has so many looked like an old man shriveled, not
success stories within our community alert, and defiantly not healthy. But
organizations that are simply untold. he was not an elderly man at all, he
Local organization Hope Extreme has was our Jaquan.” Detiveaux said
a heart for our youth and creates a her heart fell. The doctors updat-
better tomorrow by providing resourc- ed them of his condition, and it was
es to help build a stronger community. learned that a bacteria infection-
that had taken over his heart in just a
Hope Extreme is located at few short weeks. The only option left
437 Grand Caillou Rd. in Houma for him was to get a heart transplant
where Tara Detiveaux has served as and it would have to happen as soon
Director since formation in 2009. The as possible. “We prayed. We fasted…
organization has been dedicated to And miraculously God answered…”
the youth of Houma who specifically
works with students from East Houma The heart transplant was then
to prepare them for a brighter future. It was just another Sunday Morn- schedule and performed successful-
The signature program consists of both an af- ing as Detiveaux was getting ready to start ly. It took months for recovery and the weekly
ter-school and summer education program. their outreach programs. She noticed one of visits to see Jaquan never stopped, but even-
Students receive the help they need through their most faithful kids was sitting without his tually, he came back to the organization! Of
homework help stations, learning labs, and fun brother. His brother always attended, so af- course, his life was forever altered; he would
electives that help the students grow in their ter the service, she asked where he was, and have to stay on medication for the rest of his
learning. Not only is Hope Extreme is committed he simply shared he was sick. The next week at life and would not be able to be active like he
to the student’s long-term life while mentoring the close of service, she noticed he was miss- once was. Despite this, he was steadily improv-
them through their teen years as well as prepar- ing once again, and asked his brother where he ing, and they enjoyed having him mingle with the
ing them for successful adulthood as well. The said he was at Children’s Hospital in New Or- leaders when the rest of the kids were involved
passion behind this organization and heart for leans. “For East Houma children, that always with activities that he could not participate in.
youth shone through Tara Detiveaux’s narrative meant something severe…and severe it was.” One night as they were driving a van to
about one specific student, Jaquan O’Neal Veal. teen service, he told Detiveaux about dreams
he had been having. “Ms. Tara, I see angels
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 10 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o msometimes when I dream.” “What kind of an- me on my shoulder “Mam could you inspect his specifically in East Houma. “More often than I
gels?” and Jaquan described “big angels, men body to make sure that everything is all right?” I would like to admit, students get caught up in the
looking angels, warrior angels.” Detiveaux just continued to stare. “Mam?” Dazed I shook environment that surrounds them and makes it
said, “perhaps God is trying to tell you some- my head and timidly approached his casket to do tough to continue work here at Hope Extreme.”
thing.” The sweet boy responded with “I think he right by his family and make sure that he looked Detiveaux shares, “but the good news is that they
wants me to tell the world. To go to all people like Jaquan. But he never would again. The are also the most impressionable during their
and tell them.” But he never got that chance. Jaquan I knew was long gone. As I shook my head youth years, and if a student sticks it out for the
to confirm that he was good, as good as he could long haul, their lives are forever changed…They
That same year, Jaquan visit- be, I couldn’t help but remember another conver- are looking at what you do and copying your be-
ed his ‘pops’ for Christmas break in Texas. sation that we had on one of our many van rides.” havior, so lead not just by word, but also in deed.”
Detiveaux did not know he had left until Christ- Jaquan had shared to her “Ms., I am thankful What a beautiful and influencing story. Start-
mas Eve when they were all playing games that God gave me another heart.” Detiveaux ing with the youth is the starting point to make
at the center and she noticed Jaquan was responded with “Yes, we all are. It was a mir- your community stronger, and Hope Extreme
not present. Then they received a phone call. acle, and we are so thankful.” He corrected is highlighted for their influential help. The or-
her saying “Actually, I am thankful that God ganization could use volunteers in the Af-
Jaquan’s mother called and shared some gave me two hearts.” She was confused. “No ter School and Summer Education programs.
news that changed everything. Jaquan was gone. Jaquan, you only got one.” “No Ms. Tara, he They are also in need of snacks and donations
“We drove to Senator Circle, hoping the news gave me two. One physically. One spiritually.” to help run the programs daily. “Any dona-
wasn’t true. But it was. His heart stopped beat- This was one of the most uniquely profound tions would be accepted and appreciated.”
ing and there was nothing they could do to get things that she ever heard one of the kids say.
him back.” No one could understand what hap- She said up until the surgery, he had never sur-
pened and they said the next two weeks were a rendered his heart to Christ. “Somewhere in the
blur. Shirts with his photo and angel wings were process of doctors taking his heart out physi-
created, funeral programs were printed, chil- cally and replacing it with a new one, Jesus had
dren were coming to the center at all times of done the same thing. At that moment of re-
the day and night to talk about him. “All I knew birth, he was promised a forever home. And I
was that a young life was finished way too soon.” was just looking over the casket of someone
who had found his home that Jesus had been
New Year’s Eve was the day that preparing for him.” That’s where she made a
Detiveaux unlocked the doors of the church to promise to God, “Whatever it takes…I promise
let the family in, but no one there yet, besides to help more people find their forever home.”
her and the sound tech. A few moments later,
the service attendants arrived, and Jaquan was Jaquan is a reminder on just how im-
rolled into the sanctuary. Detiveaux was then portant our youth is. Hope Extreme recognizes
led to one of her most profound experiences. that how young people are a product of their
“I just stared. Timidly the funeral director tapped environment which makes life tough for some,
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/April 22, 2021 11 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o mKICK UP
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Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Focus/February 25, 2021 12 w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o mYou can also read
