In a recent parish council meeting, significant recognition was given to the nonprofit organization Truth in Nature and its director, Dane Kennedy, for their impactful work with young boys in Eastern Saint Tammany Parish. The council presented a certificate of appreciation to Kennedy, highlighting the organization’s mission to provide free outdoor mentoring for boys aged 6th to 12th grade who come from fatherless homes. Established in June 2022, the Pearl River chapter currently supports 21 boys and their families, aiming to inspire and guide them towards understanding their purpose as Christian men.

Kennedy emphasized the importance of visibility for nonprofits, noting that many organizations do remarkable work but struggle to gain public attention. The council expressed its desire to encourage more residents to engage in mentoring the next generation, recognizing the vital role such initiatives play in the community.

Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation by independent auditor Lester Rishow, who reported on the parish's financial statements. Rishow announced that the audit yielded an unmodified opinion, indicating that the financial statements are free from material misstatements. This marks the 17th consecutive year the parish has received a clean audit report, along with a certificate of excellence for financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Rishow noted that there were no significant deficiencies or compliance issues reported, underscoring the parish's strong financial management.

The meeting concluded with a call for further engagement from council members, reflecting a commitment to transparency and community involvement in local governance.