Kristen Gary Powers, executive director of the Arc Caddo-Bossier, took the spotlight as the guest speaker at the Minden Lions Club meeting on February 1. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Powers holds a BA in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of New Orleans. With nearly a decade dedicated to raising awareness and funds for individuals with disabilities, she addressed the club members about the vital services provided by the Arc Caddo-Bossier.
Established as a private nonprofit organization, the Arc Caddo-Bossier has been a cornerstone of support for infants, children, and adults with disabilities, along with their families, in northwest Louisiana for 70 years.
Powers, emphasizing the organization’s mission, stated, “Our mission at the Arc Caddo-Bossier is to build unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities.” She highlighted the diverse goals of individuals, ranging from employment to independent living and self-care.
Acknowledging the challenges people with disabilities face in securing employment, Powers stressed the importance of advocating for more employers to hire individuals with disabilities. She proudly shared that the Arc Caddo-Bossier is not just an advocate but a major employer itself. Through Frost Industries, a division of the organization, they create meaningful employment opportunities. Their services include commercial linens, custodial service, lawn maintenance, sorting and packaging, and kitchen work, with over 38 active contracts and 40 federal contract workers with disabilities.
“We provide all the janitorial and custodial services for Barksdale Air Force Base. So if you go anywhere on base [except the commissary], and you meet a custodian, they work for the Arc Caddo-Bossier,” Powers said, highlighting the organization’s significant contributions. These are not sub-minimum wage jobs either. “These are federal jobs, and so they are being paid high wages with benefits.”
Beyond employment, the Arc Caddo-Bossier offers community homes, community living support, children’s services, day programs, and equine-assisted services. Powers announced the upcoming opening of the new Goldman School and Child Development Center, expanding their childcare and early childhood education services to meet the needs of the community.
“We saw a need in the community, and so we opened up an additional campus of our school in partnership with the Highland Center,” said Powers.
Funding for the Arc Caddo-Bossier comes from grants, donors, and fundraisers, with services for disabled individuals covered by Medicaid waiver services. Powers expressed gratitude to private and corporate donors, emphasizing their crucial role in making a difference in the lives of the individuals served by the organization.
The Minden Lions Club, meeting weekly on Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Hall, extends a warm welcome to potential new members interested in contributing to community service.