Cenla India Association, in collaboration with Children’s Advocacy Network (CAN), will be celebrating the 9th Annual Holi Fest 2023 in Downtown Alexandria, on Saturday, May 20th, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. This is the only event of its kind, where colors are free, and fun is abundant for adults and children of all ages. This unforgettable experience has been an Alexandria tradition since 2012. The event grew from 50 people the first year to 500 people in 2019. Participating in Holi Fest is a fun and colorful way to be a champion in the lives of Cenla children!
The agency has served the Central Louisiana community for over twenty-two years. As its original vision and service area has expanded, CAN has adopted a name that champions the needs of all children throughout Central Louisiana. Through a community wide collaborative effort, the Children’s Advocacy Network was established. Kendra Gauthier, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Network, says, “Child abuse continues to be a community-wide issue, requiring community-wide solutions. The Children’s Advocacy Network convenes partners such as child protection, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to address these issues, with a strong focus on advocating for child victims.”
When a child experiences abuse or witnesses a violent crime, their life changes. Often, children feel scared and confused about what happens next. Non-offending family members are wrestling with their own mix of emotions and can find it difficult to know what steps to take next. It is the goal at Children’s Advocacy Center to welcome children and their families and guide them through this trying time. The center is the region’s only not-for-profit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof, fostering hope and healing for children and their families.
When a child enters the foster care system, they enter into a world of unknowns. Where will I live today? When will I see my parents? Who are these strangers asking questions about me and my family? Lots of things are changing in a child’s life during this time. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a community volunteer, just like you, who is appointed by a judge to step in and be a light for a child in foster care. CASAs are appointed to a child’s case and advocate on their behalf in the court system. They are the eyes and ears of the court, and they ensure that the child does not get lost or overlooked in the child welfare system.
In addition to CAC and CASA services, the Children’s Advocacy Network offers Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Experiencing trauma can have a lasting impact on a child. Years of wrestling with shame and an inability to see a hopeful future are not aspects of a life meant for a child. Our specialized therapy is designed to work closely with children and their families to lessen the negative symptoms of trauma and give them the skills necessary to move past the trauma towards a hopeful and bright future. Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions last for 12 to 16 weeks. In that time children and their family members meet with the therapist in a child-friendly environment where they learn to process the trauma symptoms, manage distressing thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and enhance safety, parenting skills, and family communication.
Holi originated 3,000 years ago in northern India. In color, there is no rich or poor, no king or common, no black, white, or brown, we are all one. Amid the cloud of red, blue, yellow, green, and everything in between, festivalgoers are found laughing, singing, and dancing in the streets. The joyous event, which takes place in India, Nepal, and other countries around the world, traditionally marks the triumph of good over evil and is a celebration to welcome the spring. “Festival of Colors” undoubtedly lives up to its name. It is a celebration of unity, color, and love.
Register for the run/walk by clicking HERE. Call Amy Pillarisetti at (318) 792-1147 or Children’s Advocacy Network at (318) 445-5678 for more information. Or, just join in on Saturday, May 20th to play colors for free. All proceeds from this event will benefit Children’s Advocacy Network. We hope to see you downtown on May 20th, to support our CAN children, diverse community, and culture!