The City of Lake Charles is once again teaming up with the United Way of Southwest Louisiana and several community partners to present its 2024 Community Connection Workshop Series.

Originally launched in 2019, the series made a successful return in 2023.

“We want to ensure that everyone has access to important job and life skill information,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “Community Connection will focus on providing real, practical information on topics such as job readiness and career advancement, the pathway to financial freedom, home ownership and more.”

Workshops begin on Tuesday, April 30, and will take place from 6-7 p.m. at Bellard Recreation Center, located at Hillcrest Park (2808 Hillcrest Dr.). Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a brand-new laptop computer.

"United Way of Southwest Louisiana believes that life skills are fundamental to success," stated Denise Durel, President and CEO. "By providing accessible learning resources, we can equip our community with the tools they need to thrive, grow and achieve their goals."

The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, April 30, 2024: “Career Advancement” 5 Steps to Finding Your Career. (Presented by Tommeka Simien, Executive Director, Literacy Council of SWLA).

Tuesday, May 7, 2024: “Your Pathway to Financial Freedom: Mastering Credit!” (Presented by Alexius Williams, Vice President Community Manager, Chase Bank).

Tuesday, May 14, 2024: “Honey I’m Home!” Overcome the Fears of Becoming a Homeowner. (Presented by Charla Blake, Executive Director, Project Build A Future).

Tuesday, May 21, 2024: “Destination Employment” Unveiling Training and Employment Opportunities. (Presented by Nypheteria Clophus, Region V One Stop Operator Manager).

Community Connection is presented in partnership with the JP Morgan Chase, Project Build a Future, American Job Center, United Way of Southwest Louisiana, the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana, and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. 

“Chase is thrilled to be a part of the Community Connection initiative,” said Alexius Williams, VP Community Manager for JP Morgan Chase Bank. “Chase thrives on driving economic inclusion by providing more opportunities for homeownership, growing small business and boosting financial health for those in our community. We are aiming to be the bank for all, breaking down barriers and working hard to improve economic growth in our Lake Charles Community.”

Complete details on the program, including a full, printable schedule, can be found here.