The recipient entity's physical address:
           2100 East 70th St.
Shreveport, LA 71105

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           2100 East 70th St.
Shreveport, LA 71105

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:  7368

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $220,000

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:
           Shemika Caldwell – President - 748 Smokehouse Loop Benton LA 71006
The President serves as the chief executive leader of the organization and is responsible for overseeing overall operations, strategic planning, program development, financial management, community partnerships, and staff leadership. The President ensures that the organization’s mission, empowering and supporting at-risk youth through education, mentorship, and supportive services, is upheld and advanced. Will be responsible for the community outreach, recruiting, and ensuring the day-to-day operations are completed and in compliance.
April Merritt – Vice President - 1605 Stonewood Cir. Bossier City LA 71112
The Vice President supports the President / Executive Director in the overall leadership and management of the organization. This role helps ensure that programs, operations, staff, and community partnerships align with the mission of supporting and empowering at-risk youth. The Vice President provides strategic oversight, promotes organizational stability, and may act on behalf of the President in their absence. The Vice President ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed services that support the growth, development, and empowerment of at-risk youth. Will be responsible for the advertising, oversee the immediate staff, Treasurer and Secretary, ensuring the day-to-day operations are in compliance.
Tonjai Smith – Treasurer - 5610 Buncombe Rd. Apt. 612 Shreveport LA 71129
The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial management, accountability, and integrity of the organization. The Treasurer ensures proper financial controls, accurate recordkeeping, timely reporting, and compliance with applicable regulations. This role supports the organization’s mission of serving at-risk youth by safeguarding financial health and transparency. Will be responsible for the ensuring the marketing, supplies, rent, utilities, and expenses have been paid.
Freda Lewis – Secretary - 6140 Wincanton Dr. Shreveport LA 71129
The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate records, supporting effective communication, ensuring organizational compliance, and assisting with the coordination of Board activities. This role ensures transparency and smooth administrative operations that uphold the mission to serve and empower at-risk youth. Will be responsible for scheduling classes, trainings, seminars, workshops, and events.
Each board member will be actively teaching, assigning training/classes, and assisting the program to the at-risk youth.
Johnathan Owens - Board Member

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           RIPE will provide at-risk youth with the tools they need for mental health support mentorship, job readiness, college preparation, independence, and empowerment as they transition into adulthood. The funds will be used to develop programs that equip these youth with the skills necessary to succeed throughout their lives.
Our job readiness program will teach participants how to fill out applications, develop resumes, prepare for interviews, select appropriate interview attire, understand what to expect during an interview, manage money, and comprehend work permits and their associated rules. This program will be offered to high school students, grouped by ages 14–16 and 17 and up.
For high school students interested in attending college after graduation, RIPE will guide them through the college selection process, provide college preparation activities such as ACT/SAT prep, supply necessary tools and resources, organize college tours, explain, by hosting, the significance of credit classes, and offer continued support once they have been accepted into college. This program will be geared toward high school students, grouped by ages 16 and up.
We will also create interactive activities and host seminars to teach at-risk youth how to become independent and empowered. Youth empowerment is crucial because it helps young people take control of their lives and assist them in how to shape their own futures. A hands-on approach will be utilized to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. This will be achieved through workshops, seminars, safe homework environments, life skills training, relationship-building, and field trips and games designed to develop problem-solving abilities.
These programs will be geared toward elementary and middle school students, grouped by ages 5–6, 8–9, and 10–13, providing age-appropriate tools and resources they need to succeed academically and beyond.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000
          Professional Services. . . $5,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $8,000
          Operating Services. . . . $14,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $117,500

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?
          RIPE purpose of our organization, in seeking the use of state funds, is to improve the well-being, safety, and future prospects of at-risk youth through evidence-based programs that promote education, personal development, and community engagement. Our program aims to reduce risk factors such as academic failure, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency, while increasing protective factors including positive mentorship, life skills, and access to supportive services.

Through this initiative, we seek to:

Provide safe and structured environments that foster learning and personal growth.

Support youth in achieving educational and career readiness.

Encourage positive social behaviors and civic responsibility.

Strengthen families and communities by reducing youth involvement in negative or high-risk activities.

By achieving these goals, the program contributes to a stronger, safer, and more resilient community, aligning with the state’s objective to promote public welfare, reduce inequality, and ensure that all young people have access to opportunities for success.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Goals
RIPE aims to empower at-risk youth by providing comprehensive programs that foster mental health support, mentorship, job readiness, college preparation, independence, and self-empowerment. Through targeted initiatives funded by this program, RIPE will equip participants with the practical skills, emotional resilience, and personal confidence necessary to successfully transition into adulthood and achieve long-term success in their personal, academic, and professional lives.

Retooling Individuals to Pursue Excellence (R.I.P.E.) will purchase a building that is easily accessible to the community and turn it into an eco-healthy family-centric center.

Retooling Individuals to Pursue Excellence (R.I.P.E.) will recruit and retain the most highly qualified educators, mental health counselors, and qualified professionals by offering higher compensation programs, excellent benefits and the best resources, as well as, a safe, eco-healthy place to work.

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:  Shemika Caldwell 
                                       address:  2100 East 70th St. Suite C
Shreveport, LA 71105
                                       phone:  3186177424
                                       fax:  3185887844
                                       e-mail:  info@ripenwla.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Self