Move to Bossier: Get Involved in the Community

Do you have a cause that ignites passion in you? Does your family have an extra hour or two each month to spend making Bossier Parish a better place to live? You can bet one of Bossier’s multitude of community programs are ready and willing to accept your volunteer time. Many of our local nonprofits are ran entirely by volunteers or board members making volunteers the backbones of these organizations.

I recently asked friends and family what they think our area has that makes us unique. What I heard from numerous people was our residents are always happy to go above and beyond to help others in need. After interviewing leaders from FUNds for a Purpose, The Foster Closet at Cypress and Plant a Seed in Our Youth, I know without a doubt the citizens of Bossier Parish are a special blend of love, compassion and never-ending effort.

Check out some ways you and your family can volunteer locally by having fun and helping others at these organizations:

The Foster Closet at Cypress

The Foster Closet at Cypress is another organization completely run by volunteers. It was started by foster mom Megan Barker as a ministry through Cypress Baptist Church in Benton. The Foster Closet’s mission is to provide clothing and other essentials to households with foster children. Foster parents can bring children with them so the kids are able to pick their own clothes which is something some kids have never had the opportunity to do before. Volunteers are needed to help organize, process donations and clean equipment. Your time will be well spent, knowing all donations go directly to the kids. To volunteer you can call Megan directly at 318-680-8222 or visit their Facebook page to learn more.

FUNds for a Purpose

FUNds for a Purpose is a newly established non-profit made up of women who saw a need, brainstormed and came together to plan Brew & BBQ in 2017. The event raised over $20,000 for two children with heart health issues, one of whom is from Bossier. Because of the overwhelming success of their first event, they decided to keep the momentum going. According to Valorie Lurry, president of FUNds for a Purpose, she says the organization exists “to give people hope in a bad situation.” Next up on the agenda is The Great Date which will be the ultimate date night experience at Great Raft Brewery. Party-goers can take part in putt-putt golf, bingo, music and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will benefit the parents of 10-year-old Emilie Gibson who battled DIPG, a rare brain cancer. For more info on how you can help, visit their Facebook page or e-mail FFAP@gmail.com

Plant a Seed in Our Youth Foundation

Plant a Seed in Our Youth Foundation is an after school program developed by Albert and Curala Dyer to enrich the lives and minds of school aged children in Bossier. I met the Dyers last year when volunteering at PASYF and I can tell you they are the real deal when it comes to having a heart for at-risk youth. While listening to Curala as she gave me a tour of the building, I was completely moved by the genuine excitement in her voice. “You don’t have to be like what you see” is what she told me she tells the children, and that stuck with me to this day. Volunteers are needed to assist with tutoring, organizing the center and helping with seasonal events. To get the most up to date info, email Albert Dyer at aldyer138@yahoo.com You can also visit their Facebook page or website.