The Benjamin & Elsie Atkins Nettles Development Center

07/24/2026

07/24/2026

What a beautiful day of service, community, and celebration! 🌳💚 As we came together to plant trees and invest in a greener future, we also celebrated a very special occasion—Happy Birthday to Mama Elsie! 🎉💛 Born on July 23rd, National Lemon Day, your life is a reminder that even life’s lemons can grow into something beautiful and full of purpose. Thank you for your love, wisdom, and the impact you’ve made on so many lives. Wishing you God’s richest blessings, good health, and many more joyful birthdays. 🍋🎂🌿 A special thanks to our sponsors, Winston Horton with Baton Rouge Green and Tamara Deggs with Raising Cane's-Delmont

05/11/2026

🥰 🥰 ***LATE BUT NECESSARY POST*** 🥰 🥰

💛🍋 What an incredible day for the North Baton Rouge community!

As CEO/Founder of the B.E.A.N. Development Center, I want to personally thank every volunteer, donor, supporter, parent, community leader, and young entrepreneur who helped make our Lemonade & Entrepreneurship Event in Scotlandville such a beautiful success.

Thanks to your support, we created a space where creativity, leadership, business skills, teamwork, and community pride can shine. From lemonade stands and youth artwork to community engagement and entrepreneurship, this event was filled with purpose, passion, and possibility. 🌟

Together, we raised $505.80 for our community initiatives, and every dollar helps us continue building opportunities for youth and families in North Baton Rouge.

Special thanks to my amazing team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and in the heat to serve, organize, encourage, and uplift others. Your dedication means everything. 💙🧡

To everyone who donated, shared our event, purchased items, stopped by the tables, or simply showed love and encouragement… THANK YOU. You are helping us build stronger futures in Scotlandville and beyond.

This is only the beginning. We look forward to welcoming even more participants, community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to future events as we continue to empower our youth through entrepreneurship, education, leadership, and creativity.

North Baton Rouge, we appreciate you more than words can say! 💛🍋✨

05/02/2026

Grand Rising,

Due to the wake of current events in the city of Baton Rouge, the Benjamin & Elsie Atkins Nettles Development Center & Shaw Beginnings will continue to host our event on Sunday, May 3rd starting at 12pm.

Although our city is facing hard times economically and tragedies have occurred, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” (Hubbard, 1915).
Furthermore, we have also faced so many challenges to get here, but “no weapon formed against us shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV). Our organizations aim to be a part of the redevelopment of blighted and underutilized properties, reconstruction, and intervention needed to heal us all.

Through many prayers and meetings, we have also gained our 501(c)(3) status! For our event, we will have lemonade, food, and art work stands that are all children and youth owned. Please come out, donate, and support!!

We would also like to thank our staff, volunteers, donors, and sponsors in making this event possible!! A special thanks goes out to Synergy Bank for lemonade day kits and listing us on the Local Lemonade Stand Locations page!!

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

Grand Rising & Happy Easter to All,

🍋 Are you ready to turn your child/youth into a young entrepreneur?🍋

The Benjamin & Elsie Atkins Nettles Development Center (B.E.A.N DV CTR) and Shaw Beginnings is proud to host the North Baton Rouge Lemon Drops Lemonade & Entrepreneurship Event, focused on children and youth entrepreneurship (where kids will learn how to start a business), financial literacy (how to sell products/services), and workforce development (how to build confidence).

💼✨ Join Us 💼✨

📅 May 3rd | 12PM–5PM

📍2521 Harding Blvd, North Baton Rouge, LA 70807
💲 Only $20 to participate
🚨 Spots are LIMITED
👉 Register NOW: https://forms.gle/tGYm7v8JcgfwT5YaA

📲 Or scan the QR code to donate https://square.link/u/ZoP9pJ8M

BOOTH NEEDS
□ 5x5 or 8x8 Pop Up Tent Space
□ Table/Chair
□ Product/Services Supplies

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
• Must bring their own tent, table, and chairs unless arranged.
• Must keep their area clean.
• Setup begins at 8:30 AM.
• Must be fully set up by 11:00 AM.

Let’s build the next generation of leaders 💛