Strengthening Families Program Grows in Avoyelles Parish

Kendricks and Calisha Johnson, leaders of Living Hope Outreach Ministry (LHO), continue their work strengthening families and improving the Bunkie community, with plans underway to expand their efforts throughout Avoyelles Parish.

In 2025, Living Hope Outreach was awarded the Strengthening Families Program grant through The Rapides Foundation in Alexandria. The funding allowed LHO to implement an 11-week, evidence-based program designed to serve entire families by building practical life skills, including healthy communication, coping strategies, family bonding and positive parenting.

Throughout the year, four program cohorts were held, two in the spring and two in the fall, serving a total of 30 families. Program evaluations showed strong positive outcomes for both parents and youth participants.

Parents reported significant improvements in family communication, organization and bonding, along with notable decreases in family conflict.

Youth participants demonstrated measurable gains in emotional regulation, concentration and positive behavior. Program data also indicated no reported substance use among youth who took part in the sessions.

Families who successfully completed all program requirements were given the opportunity to choose between:

• An all-expense-paid family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas, or
• A cash stipend to help support family needs.

Building on the program’s success, Living Hope Outreach has recently been awarded continued funding for the Strengthening Families Program for the 2026–2029 grant cycle. With the renewed funding, the program will expand beyond Bunkie and be implemented throughout Avoyelles Parish beginning in the spring of 2026, allowing more families to benefit from the proven model of family support and prevention.

Community members interested in supporting Living Hope Outreach or becoming involved in the program are encouraged to contact Kendricks Johnson at (318) 264-8447.