The recipient entity's physical address:
           The Hospice of Baton Rouge
3600 Florida Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70806

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           The Hospice of Baton Rouge
3600 Florida Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          William L. Bellenfant (Deceased)
Baton Rouge General Hospital
3600 Florida Blvd. P.O. Box 2511
Baton Rouge, LA 70821

David H. Lion (Deceased)
9771 Jefferson Hwy. Apt. 118
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  3267

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $475,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Gary McConnell, Immediate Past Board President
Matthew Valliere, Board President
Philip Plaisance , Board Vice President
Debbie Lowe, Board Treasurer
Rose Marie Fife,Board Member
Theresa Thao Kumse, Board Member
Susan Holliday, Board Member
Karen Palmer, Board Member
Britt Drummond , Board Member
Dr. Clifford Schwartzenburg, Board Member
Elizabeth Engolio, Board Member
Prisha Patel, Board Member
Dr. Deborah Johnson, Board Member
Alex Byo, Board Member
Tracy Dossett, Board Member
Catherine M. Schendel, CEO

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           The Hospice of Baton Rouge respectfully requests $475,000 in general appropriation funds to expand The Retreat at Quarters Lake,a grief center located in the heart of Baton Rouge.

Located on a 7-acre campus, The Retreat provides a safe, nurturing environment where children, teens, and adults can process grief through counseling, connection, and restorative activities. Programs such as Camp Conquer, Salty Sisters, and Grief Support Groups for all ages help participants rebuild confidence, learn coping skills, and rediscover joy after loss.

This funding will support the construction of three major additions that will significantly enhance the center’s therapeutic offerings and expand capacity for year-round programming:

1.Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion – A covered cooking and gathering space designed for grief support groups, family retreats, and healing activities centered around shared meals. Cooking together provides opportunities for connection, storytelling, and rebuilding a sense of normalcy after loss.

2.Therapy Dog Park – A dedicated, enclosed area to incorporate animal-assisted therapy into grief support programs. Many children and teens find comfort and emotional regulation through time spent with therapy dogs, helping reduce anxiety and foster trust.

3.Multi-Sport Court Complex – A versatile recreational area for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball that will allow grief counselors to integrate physical wellness, teamwork, and play into the healing process—essential components for children coping with trauma and emotional pain.

These additions will transform The Retreat into a comprehensive, year-round healing destination for families across Louisiana. By investing in this project, the state will help ensure that those grieving the loss of a loved one have access to innovative, compassionate, and community-centered care in an environment designed to restore hope and connection.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $475,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Not Applicable

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The Retreat at Quarters Lake exists to serve the people of Louisiana by providing free, accessible grief support, counseling, and education to individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one, life-limiting illness, or other significant life changes. Our public purpose is to improve the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our community, reduce the long-term effects of unaddressed grief, and strengthen the network of care available to all residents, regardless of income or background.

Loss impacts every segment of society, yet many Louisianans lack access to professional grief services due to financial barriers, lack of insurance, or limited availability in rural and underserved areas. Without timely intervention, unresolved grief can lead to serious outcomes such as depression, anxiety, substance misuse, strained family relationships, and diminished workplace or school performance. By offering high-quality grief services, The Retreat addresses these challenges at the community level, preventing more severe health and social consequences that can place additional strain on public systems. No one should have to navigate loss alone. With state support, The Retreat will ensure help is available to every person in need of grief support.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          A central goal of this project is to strengthen the role of outdoor recreation in the grief healing process. The Retreat at Quarters Lake will use the expanded campus to provide safe, age-appropriate spaces where children, teens, and families can engage in activities that encourage connection, resilience, and emotional release. The outdoor areas will serve as therapeutic extensions of our grief programs, offering opportunities for movement, teamwork, and play, which are essential parts of healing, particularly for younger participants who process emotions through physical activity and shared experiences.

We will continue to offer ongoing grief support groups and retreats while integrating the new outdoor amenities into our curriculum. Group meals and family gatherings in the outdoor kitchen will promote togetherness and reflection. Time spent in the dog park will support animal-assisted therapy and comfort for those struggling to express emotions. The multi-use recreation area will allow youth to participate in cooperative sports and team-building activities that restore confidence and trust.

Another key objective is to strengthen the community’s understanding of grief and wellness. By hosting workshops and events in these outdoor settings, we will help healthcare providers, clergy, first responders, and educators learn new approaches to supporting grieving individuals in their care.

Promoting overall mental, emotional, and physical wellness will remain at the heart of our mission. The expanded facilities will help us integrate restorative activities such as art therapy, journaling, and mindfulness in outdoor environments that naturally encourage peace and reflection. We will continue to retain qualified staff, train facilitators, and seek diverse funding sources to ensure that these programs remain accessible and sustainable.

Through these goals and objectives, The Retreat at Quarters Lake will deepen its impact as a place of hope, healing, and connection where nature, recreation, and compassion come together to support Louisiana families navigating grief.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           12 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 n/a
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 n/a

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 n/a

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  n/a

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               n/a

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               n/a

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                n/a

          What is the nature of the relationship?  n/a

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 n/a

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               n/a


Contact Information
name:  Dana Scot 
                                       address:  3600 Florida Blvd
The Hospice of Baton Rouge
                                       phone:  2252005220
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  dscott@hospicebr.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Grants Administrator