Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the Children’s Coalition?

The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is a local and regional organization that is committed to creating communities where children and families thrive. There are many programs and agencies through the state and federal government that provide services for the benefit of children and families. We believe that, with coordination, these services are much more effective. The Children’s Coalition was formed to serve as an umbrella organization to build bridges among these groups who share a common goal- supporting children to achieve their highest potential.

The name of our agency reflects our continued belief that the best problem solving for children and families occurs at the local level with a collaborative efforts from all parts of the community: non-profit, government agencies, civic and faith based organizations, businesses, families and individuals.

2. What does the Children’s Coalition do?

The Children’s Coalition serves to promote, educate, plan, facilitate, train, and advocate.

1. We promote best practices and effective programming
2. We educate the public about important issues such as the importance of early childhood to children’s educational success and the community’s economic development.
3. We serve to engage local, state and national partners in solving problems such as high instances of fetal and infant death, teen depression and suicide and childhood obesity.
4. We advocate for needed change such as public policies that support children, families and caregivers.
5. We organize events that strengthen our coalition and keep advocates updated.
6. We create opportunities for those with a passion for children to get involved in helping us achieve our mission.
7. We serve as a source for the media and serve as a resource for finding public speakers on child care issues.
8. We provide training to parents, caregivers, child care providers and other non-profit leaders about the most effective practices.

3. Is the Children’s Coalition a state or federal program?

The Children’s Coalition is a local and community based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating communities where children and families thrive. The Coalition was formed in 1998 as a result of a local summit titled “Northeast Louisiana’s Promise: the Summit on Youth.”

The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana began organizing as a mandate of the 250 people attending this summit. In January 1999, the initial meeting of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana was held with 120 people in attendance representing 55 different organizations. Vision, mission and strategic priorities were adopted that spring and taskforces began to meet around the five resource areas of America’s Promise- a caring adult in every child’s life; a safe place with structured activities in non-school hours; a healthy start for children and access to health care; an effective education with marketable skills; and an opportunity for all young people to give back to their community. A board of directors was formed later that year with the staff hired in July 2000.

4. How is the Children’s Coalition funded?

The Children’s Coalition is funded through various sources including: state contracts with state agencies DCFS, DHH, various local and national foundations, and private and corporate funding.

5. Does the Children’s Coalition provide direct support to children and families?

No. We work with various agencies to improve access to support services for children and families.

6. What are the areas of focus for the Children’s Coalition?

While our commitment continues to coalition building and problem solving, the Children’s Coalition has become an agency that can deliver and coordinate services in our four main focus areas:

1. Early Care and Education: Child Care Connections, Al’s Pals, Safe Schools/Healthy Students, Community Solutions for Economic Success
2. Health Care: LaChip, Child Safety, Asthma, Fetal Infant Mortality Reduction
3. Parent Education: Nurse Family Partnership, Triple P, Nurturing Parents in various settings
4. Youth Development: Juvenile Justice reform, Teen Screen

7. How does an organization become a member of the Children’s Coalition?

To become a member, fill out a membership form on behalf of your organization. The membership fee is based on the annual budget.

8. How does an individual become a member of the Children’s Coalition?

To become an individual member, fill out a membership form. You can have an individual membership or family membership.

9. Does the Children’s Coalition ever need volunteers?

Yes. Hurricane shelter volunteers, Fall Fit Fest volunteers, etc.

10. Are donations to the Children’s Coalition tax deductible?

We can accept contributions and offer donors a tax deduction for their gifts. For donors like you, this means your contributions are fully tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law.

Making the most of your contributions includes not only finding a charity that’s right for you but also knowing about your tax benefits. Please see our page on “how you can help,” for more information.

11. I can only give a small amount. Is it worth giving at all?

Yes, every dollar counts. No amount is too small. After all, we cannot do what we do without the continued support of our community. Our sponsors and donors have become an essential part of the overall success of the Children’s Coalition. We thank you for your gifts and are privileged to put your contributions into action, producing results for our community.

12. What assurances do I have that my contribution will be well spent?

The Children’s Coalition is governed by a 25 member Board of Directors.  Every year, the Coalition undergoes a full audit by an independent auditor and by our different funding sources.  This full audit is on file with the Legislative Auditor.  Each year the Coalition publishes an annual report that details efforts in each focus area and gives a synopsis of the audited financial report.  The organizational 990’s are on-line for public review.  In every instant the Children’s Coalition strives for full transparency regarding the funding that is received and the decisions made regarding that funding.

13. What is expected of me if I decide to become a member of the Children’s Coalition?

Involvement on many levels is open to members of the Coalition:

• -       Dues paying member
• -       Sponsor events/fundraising
• -       Join the Coalition advisory groups/coalitions
• -       Become a member of the Board of Directors
• -       Volunteer- train to serve in hurricane shelters