Baton Rouge Proud, a new program that matches volunteers with service programs that address priority needs, has been introduced. The program will promote activities such as revitalizing blighted areas and preparing disadvantaged children for kindergarten. The program is being funded by a two-year, $200,000 grant awarded by the Rockefeller Foundation and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s foundation. “By encouraging volunteers to help revitalize blighted neighborhoods and to prepare disadvantaged pre-kindergarten students to be successful in school, we’re hoping to make Baton Rouge a better and safer place for everyone,” says Mayor Kip Holden.
Part of the program is “Love Your Block,” which will coordinate cleanup of 20 blocks across the city this spring and summer. James Llorens, assistant chief administrative officer, says the neighborhoods targeted for cleanup will be those that generate the most community interest. Another program, “Kindergarten Reading Ready,” will launch this summer. It will pair up volunteers who will teach pre-reading skills to disadvantaged boys and girls. For more about Baton Rouge Proud, visit the website here.
