The Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its January meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the ESM United Methodist Church. The guest speaker was Wendy O’Quin Perrette, mayor of Bogalusa. Perrette pledged to continue working hard to “bring the magic” back to Bogalusa. According to the mayor, volunteerism is at an all time high and there are many resources available for the citizens of Bogalusa.

Charlette Fornea installed the 2019 officers for the coalition. Newly inducted officers include: Rhonda Gunnell, president; Glory Davis, vice president; Gloria Kates, second vice president; Veronica Thomas, secretary; Ginger Champagne, treasurer, and D. Ray Phelps, parliamentarian. Fornea presented out-going 2018 president, Gloria Kates, with a plaque and commendation for a job well done. President Rhonda Gunnell recognized Charlette Fornea for her many years of service to WPCHS. Fornea has recently retired as Executive Director of ADAPT but plans to stay actively involved with the coalition.

Reports were given by members. Fornea reported on the Prevention Connection meeting that takes place at 8:30 a.m. immediately before the WPCHS meeting. Prevention Connection focuses on data and means to help with problems in the parish. Champagne reported on the Louisiana Partnership for Success (LAPFS) program. According to Champagne, two billboards have been erected in the parish featuring local Varnado High School student, LaDarrick Smith, and his father, Eric Smith, with the message, “Talk… They Hear You.”

Members in attendance at the January meeting included Sheri Eastridge, Jerlesha Calahan, Katina Price, Toni Staton, Heather Gagliano, Wendy Castillo, Cherie Campbell, Dorothy Garcia, Ana Lopez, Terrey Scheuermann, Christian Foster, Stephanie Solar, Emma Ross, Glory Davis, Mary Helen Williams, Charlette Fornea, Charla Krein, Katasha August, Kathy Pfleider, Fran Nevers, Rhonda Gunnell, Veronica Thomas, Taffy Morrison, AJ Sherrard, Gloria Kates, Rusty Fornea, Judy Posey, Charla Krein, Ginger Champagne, Stephanie Seals, Wendy Perrette, Darrell Darden and Tamira Moss Smith.

The next scheduled meeting for the WPCHS will be on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 9:30 a.m. at ESM United Methodist Church. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Rhonda Gunnell or Rusty Fornea at 985-735-0160.