CAA holds 47th membership meet

Since its inception in 1967, changes have been made within the framework of St. Mary Community Action Agency and Head Start.
The agency started out with two programs, Head Start and Community Development, and today has expanded to 42 programs that span the gamut of social services provided to community residents, families and seniors.
During the agency’s 47th Annual Committee Membership Meeting held recently at the Pavilion at Cypress Bayou Casino, St. Mary CEO Almetra J. Franklin spoke on this year’s theme of “A Change is going to Come,” emphasizing how change allows for growth and expansion. Franklin’s annual report documented how those gradual changes throughout the past year have been progressive and positive.
This year’s event highlighted the agency’s strong relationship with local media. “Without this strong relationship, it would be very challenging to make our presence felt parish wide throughout surrounding areas,” Franklin said. “It was only right to have all of our media partners honored on the most important night for the agency.”
Honorees were the Banner-Tribune, Teche Talk, the Daily Review, KBZE 105.9 the Breeze, KWBJ Channel 22, KQKI, the Daily Iberian, KLFY Channel 10 and KATC-TV.
“Overall, the evening was very informative, entertaining and exciting,” Franklin said. “We are pleased with the turnout we had despite several graduation ceremonies being held in St. Mary Parish. We all play an important role in the change that we desire to be and see. We also look forward to being able to provide more services, and many more wonderful evenings like this one to let our community residents, media partners and employees know how much we appreciate them. Not only is change coming, but it is here now because we are the change.”
The program began with a call to order that highlighted the song “Happy” as members of the board and chairpersons entered the pavilion on a high note with black-and-white hand clappers. There were performances by the St. Mary CAA Gospel Choir, Beverly Charles-Pitre and Andrew P. Jackson II.
There was also the crowning of Ms. St. Mary-Vermilion CAA, Jalisa Stewart. Mary Wells and Janequa Ceasar came in first and second runner-up respectively.