The recipient entity's physical address:
           5936 Oxford Place
New Orleans, LA 70131

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           625 Franklin Street
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:
          n/a

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  9600

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $250,000

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:
           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 $250,000 in Capital Outlay funding to complete renovations, furnishing, and equipment installation for a 1,500-square-foot Autism Resource Center located in Gretna/Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The Center will provide timely autism evaluations, diagnostic testing, parent training, and social skills programming for both youth and adults. The funding will transform an existing facility into a state-compliant, sensory-friendly hub that integrates clinical, educational, and family supports under one roof.

The project addresses critical statewide gaps in autism services—particularly long wait times for diagnostic testing and limited access to coordinated family supports in underserved communities. The Center will be equipped with specialized tools such as the ADOS-2, WISC-V, and CARS-2 assessment kits, as well as a dedicated sensory integration room to assist individuals with sensory processing needs. Renovations will include ADA-compliant restrooms, adaptive lighting, flooring upgrades, and installation of technology systems for telehealth and data management.

Once operational, the Autism Resource Center will provide multidisciplinary services designed to improve early identification, treatment access, and family outcomes. The facility will house three core program zones:

Assessment and Testing Suite – for formal autism evaluations and screenings.

Parent Training and Education Room – for evidence-based caregiver coaching and workshops.

Social Skills Development Area – for individual and group-based interventions supporting communication, behavior, and socialization.

InnovateHope Alliance’s team of licensed clinicians, behavioral specialists, and parent educators will manage the Center. Services will be billed through Medicaid and private insurance where applicable, ensuring sustainability beyond the initial investment. The organization will also partner with local schools, pediatricians, and behavioral health providers to strengthen referral pathways and outreach.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $15,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $125,000
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $90,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $20,000

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?
          Yes

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The public purpose of InnovateHope Alliance in seeking state capital outlay funds is to strengthen Louisiana’s behavioral health infrastructure by completing the renovation, furnishing, and equipment installation for a 1,500-square-foot Autism Resource Center that will expand access to autism evaluation, early intervention, and family support services. The project directly addresses the growing statewide need for timely, equitable, and evidence-based autism resources for children, youth, and adults.

Louisiana families face significant delays—often exceeding one year—for autism evaluations and diagnostic testing, particularly in underserved and minority communities. These delays result in missed early intervention opportunities, increased educational challenges, and higher long-term costs to the state’s healthcare and social service systems. By investing in this center, the State will help close this service gap and provide a permanent, accessible facility where families can receive coordinated, multidisciplinary care close to home.

The Autism Resource Center will serve as a community hub for autism awareness, testing, and training, supporting the state’s goals of improving developmental outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities. The center will provide:

Autism testing and diagnostics using standardized tools such as ADOS-2, WISC-V, and CARS-2 to ensure accurate early identification;

Parent and caregiver training workshops to equip families with strategies for managing behavioral and communication challenges;

Youth and adult social skills groups to improve independence, social interaction, and employment readiness; and

Resource navigation and referral coordination connecting families to community, educational, and medical supports.

This project aligns with Louisiana’s public policy priorities by:

Expanding access to developmental and behavioral health services for vulnerable populations;

Promoting early intervention to reduce special education and long-term care costs;

Supporting workforce participation among caregivers by reducing barriers to timely care; and

Enhancing community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities.

State funds will be used solely for capital improvements and fixed assets—including renovations to meet ADA accessibility standards, installation of sensory and diagnostic equipment, and acquisition of furniture and technology to support telehealth and data integration. No salaries or recurring operating costs are requested.

The long-term public benefit of this project is substantial. The completed Autism Resource Center will serve over 75 families annually, create opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment, and provide a replicable model for regional autism support centers across Louisiana. By leveraging state funds for these capital improvements, InnovateHope Alliance will establish a sustainable, community-based resource that advances Louisiana’s vision for equitable health access, family empowerment, and improved developmental outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The goal of the InnovateHope Alliance Autism Resource Center in Gretna, Louisiana is to expand access to timely, evidence-based autism services through the completion of renovations, equipment acquisition, and facility activation of a 1,500-square-foot center. This project will create a sustainable, community-based hub that enhances diagnostic capacity, strengthens family training, and promotes inclusion for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas.

Goal 1: Complete facility renovation and capital improvements.

Objectives:

Finalize architectural design, permitting, and compliance reviews within 60 days of fund allocation.

Renovate the 1,500 sq. ft. center with accessible restrooms, adaptive lighting, new flooring, and sensory-safe materials by Month 6.

Install energy-efficient HVAC, fire, and security systems to ensure safety and long-term sustainability.

Secure all necessary local inspections and occupancy certification by Month 7.

Goal 2: Equip and furnish the Autism Resource Center for service delivery.

Objectives:

Purchase and install specialized autism diagnostic tools including ADOS-2, WISC-V, and CARS-2 kits.

Develop a Sensory Integration Room with calming furniture, adaptive lighting, and therapeutic seating.

Furnish the center with durable, family-friendly equipment and accessible group training tables.

Complete all installation and testing of equipment within 90 days after construction.

Goal 3: Launch autism diagnostic and support programming.

Objectives:

Serve at least 75 families annually through diagnostic testing, parent training, and youth/adult social skills programs.

Conduct quarterly parent education workshops on communication strategies, behavior management, and school advocacy.

Provide weekly social skills groups to improve communication, coping, and community participation.

Collect and report outcome data showing measurable improvement in family functioning and child development.

Goal 4: Build collaborative community partnerships.

Objectives:

Partner with Jefferson Parish Schools, pediatric clinics, and behavioral health agencies to streamline referrals.

Collaborate with local universities for intern training and workforce development.

Host two annual community events promoting autism awareness, inclusion, and advocacy.

Maintain a referral database connecting families to Medicaid, early intervention, and community resources.

Goal 5: Ensure financial and operational sustainability.

Objectives:

Establish reimbursement arrangements with Medicaid and commercial insurance providers.

Diversify funding through grants, donations, and service-based revenue to maintain operations.

Utilize energy-efficient and low-maintenance facility designs to reduce annual costs.

Conduct annual program evaluations and submit impact reports to state and local partners.

Outcome Measurement

Progress will be measured by completion of capital milestones, number of families served, reductions in local diagnostic wait times, and improvements in behavioral and social outcomes. Through these goals and objectives, InnovateHope Alliance will transform state investment into a long-term public asset that strengthens Louisiana’s autism care infrastructure, expands family access, and promotes inclusion in Gretna and surrounding parishes.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           12-16 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:  625 Franklin Street Gretna LA 70053
                                       phone:  2258029730
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  innovatehopealliance@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director