Beacon Flash
December 2023
A NEWSLETTER CONNECTING BEACON AND THE COMMUNITY
Beacon Community Connections is a 501(c)3 nonprofit working to build community by making connections. Our mission is to empower people in need through collaboration, connection, and advocacy for individual wellness and community-wide quality of life. Our work focuses on delivering connected social care to individuals and families. We believe we are better together.
Executive Director’s Message: Year in Review and a Glimpse Forward
Here’s to the end of 2023. It was a wild ride for Beacon, filled with new opportunities and exciting changes. During the year, Beacon launched a new service line, Community Care Hubs for Reentry, focused on formerly incarcerated persons in Lafayette and Calcasieu Parishes. We also expanded our Ally Response to two Ochsner Lafayette Health facilities rural parishes (Vermilion and Acadia) and are poised to expand again in early 2024 to Lourdes facilities. Beacon is becoming known as the social care and social determinants of health experts. We have released research reports, spoken at conferences, and participated in workgroups around the state. Below are just a few of our highlights for 2023
- In February, Beacon launched social care services in Monroe, Louisiana, through St. Francis Medical Center.
In April, Beacon opened its second office in Lake Charles, currently staffed by two people.
Over the summer, Beacon released a series of research reports on Z Codes, a way for healthcare to collect information on social determinants of health.
In July, Beacon celebrated 5 years as a social care organization with our new community impact event, Mingle with Meaning.
In September, Beacon successfully completed its project to develop the infrastructure for a Community Care Hub. This grant was funded by the federal agency, Administration for Community Living.
In October, Beacon held its third annual South Louisiana Community Health Festival at a new, larger venue - Parc San Souci
Beacon is eager for 2024 to begin. Already, we have plans for the expansion of existing initiatives and the launch of a new service model that includes codes for insurance reimbursement. With continued changes in healthcare, Beacon is working internally to ensure that our staff is trained and ready to meet our clients' social care needs. We are also planning a youth-focused event to highlight the importance of mental health for all families to prevent youth suicide. Stay tuned to the Beacon Flash and our social media channels for news and events.
Bringing to Light: A Recap of Success Stories
Bringing to Light: TJ's Success Story
TJ was referred to Beacon from an outpatient clinic in preparation for a heart transplant. As part of his pre-transplant routine, he had to diligently monitor his blood pressure and weight on a daily basis. In addition to these medical requirements, TJ also had pressing social care needs, such as assistance with utilities and acquiring a blood pressure monitor. He was apprehensive about how these needs would be addressed, considering his post-surgery recovery period. Fortunately, TJ had a Beacon Navigator. She connected him with a local community organization for financial aid to cover his water and gas bills. Beacon used its Navigation Fund to purchase a blood pressure monitor. With these resources in hand, TJ could easily monitor his blood pressure daily and proactively manage his health as he moved forward.
Bringing to Light: Ms. B's Success Story
Beacon met Ms. B after a referral from St. Francis Medical Center. She was facing increasing mobility challenges and needed a wheelchair to get to a doctor’s appointment. Taking immediate action, the Navigator contacted Ouachita Council on Aging (COA) on her behalf. Their compassionate response was truly uplifting as they generously provided her with a wheelchair, restoring her mobility and independence. Next, Beacon tackled Ms. B's ability to seek the appropriate level of care for her medical needs. Instead of going to the Emergency Department when she could not see her regular doctor, the Navigator discussed the benefits of Urgent Care facilities for prompt medical attention and encouraged regular visits to her primary care physician (PCP) for ongoing care and support. The Navigator’s guidance on seeking care from Urgent Care facilities and maintaining a relationship with her PCP gave Ms. B newfound confidence in managing her health.
Bringing to Light: C's Family Success Story
C’s parents were divorced but their son’s recent suicide attempt united them in their concern and commitment to finding him the support he needed. Fortunately, C had been referred to Beacon’s Youth Suicide Prevention program and had a dedicated Navigator to help them. As mom shared with their Navigator, she had found a counselor for C, but the cost made it unsustainable. C’s Navigator found a provider that accepted their insurance at The Center for Children and Families. With mental health support in place for the entire family, the Navigator then turned to dad’s expressed needs. Dad had financial issues due to taking off time to be home with his son. The Navigator responded with utility assistance options. She also made connections for a stove and refrigerator since their household had neither. Months later C’s Navigator was happy to hear C’s parents report that C had no further issues with suicidal ideation or attempts but was benefitting from his counseling and seemed much happier overall.
Bringing to Light: Ms. P's Success Story
Ms. P was ready for a life change. After serving her sentence, Ms. P was faced with a decision - return to her previous unsafe living environment or experience homelessness. The Sheriff’s Office jail staff and the court saw in Ms. P the desire to change and referred her to a justice diversion program with Beacon providing social care services. Beacon's Navigator listened to Ms. P’s concerns and her hope for a better life. The Navigator then connected Ms. P to mental health counseling resources to ensure continued good mental health and aid in the transition back into the community. Beacon was also able to schedule an interview with Peaceful Village, a transitional housing program, on behalf of Ms. P. With a safe housing option, Ms. P was able to return to the community with a plan for success that started with a place to live.
Bringing to Light: T's Success Story
T would barely speak and kept his entire head and face covered, downcast. His Ally, standing in an ER exam room on a Saturday afternoon, assured him she was there for him. T was unmoved. She moved nearer, sitting on the floor and telling him about her past drug use, about how she had once been in his shoes. It was then that he removed his hands from his face and opened up. Two of his children had died at birth. T had recently lost his mother to cancer. He was HIV-positive and had never sought treatment. He felt alone. But T was not alone. His Ally found a treatment option in Pineville and arranged for transportation. For the ride there, she picked up cigarettes and candy for him at the store. And just before he boarded the van, she asked if she could hug him. “You don’t want to hug me. I haven’t showered. I’m HIV-positive.” One very meaningful hug later, T was on his way to treatment with appreciation and relief to have found a true ally and a path forward.
Spotlight on Beacon Community Partner: Emile's Holiday Hot Cocoa Fundraiser
Beacon Community Connections is absolutely thrilled to announce that we've hit a remarkable milestone at Emile's Fifth Annual Hot Cocoa Fundraiser – $25,000 raised! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the incredible generosity of all those who donated and attended. Your support is truly making a difference in our community. A special shout-out to the amazing talents of the Coteau Groove Project for providing the perfect soundtrack to our celebration. A heartfelt thank you to Sunshine Catfish for providing the event with their amazing creations – you truly made our event a feast for the senses! Together, we're not just sipping on hot cocoa, but also sowing the seeds of positive change. Thank you, everyone, for being a part of this heartwarming journey!
Mental Health Moment
As the whirwind of the holidays kicks into high gear, all of us at Beacon gently remind you to take care of yourself and others. That means paying attention to your mental health and engaging in self-care when needed.
Community Event Highlights for January
Community Opioid Symposium
The Community Opioid Symposium is a free event on January 23rd from 8am to 4pm that is designed to meet the educational needs for physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals that can benefit from a deeper understanding of opioid use and abuse in Louisiana. The goal of this symposium is to give healthcare providers additional knowledge about the epidemic and to increase their awareness on how they can help manage the crisis.
Click HERE for more information and to register.
Maternal Health Awareness Panel
Join The Family Tree virtually on January 23rd from 11:30-1:30 to hear from healthcare professionals on the stages of maternal health and ways to ensure women and their babies reach their full potential for health and well-being.
Click HERE for more information and to register.
Shine Like A Beacon: Annual Staff Holiday Party
Jingle all the way with Beacon's Holiday Party! The festive spirit was alive and thriving as the Beacon Bunch came together for an unforgettable celebration of joy, laughter, and holiday magic. The merriment kicked off with a friendly and spirited holiday trivia challenge, where the Beacon Bunch put their holiday knowledge to the test. But that was just the beginning! The creative vibes continued to flow as everyone got crafty with ornament and cookie decorating. Each creation became a unique masterpiece, reflecting the individual flair and holiday spirit of its maker. The Beacon Bunch mastered the twists and turns of The Candy Cane Game, proving that the candy cane isn't just a delicious treat but also a formidable foe in the game arena.
'Tis the season to be jolly, indeed! The joy and warmth of the holiday season were palpable in every laughter-filled moment, creating bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. The Beacon Bunch truly embraced the spirit of togetherness and celebration, making this Holiday Party a highlight of the season. Here's to the magic of the holidays and the wonderful memories we've created together!
Beacon Community Connections
Email: admin@beaconconnections.org
Website: www.beaconconnections.org
Location: Lafayette, LA, USA
Phone: 337-534-8801
Facebook: facebook.com/BeaconCommunityConnections
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beaconconnections