CHRISTUS Health awards $305,000 to Central Louisiana nonprofits to help fund community services

Five nonprofit organizations in Central Louisiana received grants today totaling $305,000 for their programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of their communities.

Organizations were selected based on their programs that address community health concerns, including chronic disease management, health education, mental health and wellness, safe housing and food insecurity. The recipient organizations are:

• Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana
• Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition
• Children’s Advocacy Network
• Family Justice Center
• Food Bank of Central Louisiana

A ceremony at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Health System on Thursday recognized each of the recipients, which were awarded funds through the CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. The fund will distribute a total of $3.7 million this year to organizations in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico communities served by CHRISTUS Health.

“The CHRISTUS Fund is our mission in motion, and we’re thankful to support community organizations that serve with compassion, purpose and meaningful impact,” said Jessica Guerra, program manager for community development at CHRISTUS Health. “It’s an honor to work alongside groups that embody service and bring light, healing and hope to those who need it most.”

Kitty Wynn, executive director of the Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition, said the organization’s partnership with CHRISTUS Health has strengthened its ability to serve the area’s chronically homeless.

The coalition provides essential services such as showers, laundry, mail access and hygiene supplies while expanding its housing program to 18 units through grant funding.

“We’re guided by faith in everything we do, and that’s why our relationship with CHRISTUS is so meaningful,” Wynn said. “Their support allows us to meet people where they are and provide the kind of comprehensive care that restores dignity and hope.”

Launched in 2011, the CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund has invested more than $25 million into the communities served by CHRISTUS Health. When combined with charity care and other community services, CHRISTUS Health invested more than $544 million into local communities in 2024.