Volunteers of America North Louisiana has been selected as the People Lead for the Choice Neighborhood Implementation. Their goal is to help low-income families make gains in education, employment, and health care

​Who is eligible for Choice Neighborhood Services?

Supportive services are available for those residents who qualify for the new Choice Neighborhood Housing and for all residents of Allendale, Ledbetter Heights, and the West Edge.

The Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport is developing an application process for housing. First priority will go to those who were moved out of Jackson Heights when it was demolished in 2006 and are still on housing. Other eligibility factors include housing subsidies and the neighborhood of residence. Contact the Choice Neighborhood offices if you want to learn more.

What services will be offered?

Education (from pre-K to career):

• NSU Children and Family network will work with children, families and child care centers to ensure children are ready for Kindergarten
• Children enrolled in neighborhood schools will have access to Communities In Schools and LightHouse supports, which focus keeping students in school and performing at grade level.
• Work with high school students to develop a plan for college or careers
• Connect those who did not finish high school to Hi-SET (GED) preparation classes and testing
• Shreveport Green and Volunteers for Youth Justice will bring life skills training and volunteer opportunities to the neighborhood.
• Help adults research and apply for career certifications and other higher education opportunities at local colleges and technical schools

Employment:

• Goodwill will train residents on preparing resumes, interview skills, and job readiness.
• When they are ready, Goodwill will also help with job searches and placement.
• Residents seeking living wage jobs will have access to a variety of training opportunities in high-demand sectors such as culinary and health care through local colleges and technical schools.
• United Way’s Financial Empowerment Center will help residents reach financial stability through education in budgeting and banking.
• Shreveport Green’s Urban Farm will provide jobs and volunteer opportunities for job training

Health Care:

• MLK Health Center and Pharmacy will evaluate clients and ensure they have a medical home
• Through various classes, MLK will educate clients about chronic disease, nutrition and other topics so clients can better manage their health and prevent health crises.
• Shreveport Green will operate a food box program with fresh produce from their farm giving residents better access to good nutrition.
• Shreveport Green will lead a series of nutrition classes for adults and youth. It will also sponsor monthly dinners at the MSKICK.
• Volunteers of America Behavioral Health will work with adults and children in need of mental health support.

Why is this needed?

Allendale and Ledbetter Heights has been in decline for decades. The current population stands at just under 4,000 with the following characteristics:

• Allendale and Ledbetter Heights has been in decline for decades. The current population stands at just under 4,000 with the following characteristics:
• 30% of people are over age 60
• Median income: $11,880
• Adults with less than High School education: 32%
• About 70% of households rent their homes

Contact information:

Yolanda Thomas, Program Director: 318-603-3374

Email: cni@voanorthla.org

728 Elvis Presley Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101

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