A free program soon to be offered in all Central Louisiana parishes is preparing young children for school success by cultivating a love for reading long before they set foot in a classroom. 

The Read to Soar early literacy program, recently developed under The Rapides Foundation's Education Initiative and administered by The Orchard Foundation, has been presented in three Rapides Parish locations and began in four other parishes in June.  

Read to Soar is a free, eight-session reading workshop for children under age 5 and their parents or caregivers. The workshops help develop and strengthen a culture of reading at home by educating parents, building a child's home library and increasing awareness about community resources to help ensure the child has the tools for school success. 

Read more about the Read to Soar early literacy program.

CDW is accepting applications for Cenla Boardbuilders, a program aimed at developing emerging leaders through service on the boards of directors of local nonprofit organizations.  The deadline to apply for the 2018 program is Friday, June 15. 

The program is open to: professionals identified by their employer as "up and coming" with a desire for greater community involvement; nonprofit board members wanting an orientation to their new role on a board; or interested individuals who may be retired, self-employed, or looking for higher-level volunteer opportunities. 

Two learning tracks are available: Track I is for currently seated board members who are only seeking governance training; Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking governance training in preparation for nonprofit board service and assistance with identifying a nonprofit match. 

CDW is also accepting applications for nonprofit partners who are interested in recruiting new members to their boards of directors. 

To learn more about joining the 2018 program either as a participant, nonprofit partner or employer partner, call CDW toll-free at 800-803-8075 or click the link below.

See full details about Cenla Boardbuilders and complete the online application.

Join The Rapides Foundation's Get Healthy Cenla Challenge, a daily challenge designed to encourage people to improve their nutrition and physical activity.

The June Challenge Calendar is filled with fitness and nutrition tips to help you work toward your health goals. 

Our goal is for everyone to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week.

Click here to download the June Challenge Calendar!