Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
19251 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
PHONE:  752-0088   FAX:  751-9470
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., classes:  M - Th, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Technical training courses for building and related trades. Curricula include:  Entry Level Mechanic, Computer Training, Millwright, Pipefitting, Sheet Metal, Welding, Boilermaker, Civil Carpentry, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Equipment Operators, Earth Moving Equipment Training, Industrial Painting and Coating, Print Reading, Refractory, Construction Project Supervision, Dale Carnegie Training, and Safety Courses.

SERVICES:  night classes
FEES:  call for fee schedule

A DIVISION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS

• Baton Rouge Vocational Services
  1984 Wooddale Boulevard
  Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  PHONE:  923-3196   FAX:  923-3641
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Provides vocational evaluation, job readiness skills training, and job placement services primarily to persons referred by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. The targeted population includes individuals 16 years or older with developmental disabilities, mental retardation, and learning disabilities. The program works closely with local businesses to establish internships and to assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment. Intensive initial support can be provided through on-site trainers or job coaches and follow-up services are available to employees and employers to assist in job related adjustment.

SERVICES:  vocational evaluation, job readiness skills training, and job placement services
ELIGIBILITY:  individuals 16 years or older with developmental disabilities, mental retardation, or learning disabilities
FEES:  none

• Louisiana Career Development Center
  121 Convention Street
  Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  PHONE:  387-0889   FAX:  387-3203
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Trains individuals who are deaf and deaf/blind for competitive employment, which may include resolution of issues such as communication, adjustment and travel training. The individual’s program involvement will depend upon their needs as determined by a comprehensive assessment. Community based training emphasizes refinement and practical application of acquired work adjustment skills as well as development of specific vocational skills. This training is provided through an internship placement in an area business involving ongoing regular counseling with interns and includes the provision of interpreting services whenever deemed appropriate in order to insure job success.

SERVICES:  job training for deaf and deaf/blind, and internship placement with area businesses
ELIGIBILITY:  individuals 16 years or older who are hearing impaired, deaf, or deaf/blind
FEES:  none

• Metro Enterprises
  3950 Prescott Road
  Baton Rouge, LA 70805
  PHONE:  356-0141   FAX:  356-0189
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  OVERVIEW:  Trains individuals who are deaf and deaf/blind for competitive employment, which may include resolution of issues such as communication, adjustment and travel training. The individual’s program involvement will depend upon their needs as determined by a comprehensive assessment. Community based training emphasizes refinement and practical application of acquired work adjustment skills as well as development of specific vocational skills. This training is provided through an internship placement in an area business involving ongoing regular counseling with interns and includes the provision of interpreting services whenever deemed appropriate in order to insure job success.

  SERVICES:  job training for deaf and deaf/blind, and internship placement with area businesses
  ELIGIBILITY:  individuals 16 years or older who are hearing impaired, deaf, or deaf/blind
  FEES:  none

OVERVIEW:  Provides newcomer information. Provides economic and demographic information, new business information, city directory library, and city maps. Sponsors and maintains SCORE office for small business assistance. Have a list of chambers of commerce within each state and some foreign countries. Publishes a Clubs and Organizations Directory. Referrals of member firms by type of business.

SERVICES:  newcomer information, economic and demographic information, new business information, and small business assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  some services available to members only
FEES:  membership fees, some small fees associated with publications 

OVERVIEW:  Offers counseling, information and managerial and technical assistance to potential and existing small business owners. Conducts workshops/seminars. An informational resource center. All services are free and confidential; most workshops are free, although some may require a small fee.

SERVICES:  small business counseling, technical assistance, and workshops/seminars
ELIGIBILITY:  no restrictions
FEES:  none for most services 

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES OF BATON ROUGE, INC.

• Senior Employment Program
  1900 South Acadian Thruway
  P.O. Box 4232
  Baton Rouge, LA 70821
  PHONE:  346-0680       FAX:  346-0020
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  OVERVIEW:  Provides and promotes full and part-time employment/training for capable, willing to work people ages 55+. Program guidelines vary according to program assigned: Title V (Senior Employment) or Title IIA (Job Training Partnership Act). Operates an employment referral for clients who meet the above guidelines. Offers in-house training with courses available in computer/clerical, job search skills, and other needed occupational skills.

  SERVICES:  employment training, job search skills, and occupation skills
  ELIGIBILITY:  age and income restrictions apply
  FEES:  none

Chaneyville Community Center
13211 Jackson Road
Zachary, LA 70791
PHONE:  654-3309   FAX:  654-4670
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Clinic, Fri 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Quilting, sewing, Playmakers (annually), Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas dinner, community meetings, receptions, piano recitals, and other community services. Give general assistance to citizens in filling out forms. Prepare income tax forms. Distribute commodities, food to needy families, and donated clothing.

SERVICES:  commodity distribution, income tax preparation, and on-line job information
ELIGIBILITY:  depends on income and number in the family
FEES:  none

Computer Rehabilitation Training Program (CRT)
East 124 Pleasant Hall
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
PHONE:  578-1965   FAX:  578-1143
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Class: M - F 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Trains the physically disabled as entry-level computer programmers/analysts. Co-sponsored by LSU, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and CRT’s Business Advisory Council (CRT/BAC, Inc.). An eleven month training program on the campus of LSU, Baton Rouge.

SERVICES:  computer training for physically disabled
ELIGIBILITY:  client of and referred by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
APPLY:  apply through LA Division of Rehabilitation Servies, Department of Social Services
FEES:  none

Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana
2857 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
PHONE:  343-6233 or 1-800-927-0839   FAX: 336-4880
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Accredited by the Career College Ass’n in Washington, D.C., school offers four programs from two semesters to 48 weeks, depending on the curriculum chosen. Applicants must hold high school diploma or GED. Offers degrees in Associate of Arts and dual degree in restaurant and cooking skills. Will assist with student aid, housing and job needs. Classes offered both evenings and days. Operates a restaurant that is open to the public for lunch, dinner, and private functions (Christmas parties, banquets, weddings, reunions, etc.).

SERVICES:  restaurant and cooking skills classes
ELIGIBILITY:  high school diploma or equivalent
FEES:  varies with courses selected

Delmont Service Center
3535 Riley Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
TELEPHONE:  389-5464   FAX: 389-4907
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Center provides assistance directly or through referrals for the following: weatherization and minor home repair, health screening and referrals, job placement and employment referrals, transportation, shelter, rent, utilities, scouting, clothing, medicine and food. Functions as a commodity distribution site.

SERVICES:  commodity distribution, health screening, job placement, employment referrals, and on-line job information
ELIGIBILITY:  low income, elderly or handicapped
FEES:  none

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

• Capitol City Chapter No. 5
  5001 Woodlyn Drive
  Baton Rouge, LA 70816
  PHONE:  752-1012     FAX:  752-1012
  HOURS/DAYS:  random

OVERVIEW:  Aids disabled veterans, their dependents and widows through compensation, hospitalization, educational benefits, and employment. Professional staff (lawyers, etc.) maintained to assist in acquiring veteran’s and social security benefits.

SERVICES:  educational & employment assistance and veteran’s & social security benefits assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  disabled veterans and their families
FEES:  membership dues, none for assistance

Dixie Business Development Center
1810 South Range Avenue
Denham Springs, LA 70726
PHONE:  665-0809   FAX: 665-8171
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  A small business incubator that offers affordable office space, shared services, and business counseling for new and expanding businesses to enable them to grow and prosper while acquiring the assets that will lead to a successful transition to the business community. Participating businesses may utilize the Center’s resources to cultivate important networking and managerial skills without the difficult initial expenses that are necessary in an start-up business situation.

SERVICES:  business counseling and business start-up assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  call for information
FEES:  monthly rental fees are based on the amount of space required by an individual business. Call for information.

COMMENTS:  Serves a seven-parish area. Funded by DEMCO, FMHA, and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development. Founded in July, 1992.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
4142 Gus Young Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
PHONE: 389-7804   FAX: 389-7816
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Assists people in the Eden Park area with various social services. Medical services include a general practitioner available on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. (343-8428); Dental services daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Pediatrician on Mondays from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Social services include rent and utility assistance, income tax help, and referrals to other agencies (389-7625). Center also the Eden Park Branch of the EBRP Library. Offers tutoring on Mon., Wed. and Thurs. from 3 - 5 p.m. Computer literacy classes are being offered year round.

SERVICES:  commodity distribution, computer literacy classes, health services, on-line job information, and rent & utility assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  low income requirement
FEES:  medical services are not free, fees are paid by Medicare/ Medicaid; all other fees are paid according to a sliding fee scale

East Baton Rouge Parish Office of Employment and Training

• Workforce Investment Act (formerly JTPA)
  4523 Plank Road
  Baton Rouge, LA 70805
  PHONE:  358-4579   FAX:  356-7868
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Training and employment service for economically disadvantaged youths and adults. Provides opportunities for occupational skill training, educational upgrading, job search assistance and other supportive services for adults, in-school youth ages 14-16 and out-of-school youths ages 17-21. Individuals must possess barriers to employment. Additional services include Summer Youth Employment Opportunities and Dislocated Workers Employment and Training Program (for individuals who lost a job through no fault of their own).

SERVICES:  occupational skill training, educational upgrading, and job search assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  income, age, other requirements apply
FEES:  none

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

• Adult and Continuing Education Department
  Christa McAuliffe Adult Learning Center
  12000 Goodwood Boulevard
  Baton Rouge, LA 70815
  PHONE:  273-7633   FAX: 295-8606
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - Thu, 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Offers individualized academic instruction for GED for adults ages 16 and over who must first have taken the Test of Adult Basic Education. Teaches English as a foreign language. Provides testing as a contract service to industries and plants. Offers test preparation courses (EXXON, ASVAB, ACT, civil service, substitute teachers, etc.) Operates branches at Rosenwald, Baker High School, Valley Park, Melrose East, parish prison, and Greenwell Springs Hospital. Offers a remedial math course called Developmental Math open to anyone who doesn’t qualify for college algebra (cost is $100).

SERVICES:  test preparation instruction, English as a foreign language, remedial math instruction, and on-line job information
ELIGIBILITY:  ages 16 years and older, not attending K-12 grades
FEES:  no fees for most programs, call for information
APPLY:  applications are taken from anyone 16 years of age or older 

• Even Start Program
  1050 South Foster Drive
  Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  PHONE:  927-1880
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Offers year round program for parents and children living in 10 of the city’s public housing developments. Encourages parents to get their GED and to give preschool-age children necessary learning skills prior to entering public school. Provides GED preparation to parents on site. Works with VISTA to offer a 5 day/week program. Uses a school bus as a mobile classroom which alternates among the housing complexes. Hopes to serve 800 parents and children.

SERVICES:  GED preparation
ELIGIBILITY:  must live in or near one of the 10 targeted housing developments; have a 2, 3, or 4 year old child; and have a limited education
FEES:  none

COMMENTS:  complexes include: Monte Sano, Scotland Villa, Wood Plaza, Clarksdale, Kelly Terrace, Hospital Plaza, Capitol Square, East Boulevard, Ardenwood and Zion Terrace

• Rosenwald Continuing Education Center
  2611 Dayton Street
  Baton Rouge, LA 70805
  PHONE:  355-8678 or 355-3833
  HOURS/DAYS:  M-Th, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Summer); M-F, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (school year)

OVERVIEW:  Provides academic education for adults ages 16 and older. Offers GED preparation with instruction in math, reading, science, social studies, etc. Gives the GED exam every other Saturday. Provides enrichment in above areas for those who have a high school diploma. Special education and junior high alternative programs located on campus.

SERVICES:  GED preparation, GED exam, and on-line job information
ELIGIBILITY:  ages 16 years and older not attending regular school
FEES:  none

Foundation Industries, Inc.
9995 Highway 64
Zachary, LA 70791
PHONE:  654-6283
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW: Operates as a small industry that employs mentally retarded/developmentally disabled persons doing various kinds of work. Objectives are to build work skills through supervision, develop social interaction and manifest basic daily living skills. Provides work for those who would ordinarily not work, helping them become independent and productive.

SERVICES:  supervised employment
ELIGIBILITY:  22 years old and handicapped/retarded; IQ below 50; must be diagnosed as mentally disabled and/or developmentally disabled to qualify for the program
FEES:  no fees to handicapped person
APPLY:  in person

Goodwill Industries
5151 Plank Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
PHONE:  357-1241, retail store
HOURS/DAYS:  M - Sat, 9 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Sun, 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Hires and trains disadvantaged and disabled persons to acquire marketable job skills. Operates a store which sells clothing, small appliances and furniture. Donations are welcome and are tax deductible.

SERVICES:  hiring and training of disabled persons
ELIGIBILITY:  employment screening
FEES:  none 

Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired
7455 East Industrial Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70805-7516
PHONE:  926-5368   FAX:  926-5191
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Provides vocational training and employment for visually challenged individuals.

SERVICES:  vocational training
ELIGIBILITY:  certified blind and visually impaired
FEES:  none to client 

Jobs for the Handicapped, Inc.
4434 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
PHONE:  336-0309
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Provides jobs for the mentally, physically or aged handicapped in its privately owned company. Sells various products such as light bulbs. Works with the local Mental Health Clinic and is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association.

SERVICES:  employment for the handicapped
ELIGIBILITY:  handicapped of employable age
FEES:  none
COMMENTS:  doctor’s statement required if handicap is not visible.

Leo S. Butler Community Center
950 East Washington Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
PHONE:  389-4860
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Earl K. Long Outreach Clinic for general medical problems. Call 342-8225 or walk-in for appointment. Homemaker services for the elderly and disabled. Pre-adolescent intervention program. Makes home visits to assess need as indicated. Sponsors food programs for daycare centers. Provides social services; information and referral.

SERVICES:  health services, commodity distribution, rental & utilities assistance, computer literacy program, HIV testing, and on-line job information
ELIGIBILITY:  low income
FEES:  none

Louisiana State University

• Louisiana Business & Technology Center
  South Stadium Drive
  Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6100
  PHONE:  334-5555   FAX:  388-3975
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Helps new and expanding businesses. Houses up to 20 individual firms. Offers low cost office space and essential support services (secretary, answering service, conference room, etc.) along with consultants in various fields such as accounting, finance and technical fields. Also facilitates technology transfer for the State. Has access to NASA and Federal Laboratory Consortium in order to help businesses solve problems.

SERVICES:  financial management consulting, operations management consulting, general management consulting, and technology management consulting
ELIGIBILITY:  any small business as defined by the SBA
FEES:  $25 application fee, $100 project fee
COMMENTS:  sponsored by LSU, the GBR Chamber of Commerce, and the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority

Louisiana Economic Development

• Entrepreneurial Services
  1051 N. Third Street
  Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  Phone: 225-342-4320
  Website: www.opportunitylouisiana.com/smallbiz

OVERVIEW:  Louisiana Economic Development is committed to connecting small businesses with the services and resources they need to grow and succeed. We help new entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and existing businesses remain competitive. Please visit our website to find out more about the assistance programs and incentives available to small businesses in Louisiana.

SERVICES:  small business assistance, and economically disadvantaged business directory
ELIGIBILITY:  economically disadvantaged Louisiana business
FEES:  none 

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

• Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
  2097 Beaumont Drive
  Baton Rouge, LA 70806-1473
  PHONE:  925-4985   FAX:  925-1473
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Provides the following services: Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional abilities assessment, Work Adjustment, Training, Physical Restoration, Job Placement, Independent Living SERVICES, Blind Vending Stand Placement. Rehabilitation facilities include: Baton Rouge Halfway House (Men); New Friends Halfway House (Women); Baton Rouge Evaluation and Testing Center; Greenwell Springs Rehab Complex (on the grounds of GS Hospital); East LA State Hospital Vocational Rehab Facility (on grounds of hospital).

SERVICES:  vocational rehabilitation, functional abilities assessment, job placement, and independent living services
ELIGIBILITY:  based on documentation of functional limitations
FEES:  none

• Office of Family Support - Family Independence Work Program
  438 Main Street
  P.O. Box 94065
  Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9065
  PHONE: 342-2511   FAX: 342-2536
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Assists parents who are recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) to take charge of their lives through education. Program includes education, job skills training, job searches, placement, and on-the-job training. Provides support services such as child care, transportation, medical care and exams, union dues, etc.

SERVICES:  education, job skills training, job searches, job placement, and on-the-job training
ELIGIBILITY:  AFDC participant; some other restrictions APPLY
FEES:  none

Louisiana Human Resources Development Institute
1933 Wooddale Boulevard, Suite O
P.O. Box 4466
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
PHONE:  925-2593 or 1-800-225-4492   FAX:  925-2635
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Operates the Louisiana Worker Assistance Program, a joint project of the Louisiana Department of Labor and the AFL-CIO, which helps train dislocated (laid off) workers. Offers autocad computer-aided drafting and design, work processing (WordPerfect software). Provides financial counseling, health care information, relocating or changing career counseling. Seminars held at individual companies facing lay-offs. Labor Learning Center offers remedial academic and functional skills, GED, medical terminology and college prep.

SERVICES:  classes in computer-aided drafting & word processing, financial counseling, health care information, and career counseling
ELIGIBILITY:  Workforce Inforcement Area, dislocated workers
FEES:  none

Louisiana Occupational Information Coordinating Committee
P.O. Box 94094
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094
PHONE:  342-5149   FAX:  342-5115

OVERVIEW:  LOICC is a committee comprised of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Louisiana offices of Economic Development, Rehabilitation Services, and Employment Security, and the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA).

SERVICES:  provide job information materials 

Louisiana Secretary of State

• First Stop Shop for Business
  P.O. Box 94125
  3851 Essen Lane (Archives Building)
  Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
  PHONE:  922-2675 or 1-800-259-0001   FAX:  922-0433
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Provides individuals and businesses with information on licenses, permits, and other requirements for doing business in Louisiana. They give current and potential business owners a single place to go for the necessary contacts needed to start a business. The staff will customize a checklist for your specific licensing needs which include local and state licensing requirements, employment information, as well as quasi-governmental agencies that can assist you in starting your business.

SERVICES:  business licensing information, business start-up information
ELIGIBILITY:  new and existing small businesses
FEES:  none

Louisiana Technical College
3250 North Acadian Thruway East
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
PHONE:  359-9201   FAX:  359-9296
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (day school); 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. (night school)

OVERVIEW:  State-supported institution where skills are acquired through class instruction and practical application. Offers day and night classes. Courses include: A/C Refrigeration/ Residential Heating, Automotive Tech, Barber-Styling, Business, Carpentry, Child Care, Computer Tech, Computer Networking, Culinary Arts and Occupations, Drafting and Design Tech, Industrial Machine Shop and others. Call for additional information.

SERVICES:  day and night classes
ELIGIBILITY:  persons age 16+
FEES:  tuition of $300/year

 Louisiana Workforce Commission
(formerlly Louisiana Department of Labor)

• Baton Rouge Job Service Office
  1991 Wooddale Boulevard
  Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  PHONE:  925-4311   FAX:  925-1845
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Job information service: information on jobs available in area, listed by employers; can be used by anyone. Do proficiency aptitude testing for specific openings, Job Corps training recruitment, Targeted Job Tax Credit certification. Staffing through screening services.

SERVICES:  job information, job listings, labor market information, One Stop Career Center, Resource Center, internet access, aptitude testing, and screening services

New Orleans Job Corps Center

• Baton Rouge Office
  1926 Wooddale Boulevard Suite 113A
  Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  PHONE:  923-3969;   FAX:  923-2832
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Offers educational, vocational training to disadvantaged youths aged 16-24 in a dormitory-type setting. Provides free room and board, health care and a monthly allowance starting at $50 plus bonus money for good performance. Advanced Career Training program to attend college or other advanced school for two years at no cost. Clothing Allowance, Readjustment Allowance and other bonuses upon completion of the program. Offered year round; special emphasis on female enrollment.

SERVICES:  educational training, and vocational training to disadvantaged youths
ELIGIBILITY:  ages 16-24; income restrictions
FEES:  none

North Baton Rouge Community Center
2013 Central Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
PHONE:  775-6815/389-4885   FAX:  774-2821
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Earl K. Long Outreach Clinic for general medical problems from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Homemaker services for the elderly. Social services include rent and utility assistance, commodity distribution, and referrals to other agencies. Computer literacy classes are being offered year round. Recreation hall is available for rental.

SERVICES:  commodity distribution, computer literacy classes, health services, on-line job information, and rent & utility assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  low income requirement for some services
FEES:  none

Office of the Governor/Office of Women’s Services

• Displaced Homemaker Center
  2712-A Wooddale Boulevard
  Baton Rouge, LA 70805
  TELEPHONE:  925-6922   FAX:  922-2574
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Information and referral agency for displaced homemakers. Offers counseling, workshops, support groups, job referrals, conferences and speakers. Places women in non-traditional jobs. Has a battered women’s program. Has pre-apprentice training. Has a talent bank for women to increase the number of women on state boards and commissions. Offers technical assistance with program planning and grant writing. Offers a computer training course and job placement upon completion of the course.

SERVICES:  job information and referrals, counseling, workshops, support groups, pre-apprentice training, and grant writing technical assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  individual program eligibility varies
FEES:  none

• Employment and Training Center
  2716-B Wooddale Boulevard
  Baton Rouge, LA 70805-7154
  PHONE:  922-2060   FAX:  922-2067
  HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Individualized career assessment and counseling; clerical, medical-clerical training; building and industrial trades preparatory training; job placement services; basic skills enhancement; referral to other training opportunities.

SERVICES:  building and industrial trades preparatory training, career assessment and counseling, clerical training, job placement services, medical-clerical training, and referral to training opportunities
ELIGIBILITY:  unemployed women with 6 months prior work experience
FEES:  none

Operation Upgrade of Baton Rouge, Inc.
P.O. Box 14295
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
PHONE:  356-9710
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Teaches functional communication skills (reading, writing, spelling, math, etc.) to adults (16 years of age or older) who are at a level below the fifth grade. Services are provided on a one-to-one or small group basis utilizing community volunteers. Volunteers receive pre-and in-service training. Qualifications are high school level education and a willingness to share skills. UPGRADE also serves as consultants for other organizations wishing to establish basic literacy programs.

SERVICES:  adult literacy tutoring, and literacy training
ELIGIBILITY: Clients:  adults age 16 or older reading at or below 5^th grade level
Volunteers:  high school education level and willingness to share skills
FEES:  none

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
564 Laurel Street
P.O. Box 3217
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
PHONE:  381-7125
HOURS/DAYS:  T & Th, 9 a.m. - 12 noon; Wed, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  Provides counseling for people interested in going into business and for those in business experiencing problems. SCORE offers this service cost-free for small businesses. Conducts seminars and workshops on pre-business topics.

SERVICES:  business counseling, and seminars & workshops
ELIGIBILITY:  small business owner or one just starting up
FEES:  none

Volunteer! Baton Rouge
4962 Florida Boulevard
Suite 412
Baton Rouge, LA 70806-4031
PHONE:  927-8270   FAX:  926-3076
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (by appointment)

OVERVIEW:  Acts as a central clearing house coordinating the referral of volunteers to affiliated non-profit agencies. Programs include: Corporate Volunteer Council - coordinating employee volunteer involvement; VolunTEENs - coordinating youth volunteer opportunities (individual and group); Volunteer recognition programs through J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award and Freeport McMoRan Giving Something Back; provides board training opportunities for members of boards of directors; coordinates recyclable donated items to nonprofit organization through Wishes From The Heart program.

SERVICES:  volunteer referrals
ELIGIBILITY:  anyone may volunteer; must be non-profit agency to utilize volunteer services
FEES:  none for volunteers; some program-specific fees (call for details) 

Volunteers of America

• Case Management Program
  660 North Foster Drive, Suite A110
  Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  PHONE:  925-1313   FAX:  925-1698
  HOURS/DAYS: M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW:  A voluntary program intended to assist individuals who use mental health services. VOA Case Management provides assistance in the areas of housing, money management, benefits, employment, social/recreational, family living, mental health and physical health. The program serves both adults and children in separate programs designed to meet the special needs of each group. A case manager will meet regularly with the individual to help develop a plan of service. The case manager along with the individual will assess the needs of the individual (i.e., housing, employment, financial assistance, etc.) and arrange assistance in specific areas that will enable the client to live and function more independently.

SERVICES: housing assistance, employment assistance, and mental & physical health assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  those who use mental health services
FEES:  Medicaid/sliding fee scale
APPLY:  contact your social worker or call the VOA office  

Wybirk Business Development Center
7455 East Industrial Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
PHONE:  924-0186
HOURS/DAYS:  M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OVERVIEW: By means of a grant, offers financial packaging assistance to minority businesses. Provides management and technical assistance to minorities, individuals or firms in the business area.

SERVICES:  minority business assistance
ELIGIBILITY:  minority businesses
FEES:  initial consultation free and additional consultations available for nominal fees