MISSION

Empower 225’s mission is to empower youth in the capital region who are at-risk of homelessness and dependency to reach their highest potential through educational support, life-skills training, career preparedness, housing and mentorship.

THE ACADEMY

ELA helps youth ages 13-24 reach their highest potential through Education, Life Skills, and Employment. The Education component helps youth in school and with post-secondary education. The Life Skills component consists of eight modules designed to prepare youth for self-sufficiency. Modules include Daily Living, Self-Care, Communication, Money Management, Housing/Transportation, Education, Jobs/Careers, and Permanent Connections. The Employment component prepares young adults for the workplace and provides job opportunities with business partners.

DAP (Dream Center Acceleration Program)

DAP provides a safe, positive place for at-risk youth ages 13-18 after school and during the summer. The program focuses on supporting youth to improve school grades and attendance, pass to the next grade level, develop leadership skills, and explore various careers. Activities include:

• Tutoring

• Sports

• Guest Speakers

• Community & School Service Projects

Contact Empower 225 for dates & times.

FOSTER CARE/ ADOPTION

The Foster Care/Adoption initiative provides awareness and advocacy for youth in care including those available for adoption; recruits foster and adoptive parents; and provides support and training for caregivers and birth parents. Strategies include:

• The Louisiana Heart Gallery (LHG), a transportable picture display of children available for adoption that captures the youth’s inner and outer beauty through professional photographs and videos

• Coordination among local churches, DCFS, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, and the community to meet the needs of children in the foster care system and their birth/foster parents

Street Outreach Program (SOP) 

SOP provides street-based services to homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-21 in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. The SOP team meets youth on the street and ensures they have the skills and resources to succeed. SOP is a gateway for these youth to connect with other supportive service programs in Empower 225. SOP provides:

•24-hour Hotline

•Nutritional Support

•Hygiene Kits

•Shower Facilities

•Mentorship

•Empower Nights

For services, call the SOP Hotline 225-286-9344

DOMESTIC VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING (DVHT)

DVHT addresses the needs of domestic victims of labor and sex trafficking and those who are at high risk of being trafficked. Services are provided to victims of any age or gender who currently reside in Louisiana.

Direct supportive services include:

• Emergency Housing

• Utility Payments

• Rental Assistance

• Medical Bills

Referral services include: 

• Substance Abuse Assistance

• Transitional and Long-term Housing

• Legal Advocacy

• Trauma Counseling

MENTORING PROGRAM

Mentoring Program provides mentoring to youth ages 17 and younger who are at-risk or are victims of commercial sexual exploitation and/or sex trafficking. Structured mentoring relationships are established between trained* adult mentors and youth mentees in one-on-one and/or group sessions. Mentor pairings, based on interest and personality compatibility, participate in activities at least 8 hours per month.

ANCHOR HOUSE

Anchor House provides housing and support for homeless male youth ages 16-21.

Supportive services include:

• Housing

• Education

• Service Referrals

• Transportation

Application and interview required Clients with previous sexual/violent criminal offenses may not participate.

RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAMS (RRH)

RRH provides housing services for qualifying homeless youth ages 18-24.

Supportive services include:

• Locating and Securing Housing

• Short-term Rental Assistance

• Employment

• Education

• Transportation

• Service Referrals

Clients are assigned through Coordinated Entry (CE). Homeless youth should contact Empower 225 to be referred for CE.

CHAFEE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM (CILP)

CILP provides life-skills training for youth and young adults ages 14-21 in foster care or who have aged out of foster care in East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas.

Activities include:

• Life Skills Classes

• Youth Engagement

• Summer Programs

Ages 14-15: Positive Youth Development

Ages 16-17: Independent Living Skills and in-home support for youth and caretakers

Ages 18-21: Limited financial assistance, resources, and referrals