Eckerd Connects' Opportunity Youth Program

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Eckerd Connects' Opportunity Youth Program

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Funded by The Rapides Foundation, we engage, empower, and energize opportunities for young adults to overcome barriers to successful education and employment.

The Eckerd Connects’ Opportunity Youth Program will engage, empower, and energize opportunities for young adults to address the barriers to successful education and employment. Serving youth between the ages of 16 through 24 who live in the Rapides or Vernon Parishes and are not currently engaged in an educational program and are unemployed. In partnership with local community connections, Eckerd Connects will provide support services to connect young adults with opportunities that develop into sustainable career development. This project is funded in part by a Reconnecting CenLA Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

10/12/2026

🌟 Second Chances Create New Possibilities

Success is not always a straight path, and sometimes the greatest growth comes from getting back up after setbacks.

Adam left high school due to educational barriers and encountered challenges during his first experience in the Youth Challenge Program. Instead of giving up, he chose to try again.

With encouragement, case management, and ongoing support from the Eckerd Opportunity Youth Program, funded by The Rapides Foundation, Adam returned to YCP determined to succeed. He is now working toward earning his HiSET and plans to pursue additional vocational training through the Job Challenge Program or begin a career with FedEx.

His story reminds us that resilience, support, and opportunity can help young people transform challenges into success.

We are proud of Adam's determination and excited to see what comes next.

Know someone ages 16-24 who is out of school, unemployed, or unsure of their next step? We'd love to connect.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or Text: 318-541-9927

Thank you to The Rapides Foundation for investing in brighter futures for local youth.

10/05/2026

🎓 Congratulations to Vernon Parish Graduate!

We're proud to celebrate a participant who recently graduated from the Louisiana Youth Challenge Program (YCP) and is continuing his journey toward career success.

When barriers began affecting his educational progress, he was referred to the Eckerd Opportunity Youth Program, funded by The Rapides Foundation. Through assessment, guidance, and ongoing support from his case manager, he enrolled in YCP and successfully completed the program.

His hard work earned him acceptance into the Job Challenge Program (JCP), where he will continue training toward his goal of becoming a welder.

His story is a reminder that with the right support system, determination can become achievement and achievement can become opportunity.

👏 Join us in congratulating this outstanding young person!
If you're between the ages of 16-24 and are disconnected from school, employment, or career training, we're here to help you build a path forward.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or Text: 318-541-9927

10/01/2026

✨ Success Story Spotlight: Recovery and a New Beginning

Today we're celebrating a young adult who took a courageous step toward a brighter future through support from the Eckerd Opportunity Youth Program, funded by The Rapides Foundation.

After leaving high school and becoming involved in the legal system, Harley faced significant barriers that affected his education and future goals. Through intensive case management and individualized support, Harley was connected to a rehabilitation program where he successfully completed a 28-day detox and committed to a long-term recovery program that includes HiSET preparation.

Today, Harley is building a foundation for a healthier future and working toward his goal of a career in carpentry. His journey demonstrates how access to support, education, and opportunity can help young people overcome challenges and create meaningful change.

💚 Recovery is possible.
💚 Hope creates opportunity.
💚 Every step forward matters.

The Eckerd Opportunity Youth Program, funded by The Rapides Foundation, helps youth and young adults ages 16-24 reconnect to education, training, employment, and career pathways.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or Text: 318-541-9927

09/07/2026

📣 Support Starts with Connection—Together Tuesday is Back Tomorrow!

Each month, Together Tuesday brings resources, opportunity, and community together—for youth ages 16–24 and young families, including those out of school and unemployed.

💚 Mental health support
🍎 Nutrition resources
🎓 Education & job opportunities through the Opportunity Youth Program

Come connect with people who care and explore how our resources can help transform your life!

📍 Vernon Parish Health Unit
406 Fertitta Blvd., Leesville, LA 71446
🕛 Sep. 8 | 12 PM – 2 PM
📧 Questions or referrals: [email protected]
📱 318 541 9927

08/31/2026

Every Journey Is Different

Success doesn't look the same for everyone.

For one young adult, it may mean earning a diploma.

For another, it could be preparing for a first interview.

For someone else, it may be discovering a career they never imagined possible.

Whatever the goal, Eckerd Connects' Opportunity Youth Program helps eligible young adults build the confidence, skills, and support they need to move forward.

If you're 16–24, out of school and unemployed in Rapides or Vernon Parish, we're here for you.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or text: 318-541-9927

The Opportunity Youth Program is funded by The Rapides Foundation.

08/27/2026

It Takes a Community

Strong communities help young people succeed.

The Opportunity Youth Program is always looking to connect with employers, community organizations, schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and local leaders who want to make a difference.

Together, we can help eligible young adults gain confidence, prepare for careers, and build brighter futures.

Know someone who is 16–24, out of school and unemployed? We'd love to connect with them, too.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or text: 318-541-9927

Thank you to The Rapides Foundation for funding this important work.

________________________________________

08/25/2026

📣 Support Starts with Connection—Together Tuesday is Back September 8

Each month, Together Tuesday brings resources, opportunity, and community together—for youth ages 16–24 and young families, including those out of school and unemployed.

💚 Mental health support
🍎 Nutrition resources
🎓 Education & job opportunities through the Opportunity Youth Program

Come connect with people who care and explore how our resources can help transform your life!

📍 Vernon Parish Health Unit
406 Fertitta Blvd., Leesville, LA 71446
🕛 Sep. 8 | 12 PM – 2 PM
📧 Questions or referrals: [email protected]
📱 318 541 9927

08/18/2026

Your Future Starts with One Conversation

Sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin.
The Opportunity Youth Program helps eligible young adults take that first step by providing:

✔ Career coaching
✔ Education support
✔ Resume assistance
✔ Interview preparation
✔ Job readiness skills
✔ Connections to education, training, and employment opportunities

If you're 16–24, out of school and unemployed in Rapides or Vernon Parish, we're ready to help you build a path forward.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or text: 318-541-9927

The Opportunity Youth Program is funded by The Rapides Foundation.

08/13/2026

Build the Future You Want

If you're between 16 and 24 years old, live in Rapides or Vernon Parish, and are out of school and unemployed, Eckerd Connects' Opportunity Youth Program is here to help.

Our team works alongside young adults to:
🎓 Earn a high school equivalency
💼 Prepare for employment
🛠 Build job readiness skills
🤝 Explore career pathways
⭐ Set goals and create a plan for success

You don't have to figure it out alone—we're here to help every step of the way.

📧 Tara Parrish: [email protected]
📱 Call or text: 318-541-9927

The Opportunity Youth Program is funded by The Rapides Foundation.

07/31/2026

📣 Mark Your Calendars – Together Tuesday Returns August 11! 🗓️✨

Looking for support, connection, and real opportunities? Join us for Together Tuesday—a monthly community event designed just for youth and young families!

💚 What You’ll Find:
🧠 Mental Health & Wellness Support
🍎 Nutrition & Healthy Living Resources
🤰 Maternal Healthcare Info
🎓 Education & Job Opportunities from our Opportunity Youth Program

Come connect with people who care and explore resources that can truly make a difference in your life!

📍 Vernon Parish Health Unit
406 Fertitta Blvd., Leesville, LA 71446
🕛 August 11 | 12 PM – 2 PM
📞 Questions? Call (337) 238-6410

Let’s grow stronger—together. 💬✨

Address

1307 Peterman Drive
Alexandria, LA
71301

Website

https://eckerd.org/OYP

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