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About

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Loving Our Community’s Children (LOCC) is a local non-profit started as a collaboration between the Leadership Ascension program and the Ascension Parish Chamber of Commerce to organize the development of a “foster closet” in Ascension Parish.  Resources from a similarly structured Walker non-profit, The Family Village (TFV), shared their experiences with the newly organized LOCC board of directors to help with the original organization and structure.  LOCC quickly determined that the ‘foster closet’ concept was needed for more than just those in foster care in Ascension Parish.

 

LOCC is dedicated to helping any child who has experienced a traumatic event.  Children we serve include those in foster care, at risk of being taken into foster care, children being prepared to be reunified with their biological family after being in foster care, and those whom have suffered other traumatic experiences such as flood, fire, loss of financially-supporting parent, etc.  LOCC is also open to any child who is referred by a mandated reporter.  Mandated reporters include police officers, teachers, principals, bus drivers and church leaders.  The support we provide is in the form of clothing, hygiene, cribs, playpens, diapers, hygiene products, and other essential items.

Since opening their doors in August 2020, LOCC has served over 4000 children with clothes and other essentials such as hygiene products, diapers, wipes, cribs, toys, etc.  The community response to LOCC has been tremendous and LOCC leadership is excited to see their services continue to grow and expand as word of their mission gets out into the community.

 

Presently, LOCC is a volunteer run organization and is currently recruiting volunteers for several functions.  If you are interested please sign up.  We need dedicated volunteers to sort donations, assist clients, and to inventory and organize stock.  Additionally, if you have marketing, web development, social media, or other digital skills we could really use your help in getting our mission and communications out to the community.

 

LOCC also accepts donations of new or gently used children’s items on specific donation days or by appointment only.  We do not have a drop off site.  Financial donations are accepted to purchase items that families need that have not been obtained thru donations.

"We cannot always build the future for our youth,

but we can build our youth for the future."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Our Mission

Our mission is to partner with the community to provide children and families with reliable support that meets daily needs and fosters dignity, stability and healing.

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Our Mission



Our Board of Directors

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Candace Melancon

President

Candace Melancon

Candace is a long-time resident of south Louisiana and has lived in Ascension Parish for over 25 years. She has been a nurse for over 30 years and currently is employed by Magnolia Pediatrics as an Office Manager.  She was part of the Leadership Ascension Class of 2020.  Her group chose LOCC as their community service project. 

Candace has been involved in volunteer work for many years.  She and her husband Lionel served as the AYBA commissioners of the St Amant gym and coached teams for many years, she taught religious education at her church, she serves on the advisory board for RPCC nursing and medical assistant programs.  She  also serves as a board member of the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. 

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Darce Richmond

Treasurer

Darce' Richmond

Darce’ Richmond lives in Maurepas, Louisiana with her husband of 41 years, Eddie.  They have two children and one grandson.

Darce’ enjoys volunteer work and serves as a Board of Director for several other companies.  She has a degree in Accounting and an MBA, both from LSU, and is a state-wide notary.  She enjoys sports, being on the water and spending time with her family and friends.

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Jessica Moloney

Vice-President - Secretary

Jessica Moloney

Jessica has been a resident of Ascension Parish for 15 years and is the Office Manager for Structural Preservation Systems, LLC in Geismar. 

She has a degree in Social Science from Northwestern State University and has always had a heart for community service.  

Jessica has been a Lead Volunteer with LOCC since its first event in 2020 and just recently joined the board. 

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Scotty Stafford

Officer

Scotty Stafford

Scotty  Stafford is a lifelong resident of Ascension Parish. Scotty graduated in Chemistry from Northwestern State University where he played baseball. Scotty and his wife Pam have been a certified foster home since 2011. Scotty and Pam had three sons, Payton, Casey, and Brock; prior to adopting four foster children Izabella, Aubree, Cole and Emma.  Scotty is a Quality Control Analyst at Koura Global in St. Gabriel. Scotty has been volunteering as a baseball coach since 1996. He has a heart for the children in our community.

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Jeff Soper

Officer

Jeff Soper

Jeff and his wife Sheri have been certified foster parents since 2014 and have been a resource for countless emergency placements in addition to their adopted children.  Wanting to do more for the foster community, Jeff and Sheri founded the River Parish Foster and Adoptive Parent Association with Sheri serving as President and Jeff as Treasurer.  This first hand experience has provided the understanding of the needs of this underserved population and is instrumental in their belief that these innocent victims of domestic violence, drug addiction, and neglect desperately need the love and attention the community can provide.

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Marvin Glover

Officer

Marvin Glover

Marvin Glover is a lifelong resident of Ascension Parish and graduate of East Ascension High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1992 and in the Louisiana National Guard from 1992 to 1997, earning the prestigious Philip A. Connelly Award during his military career. Married to Shemeka Glover for 32 years, he is the proud father of Bethani and Kamron and grandfather to Zaiah. He is a successful business owner of Excel Print & Design and GMG Management, and actively gives back to his community as a mentor with Young Men of Character, a board member with Volunteer Ascension, and Post Commander of American Legion Post 557.

Dr. Alonzo Williams

Dr. Alonzo L. Williams brings more than 25 years of experience in community outreach and engagement, along with over 20 years of leadership and management expertise. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in launching and supporting nonprofit initiatives, including Southern Inspiration of Praise, Community Outreach, and People Empowerment, all focused on strengthening communities and expanding access to resources.

 

Dr. Williams has held key leadership roles such as Executive Director of SIP Performing Arts and Coming Home to Clark County, where he advanced programs centered on youth development, education, and community revitalization. His professional journey also includes collaboration with respected organizations such as United Way and the Boys & Girls Club, reflecting his deep commitment to service and advocacy. He currently serves as Secretary for the Mu Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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Dr. Alonzo Williams

Officer

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Lauren Tripode

Officer

Lauren Tripode

Lauren Tripode holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Master of Health Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport. Her background in education and healthcare gives her a strong foundation for serving others and supporting her community.

Lauren is passionate about making a positive impact and values collaboration, service, and thoughtful leadership. She brings a practical, people-first approach to everything she does.

Lauren and her husband, Brian, live in Ascension Parish with their blended family of five children and two dogs.

Loving Our Community's Children, Inc

LOCC relies on members of the community to operate. We are a volunteer run organization. We'd love to hear from you!

Addresses: 320 East Ascension Street

                    Suite 107

                    Gonzales, LA 70737

                    602 Railroad Ave.

                    Donaldsonville, LA 70346

Email: locc@loccascension.org

EIN: 85-2439925

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