As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded of how much our children mean to us and how important it is to create a safe, healthy, and thriving community for them to grow up in. Recently, at the annual luncheon for Living Well Foundation, we were deeply moved by the words of Alice Prophit, the foundation’s president and CEO. She spoke with passion about the foundation’s mission, sharing stories of the remarkable work being done to support families across eight parishes.
As parents, we found one of the foundation’s most impactful initiatives is the creation of school-based health centers, with 13 already established in Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and Union Parishes. These centers offer vital services, including mental health support, medical care, and some even dental hygiene services—all staffed by licensed professionals. The latest addition to this network is located at Ouachita Parish High School, expanding access to health services for more local students.
In addition, the foundation recently funded six state-of-the-art dental hygiene suites for Pinnacle Family Health in West Monroe, which provides affordable dental care to families in the region. This support ensures families have access to high-quality dental services without breaking the bank.
Perhaps one of the most exciting projects is the foundation’s $100,000 donation to the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum. This generous contribution will help relocate the museum to Forsythe Park and fund an interactive, state-of-the-art health education exhibit. The exhibit will allow children to learn about health in a fun and engaging way, combining play with education.
The annual meeting also featured an inspiring guest speaker, Peyton Hornsby, a communications and PR major from the University of Louisiana Monroe. Peyton shared how programs like those supported by the Living Well Foundation and her involvement with community initiatives have helped her build a network of incredible mentors. Her speech highlighted a vital point—while teenagers may sometimes face stereotypes, many young people are eager to lead our community toward a stronger future. Peyton emphasized the importance of today’s youth stepping up to become mentors themselves, offering a moving testament to her own mentors, her parents, and the strength of our community. Her words were a beautiful reminder of the potential that lies within our young people.
These are just a few examples of the Living Well Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support families in our community. As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we are deeply thankful for organizations like Living Well Foundation, whose work continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of so many.
For more information about the Living Well Foundation, visit livingwellfoundation.net or call (318) 396-5066.
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