On the magical evening of April 27, 2024, 24 HCP and Sensory Grooves opened the doors of Wonderland Performing Arts in true red-carpet fashion celebrating our sensory and neurodivergent 8th-12th graders in and around the Acadiana area.

The night began as our Sensory Grooves staff placed a numbered VIP bracelet for each participant to adorn for the evening with a matching number tag given to the caregiver. This ensured that safety was the priority at check-in and check-out. After check-in, the grooviest selfie-station could not be missed. The sparkles and decor made each capture (texted/emailed) a build up to the exciting celebration ahead. Smiles of anticipation grew as each promenaded to the event room passing our professional and fun-loving security officer (Hub Enterprises). A representative from the silent disco headset company, Dohm Collective, eagerly awaited each participant with individualized headsets and instructions to begin grooving into the night. With the beats pumping, prom night officially began!

A groovy volunteer (supporter Owner/Speech Therapist of Let’s Talk, Rhea Dugas) shared her sensory knowledge and kindness with a table filled with radical sensory items to ensure each a personalized sensory experience.

Senses were immediately captured as the smell of fresh popcorn (Lafayette Rental Company) and hot pizza (Little Caesars of Broussard) filled the air. The vision of disco balloon towers encompassed the dance floor and Sensory Groove: Silent Disco Prom projected backdrop (supporters Montz Designs and BWPR) completed the decor.

Dohm Collective’s disc jockeys and Sensory Grooves own DJ Tory Trahan kicked the beats of three different music genres. The dance floor was graced with rhythmic expression by attendees dressed in expressive formal wear grooving their personalized night away. As the smiles grew so did the need for a cold drink. The thirsts were quenched with choice of water, lemonade, sweet tea (supporter Canes #53 – The Hook, Galen Istre), and Pepsi products (Acadiana Bottling). As breaks from dancing were needed, participants visited (supporter and groovy volunteer, Mrs. Marvette Johnson) Lynn’s Captures as she festively captured the evening with a free professional photograph.

No prom would be complete without a swag bag (supporter Cane’s – The Hook, Galen Istre) personally filled each swag bag with Cane’s merchandise and gift cards. Sensory Groove’s own Kathy Ladner extended swag stickers of Live A Great Story philosophy to our grooving participants; encouraging each to become the hero of their own story.

Sensory Grooves: Silent Disco Prom was promoted through social media, community calendars, direct emails to local school administration, doctors, therapists, and flyers (Lowry’s Printing) placed at locally owned stores; new friendships were forged as sixty groovers came from as far south as Houma and the surrounding Acadiana area. This majestic evening, one that most did not ever think they would be able to participate in, was graciously funded by the backers of 24 Hour Citizen Project for 100 participants. Our first year was a true learning experience. Sensory Grooves is extremely blessed and thankful to 24 HCP and backers for the opportunity to create and host such an evening. With that said, we have learned many groovy lessons as a team. We encountered bumps and obstacles with our team not truly grasping the number of hours dedicated to such a project. And with that we lost team members which handed down responsibilities onto others; but we made it work with dedication to the members of the community we created this evening for. Budget was another obstacle as our team knew what our participants needed and deserved. Without in-kind donations from our community supporters, we would have not been able to accomplish all that we did for the grooviest evening. April 27, 2024, was a brilliantly successful evening dedicated to the sensory and neurodivergent community. Sensory Grooves: Silent Disco Prom looks forward to hosting this spectacular event annually.

The post Sensory Grooves Update #3 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

We’ve just started work again after our summer heat break! I hope everyone was able to stay somewhat cool over the summer. We’re excited to start planning our fall gardens and the changes we’ll be implementing for next spring season.

Unfortunately we were not able to find any more vets in the neighborhood that were interested in receiving our boxes, many simply don’t have the space to install any of the items (save for a few potted plants on porches which we give for free anyway). That being said, those fortunate to have space available have very much enjoyed watching their spaces grow around them. And 2 have developed quite the gardening habit, so we know the mission is working. Just not at the speed at which we hoped. Our plan is pivot and start offering a modified box with whatever the vet feels they need making the kits more accessible with things like small tools, starts, worm castings, etc. As well as reaching out to those outside the neighborhoods. It seems like this will be a little more popular. Luckily we will have a booth at black pot festival this year where we will have a B6 display with free plants and items we’ll be able to give away to veterans on the spot! With the changes to the equipment and contents of the box, we feel that we can have the rest of the kits distributed by the end of the fall season!

Another development I would like to highlight this year, is absolutely thanks to the spotlight that 24 hr gave us. We applied in the spring to have an adjudicated lot in Freetown or the northside donated for us to house our teaching gardens and urban habitats on. Unfortunately this was pushed now to January. But this will be a way for us to have an established location in the community that we can grow the B6 project from. Without the initial support and visibility we gained from the 24hr citizen project, we wouldn’t have been able to grow enough this year to even dream of being able to take over a lot! Thank you all.

The post Abby’s Acre Update #4 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

As we gear up for the warmer months ahead, I’m excited to share some fantastic news regarding our 24 Hour Citizen Project ––especially for our furry pals and their humans. With the green light from the city, we are now setting our sights on getting these stations up and running just in time for the peak of summer. Imagine strolling through our vibrant downtown area, knowing that convenient and accessible waste stations are at your service whenever your furry companions need to answer nature’s call.

These strategically placed stations are designed to provide convenient and accessible locations for pet owners to dispose of waste responsibly. Each station will be equipped with waste bags, a disposal bin, and informative signage, making it easier than ever for pet owners to clean up after their pets while enjoying the heart of our city. By promoting responsible pet ownership, we aim to foster a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.

As we eagerly await the installation of these pet waste stations, I invite you all to continue spreading the word and championing responsible pet ownership in our downtown area. Thank YOU –– our amazing community –– for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to see you all out there with your furry friends by your side!

Warmest regards,
Gabrielle Keaton of Team Fais Doo Doo

The post Fais Doo Doo Update #3 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

Hello again everyone! We have exciting news from the Abby’s Acre team. We have completed all the kits and have started distributing them! We have given our first one to a gulf war era veteran here in Freetown! We have 4 more scheduled this week to 2 post 9/11 army vets and 2 Vietnam vets. We are also talking to the HERO program in Opelousas to receive several kits after we have given the initial 15 to put on their campus.

We have had our share of difficulties throughout this process. We had 3 different rebuilds after having some issues with our initial designs, as well as finding it difficult to find veterans who are interested in this program. Through our growing network of veterans we have had a recent spike in interest. One of the biggest challenges is coordinating installation of the garden and the boxes. Fortunately we have several volunteers available to help me install these!

The biggest change to our design is the change from a wooden vermicomposter to a plastic one. We had continuing issues with the wooden boxes leaking even with plastic liners. Although its not the most eco friendly option. We feel that the ease and convenience will encourage people to continue using it.

We are excited to grow this program over the summer and offer these kits all over Acadiana! Thanks again for your continued support. We’ll be tagging you our upcoming B6 posts!

The post Abby’s Acre Update #3 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

We are very excited to report that six (6) Northside High School students will receive a $350 GPS Scholarship to be given directly to their post-secondary school of choice to assist with books and/or fees. 

The GPS team worked closely with Ms. Jessica Grogan’s senior students at Northside High over a period of five months (January to May) to help them prepare for the March ACT exam given at school, assist with completing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and complete the application process to their schools of choice. We also conducted a financial literacy workshop with seniors to discuss the true cost of adulting. Students learned about life insurance, rent vs. mortgage, credit management, budgeting daily expenses, and correlated these costs to their earning potential in their careers of choice. 

The following Northside students completed all GPS requirements and have been selected to receive GPS Scholarships. These students were recognized during Senior Awards Night on May 15th: 

Shamiya Morrison – University of Louisiana Lafayette 

Mac’Kinze Williams – Unitech Training Academy 

Amari Williams – Infinity College
Deneyah Celestine – Infinity College 

Bakari Thomas – South Louisiana Community College India Antoine – South Louisiana Community College 

Unitech Training Academy under the leadership of Noah Brandon also awarded FULL Scholarships to Arquetta Celestine and Mac’Kinze Williams for their interest and commitment to continuing their educational journey at Unitech Training Academy. These young ladies were also recognized during Northside High School’s Senior Awards Night. 

Our next steps for GPS Project include walking these students through completing the enrollment process for their schools of choice to ensure they have a smooth transition from high school to post-secondary education. 

Our pitch for the GPS Project focuses primarily on graduating Seniors. Our experience during these few months highlights the dire need to begin walking alongside students much sooner than senior year to ensure they are in the best position to have options and make informed decisions about their future. Ms. Grogan and Mr. Darby, Northside High’s senior counselor have done a wonderful job exposing students to options that are available to them. While working with students, we learned that many simply did not follow through with applications or became stagnant when ran into an obstacle or a question they did not know the answer to. Many students would benefit from developing executive functioning skills and communication skills needed to navigate through some of these processes.

Our goal is to continue working alongside Ms. Grogan and Mr. Darby next school year to offer more hands-on assistance with students and hopefully begin working with 9th -11th grade students as well. 

Thank you Team GPS Project

The post GPS Project Update #3 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

We are elated about the progress we are making with our community sound recordings. We are still busy gathering stories and have heard from some very interesting individuals. Our latest project and perhaps most ambitious, is that of 103 year old WW2 veteran, Major Fannie McClendon who grew up right here in Lafayette. She is the last surviving member from Louisiana of the All Black, female WW2 troupe, the 6888 Army Postal Battalion. We are taking our sound lab on the road to get her story. As we near Memorial day and celebrate Lafayette’s 200th birthday, it is amazing to think she lived more than half of that time and risked her life to protect us. We are continually surprised by the hidden gems in our community! We can’t wait to share these stories with you!

Team Freetown Sound Lab

The post Freetown Sound Lab Update #3 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice just starting out, the Seed Library is here to support you. Our diverse selection of seeds is available for “borrowing”, allowing you to cultivate a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and pollinator-friendly plants. We are thrilled to witness the abundance of green thumbs within our community, and we encourage everyone to visit the library and explore the incredible array of seeds available.

We are excited to announce that our seed inventory is continuously replenished, ensuring that there will always be options for you to select from. As you sow your borrowed seeds and your plants begin to flourish, we kindly ask that you consider saving a portion of the harvested seeds to replenish our library. By doing so, you actively contribute to the sustainability and growth of our seed collection, enabling future gardeners to embark on their own fruitful journeys.

In addition to providing access to high-quality seeds, we are delighted to share that we are about to launch an engaging lineup of programming at the Seed Library. These programs will be centered around gardening techniques, seed saving, and cultivating a thriving garden ecosystem. Whether you are interested in learning about organic gardening practices, discovering the art of seed saving, or exploring innovative ways to enhance pollinator habitats, our program offerings will cater to all gardening enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for our upcoming program announcements, as we can’t wait to offer a wealth of educational resources, workshops, and hands-on experiences to further deepen your gardening knowledge and skills.

We are immensely grateful for your support and enthusiasm as we cultivate a vibrant gardening community in Acadiana. The Seed Library is not just about growing food, but it’s also about building connections, sharing knowledge, and nurturing a sustainable future for all.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for our Seed Library, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your feedback and are committed to continuously improving and expanding our offerings based on your needs and interests. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. Together, let’s sow the seeds of a greener, healthier, and more connected Acadiana!

Healthy Wishes,
The Seed Library Team

The post Healthy Acadiana Seed Library Update #3 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

Since our last update, Team GPS met with Brandon Noah of Unitech Training Academy and Mr. Darby, Northside High School’s Senior Counselor, to determine eligibility requirements for three (3) Northside High School Seniors to receive FULL academic scholarships to Unitech Training Academy. We will interview six (6) Northside High Seniors on February 8 to finalize the Unitech Scholarship Recipients to attend Unitech after graduation. 

One of the objectives of the GPS Project is to provide guidance and resources to help students improve their ACT scores. On February 3, Team GPS met with NHS JAG students to discuss the significance of taking the ACT. Team GPS will begin ACT Prep with forty (40) JAG students on February 6 until March 7 when juniors and seniors take the ACT exam given by the school district.

Team GPS held it’s second JAG Academic Celebration at Northside on January 27. Students who earned a 3.0 or above with no D’s or F’s and/or successfully achieved their 2nd 9-weeks S.M.A.R.T. goals were awarded a certificate, movie pass, and sweet treats from Nuthin Bundt Cakes.

We are excited about every opportunity to connect with Northside JAG students to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help them transition to post-secondary education.

Thank you again for your support.

Karen Dugas & Team GPS

The post GPS Project Update #2 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

Since receiving the $4,000 from the 24 Hour Citizens Project we have hit the ground running! Inclusive Prom will be taking place on Saturday, March 11th from 7:00-10:00pm. Team Inclusive Prom was initially made up of member of Acadiana Queer Collective but has since grown to include; The Family Tree/Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention, PFLAG Lafayette, Safe Havynn, and We Demand More. We have met twice so far to begin planning Inclusive Prom and will be meeting with a potential host for the event today. We haven’t spent any money yet and instead are inquiring with vendors and potential sponsors who can offer us in-kind donations to supplement the budget we’ve already created. We will be offering each participant at prom a Swag Bag full of goodies and resources from around the community. We also hope to have a raffle that offers each participant the opportunity to win awesome prizes. Currently, across social media platforms we are asking the community to vote on a theme for prom–currently it’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ vs. “The 4 Elements” and “Retro” vs, “Over the Rainbow” in a head-to-head match. We will be sharing the winners of this match soon so that voting for the final theme can happen.

Thank you Community!

Team inclusive Prom

The post Inclusive Prom Update #1 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.

The Seed Library is growing! We are still in awe of the magic that the 24 Hr. Citizen Project gave to us. Between our conversations with the experts, the community support, and the other amazing teams we are so excited to see what’s to come for all of us.

Since receiving the funding we’ve held various meetings to keep planning and moving forward. Most notably:

1. Took photos with the BIG Check with our committee and library staff to gain excitement.

2. Branding discussions

3. Formation of an expert Advisory Council

4. Picked out a cabinet to house the seeds.

5. Figured out processes for “checking out” the seeds.

6. Thanked the amazing backers! In the new year (how is it 2023, already?) we will begin to use the funding we so generously received from the backers at the 24HCP.

We can’t wait to update you again in February because by then we will have hopefully purchased the cabinet, seeds, and have a good understanding of where we need help and be deep in the planning of the launch in March. Our team would like to thank the 24HCP, the amazing backers and you for the support we received during the event and ongoing. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.

Healthy Wishes,

Marissa Winters & the Healthy Acadiana Team

The post Healthy Acadiana Seed Library Update #1 first appeared on 24 Hour Citizen Project.