Desiree Allums

Houma Nonprofit of the Month: Cherish Times Two

This April, we’re proud to spotlight Cherish Times Two as our Houma Nonprofit of the Month—an organization rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a commitment to supporting children and families navigating life’s most challenging transitions.

Founded by Cherry and Sherry Wilmore, twin sisters whose personal connection to the foster care system fuels their mission, Cherish Times Two exists to empower vulnerable populations and help them build self-sufficiency and resilience. Their work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the resources and support to move through life’s changes with dignity, confidence, and community.

In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month in May, we are collecting donations to support foster youth and foster families. These gifts go a long way in showing appreciation and providing comfort to those who often go unseen.

How You Can Help:

We’ll be collecting the following donation items at EHL Houma events throughout April:
🎁 Gift cards (restaurants, stores, or self-care experiences)
🧼 Spa gift sets
🖼️ Picture frames (for foster families to preserve memories)
🧸 Pillows & weighted blankets
🎨 Art supplies & journals
📚 Storybooks
🍪 Individually packaged snacks
🧳 Duffel bags or small luggage for foster youth

Get Involved:

📍 Learn more about their mission: Cherish Times Two Website
📘 Follow on Facebook: Cherish Times Two Facebook

Let’s come together to support this incredible organization and the foster families and children they serve. Your generosity can make a powerful impact.

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Desiree Allums

Northshore Nonprofit of the Month: PWST Women’s Scholarship Fund

This month, we’re honored to highlight the Professional Women of St. Tammany (PWST) Women’s Scholarship Fund as our Northshore Nonprofit of the Month. Rooted in the belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for transformation, PWST is making a lasting impact by investing in women who are determined to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Since 2009, PWST has awarded scholarships to deserving women in St. Tammany Parish who are pursuing higher education and striving to reach new milestones in their lives. These scholarships are more than financial support—they’re a recognition of resilience, strength, and drive.

PWST’s scholarship recipients are often women who have:


– Overcome personal and financial obstacles
– Demonstrated leadership in their families, schools, or communities
– Shown commitment to personal and professional growth

The selection committee looks beyond GPAs, considering each applicant’s journey, accomplishments, and contributions. Every scholarship awarded is the result of the generosity of PWST members, sponsors, and supporters who believe in lifting others up and celebrating the extraordinary women among us.

As an EmpowerHER Life community, we are proud to shine a light on the PWST Women’s Scholarship Fund and the lives it continues to change through education, opportunity, and unwavering encouragement.

To learn more or get involved, visit their website or follow along on social media. Let’s continue supporting the women who are building better tomorrows—one scholarship at a time.

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Lexi Hartmann

Houma Nonprofit of the Month: The Haven – A Safe Space for Survivors

This month, we are honored to spotlight The Haven, a nonprofit that has been a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Assumption, Lafourche, and Terrebonne parishes since 1993. The Haven provides emergency shelter, medical care, counseling, and legal assistance to over 500 families every year, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and support.

Why The Haven’s Work Matters

For survivors of family violence and sexual assault, safety is not guaranteed. Many individuals and families seeking help face immediate danger, and The Haven provides them with a secure place to heal, access critical resources, and reclaim their independence.

What sets The Haven apart is their individualized approach—they work closely with survivors to understand their unique circumstances, break down barriers, and provide the exact support they need to move forward.

How You Can Support The Haven

💜 Attend Their Annual Fundraiser – March 22, 2025
The Haven hosts only one fundraiser per year, and the proceeds are vital to keeping their shelter open and accessible without a waiting list. By attending or spreading the word, you are helping ensure survivors have immediate access to safe housing, advocacy, and life-changing services.

💜 Volunteer Your Time
The Haven welcomes volunteers to assist with various initiatives, including supporting their annual fundraiser. If you’re looking for a way to give back, this is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

📍 To learn more about The Haven, their services, and ways to get involved, visit: The Haven on Facebook.

Together, We Can Be a Haven for Those Who Need It Most

Empowering survivors means providing them with safety, resources, and a community that believes in their strength.By supporting The Haven, we are ensuring that no one has to face these challenges alone.

If you’re attending our EmpowerHER Life events this month, we encourage you to spread the word about The Haven’s work and consider getting involved in their mission.

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Lexi Hartmann

Krewe du Pooch: Our Northshore Nonprofit of the Month!

March is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate our Northshore Nonprofit of the Month—Krewe Du Pooch! This dog-friendly Mardi Gras parade and costume contest brings the community together to support local animal rescueswhile enjoying a fun-filled day at the Mandeville Lakefront.

About Krewe Du Pooch

Krewe Du Pooch is more than just a parade—it’s a mission-driven event that helps find loving homes for rescued dogs across the Northshore. In partnership with the City of Mandeville, this annual event features:

🐾 On-site dog adoptions
🎭 A dog costume contest (this year’s theme: Woofs of Art!)
🎶 Live music & entertainment
🍔 Food trucks & local vendors
🐶 Fun activities for the whole family—two-legged & four-legged!

The 2025 parade will take place Saturday, March 15, at the Mandeville Lakefront, and volunteers are needed to help make it a success!

How You Can Help 🐶💙

Krewe Du Pooch relies on community support and volunteers to bring this event to life. If you’d like to get involved, there are several ways to donate your time:

📌 Now through March 14: Help distribute posters and yard signs to promote the parade.
📌 March 14 (3 PM): Assist with decorating the stage & parade route.
📌 March 15 – PARADE DAY! Volunteer for various tasks such as marching in the parade, assisting vendors, helping at the children’s area, and supporting dog rescues.

📍 To sign up as a volunteer, visit: www.krewedupooch.org

Join the Fun & Support a Great Cause!

Whether you volunteer, participate, or just attend, Krewe Du Pooch is a great way to give back while enjoying a one-of-a-kind community event. Let’s turn the Mandeville Lakefront into an art-filled, dog-friendly festival and help more rescue dogs find their forever homes!

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Lexi Hartmann

Houma Nonprofit of the Month – Woodmen Life

Financial stability and community support go hand in hand, and WoodmenLife has been dedicated to both for over a century. This month, we are honored to highlight WoodmenLife as our Houma Nonprofit of the Month for their unwavering commitment to helping families build a secure future while also giving back in meaningful ways.

Who is WoodmenLife?

Founded in 1890, WoodmenLife is a not-for-profit fraternal organization that reinvests in its members and the community through financial education, life insurance, annuities, and charitable giving. Their mission is twofold—helping individuals and businesses plan for financial security while actively supporting causes that strengthen local communities.

With a strong foundation and a team of dedicated representatives, WoodmenLife takes a personalized approach by listening, educating, and providing financial solutions tailored to each family’s unique needs. Their goal is to ensure financial wellness for future generations while making a tangible difference in the present.

How You Can Help

This month, WoodmenLife is inviting the community to support their mission in two key ways:

1️⃣ Spread Awareness – Many families and businesses are unaware of the valuable financial resources WoodmenLife provides. By sharing their mission, you can help more people access the tools they need to build financial security.

2️⃣ Support Families with Children in the Hospital – Donations will be collected to assist local childhood cancer organizations and programs that provide support, comfort, and relief to families with hospitalized children. These contributions help ease the financial and emotional strain that comes with medical challenges.

Join Us in Giving Back

We will be collecting donations at our in-person events throughout the month, including at the Houma Elevate & Connect. If you’d like to contribute, check in with us at an event or visit WoodmenLife’s website to learn more about their mission: WoodmenLife – Houma Chapter.

Together, we can support families, create financial stability, and give back to those in need. Thank you for being part of this effort to make a lasting impact!

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Lexi Hartmann

Northshore Nonprofit of the Month: Northshore Humane Society

At EmpowerHER Life, we believe in the power of community and giving back. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Northshore Humane Society as our Northshore Nonprofit of the Month!

Located in Covington, LA, Northshore Humane Society is a no-kill animal rescue and community veterinary clinicdedicated to caring for neglected and abandoned animals in the Northshore region. Since 1953, they have been a lifeline for animals in need, operating without government funding and relying solely on the generosity of animal lovers like you to continue their life-saving work.

How You Can Help

All month long, we’ll be collecting donations of supplies at our in-person events, especially at our upcoming Elevate & Connect gathering. These essential items help Northshore Humane Society provide food, shelter, and medical care to the animals in their care.

Most Needed Items:

📌 Household Supplies: Bleach, paper towels, Clorox wipes, trash bags, towels, and blankets
📌 Pet Food & Treats: Purina Pro Plan for kittens, puppies, and adult pets, as well as treats and peanut butter (xylitol-free)
📌 Pet Essentials: Crates, beds, collars, leashes, cat litter, and toys
📌 Foster Care Supplies: Puppy pads, baby blankets, heating pads, and pet baby bottles

For a full list of needed items, check out their Wish List or shop directly from their Amazon Wish List to have donations shipped straight to their shelter!

Join Us in Making a Difference

Every blanket, bag of food, or toy donated makes a difference in the lives of these animals, giving them a better chance at finding a forever home. If you’re attending Elevate & Connect, bring a donation with you, or consider shopping from their wishlist to support their mission.

Together, we can help provide a safe and loving environment for the pets who need it most. Thank you for being part of this important effort! 🐾💙

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Lexi Hartmann

Northshore Nonprofit of the Month: Family REACH Alliance

This month, we’re proud to partner with Family REACH Alliance, an organization taking meaningful action to help homeless and low-income families build sustainable independence.

Family REACH Alliance approaches poverty with a comprehensive strategy focused on Resources, Education, and Advocacy. Beyond providing immediate necessities like food and shelter, they work to prevent homelessness through guidance and support services. Their dedication to both immediate assistance and long-term solutions creates lasting change in our community.

How You Can Help

Throughout January, we’re collecting essential items at all EmpowerHer Life Northshore events. Our community can make a real difference by donating:

  • Twin sheets and blankets
  • Tampons
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Cleaning products and supplies
  • Shower liners

Make an Impact

Want to learn more or get involved beyond donations? Visit familyreachsela.org to discover additional ways to support their mission through volunteering or community education initiatives.

Together, we can help local families move from crisis to independence, one step at a time.



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Lexi Hartmann

EHL Houma Nonprofit of the Month: Firm Foundation of Houma

In the heart of Houma stands a beacon of hope and compassion – Firm Foundation, our featured nonprofit for January 2025. Founded by Heidi and Gary Williams in 2023, this faith-based daytime shelter has become a crucial resource for our community’s at-risk and homeless population.

Located at 440 Magnolia Street, Firm Foundation provides essential services including fresh meals, shower facilities, laundry services, and case management assistance. Since opening their doors in April 2024, they’ve helped over 1,800 individuals access basic necessities and dignity-restoring services.

What makes Firm Foundation special is their commitment to accessibility. With minimal barriers to entry, they ensure that anyone in need can find refuge and support within their walls. The impact is clear – in less than a year, they’ve provided 500 shower services and 500 laundry services to community members in need.

This month, EmpowerHER Life Houma is partnering with Firm Foundation by preparing and delivering a meal to their guests. It’s a small way we can support their mission of creating a safe, calm, and caring environment for those experiencing homelessness in Terrebonne Parish.

Want to help? Join us in preparing a meal for Firm Foundation this month. Together, we can support this vital organization that’s making such a meaningful difference in our community.

To learn more about Firm Foundation’s work, visit their Facebook page or stop by their center at 440 Magnolia Street, Houma.

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