CAA holds annual gala at Cypress Bayou Casino

St. Mary/Vermilion Community Action Agency held a gala Friday night at the Pavilion at Cypress Bayou Casino to deliver their annual report.
Chief Executive Officer/Head Start Administrator Almetra J. Franklin reported, “During 2017, we had a good program year. We were able to get funding for a grandparent support program.
The weatherization program for St. Mary is the second largest in the state and we operate in about 12 other parishes.”
She went on to say the organization has been issued an auditing report which found no deficiencies, adding, “We have been issued a clean, clean bill of health.
“Our agency is like a well-oiled machine. Every part of that machine knows the part they are doing and they are constantly rolling on everything.
“Our agency mission and our goal of ‘people helping people,’ is real to us because we understand what it means to be on the other side of the desk, and that is what makes ordinary people do extraordinary things in our community.”
Franklin Mayor-elect Eugene Foulcard gave an impromptu farewell address to the agency for which he had been financial director.
“With an attitude of gratitude, I come here humbled,” said Foulcard.
“I plan on working hard for the city of Franklin, in the same vein as I have for Community Action. We have worked well together. Everyone brings something different, unique and diverse to the table.
“I’m very humbled and I’m very touched by all of this support.”
The gala also saw the recognition of honorees who have given of their time and/or finances to CAA, as well as the crowning of this year’s CAA royalty.
Crowned Ms. CAA was La’teyana McDaniels, Head Start teacher and former HS student.
Crowned Mr. CAA was Andre Beverly, compliance officer and former HS student.