Love Acadiana

Handyman for Heroes

Tara Baudoin — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:47:03 +0000

On June 13, our volunteers set out with determination to serve local law enforcement and military families through a variety of home improvement projects. This special day of service exists to honor our late friend and teammate, Pastor Scott Brantingham. As a Marine, Scott had a deep love and appreciation for those who serve our communities and our country, and he was passionate about finding ways to support them. In honor of his legacy, Love Acadiana launched Handyman for Heroes, a serve day dedicated to caring for these deserving families.

Together, our teams worked in yards, trimmed shrubs, hung flags, screened a patio, installed handrails, rebuilt a front porch, and even repositioned a backyard shed. In three parishes we were able to complete nineteen projects, five work sites and make lots of new friends.

Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who participated. Thank you, veterans and law enforcement officers, for your service!

And thank you to the project supporters who helped make it possible, including Watson Wealth Management, State Representative Annie Spell, Frank Dean Authentic Tree Service, State Representative Beau Beaullieu, and Manuel Builders.

Centennial Celebration for Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary School

Tara Baudoin — Sat, 09 May 2026 20:17:08 +0000

Love Acadiana staff and volunteers served with Love Our Schools and Our Savior’s Church-Midtown to bless the students and teachers at the Centennial Celebration for Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary School. The day began by honoring the rich history and lasting impact of the school formerly known as N.P. Moss, followed by face painting, games and activities for students on the school grounds. Our grill team barbecued burgers and hot dogs and enjoyed the festivities as long as the weather held out.

May 2026 Foster Care Serve Day

Tara Baudoin — Sun, 03 May 2026 17:06:45 +0000

For our First Saturday Serve, Love Acadiana kicked off National Foster Care Month by supporting foster families and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) workers. Dozens of volunteers gathered at Love Acadiana to assemble and then deliver gift baskets, plate lunches, and brightly colored potted plants to foster homes across Acadiana.

Two more teams worked in foster homes in St. Landry parish, installing floors, doors and sinks to relieve some stress from foster parents so they could focus on the children in their care. The love of Jesus was shared among many Saturday.

We also welcomed numerous new volunteers for this outreach, with the local office of Phoenix Metals bringing several employees out to support the cause.

2026 DCFS Listening Tour

Tara Baudoin — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:41:47 +0000

Love Acadiana helped to organize and host the 2026 DCFS Listening Tour on April 15 in Lafayette. DCFS State Secretary Rebecca Harris heard from local foster parents and support organizations who shared their experiences, suggestions and concerns. We were encouraged by a strong turnout and meaningful conversation.

A note to our dedicated volunteers: Thank you for helping to make this event a success. You definitely know how to create a welcoming atmosphere where positive change can happen. Thanks also to OSC-Midtown for providing the facility and eager support.

Foster Care Interest Meetings

Tara Baudoin — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:32:00 +0000

Love Acadiana partnered with Our Savior’s Church campuses in New Iberia, Lafayette and Opelousas to host foster care interest meetings for prospective foster caregivers. Current foster parents shared their experiences, and DCFS representatives explained the process of certification and what to expect when fostering. Attendees learned that approximately 150 more homes are needed in the Lafayette Region to keep up with current demand!

Held March 17-24, the meetings drew strong community support for children in foster care across Acadiana, but more is still needed. Those interested in fostering or supporting foster families can request information by emailing info@loveacadiana.org.

Flag Raising Ceremony

Tara Baudoin — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:10:00 +0000

One year after his passing, Love Acadiana honored former team member, Pastor Scott Brantingham, by raising a flag in his memory. His family, OSC pastors, local dignitaries, friends and volunteers attended the event, and Marine Corps League (Acadiana Marines) hoisted the flag, followed by a 21-gun salute. Dr. Paul Morton punctuated the event playing Reveille on trumpet and Desirée Gutierrez performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem.

Pastor Scott was a Marine who was passionate about supporting fellow service members and had a deep commitment to serving those in law enforcement. In recognition of his legacy, Love Acadiana unveiled its newest initiative, “Handyman for Heroes.” More information about the project is available here.

1st Sat. Serve, March: Scott’s Honor Project

Tara Baudoin — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:55:39 +0000

Volunteers arrived early on March 7 to serve a neighbor in St. Martin parish who was battling illness. The group repaired a dangerous entryway at her home so she could come in and out safely, and also fulfilled another desire of hers; they created a space for her to enjoy her morning coffee with Jesus while watching the sunrise. A huge thanks to United Fencing for partnering with us to make it happen.

“Welcome Home” Serve Day

Tara Baudoin — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:58:18 +0000

We had the privilege of supporting The Outreach Center of Lafayette on February 28 for our Saturday Serve Day. The Outreach Center has recently renovated a six-unit apartment building in Lafayette to make it a home for families transitioning from homelessness. Nearly 50 Love Acadiana volunteers gathered to assemble furniture, clean, hang pictures and stock cabinets with essentials, so families can be welcomed to make a fresh start! What an honor it was to take these units from bared to blessed in one day.

Festival de la Vie 2026

Tara Baudoin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:36:22 +0000

Two dozen Love Acadiana volunteers and staff braved the chilly temps and drizzles to celebrate life at Lafayette’s Festival de la Vie downtown on January 17. The event organized by Louisiana Right to Life and the Diocese of Lafayette included an interfaith prayer walk, worship, a powerful speaker, food and fellowship. We were thrilled to welcome several new volunteers for this event, too, who were eager to champion life with us.

2025 Christmas Outreach

Tara Baudoin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:39:47 +0000

This Christmas, Love Acadiana partnered with Our Savior’s Church to provide Christmas gifts and Bibles for nearly 450 children, serving about 150 families through our Giving Hope outreach.

Church spaces were transformed into a department-store experience where parents could shop for their children’s gifts at no cost. While the gifts were being wrapped, parents relaxed with hot cocoa and moments for ministry with our leaders. Gifts and Bibles were provided through generous donors in the church and online, and more than 300 volunteers made the outreach possible. From the time they stepped into the building until we loaded up their vehicles, guests were reminded with word and deed how much Jesus loves them.

In addition to the Giving Hope experience, our Christmas outreach included providing gifts and Bibles for 90 foster children, ensuring they were remembered and celebrated. To God be the glory!