Social work student intern secures grant for local non-profit organization
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
Date: May 8, 2012
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MAKING AN INTERNSHIP COUNT - Southeastern Louisiana University Social Work Program Coordinator Heidi Kulkin, left, and social work student Brittany Boudreaux of Mandeville discuss Boudreaux's grant winning PowerPoint presentation. As a result of the presentation she created during an internship, Boudreaux was able to secure $80,000 in grant funds for Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment (SAFE), a local non-profit organization that works to combat domestic violence.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University social work student Brittany Boudreaux of Mandeville recently secured $80,000 in grant funds for Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment (SAFE), a local non-profit organization that works to combat domestic violence.
Boudreaux was working as an intern at SAFE and created a PowerPoint presentation outlining domestic violence and the evidence-based program, Safe Date, which is intended for young people regarding the prevention of dating abuse.
The presentation was sent to a non-profit organization in Hammond that sponsors youth programs, said Heidi Kulkin, Southeastern Social Work Program coordinator.
"In a nutshell, the director liked the program so much that he decided to award SAFE $40,000 to go into schools and implement the program in Tangipahoa, Livingston, St. Helena, and Washington parishes. The director also said that he will award them an additional $40,000 in December."
Boudreaux is excited about the grant and the impact it will make on the area.
"The SAFE Program is a place where survivors of domestic violence come for assistance. The program is a non-profit organization; therefore, funding is through grants and community support," Boudreaux said. "Since domestic violence is a topic not many want to discuss, it is extremely difficult to get funding and support from the community. This grant will help the agency kick off the Safe Date program, as well as a summer camp for teens in our four area parishes."
Kulkin couldn't be more proud of Boudreaux's efforts.
"Brittany exemplifies what we strive to impart in our students – the value of service and the promotion of optimal social functioning in and for our region," Kulkin said. "During her internship at SAFE she has certainly contributed to the surrounding community by helping to secure a grant that will positively affect our youth. We commend Brittany on her efforts. She is a remarkable student."
