Avoyelles Society for Developmentally Disabled receives grant

   When government and private enterprise join forces, good things happen.

  An example of that is the partnership grant program of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which awarded a $10,000 grant to the Avoyelles Society for the Developmentally Disabled (ASDD) during ceremonies at Cottonport Bank in Marksville last Thursday. (Oct. 6). The ASDD operates the Silver Lining Pie Company in Marksville.

   Cottonport Bank put up $2,500 to match the FHLB’s $7,500 grant.

   “You literally hit the lottery today,” Bruce Hatton told a gathering of state, local and federal officials. 

   Due to the large number of applicants for the grants, selections are made on a lottery basis, Hatton explained. Hatton is the FHLB-Dallas offices vice president overseeing the grant program.

   “Although the decision is made by lottery, I have to admit that when I saw ‘Pie Company,’ it gave them points in my mind,” he joked.

   Being more serious, Hatton said the ASDD “is a great organization” that does a great service for its community.

   “This award today shows the importance of partnerships in meeting the needs of communities,” he added.

    Cottonport Bank President A.J. Roy said that “in today’s world, with so much negativity, it is a great thing to come together for such a worthwhile project.”

    He said the grant is “a testament to the great work the society (ASDD) does.”

    Wyatt Labrano, an aide with U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham’s office, also said it was an honor to be part of such an event.

   “There is not enough government money to meet all of the needs that are out there,” Labrano said, adding that partnership programs such as this allows the federal funds that are available to be more effective.

   Bambi Polotzola, director of the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, said programs such as ASDD are responsible for the fact that those with disabilities are much better off in society now than they were 50 years ago.

   ASDD Vice President Patrick Bordelon said the organization is dedicated to helping the 40 disabled individuals in the program to be more productive citizens of their communities.