Members of Junior Auxiliary of Houma work on several different projects throughout the year:
JA Helping Hands allows for our organization to determine how various needs that arise in our community can be met. These are determined on a case-by-case basis that can help local schools, individuals, local organizations, and more. Krewe of You: The 2019 provisional class created a sensory-friendly Mard
i Gras event where children with various sensory disorders and other disabilities were able to enjoy a quiet parade with wagon floats and throws, games, free play and more. MacDonell Kids Count: MacDonell Children’s Services is a residential home for boys age 11-17 for whom the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services has deemed to be in need of a safe environment. Our goal with this project is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the MacDonell Children’s Home in East Houma. We provide birthday parties, crawfish boils, and more for the residents as well as meals for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Peace, Love and Sisterhood: Hooper Dorm is a residential care facility that provides rehabilitative behavioral services for females between the ages of 10 and 18, focusing on independence, self-esteem, uniqueness, and mutual respect in a supportive environment. Our mission is to provide monthly activities, including birthday celebrations, to the girls in Hooper Dorm. During these activities, the members of JA will be able to offer support, self-esteem, and mutual respect to these girls. It is our hope that through these connections, we will not only be able to enhance the growth and independence of the girls, but also nurture hope and opportunities for their future. Project Hope: This partnership between the Junior Auxiliary of Houma and Hope Extreme—a local non-profit providing life-changing services to the marginalized residents of Houma’s East Side—brings our members into Hope Extreme’s after school program each month to provide mentorship through tutoring, activities, games, and more. Santa’s Sneakers: Each year at Christmastime, we provide over 300 local children with a brand new pair of shoes. We also host a large Christmas party complete with games, crafts, and pictures with Santa. Through this project, we have also done Christmas in July, providing all residents of The Haven (adults and children), with new shoes and Easter baskets with shoes for the students at the School for Exceptional Children. Special Arch: JA of Houma’s Special ARCH project encompasses the adult residents at Terrebonne ARC, which provides services, resources, and opportunities for residents with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. We provide monthly activities, including celebrating birthdays, for the residents. Sweet Seniors: This project is geared toward helping the elderly in our community with activities like Reverse Trick-or-Treating, pound & yoga classes, crafts, Christmas cookies and caroling, and more.
