a nonprofit serving Northeast Louisiana communities |
We support, educate, and uplift our community through adult wellness, youth education, and community healing.
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Who WE Serve |
More than 60 percent of all HIV cases in the United States are in the Deep South and that percentage disproportionately impacts Black people.
For the past 27 years, HEROES has been working to create better futures for our brothers and sisters through HIV resources, free condoms, community groups and much more. |
OUR PROGRAMS
HEROES offers adult and teen sexual wellness education, as well as free condoms.
We also offer a variety of established programs and events, including:
We also offer a variety of established programs and events, including:
After-School Enrichment Programs
Children that are part of the HEROES community receive homework assistance, healthy snacks, and creative ways to play in a safe, structured environment. 
Annual DREAM Retreat
A three-day immersive experience where HIV positive adults and teens are connected to support, resources and healing. |
HEROES University
We established our small group intervention program in 2000 to help HIV positive women access available treatments and support groups in their communities. 
Party in the Park
An annual event where we help Black residents register to vote and provide free toiletries to those in need. |
Spirit of Caldwell
Honors the Black leaders of Caldwell parish and celebrates the rich and vibrant history of our people.
Honors the Black leaders of Caldwell parish and celebrates the rich and vibrant history of our people.
register for
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HEROES University is a small group program that helps HIV positive women access available treatments and support groups in their communities. Our 2022 session begins in January and will be held on the following dates:
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today we find ourselves at an exciting momentHEROES is on the precipice of opening a community center on nine acres of land once worked by our enslaved ancestors.
We will offer more free enrichment programming—including after-school care—shelter spaces for poverty-stricken adults, financial training and an aquaponic garden with homegrown fruits and vegetables. |
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TESTIMONIALS
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My name is Kacie. I have been positive for 25 years. Most of my positive life I lived in TN until 2011, when I moved to Lafayette, LA. I received case management and was immediately sent to the upcoming HEROES Symposium. There, I met a number of friends, including Monica. I heard her story and was amazed that someone like me was living positively and in REAL PERSON. Monica became an inspiration for me, and I was given more access to resources and seminars where I learned more that I ever knew in the 17 years I had been positive. Wow!!! Let me first start off by saying that the Facilitators for the Dream Retreat were awesome. I could not have wished for a greater group of people. Monica and Tamela were able to deliver insightful and educational information yet keeping the environment warm, friendly, and fun. Tamela you are an arts and crafts guru. Because of the comfortable atmosphere I was in I was able to share personal experiences and to receive positive feedback without the fear of being judged. That is a wonderful feeling. Also, the food was to die for. Miss Katie can you adopt me please? |
I've known Monica most of my life. Her kind spirit and love for people always drew many close to her. When she asked me if I would provide a dance workshop or two for the children in her program, I could not resist. It gave me an opportunity to bring some of my dancers along to collaborate with her group and just have a great time. The kids danced, mingled, talked and encouraged each other. Monica made me, she made us feel at home. She even opened her home to us on numerous occasions. How could you not want to be around such a giving person!!! HEROES changes lives, it changed my life. I'm forever grateful that Monica thought of me when she needed a dancer. And I'm forever grateful that she has impacted my life. I'm a giver..... expecting nothing in return. Thanks HEROES and Monica! I attended DREAM for the first time years ago. I was asked to attend by my CEO at the time (Thanks Dimitre Blutcher), and had no idea what it was about. When I arrived on the site where the retreat was held I wanted to run, no TV, no radio, and no phone/cell reception. I was in for a tremendous surprise. I was rejuvenated, refreshed, and spiritually energized. The facilitators were very knowledgeable of the topics they discussed. We did arts and crafts, meditation, and the food was awesome. The retreat was so inspiring and fun I didn't miss the TV, radio, or phone/cell phone. Life long bonds were formed at that retreat and look forward to the next time I am able to attend. |