The recipient entity's physical address:
           625 Franklin St
Gretna LA 70053

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           625 Franklin St
Gretna LA 70053

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:  9600

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $225,000

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:
           Tequila Woods 1821 Conti Street 70112
Keisha Woods 5936 Oxford Place New Orleans LA 70131
Rishana Dunn 5611 Charlotte Dr New Orleans LA 70122
Gregory Sebble 1018 Stableside Ct, Houston, TX 77073

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           InnovateHope Alliance seeks state appropriation funding to implement the Bridging the Spectrum: Autism Services Initiative—a comprehensive program providing timely testing, parent and caregiver training, and social inclusion services for youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across Louisiana.

The initiative addresses a critical gap in early identification and lifelong support for individuals with autism. Many Louisiana families experience long wait times for diagnostic evaluations, limited access to behavioral and social programming, and minimal caregiver education on managing ASD-related challenges. This project aims to bridge these gaps by integrating early assessment, family training, and social skill development into one coordinated model of care.

The proposed program will establish a statewide autism resource network that offers:

Timely Diagnostic Testing and Assessment – Comprehensive evaluations using standardized tools (ADOS-2, ADI-R, Vineland-3) to reduce current diagnostic delays and provide clear, actionable results within 90 days of referral.

Parent and Caregiver Training – Evidence-based education sessions equipping families with behavioral management, communication, and advocacy strategies to support their children or adult dependents effectively at home and in the community.

Social Skills and Peer-Support Groups – Structured social, recreational, and pre-vocational programming for youth and adults with ASD to promote inclusion, build life skills, and enhance overall independence.

Through these services, InnovateHope Alliance will strengthen Louisiana’s autism support infrastructure by fostering earlier identification, reducing disparities in service access, and improving long-term outcomes for individuals and families.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $175,000
          Professional Services. . . $25,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $25,000
          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 public purpose of InnovateHope Alliance’s “Bridging the Spectrum: Autism Services Initiative” is to enhance the quality of life, independence, and social inclusion of Louisiana residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by expanding access to diagnostic testing, caregiver education, and social development programs.

State funds will be used to create a coordinated system of autism services that directly addresses three statewide public health priorities: early identification, family empowerment, and social integration. Many Louisiana families experience significant delays in receiving autism evaluations and limited access to evidence-based programs that support daily functioning, education, and community living. This initiative will fill those gaps through timely testing, structured parent training, and age-appropriate social skills programming for both youth and adults.

Through the appropriation, InnovateHope Alliance will:

Provide Timely Diagnostic Testing and Evaluations – Reducing long wait times for assessments by contracting qualified clinicians to deliver comprehensive autism testing and post-diagnostic guidance within 90 days of referral.

Deliver Parent and Caregiver Training – Offering evidence-based workshops that equip families with behavioral management, communication, and advocacy strategies to improve outcomes and reduce caregiver stress.

Develop Social and Life-Skills Programming – Establishing inclusive peer groups and community activities to help individuals with autism build social connections, vocational readiness, and independence.

The initiative promotes the public welfare of Louisiana citizens by fostering early intervention, reducing the need for more intensive services later in life, and strengthening families’ capacity to care for individuals with developmental differences. It directly aligns with the Legislature’s goals to improve behavioral health infrastructure, expand access to disability supports, and promote inclusive community engagement.

Use of state monies will ensure equitable access to autism services across urban and rural parishes, particularly for families facing economic hardship or limited provider availability. Funds will support professional staffing, diagnostic materials, facility operations, outreach, and transportation, allowing InnovateHope Alliance to deliver high-quality, community-based care statewide.

By investing in this initiative, the State of Louisiana will achieve measurable improvements in early identification, family stability, and social participation for individuals with autism. The program will also strengthen local partnerships between healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations, creating a replicable and sustainable model for autism services. This initiative reflects the Legislature’s commitment to inclusion, mental health advancement, and the development of strong, healthy communities for all Louisiana residents.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The Bridging the Spectrum: Autism Services Initiative by InnovateHope Alliance is designed to achieve its public purpose through measurable goals and clear, evidence-based objectives that improve access, equity, and outcomes for Louisiana residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The initiative will strengthen the state’s behavioral health and community inclusion infrastructure by integrating early diagnosis, caregiver training, and peer support services into a unified statewide program.

Goal 1: Improve Early Identification and Access to Diagnostic Testing

Objective 1.1: Establish partnerships with licensed psychologists, developmental specialists, and behavioral clinicians to provide standardized diagnostic evaluations (ADOS-2, ADI-R, Vineland-3).

Objective 1.2: Reduce average wait time for diagnostic testing to fewer than 90 days from referral.

Objective 1.3: Provide post-assessment consultations within two weeks to ensure families receive clear next steps for services and intervention.

Objective 1.4: Conduct at least 150 diagnostic evaluations annually across targeted Louisiana parishes.

Goal 2: Strengthen Families and Caregivers through Education and Empowerment

Objective 2.1: Deliver structured parent and caregiver training workshops based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and evidence-based family intervention models.

Objective 2.2: Serve at least 200 caregivers annually, offering in-person and virtual options to increase accessibility.

Objective 2.3: Track measurable improvements in caregiver confidence and competence using pre- and post-training surveys, with a target of 85% satisfaction and skill improvement.

Objective 2.4: Develop a Family Resource Toolkit with information on advocacy, behavior strategies, and available community supports.

Goal 3: Promote Social, Life, and Vocational Skill Development for Youth and Adults with Autism

Objective 3.1: Create structured social skills and peer support groups that meet bi-weekly, providing opportunities for communication practice, teamwork, and community interaction.

Objective 3.2: Implement age-specific groups for youth (8–17) and adults (18+), focusing on social engagement, self-regulation, and independence.

Objective 3.3: Partner with local businesses, schools, and nonprofits to create community integration activities, including volunteering and job-readiness experiences.

Objective 3.4: Serve a minimum of 100 individuals annually through ongoing social and vocational programs.

Goal 4: Increase Public Awareness and Statewide Coordination of Autism Services

Objective 4.1: Launch a statewide awareness campaign promoting early testing, inclusion, and family support services.

Objective 4.2: Host community outreach events and educational forums to connect families, schools, and healthcare providers.

Objective 4.3: Develop a centralized referral and resource database linking families to diagnostic and therapeutic services statewide.

Goal 5: Ensure Accountability, Evaluation, and Sustainability

Objective 5.1: Collect and analyze data on service utilization, diagnostic timelines, caregiver outcomes, and participant progress.

Objective 5.2: Submit quarterly performance and expenditure reports to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, Ways and Means, Finance, and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.

Objective 5.3: Conduct an annual program evaluation to measure impact and refine operations for long-term sustainability.

Through these coordinated goals and objectives, InnovateHope Alliance will deliver measurable progress toward early intervention, empowered families, and inclusive communities. The initiative will serve as a sustainable model of excellence in autism services, reflecting Louisiana’s legislative commitment to equity, health, and opportunity for all citizens.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           16-24 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:  Keisha Woods 
                                       address:  623 Franklin Ave
Gretna, LA 70053
                                       phone:  5045339885
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  innovatehopealliance@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director