CARE Provides Support to Plaquemines Parish Residents Affected by Oil Spill

As Southeast Louisiana braces for the long-term effects of the oil spill on our communities, the 12 counselors of the Community CARE Center in Belle Chasse are prepared to provide a wide variety of support services to Plaquemines Parish residents free of charge.

“The Plaquemines Community CARE Center would like to let the people of Plaquemines Parish know that we are here to support residents in the community who may be affected by the current oil spill,” said Monica Baltodano-Dubey, executive director.  ”We can provide emotional support, group discussions and family therapy to help deal with stress due to these unfortunate circumstances.”

The CARE Center was operating out of a small trailer when it opened its doors in 2006, but now they are “going public” with a new website – www.pcccf.org – and a new location in an historic building which also houses partner organizations.

CARE provides individual, couples, and group counseling for children and adults, parenting classes for young mothers, co-parenting classes for divorcing parents, tutoring, nutrition and fitness education, and more.  In-house partner organizations such as CASA and FINS provide additional services for children, the elderly, disabled and low-income residents.  Partnerships with schools, health centers, and the YMCA extend CARE’s reach throughout Plaquemines Parish.

“It’s really nice to work in a community that supports each other,” said Baltodano-Dubey.  “We’re here for the community.”

The Plaquemines Community Foundation has recently given a $50,000 donation to CARE.