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Public commenters seek youth program funding; council proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Summary
A GPAL representative asked the council for $3,200 to run a June youth tennis camp; the council also adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and recognized community 'buddy bench' and run programs.
At the public comment portion of the April 22 meeting, Lana Stokes urged the council to support GPAL’s summer tennis camp planned for June 2–11, 2026 at Western Park Community Center and requested $3,200 to cover a professional coach, equipment, uniforms and a ball‑launcher machine.
Council members responded supportively and several pledged personal or district contributions. Stokes provided a phone number and contact email for donations and said organizers planned to provide water and snacks for participants.
Separately, the council considered a resolution introduced by Councilmember Natalie Brousard recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Members of the Iberia Mental Health Initiative described their 'buddy bench' program being placed at nearly all elementary campuses and promoted a May 2 'By Your Side' run to raise awareness and funds. The council read the proclamation and unanimously passed Resolution (summary number 71) proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Iberia Parish.
Council members and staff encouraged residents to sign up for parish notifications (PINS) and to attend the parish's household waste collection day on May 2; staff also noted volunteer opportunities connected to Love the Boot Week.
