August 2019 - In This Issue:
WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Since its creation in 1994, The Rapides Foundation has sought to improve the health status of Central Louisiana by developing initiatives and strategies intended to impact our community for decades to come.  We invite you to learn more about our work by visiting our website.

The Rapides Foundation focuses its work in three strategic areas:

Healthy People, to improve access to healthcare and promote healthy behaviors.

Education, to increase the level of educational attainment and achievement as the primary path to improved economic, social and health status.

Healthy Communities, to improve economic opportunity and family income, and enhance civic and community opportunities for more effective leaders and organizations.

Contact Us

The Rapides Foundation
1101 Fourth Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
318-443-3394 or 800-994-3394

Visit our website:

CDW ANNOUNCES FALL 2019 TRAINING SCHEDULE
Workshops are free and cover topics for nonprofits
Community Development Works, a program of The Rapides Foundation, is offering free skill-building trainings for Cenla residents and nonprofits. The Fall Training Calendar consists of 12 workshops and one webinar that cover a variety of topics, including grant writing, strategic planning, financial management and program evaluation. Workshops begin in September. 

All workshops and webinars are available free of charge, but registration is needed. Workshops take place at The Rapides Foundation Building, 1101 Fourth Street, Alexandria. The webinar can be accessed from most devices using the GoToWebinar app. Details about the training offerings can be found on the CDW website. You can also contact CDW at 1-800-803-8075.

CLIP GRANT OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING DEGREE, STIPEND
Applications accepted for 2020 cohort
Do you want to be a middle school math or science teacher? Do you have a bachelor's degree? Applications are being accepted for the second cohort of the Central Louisiana Instructional Partnership (CLIP) program. 

CLIP is a teacher residency program focusing on developing middle school math and science teachers in high-needs schools in Central Louisiana. CLIP participants will receive a Master of Arts in teaching degree, a stipend to cover the expense of tuition, and an annual stipend during their residency. 

The first cohort of CLIP residents began its 15-month accelerated graduate program this summer. Apply now to be a part of the next cohort, which will begin its work in summer 2020.

CANCER SCREENING VAN VISITS CENLA COMMUNITIES
Eligible residents screened for breast, cervical and colon cancers
The Cancer Screening Project helps Cenla residents get access to free medical screenings for breast, colorectal and cervical cancers. 

A feature of this project is the Cancer Screening Van, a mobile digital mammography unit that travels throughout Central Louisiana. The screening van is a partnership between The Rapides Foundation, CMAP, and the Partners in Wellness Program at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU Health Shreveport.

The 2019 van schedule includes seven more stops in Central Louisiana communities. Services are free, but appointments are needed. For more information about eligibility requirements or to find out when the mobile unit will be in your area, call the Cancer Screening Project at 318-767-3027 or toll-free at 1-855-767-3027.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM OFFERS ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING
Program helps Cenla residents make healthy choices
Are you ready for a lifestyle change? The Rapides Foundation's Healthy Lifestyle Program provides free nutrition and physical activity counseling to Central Louisiana residents referred by their physicians.

A registered dietitian and an exercise specialist work individually with each client during the six-month program, which is administered by CMAP. Clients learn behavior changes they can take with them when they complete the program.


The Healthy Lifestyle Program also offers monthly challenge calendars to help residents pursue a lifetime of good health.
Joe Rosier

Mission
The mission of The Rapides Foundation is to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. 

Vision
Our vision is to positively impact Central Louisiana by deploying resources to improve key factors of health status.