NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Westside Foundation Inc.

The recipient entity's physical address:
           58350 Court Street
Plaquemine, LA
70764


The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           PO BOX 387
Plaquemine, LA
70764


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:  3239

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $15,000

What type of request is this?  Both

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:
           Allen Myles,23445 RAILROAD AVENUE,PLAQUEMINE,LA, 70764
KEMP OUBRE,58886 ALLEN STREET,PLAQUEMINE,LA,70764
RAYMOND SMITH,24640 HIGH SCHOOL COURT,PLAQUEMINE,LA,70764
HAKEEM RHODES,3476 SWEETWATER BLVD.APT 3317,Addis,LA, 70710
TYLER TURNER, 1925 S EDWARD AVE, GONAZLES, LA, 70737
STEPHAN PIERRE, 12129 HAMPTON VILLAGE AVE, CENTRAL,LA, 70818


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           The Westside Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Plaquemine, Louisiana, is proud to introduce a transformative initiative focused on enhancing community infrastructure, empowering youth through education, acquiring strategic properties, and revitalizing shared spaces. This multi-faceted effort aims to create a stronger, more supportive environment for the residents of Plaquemine and surrounding areas.

1. Foundation Facility Renovation and Use

At the core of this project is the renovation and development of the Westside Foundation's primary facility in Plaquemine. This building will serve as the central hub for all Foundation programming and administrative operations. The initiative will focus on structural repairs, interior enhancements, and technological upgrades to ensure the space is safe, welcoming, and fully functional. Once restored, the facility will house after-school programs, community meetings, workshops, and serve as a reliable resource center for residents.

2. Youth Enrichment Programs

A critical pillar of the Foundation's work is providing robust educational support for local youth. This includes launching and expanding after-school tutoring sessions, academic mentoring, and a dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program. These programs are designed to close educational gaps, spark curiosity, and prepare students for future academic and professional success. They will be hosted both at the Foundation's headquarters and within local schools and libraries.

3. Property Acquisition and Redevelopment

To support long-term neighborhood revitalization, the Foundation plans to acquire and redevelop underutilized or abandoned properties in the community. These properties will be repurposed for community use, affordable housing, or nonprofit partnerships. This initiative not only addresses blight and safety concerns but also contributes to economic and social rejuvenation across the area.

4. Neighborhood Park Revitalization

Recognizing the importance of outdoor recreation and safe play spaces, the Foundation is also launching a neighborhood park revitalization effort. This project will include restoring playground equipment, adding walking paths, improving lighting and landscaping, and creating shaded areas for families. The goal is to create a clean, secure, and engaging space where children and families can gather, exercise, and connect.


What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $2,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $3,000
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $4,000
          Operating Services. . . . $2,500
          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?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The Westside Foundation, Inc. seeks to achieve a meaningful and measurable public purpose through the use of state funds by fostering community development, educational advancement, and neighborhood revitalization in Plaquemine, Louisiana. At the heart of the Foundation's mission is a commitment to addressing systemic challenges that affect underserved and economically disadvantaged residents.

By investing in these core areas, the Foundation intends to significantly improve the quality of life for families and youth who lack consistent access to essential resources, safe environments, and enriching opportunities. The focus is on building a stronger, more resilient community through targeted initiatives that:

Bridge educational gaps by providing accessible, high-quality after-school programs, tutoring, and STEM-based learning experiences that empower students to excel academically and prepare for future careers in high-demand fields.

Enhance physical infrastructure by repairing and maintaining the Foundation’s facility, ensuring it can serve as a safe, welcoming, and functional hub for community services, educational workshops, and outreach programming.

Combat urban blight by acquiring and revitalizing neglected properties, reducing crime and vacancy rates, and transforming these spaces into assets that contribute to the community’s stability and growth.

Promote wellness and connectivity through the restoration of a neighborhood park, creating a safe and inclusive space where families can gather, children can play, and residents can engage in healthy outdoor activities.

These initiatives not only address urgent local needs but also support the broader public interest by contributing to the economic, social, and educational well-being of the Plaquemine community. The use of state funds in this context will result in sustainable improvements that reflect a deep commitment to equity, opportunity, and community pride.


What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The goals and objectives of the Westside Foundation, Inc. are strategically crafted to fulfill its public mission of fostering community development, expanding educational access, and revitalizing neighborhoods in Plaquemine, Louisiana. To enhance educational opportunities for underserved youth, the Foundation aims to launch and sustain after-school academic programs focused on literacy, math, and science. A core component of this initiative includes the development and implementation of a STEM enrichment curriculum targeting middle and high school students, complemented by partnerships with local schools to provide mentorship, tutoring, and exposure to college and career pathways.

In order to strengthen community infrastructure, the Foundation will renovate its primary facility to serve as a fully functional resource center for youth programming, community meetings, and educational workshops. This will involve ensuring ADA compliance, upgrading safety features, and incorporating modern technology to support diverse community needs. The facility will operate on a structured schedule to ensure year-round accessibility and impact.

To promote safe and livable neighborhoods, the Foundation will acquire and rehabilitate blighted or vacant properties, reducing urban decay and transforming these sites into productive community assets. These redevelopments may include affordable housing units, shared-use spaces, or office space for nonprofit organizations. Local contractors and workforce development programs will be engaged in this process to support the local economy and ensure community ownership.

Additionally, the Foundation will revitalize a neighborhood park by repairing and upgrading playground equipment, improving lighting and landscaping, and enhancing overall safety. This space will be used to promote physical health, family interaction, and social engagement through organized outdoor activities and community events. Together, these goals and objectives form a comprehensive, measurable plan to uplift the residents of Plaquemine and achieve meaningful public outcomes with the support of state resources


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           2 years

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:  Hakeem Rhodes 
                                       address:  3476 Sweetwater Blvd
APT 3317
Addis, LA, 70710

                                       phone:  7864028708
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  hakeemrhodes45@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Secretary