The Assumption Parish Regular Jury Meeting held on November 13, 2024, focused on several key issues, including community programs for young women and the ongoing challenges of hurricane debris cleanup.
One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation about a program aimed at empowering young women in the parish. The program, which has received positive feedback, offers participants valuable skills such as self-confidence, business etiquette, and communication. Organizers emphasized the importance of community support and resources to enhance the program's reach. They announced that applications for the next cohort would be distributed in January, with acceptance notifications sent out in May. The program is open to incoming freshmen through seniors, and past participants have demonstrated impressive capabilities, including advocacy at the state level.
In addition to the youth program, the meeting addressed the pressing issue of hurricane storm debris still present on state right-of-ways. Officials expressed frustration over the slow response from state agencies regarding debris removal. There was a consensus that the parish may need to take matters into its own hands to expedite cleanup efforts. Discussions included the possibility of using parish resources to collect debris and seek reimbursement from FEMA for the costs incurred. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the upcoming holiday season, prompting officials to prioritize the cleanup.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the community's commitment to supporting youth development while also tackling the logistical challenges posed by natural disasters. The next steps involve mobilizing local resources for debris removal and continuing outreach for the youth empowerment program.