The recipient entity's physical address:
           7784 Innovation Park Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           7784 Innovation Park Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820

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

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  2134

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $125,000

What type of request is this?  Capital Outlay 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:
           Charles Blaize, Chair, The Emerge School
MFB Law Firm
2841 Calanne Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Stephen Cangelosi, Immediate past Chair
Hancock Whitney Bank
3199 Twelve Oaks Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Josselin Carter
FranU, parent
9215 Kindletree Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Vicki Crochet
Taylor Porter
2346 Kleinert Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Zelma Frederick
McGlinchey Stafford
6281 Ridge Way Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Terrence Ginn
Ideal Strategies, LLC
2145 Donray Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Beverly Haydel
Sequitur Consulting
3033 Torrance Drive,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Charlotte Hollman, M.D., Secretary
Retired pediatric neurologist
7373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Lloyd Johnson, Treasurer
Faulk & Winkler
6311 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Catherine Katzenmeyer, M.D.
Baton Rouge Clinic 1464 Steele Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Janna Oetting, Ph.D.
Louisiana State University
13838 Drawson Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Paul Saltaformaggio, Chair
Hibernia Wealth Management
2277 Kleinert Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Arthur Scanlan, Chair, The Emerge Foundation
Community Volunteer
43106 Woodhollow Drive
Prairieville, LA 70769
Audrey Wascome
Community volunteer
9503 Cabernet Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Sylvia Winder
Community volunteer
2545 78th Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Deanna Whittle, CEO
Ex-Officio non-voting member
19220 North Shore Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Yalonda Short, Executive Director, Principal, The Emerge School
Non-voting participant
3478 Meadow Grove Ave.
Zachary, LA 70791

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Statement of Need
The Emerge Center is a vital lifeline for families navigating the complex realities of autism and communication disorders. We provide highly individualized, one-on-one therapy for children with intensive needs—services that are often financially and logistically out of reach for many of the families we serve. For them, Emerge is not just a place for therapy; it is a trusted space for hope, stability, and meaningful progress.

However, the facility that houses this critical work is showing significant signs of age and deterioration. Years of limited funding have delayed necessary updates. Carpeting throughout the building is worn, interior and exterior lighting no longer meets safety or accessibility needs, and our HVAC system requires duct cleaning and mold inspection. Water damage has compromised part of the building’s slab, and the outdated electrical panel and fixtures present growing concerns. Externally, faded paint, aging landscaping, and a parking lot with barely visible striping do not reflect the professionalism and care inside. These issues, while not yet compromising day-to-day operations, increasingly hinder our ability to provide services safely, efficiently, and with dignity.

Goal
To modernize the Emerge Center, ensuring a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment where children with autism can thrive and families can feel secure and supported.

Objectives
- Replace worn carpeting with hypoallergenic, durable flooring to improve comfort and sanitation.
- Paint the facility’s interior and exterior to create a calming, sensory-sensitive environment.
- Upgrade outdoor lighting for improved evening visibility and safety.
- Refresh landscaping and pressure wash the building and parking lot to create a welcoming, well-maintained appearance.
- Restripe the parking lot to restore accessibility markings and improve traffic flow.
- Repair the sprinkler system to ensure consistent landscape maintenance.
- Clean HVAC ducts and inspect for mold to promote healthy indoor air quality.
- Repair the water-damaged building slab to maintain structural integrity.
- Replace interior lighting fixtures and repair the outdated electrical panel to meet current codes and standards.
- Install additional security cameras inside the facility and around the Emerge Center and Emerge School playgrounds.
- Add outdoor safety speakers for emergency communications and announcements.
- Upgrade the internet server to extend Wi-Fi access for families and guests.

Expected Outcomes
- A safer, more efficient space that enhances therapeutic care and learning for children with autism.
- Improved air quality and operational infrastructure for the over 2,100 children served annually.
- Strengthened safety and communication across the campus, including outdoor play and parking areas.
- Increased trust and satisfaction from families, reinforcing long-term engagement and referrals.
- A more motivating, professional environment for staff, aiding retention and morale.
- A physical space that visibly represents the excellence and compassion of our services.

Funding Request
We respectfully request $125,000 to complete these critical capital improvements. This investment will transform our aging facility into a secure, welcoming, and functional space worthy of the children and families we serve. With your support, we can ensure Emerge remains a place of healing, growth, and opportunity for years to come.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $125,000
          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 public purpose of the Emerge Center, to be achieved through the use of state funding, is to expand access to high-quality, individualized autism and communication services for children—particularly those from low-income and underserved families—by ensuring the facility remains a safe, functional, and therapeutic environment. These services are critical to helping children with autism reach developmental, educational, and social milestones that improve their long-term outcomes and quality of life. By investing in essential capital improvements such as updated lighting, repaired infrastructure, improved air quality, and enhanced safety systems, the state will help preserve and strengthen a trusted community resource that serves over 2,100 children annually. This investment supports the public good by promoting health, safety, and equity; reducing long-term strain on public education, healthcare, and social service systems; and fostering stability and resilience in families navigating complex developmental challenges.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          To achieve the public purpose of expanding access to high-quality autism and communication services, the Emerge Center has established a clear goal: to modernize and repair its aging facility, ensuring it remains a safe, functional, and therapeutic space for children with intensive needs and the families who rely on its services. The objectives to support this goal include improving facility safety and functionality by upgrading outdated electrical systems, repairing a water-damaged building slab, and replacing worn interior lighting. Indoor air quality and health standards will be enhanced through HVAC duct cleaning and a thorough mold inspection. To ensure exterior safety and accessibility, the project will include replacing outdoor lighting, restriping the parking lot, and repairing the sprinkler system. The overall environment will be improved by repainting the building’s interior and exterior, installing durable, hypoallergenic flooring, and revitalizing the landscaping. Security will be strengthened through the installation of additional cameras and outdoor safety speakers, especially around the Emerge Center and Emerge School playgrounds. Finally, the internet server will be upgraded to provide extended Wi-Fi access for families and guests, ensuring all who use the facility can stay connected. These improvements directly support the Emerge Center’s mission and align with the state’s public interest in health, equity, and child development.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           6-8 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:
                
    
     (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:
                

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

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

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: 
               

(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:
              

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

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(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:
                

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


Contact Information
name:  Deanna Whittle 
                                       address:  7784 Innovation Park Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
                                       phone:  2253434232
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  dwhittle@emergela.org
                                       relationship to entity:  CEO