Social Services
The people in our community want safe, vibrant neighborhoods, access to fresh, healthy food, healthy mothers, children, and families, and activities and programs designed to help us live fuller, healthier lives.
Across our city, programs and organizations are working together to improve the health and well-being of our community. There are many social services programs that provide support or assistance to help people live their healthiest and best lives.
Health and Human Services
Baton Rouge Division of Human Development and Services (DHDS)
Provides leadership, develops collaborative strategies, and maximizes resources to help children, individuals and families reach their highest level of economic security and stability improving their quality of life. DHDS programs include EmployBR, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP), Community Service Block Grant (CSBG), Head Start, and more.
Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Works to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient, and providing safe refuge during disasters. They believe in treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect while providing services with integrity.
Workforce and Education
EmployBR
City-Parish Workforce Development system that works to develop a sustainable labor force to meet the needs of industry and citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.
Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC)
Offers a wide variety of workforce development training. You can learn more by visiting their website.
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Compiled a list of workforce training initiatives in our region. See what trainings are available.
Head Start
DHDS operates 10 Head Start locations across the Parish. Parents who are eligible can learn more and apply.
Louisiana Workforce Commission
Operates many programs for workers including unemployment insurance. Visit their website to learn more.
Economic Support
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Helps income-eligible households with payments for home energy services. Assistance is available every six months and payments are made directly to the energy provider. Proof of income, picture identification, and social security cards for all household members are required along with a bill or printout from the client's utility company. Assistance is contingent upon the availability of funding.
Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)
Assist with utilities, rent/mortgage, and medication payments. To qualify for the program, clients must bring proof of income, picture identification, Social Security cards for all household members, and proof of residency. Assistance is contingent upon the availability of funds.
Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)
Provides cash assistance for eligible children who reside with qualified relatives other than parents.
Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
Provides temporary cash assistance to families in need.
Strategies to Empower People Program (STEP)
The goal of the Strategies to Empower People (STEP) Program is to provide opportunities for work-eligible families of FITAP to receive job training, employment, and supportive services to enable them to become self-sufficient. STEP is the result of the Personal Responsibility and Universal Engagement Act of 2003 passed by the Louisiana Legislature.
Food Security
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
Operates food pantries and mobile distributions to feed the hungry in Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy the food needed for good health.
Woman, Infants & Children (WIC)
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children (under 5 years old).