Congratulations to our Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) Cohort 15 Graduating Class. Training during these 16-weeks of NPP included Life Skills, ACE, Home Visits, Case Management, Individual Support Counseling and Parent-child Observations.
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These parents stated they loved the parenting skills they learned and enjoyed our wonderful staff. The children also enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt that took place outside in the garden to celebrate this milestone.

The Family Resource Center staff is proud of our 10 graduating parents and wish them much success as they continue to work towards their goals!

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA (KTVE/KARD) - (3/21/19) To celebrate, the organization spent the afternoon recognizing contributions of board members, honoring staff for their milestones, and expressing thanks to community partners. 

Executive Director Lynn Clark says the Children's Coalition has a clear goal for future growth for the fourteen parishes that it serves.     
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Kerry Hefner with LSU AG received the Friend of the Coalition Award for his help with the Community Garden.
Yesterday afternoon, LSU AG trained 48 early childhood educators in Edible Gardens for 22 childcare centers in five different parishes.

MONROE, La, (KNOE) - Jasmine and her mom, Lylia, say they're always in a giving mood.
That's why they're at the Children's Coalition in Monroe for Giving Tuesday.
"We're here to not only get volunteer hours but to also be with the community and do activities," Jasmine said.
Giving Tuesday is celebrated every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to kick off the giving season. The mother-daughter duo is giving their time to volunteer.
"I'm giving back to the community,” said Jasmine. “That's what LSU Ag Master Gardeners is all about. It's just being hands-on with the different organizations and different schools here."
But Jasmine says this is not just a one-day thing, she and her mom are members of an LSU Ag Masters Gardeners class and they volunteer at other gardens too. Coming to the coalition has become a normal routine.
"She's the one that encouraged me to get into this,” Lylia said. “Even though I've always gardened as a child, my parents gardened."
But this is not the only way to help the coalition. Executive director Lynn Clark says there are other ways people can help out during the holiday season and all year long.
"We're also asking for donations of books for our free little library, which is something that's there for the community,” Clark said. “And we are asking for donations of money."
"Very thankful for this beautiful day, so we should get quite a bit done today," Lylia said.
Lylia says more people should take part in Giving Tuesday.
"I think it's a great thing,” said Lylia. “I really do. We've met some great people, got some great experience."
There are many ways you can volunteer at the children's coalition. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/ccnela/.

MONROE, La (KNOE) The Family Garden at the Children's Coalition of Northeast Louisiana is a 25 raised-bed garden and outdoor learning center to promote healthy eating, positive family interactions and garden-based learning and play.
The garden and outdoor learning center supports Coalition programs and the community by growing fresh food for Early Head Start centers, training early childhood educators in garden-based learning and providing a space for families to grow, play and learn together.
Super Saturday will feature garden-based activities for children and adults as well as seminars for parents.
Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages, groups are welcome.
The next Super Saturday event is scheduled for August 18, 2018 at their location at 117 Hall street in Monroe. For more info you can call 318-323-8775

MONROE, La (KNOE) - It was another Super Saturday at the Children's Coalition of Northeast Louisiana and a time to work in the community garden in downtown Monroe.
This garden plot is a joint effort between the Children's Coalition, the LSU Ag Center and the Monroe Garden Study League.
Families are encouraged to come out on the third Saturday of the month and learn about growing their own food.
"Children and people in general just aren't exposed to it and when you're not exposed to it you don't understand,” said Damon Nailer. “You don't know what's going on. But once you're exposed to it you understand it's important. You understand it's good for health, just for longevity. It's great for you."
Saturday's focus was on pollinators.
The event was also free and there will be another garden-based event coming up on August 18.

​Family Garden and Super Saturday is June 16th at the Children's Coalition Headquarters at 117 Hall Street.