The Leadership Webster program was making its rounds Wednesday as the class visited many local nonprofits and civic organizations. This included places like Project Reclaim, UCAP, City Hall, Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry, the Broken Bean, and Mercy’s Closet.
“The Leadership Webster Program was designed by the Chamber in the 1990’s to inspire emerging leaders by educating them on the issues, opportunities, strengths, and challenges within the Greater Minden Area,” according to a press release from the Greater Minden Chamber.
Note that the day was only half over, but when Kim Morrow, of the Webster Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, was asked what she most enjoyed out of the Class so far, she brought up their visit to Project Reclaim.
“I was not familiar with Project Reclaim at all, learning about that was very interesting,” said Morrow.
“It’s a lot of kids that Ron Anderson is keeping in the program consistently year after year. What a great mentor for the kids to have as they’re growing up. It’s also a place they can go to that feels like a family and is a safe place for them. Once they’ve been going for a while I’m sure it feels like a second home,” added Eva Migues of Durrett Law & Title.
“It’s incredible to see the connection and bond that is made kid to kid. They’re coming from not the best of the situations, and they’re making bonds and friendships with kids in a similar circumstance. I think it’s a great and positive way for them to grow,” said Morrow.
Since the program’s inception it has graduated more than 300 individuals with titles such as police jurors, city council members, police officers, presidents and CEOs, city judge, school board members, clergy, retail managers, small business owners – and everything in between. With the program still going strong, the program is poised to graduate even more individuals in the years to come.
“Our non-profit day was an eye-opener for many if our leadership students. Even though they work and live in Minden, they had no idea of some of the amazing non-profits in our community that help so many of those that live here,” said Mayor Terry Gardner.